Growing in Grace

The Call to London

2010-04-09T16:42:00.006-04:00

It all began in the spring of 2006. My friend Ed Rosella had asked me to consider going on a mission trip to Romania with him. The plan was to go to Romania later in the year, possibly during the fall. In the weeks that followed, our trip began to include a possible stop in London, England to conduct a Hands of Mercy conference nearby with our friend, Kurt Erickson of Eleos Christian Church.

Kurt, who is a pastor and missionary in London, had introduced Ed to my wife Angie and me back in 2004. We had known Kurt for a few years prior to meeting Ed. Kurt was a member of the ministerial association that we were a part of while we were the pastors of a local church in Unadilla, Georgia. It was while on a visit to the United States that Kurt had ministered at our church. It was then that our friendship with him began.

As I was looking forward to my first trip across the Atlantic, another interesting development was taking place. I had no way of seeing this one coming. It was further proof that I was being led by the unseen hand of the sovereign God.

Soon after Angie and I agreed that I would join Ed on this trip, the desire to visit my birth father entered my heart. I have been blessed to have had a daddy who married my mother when I was only three years old and has loved me and my siblings as his own. Still I felt that I needed to reach out to my birth father, the one who as an alcoholic had been abusive to my mother. I had not seen him since I was a toddler and that had been more than 35 years before.

My oldest brother Paul came with me the day I finally went to visit him. When we arrived, I did not find the hostile man that had once filled my heart with fear. Rather, I found a man that seemed somewhat contrite and meek. I believe it really ministered to him when I looked him in the eyes and said the words, “I forgive you.” I must say it ministered to me also. Two years later, I was privileged to lead him in a prayer as he invited Jesus into his heart. A few weeks later, I was honored once again to be the one to baptize him.

I asked during that first visit if he had ever had any other children. He lifted his finger and said, “One.” He then informed us that our brother, Brian, whom we had never met, was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Of all places on this planet, he was stationed in England! Little did I know what started out as a mission trip to Romania was actually being navigated by the hand of God toward England. Nothing that happened beforehand was a coincidence. Not long after this revelation, I met my brother Brian by phone for the very first time.

In the weeks that followed, things begin to fall into place and by the time that Ed and I stepped onto the plane for our mission trip, we were headed to England with Romania no longer in the picture. When we landed in London we were greeted by Kurt and Brian. It was fitting that my two missionary friends were the ones who were there when I met my younger brother in person for the first time.

After spending a good part of the day together, Ed and Kurt stayed in London for the conference that was coming up in the southern part of England while Brian and I headed north to Harrogate. My mission trip to Romania turned into a week with my newfound brother in the heart of England.

After returning home, I began to occasionally have moments when I would feel as if God was placing London on my heart. However, as we often do, I would turn my attention elsewhere. I later made two more visits to London in 2008: once in February with my wife and once alone that summer.

I was there in June 2008 to teach a seminar entitled “Jesus and the Covenant”. I remember taking a stroll alone in East London early Sunday afternoon. The church service wasn’t until 3:00 that afternoon so I had some time on my hands. I remember saying to myself as I was taking in the sights and sounds, “I don’t want to move to London.” I once again dismissed the thought of this place as a longer term ministry field for us.

Later that year, in the fall of 2008, our friend Kurt experienced a personal tragedy when his wife Asha, of 18 years, passed away. Kurt is now a single parent of two sons and carrying on the work that he and his lovely wife begin many years ago. His ministry includes among other things fulltime Pastoral work, ministry to the
homeless, and Eleos School of Practical Theology (i.e. Bible School Ministry).

I am grateful to the Lord that during my last visit to London in June of 2008, I had the opportunity to visit with Asha and I thank God for his word that tells us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

From January through June 2009, the desire for London continued to surface in my heart, especially during times of sincere honesty before God concerning His direction. I remember while we talking with a dear friend concerning Angie’s upcoming trip to London, I began to break inside with compassion in my heart for Kurt and it nearly broke me into tears. The longing was getting stronger and I didn’t know exactly what to do.

Shortly before Angie left for her visit to London I asked her to speak to Kurt while there about the possibility of our coming for an extended period of time, possibly six months. I guess I was trying to test the waters to see if what I was experiencing was of the Lord. This didn’t go over very well with Angie because she thought that maybe I was simply grabbing for straws. She also told me that to leave her home, friends, and teaching career for a six-month “visit” to London was not something she could do. I once again had to dismiss it as all in my head.

The day came when I took Angie to the airport. She was truly beautiful as she glowed with anticipation about her trip. Little did I know what God was about to do. For several weeks my wife had been reading a book by Francis Chan entitled Crazy Love. This book became a catalyst to shift her entire idea of what it meant to truly be given over to God’s will and to pursue doing whatever was necessary to do what He requires of us. She did not realize how soon He would make the next steps of His will known to her.

As Angie headed to London, I spent the next few days helping with a youth camp in a rural area in west Georgia. While in London, the Spirit of the Lord began to open Angie’s heart for the people there. During that week she became captured by a desire to leave the comfort of life as she had known it and was set on fire with a passion for England as a missionary. She was totally engulfed with the call of God and has never looked back.

The amazing thing in all of this is that Angie had totally forgotten that I had mentioned to her to ask Kurt about our coming for an extended period. God was dealing with her independently of anything that he had been doing in my heart. When the desire came into her heart, she took it and never let go.

After returning from England, she held it in her heart for a day or two and on the evening that we went out for our 15th wedding anniversary, London became the main topic of discussion. In the days and weeks and months that followed, I wish I could say that I began living in the excitement of the confirmation of the will of God. Instead I fell into depression and fear as the thoughts of the uncertainty of what was before us begin to settle in. From late-June through early December, I honestly wanted the thought of London to just go away. Why couldn’t I just be a pastor of a local church nearby or have an opportunity somewhere here? Why London? Why must we sell out and leave everything behind? What if we fail? What about our son? How will he be affected? The whole thing was unsettling to me. I felt as if I were on an island all alone.

The fears of the unknown and the uncertainty of how it was all going to work out were driving me into depression and I didn’t know how to get out. Any hint of not being all in would disappoint Angie, and yet I felt like I had no one to walk with me through this inner struggle. I just wanted a way out. I had in me this deep dread of failure. I felt that the burden of pulling it all together was upon my shoulders and I knew that I was incapable of doing what needed to be done.

As I sought God, a breakthrough finally came in December when my friend Ed once again reached out to me. During this time I begin to open my heart to Ed who took the time to help me work through some of the uncertainties that I had. Even as the desire began to reawaken in my heart, it wasn’t without continued opposition from the enemy. However, the more I gave myself to the call of God for London, those other things continued to lose their grip.

The crossover finally came one morning in January 2010. I was lying on the sofa thinking about the reality of everything involving in the move to London. I considered the necessary sale of our house and how much our home meant to me. I have to admit this was one of my biggest hurdles. I oversaw the building of this house myself. My family (including my parents and brothers) had spent many tiresome days doing most of the work ourselves. Our home was to me a memorial of the goodness of God, and I didn’t want to let that go. I will never forget that day in January because there came a moment when my heart said, “Lord, You can have it.” That same hour something happened in me. The fears and uncertainties that had kept me from completely surrendering to the Lord’s will dissolved. They were replaced with a determination to do what we had to do.

Occasionally, I still have one of those “What are you doing?!” moments. But it’s OK, because He that has begun a good work in me is going to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. As I walk out this missionary journey, I’m learning that surrender is an ongoing process and God is faithful to lead us from glory to glory by His Spirit within us.

There is still much that needs to take place before the vision set before us becomes a reality. However, Angie and I are both convinced that God wants to demonstrate His power so that He alone will be glorified.

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9

Jesus: The Lamb of God

2009-01-13T20:07:00.002-05:00

He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Genesis 3:21; Revelation 13:8)

He is the more excellent sacrifice offered by Abel (Genesis 4:1-10; Hebrews 11:4)

He is the sweet smelling savor offered by Noah: providing mercy, favor and covenant (Genesis 8:20-22: 9:1, 8-17)

He is Isaac’s Substitution: the ram caught in the thicket by the horns (Genesis 22:1-13)

He is the Passover: Who delivered the children of Israel for the bondage and slavery of sin (Ex 12; Numbers 9:1-14; 2Chronicles 30:1; 1Corinthians 5:7)

He is the burnt offering: wholly consecrated for to the Lord for us (Leviticus 1)

He is the meat offering: holy and perfect and without sin (Leviticus 2)

He is the peace offering: the free gift of grace to be received with thanksgiving (Leviticus 3; Colossians 1:20-22)

He is the sin offering: He bore the sins of the world (Leviticus 4; 1Corinthians 5:21)

He is the trespass offering: He paid the price for all the trespasses of the child of God (Leviticus 5&6; 1John 1:7-9)

He is the continual burnt offering: our once for all sacrifice, eternal and everlasting (Exodus 29:38-42; Leviticus 6:9-13)

He is the fire that must never go out: burning continually upon the upon the coals of our heart (Leviticus 6)

He is the consecration ram: His blood is applied to the priest for hearing, service, and fellowship (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8)

He is the drink offering who poured out His life for us all (Exodus 29; Isa 53:12; Ps 22:14)

He is the scapegoat who took our sins away (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:26; Isaiah 53:6)

He is the cleanser of the Levites in purifying us for service (Numbers 8)

He is the perpetual truth in the daily ministrations: the continual burnt offering ever rising to the Father, the lamp in the tabernacle always giving light, and the incense ever rising in the prayers of those who seek God with the whole heart. (Hebrews 10:11; Exodus 29:38-42; Ex 30:7-9)

He is the cleanser of the leper: He restores the outcast to fellowship (Leviticus 14-15)

He is salvation to the Gentiles: Rahab’s true token (Joshua 2:12-21)

He is the glorious sound of the ram’s horn: This was heard before the shout that knocked down flat the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)

He is the burnt offering offered by Gideon: Gideon received insight from the Lord (Judges 6)

He is the peace offering: Hanna’s vow was answered (1Samuel 1-2)

He the burnt offering offered by Samuel: God thundered upon the Philistines (1Samuel 7)

He is the ram that was offered: out of His horns Samuel poured the anointing oil upon David to be King (1Samuel 16:1-13)

He is the burnt offering offered by David, which atoned for sin and stopped the plague (2Samuel 24:18-25; 1Chronicles 21-22; 1Chrosnicles 21:26)

He is Solomon’s burnt offering by which Solomon sought God and asked for wisdom which truly is the principle thing (2Chroncles 1:1-12)

He is the offering at the dedication of the tabernacle and the temple causing the house to be filled with the Glory of God (Leviticus 9:22-24; 1Kings 8:62-64; 2Chronicles 7:1-2)

He is Elijah’s burnt offering triumphing over all our enemies (1Kings 18:21-46)

He is Jehoshaphat’s meat offering: the one who sanctifies (2Kings 2:30)

He is Job’s burnt offering: He turns captivity through intercession (Job 42:7-17)

He is Jonah’s thanksgiving (peace) offering: Jonah gave thanks by faith from the belly of the whale (Jonah 2; Ho 14:2; 1Kings 8:38-39; Mt 12:40-41; Ps 16:9-11; Acts 2:25-28)

He is the peace offering, by whom we give thanks as in the case of Hezekiah ((Ps 103:1-5; Ps 116:12-19; 2Chronicles 32:24-26)

The High Court is in Your Favor

2009-01-09T21:45:00.001-05:00

Dear Saint, your judge is your Father and I heard that he is full of mercy and compassion. Your advocate – attorney, has never lose a case and he’s family too. I also heard that he loves you so much that he gave up his life for you so that the judge would become your father and always have a reason to justify you. I was told that reason is his blood that he shed for you. I believe all your sins, faults, and shortcoming have already been judged and sentenced, at least that’s how I understood it when I read the court’s order. The 66 books that the Judge uses in his court room are open to all to read. And always remember that the eyewitness the Judge has called into testimony; He's in the Family also. I heard he is all seeing, all knowing, and has perfect and complete knowledge of what the judge’s Son has done for you. In fact, He was there, and enabled the Son with grace in His death for you. This really pleased the Judge who raised His Son from the dead and accredited it all to your account. I also understand that the witness always speaks the truth because He is the Spirit of truth. With this judge, attorney, and eye witness, there is no way you can ever lose, no matter who brings a case aginst you. Regardless of what you face, you are favored in ther only court room that matters.

Article 31-38 in Section 8 of Romans states the following: What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(NIV)

Before I go, there is one thing you need to bring to the courtroom with you: FAITH. Never be caught with out and keep it on you at all times.

God Bless You

The Spirit of Grace

2008-09-18T00:10:00.007-04:00

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy but he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:5-6

What exactly does the statement, “the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.” actually imply? The Amplified Bible gives a much clearer rendering and reads as follows: “The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit to be welcome with a jealous love.”

These words were written after the following verses:

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:1-4

While we are wrapped up in the desires of the world and consumed in the lust of our flesh the Holy Spirit earnestly yearns over us with a jealous love to be fully welcomed in our hearts.

Romans 5:5, tells us that the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost". And only He can fully reveal it to our hearts. God’s love for us is everlasting with a depth and breadth, and length and height which is immeasurable, Yet comprehendible by His Spirit.

It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to manifest the power of that love in hearts, and to reveal the Father’s intense love directly to us - heart to heart. You might say the Holy Spirit has come to bring the heart beat of the Father’s love – the love which was manifested through His Son Jesus. In the very next verse he calls this love – GRACE!

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

The proud mentioned here in verse six refer back to those who are spoken of in verses 1-4. It is pride that drives men away from God’s love and causes them to lust after other things. But the one who receives grace, which is an expression of love, is the one who welcomes the Holy Spirit and allows the jealous love which God has for them to fill their hearts and minds. This is God’s desire – that we might be filled with and ruled by His love.

This is expressed so beautifully in Ephesians 3:14-21 which reads as follows:

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Are you struggling with such things as anger and fear? Are you caught up in the self pleasure and consumed with desires for the things of this world? Do you sense a tug in your heart to draw close to Jesus and spend time with Him. Then why not open you heart to the one who loves you perfectly. He is earnestly yearning over you now with a jealous love. Allow his presence to fill your heart by simply welcoming His Spirit. Your Heavenly Father loves you. He gave His Son and He wants to fill your heart with His grace through the love of His Spirit.

May God’s Grace be with you.

Knowing the Spirit of God

2008-05-27T12:36:00.011-04:00

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:1-6)

In this teaching I would like to draw your attention to God’s Word concerning truth and error. In the above text the Apostle John says “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God.” The word “try” in the phrase “try the spirits” carries the following meaning: "to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals "(KJV w/ Strongs).

It is important to notice that the Apostle is not speaking of simply examining a “certain view” concerning matters that do not change one's faith in Christ. He is speaking specifically about “trying the spirits,” and in verse six we see that we are to try the spirits so that we can discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

I find it interesting that the spirit of error of which He speaks is associated with those claim to be prophets "because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” The Bible also warns of false pastors (John 10), false apostles (2Corinthians 11), and false teachers (2 Peter 2). As you examine the scriptures closely, see that there are some things that all false ministers have in common:

They lead sincere people away from the truth in Jesus.
They draw attention to themselves.
There is a love for money that drives them.

There are, however, true ministers including prophets who are sent forth by God with the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon them to testify of Jesus. All true ministers are first and foremost preachers or teachers of the word of God. Their aim is to minister Christ to those to whom God has sent them.

Many today are placing more emphasis on their anointing than they are on Jesus, speaking much about the anointing and promoting men. Yet the true anointing of God is centered in Jesus (1 John 2:27) and one anointed of the Holy Ghost cannot help but glorify Christ - “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:42)

The Apostle John tells us,” Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.” But what does he mean by confessing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh? Is it merely an acknowledgment that Christ became a man or does it carry more weight than that? In 2 John, the Apostle speaks again about those who are not true ministers and these verses will help aid our understanding of 1 John 4.

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ( 2John 7-11)

Notice the similarity to John’s words in each of His epistles. A true prophet comes bringing the message of Christ. A false prophet may talk about Christ, but Christ is only a side issue; he or she has other intentions. A true minister walks in the Spirit of Truth and Jesus said the Spirit of Truth would testify of Him (John 15:26).

Please understand that recognizing the spirit of error is not always obvious. If it were, there would be no need to be warned. The way deception works is on the surface; it looks and sounds like the real thing, in fact, it is very appealing to the natural mind. Yet, at its root, it is another spirit. There is only one God and His Spirit brings honor, glory, and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God will lead men to the Cross and into conformity with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection so that God may be glorified in them. When the message of the cross is absent, watch out!

False prophets will not bring men to the cross, but the Spirit of God will - "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14). Remember: Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God! They may talk about God, the glory, supernatural experiences, angelic visitations, even healing and miracles, but the true Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus Christ. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God! Those anointed by the Holy Ghost bring the gospel of Christ, and according to the Apostle Paul, “the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation.” (Romans 1:16)

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)

God is very serious about the gospel message. In both Luke 24 and in 1 Corinthians 15, we have biblical proof of what the gospel message is.

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:46-49)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Real signs, wonders, and miracles sent from God happen as the Spirit wills and follow the preaching of the gospel and the testimony of Jesus.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:15-20)

In closing, there are in our day many false prophets and a good deal of deception leading sincere and spiritually hungry people into error. Many are teaching the saints to open themselves up to things which God’s Word does not teach as well as corrupting the truth of God’s Word about money through their greed. Just because something is supernatural does not mean that it is of God. Follow the indwelling presence the Holy Spirit in you heart and seek God according to His holy written word. The Holy Spirit will always testify of Jesus Christ and bring you into fellowship with him. Just because someone can dazzle people with what looks spiritual is no indication that it is from God. In Acts 8, the scriptures tell us of Simon who practiced sorcery and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great. This man had people believing that his power had come from God. However, when Philip preached Christ to them and they believed the gospel, Simon could no longer deceive them. It is the truth in the gospel of Christ that will keep you safe. Keep your faith in Jesus and follow Him. God bless you.

Jesus: The Son of God's Love

2008-05-25T21:03:00.001-04:00

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)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

Each of these verses tell us of the love that God has for all who are lost in sin. “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” In this teaching, I would like to draw your attention to the love of God that was demonstrated in the death of Christ. Let’s begin by looking at Ephesians 2:4-7.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

The Amplified Version of verse 4 says, “But God- so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,”

Think about that: Jesus gave Himself for you to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love that God has for you. God is satisfied. This is why I do not think that Christ’s death appeased God in the sense that we often consider appeasement.

The purpose of the death of Jesus was not to satisfy God’s anger against sin but rather to satisfy God’s love for the sinner.

Isaiah 53:12 says, “He shall see the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied.” It wasn’t his anger or His wrath but rather His love that was satisfied.

The Apostle John refers to Jesus as the Son of the Father in truth and love (2 John 3) and Paul calls Him God’s dear Son or the Son of His love as stated by the Amplified Bible (Colossians 1:13). Think about that - Jesus is the Son of our Father God’s love. God has a Son and He was born out of God’s love for you and me. Jesus was and is the perfect love of God personified. He was born into this world to reconcile us to God by taking away our sins.

“…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Reconciliation is restoration. It is defined as “changing from enemies to friends.” When sin entered into the world through Adam, man spiritually died and became separated from God. I like to use the illustration of the light going off. The Bible says that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Man was created to walk with God, but when sin entered into the world through Adam’s disobedience the light went out and man found Himself in darkness - a slave to sin and death and no longer able to see God in all of his goodness. Man could no longer see God in the light, for sin had brought death and darkness had blinded his eyes.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” ( Romans 5:12)

The phrase “for that all have sinned” is more literally translated “in whom all have sinned.” In Adam all have sinned. According to Romans 5, the effects of sin was catastrophic – death and condemnation came on all, and all became sinners. The effect of death, condemnation, and sin was that we all became by our very nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). We became children of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6). We became alienated and enemies in our minds by wicked works (Colossians 1:21).

Thank God for Jesus! In Him, the love of God prevailed over sin. Jesus turned the light back on. The Apostle John tells us in John 1:4-5, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” The Amplified Bible says, “And the light shines on in the darkness and the darkness has never overpowered it.” In 1 John 1:5, the same John says, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Jesus brought the light of God back into the world so that “all men through Him might believe” (John 1:7). The Apostle Paul says, “[the Father] has delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). This “dear Son” is the same “Son of His dear love” – Jesus Christ!

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting 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. (Colossians 2:13-14)

The “forgiveness of all trespasses” mentioned in verse 13 is described as “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us.”

The Amplified Bible translated verse 13 as follows: Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the hand writing of the note with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us. This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of the way by nailing it to the cross.

Because of the blood of Jesus, our sins have been cancelled, blotted out, wiped away, and cleared completely, and God did this
• because of His love for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1John 4:9-10; Ephesians 1:4-5; Jeremiah 31:3).
• because of His good pleasure (Ephesians 1:9-11; Luke 2:14; 12:32; Hebrews 13:20, 21).
• to fulfill his plan and purpose (Ephesians 1;4,9-10; 2:10; 3:1-11; 1Peter 1:2, 18-20; 1Timothy 1:9-10; Romans 8:29).

Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:4-5)

May the love of God and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Truth Is In Jesus

2008-05-21T14:10:00.008-04:00

Continuing in the Son and in the Father is the mark of the truth of God in our lives.

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:24-27)

In 1 John 1:3 the Apostle John says, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” The Apostle Paul basically says the same thing in 1Corinthians1:9, God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The true ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring us into fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ and with God the Father through Christ. There is no independent fellowship with the Spirit of God apart from Christ. The Holy Ghost always guides us to Jesus Christ

Today we are hearing so much that draws attention to man, rather than to Christ. However, Jesus clearly said that the Holy Spirit would speak those things which He heard concerning Jesus.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-15)

In John 15:26 Jesus plainly stated the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth who would testify of Jesus. This agrees with Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:21 which says, “the truth is in Jesus”. Paul also says in Ephesians 1:14 that we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise after we heard the word of truth which is the gospel of our salvation. The fruit of a person whose life has been marked by the Holy Spirit is that he glorifies Christ and walks in the truth. Notice again the words of the Apostle John in 1 John 2:24-27 (written above).

In our day we are hearing a lot about "new levels in the spirit", yet John says that we should continue in that which we have heard from the beginning. John also says he has written these things concerning them that seduce us. We must be careful because so much emphasis is being placed on what is called “the prophetic” and “different kinds of anointings.” Please be reminded that the scriptures tell us that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). The scriptures also tells us the anointing already abides in us to teach us and to guide us into all truth (1John 2:27).

If we want to know how a person anointed by the Holy Spirit ministers, we have unmistakable examples in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit working through the Apostles constantly drew attention to the Lord Jesus Christ and not to themselves. One good example is in Acts 3 when Peter and John ministered healing to the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. Notice what is recorded in verses 11-12:

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk.

Notice how cautious the Apostle Peter was to draw attention Jesus and not to himself. In the very next verse He begins pointing the people to Christ (see Acts 3:13-26).

On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost filled the 120 followers of Christ in the upper room, the manifestation of the Spirit drew a crowd and as a result Peter preached Christ to the people (see Acts 2:14-38). All through the Acts of the Apostles it was preaching, teaching, and testifying of Christ that was the most pronounced work of the Holy Spirit through His ministers. Miracles, signs, and wonders should never take preeminence over the Word of God, but rather should follow the word of God.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mk 16:20).

Signs and wonders should always be the confirmation of the truth of the word of God. The Bible does not teach us to pursue visions, trances, and spiritual experiences. The Bible teaches us to grow in our love and fellowship with Christ. Spiritual gifts are given as the Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12) and not as we will. Trying to conjure up spiritual experiences will lead you down the road of deception and open the door to the devil. The New Testament writers never taught the church to seek spiritual experiences, but rather to follow Christ and to be rooted in Him. Seeking angels, third heaven experiences, and such activity is not sound doctrine and is a blatant violation of New Testament worship.

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” It is hunger for the word of God and being sanctified by God’s word that will keep us for being deceived in this hour. Jesus 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 8:31-32). True Spirit-anointed ministry will transform lives through the truth of the Word of God.

In closing, notice again 1 John 2:27: But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Every true believer has the anointing abiding in them. Therefore, according to this scripture, we should follow that anointing which we have already received of Him. The anointing in us will teach us all things in line with the Word of God. That anointing in the believer is the Truth, and that anointing testifies of Jesus.

Dear believer, follow Christ, keep you eyes on Him, and guard your heart from everything that would quench your affection for Him. If you believe in Jesus, you already have his anointing in you to teach you the truth. Follow that anointing and it will keep you safe in Jesus.