A Change of Mind

There are a lot of areas where we flat missed it. The problem with finding truth is being able to take what we think we know, and re-examine why we think it is so. A great thinker would then streach it and take it to the exstreme appling it to every possible situation. In other words; truth will always work, and error will always fail. We can use the truth, and it will always be true, for everyone regardless of the situation. This is the comfort of the scriptures. What God has done for the one, he will do for anyone. He is impartial, and freely gives to all men who come to Him. I will address this post to those who are believers in the work and resurrection of Jesus. Just for convience, not to exclude.

Let's look at "deliver us from evil". The mind set of the church is sad, most believe that God is able, but it's hit or miss on wheather or not he will. This is typical of a lot of issues, such as healing, and prosperity. The Lord is not a divine "dart board", or the luck of the draw, not seeing if you've been good, or trying. He works by and through and honors faith in His word, and in trust of His goodness and mercy. Everytime, without exception. And only by faith. Not need, not pleading, not according to your standing, your education, your degrees, or the urgency.

But "do you believe I am able" and do you believe "I will"? As Jesus said, "ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH BE IT UNTO YOU". There is no other way. Believe the word of God, only. The blessings of the Lord don't just fall on our heads like ripe fruit from a tree. They are received by our faith in the word of God. Is salvation available? Then why isn't everyone saved, they don't believe the word. Is healing available? Then why isn't everyone healed, they don't believe the word. Is prosperity availabe? Then why isn't everyone prosperious, they don't believe the word.

How then do we recieve? There are a few steps. First, hear the word. Second, believe the word. Third, say the word (faith speaks). Fourth, act on the word (faith without works is dead). That's it. This is how we receive from God, from beginning to end, from the greatest to the least promise. It always works, without fail, without any other consideration, period. We can have all the blessings of God active in our life by the way of faith alone, and only by faith.

So then we see the promise of "deliver us from evil" has to be activated in our lifes by faith, just as salvation. Everyone has a horror story to tell me of why we can't have this victory over death (the evil one is trying to kill you!). Don't bother; I have my own story, of victory!

I would like to add my mother to the list of the heroes of faith. I was in the army infantry in Vietnam. I was a heathen. There were dozens of days when I knew that there was no possible way to come out alive. I've been surrounded by enemy armies for days and weeks. And yet I'm alive. A rumor started back home that I was dead. My friends at home went to my mother's and gave her their condolences. My mother is a faithful follower of the Lord. She had not heard from me, yet she told them that the news was false, that I was alive and well and not to be concerned. She then wrote me with their addresses and asked me to write them so they would know.

How could she know; the WORD OF GOD. She was standing on the promise of God. She had a firm faith that God would not fail her. That was enough. And that's enough for me, my God shall deliver me from every evil.

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

I will Make you Great

This is not a declaration of a "motivational speaker". It's not the idea of man, not the latest trend in the affairs of leaders. The idea of Greatness has it's beginning in the mind of God.

The Lord had said to Abram; I will make you into a Great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name Great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you."

Abraham is our "father of faith". We are his children in the Lord. The children share in his inheritance, it's their birthright. Then the promise is to us as well, "I will make you Great". This is right, but it's a hard thing to grasp if we've been taught, "we're hanging on till the end." Nothing could be farther from the truth. We are told to occupy till He comes. This word "occupy" is a military stance of invading and conquering the lands and force of the enemy. To set ourselves against the evil doers of this world. And to rule in the affairs of this world.

Here is something that we need to see crystal clear. God is not in a pact with the devil. He didn't concede any losses. He's not made a treaty, "if you don't bother me, I won't bother you". God is set against the devil, He's not tired. He's not going to give up or give in or give over. He arrayed his host of angels against him. He arrayed his Spirit against him. He's arrayed his Church against him, with this promise, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you". There is no weapon, no counsel, no plan that can stop you!

Our mind set is so distorted that we don't see truth as clearly as the Word of God states. Has anyone ever told you that God will make you Great? I doubt it, we have been told the greatness of the world is immaterial. Let me ask you, who is the better witness. The man with the authority to affect a lot of people by his position, or the man who works for him? Our motivation is not to boast in our riches, but to be a rich blessing to a lot of people.

As an extremeist consider; if every CEO was a christian. If every elected official were a follower of Christ. If every leader of every country trusted in the Lord. Would this be a better world? Would the products be improved? Would peace rule? Would all disputes be settled in a fair and timely manner? Couldn't we then fulfill the word, "to live quiet and peaceable lives"? I think so. I think the world needs to see the rule of Christians in the workplace, in the government, in the leader of the corporations of the world. And you know what, SO DOES GOD. To fulfill the last statement in the declaration to Abram; "and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

We as the church have "spiritualized" the purposes of God. We say we are fulfilling this word. Yes, and No. James said that the physical is proof of the spiritual. Then the authority we have in the spirit should manifest in the natural. The blessings of the Lord are to promote us in the affairs of this world. To bring us to places of power and authority physically as well as spiritually. Consider: who is better equipped to lead than the church, who has the Spirit of the Lord? If the church isn't reigning, then the leaders are in the dark, leading others in the dark, and their end is in a fall for both. Doesn't the present world prove the inablity for man to lead man?

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him (Jesus, who is now the church) the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."

This is our equipment. The knowledge and wisdom of God. To break off the blindness of unbelief, to loose our minds to the ways of God. To see the fullness of the Lord's provision to bring righteousness to the earth. To establish the kingdom of God on the earth. To make His name a praise in the earth. And to be glorified in the great things He has done.

How To Preach and Draw on the Anointing

I've seen a few God-blogs grapling with how to preach and present the Gospel. It's really quite simple. It's easy to get God's approval and Anointing to work through your presentation of the gospel. A babe in Christ can do it, you don't need to go to theology school. Any one who has been born of God through Jesus's sacrifice understands all they need to be an Anointed Preacher.

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit always accompanies the cross and resurrection of Jesus. If you want the Lord to move in your midst, then, as Paul, preach Jesus and him crucified. In this alone is the focus of all God's dealings with man. By this the love of God is manifest to the world. By this sin is put away. In the cross is healing of all sickness and infirmity. Through the resurrection is all authority over all the works of the devil. And by Jesus death we have access to the presence of the Almighty. And in the ascension of Jesus we have received the Holy Spirit.

Every thing the Father now does is in view of the cross. Wheather salvation, healing or deliverance. The whole of the wisdom of God, and the power of God is in Jesus Christ and him crucified. I stated that the Anointing will accompany this preaching.

Let's look what Paul had to say about that;

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

First he states the reason for his coming, the testimony about God. Then he tells that he was not relying on his ability as an orator, nor on being a dynamic personality, nor with excellent wisdom and persuasion. What then did he count on? The demonstration of the Spirit's power! He had faith that God would accompany his word, the declaring of the Son. Paul mixed his faith with the word of God, and counted on the Spirit to prove, and approve the message. Just like the Spirit did when Peter preached at Cornelius's. It was the same message, and they both got the same results.

If you haven't been getting these results, check you message. And then check to make sure that you believe in the Spirit's power. Then check to see that you are yielding to the Spirit, and not quenching his work. Then you to can expect the Spirit to demonstrate in power, and the Lord be Glorified.

I saved the best till last. "That their faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." This is the best part. Their are many christians who have a very limited experience of the power of the Spirit. This is not God's intention. He is a God of abundance, not a little dap will do you. He want's us to be full of the Spirit. To know the certainty of our salvation. To know the greatness of his power that is at work in us. If we as preachers will allow and encourage the people to grap for the full measure of Christ, then we will have strong christians. Who will be full of love, full of faith, and of works of righteousness. And their faith will not be subject to the wisdom, or teachings of man. But will rest in God's power. This is why Paul preached, to bring people to the fulness of Christ. Let's do it his way.

Addendum: I have to link to this site, Karen gives us a great testimony of what the Lord will do when we preach and yeild to the Spirit at, In the Presence of the Almighty.

Can They Believe You

This is the crux of the matter. Where the "rubber meets the road". Jesus could not do any miracles in his home town, Nazareth, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Jesus was God in the flesh, with the words of God. With the unlimited power of God. With the knowledge of God, and the nature of God. Yet because the people didn't believe what he said, he could not work miracles. God can't work for us unless we trust what he's said to be the truth.

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. With these instructions; "preach the kingdom of heaven. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

This is the beginning of the work of the church; now that we are the church we are to carry on this work. As Luke said, "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus BEGAN to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen." Acts 1:1.

Jesus BEGAN this work through his chosen, and to this day works through his chosen, the church. We also have been given this authority, Jesus said, "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

All that's required is that they believe our testimony, our word. The same as it was for Jesus. We have received the authority to do the works, but the people have to believe. To illustrate; a man of God received a gift of healing from Jesus in a vision. Jesus placed his finger in the palm of his hand and a tangible anointing was imparted. Jesus instructed him that the anointing would heal every sickness, and drive out all demons. Jesus then told him to tell the people he ministred to about this anointing, and what Jesus said about it so they could believe. As the man preached and told the people of this anointing, it would start to burn in his hand. The obedience brought faith to the people, and an active tangible anointing to heal and deliver.

We don't need to have a special anointing, we have the word and the Spirit, and we can ministrer by faith. But we do need the people to believe that we are the vessels of the Lord and have this authority. Jesus first sermon was, "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me..". The proclaiming of the anointing for works of the kingdom is the starting point to a ministry in the power of the Spirit. If we don't tell the people what the Lord in us wants to do on their behalf, we are shorting them of His blessings. It was first in Jesus mind, and preaching, and it should be first with us so we can accomplish the same works, and fulfill the will of God.

This then is our testimony; "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclam the year of the Lord's favor."

The Wishing Well

Their was a man at the pool of Bethesda a great number of disabled people gathered to wait for the angel of the Lord to stir the water and be healed of their disease. This man had been a invalid for 38 yrs. Jesus asked him, "do you want to get well?" Jesus's ministry was to the Jews. They were in covenant with God.

In our day God is in covenant with the body of Christ, we the believer's of the gospel of Jesus. We also have a great company of believer who are disabled. And again Jesus is asking, "do you want to get well?".

This invalid at Bethesda replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Here we see a couple things. One, he was looking for a sign, a physical manifestation of God's grace. This is similar to, if I can see it, then I'll believe it. The amazing part is that God would honor this and send an angel to stir the water. Much like Gideon's fleese. The Lord is full of mercy.

Second we see that he was all alone, all his friends and family had given up on him. Or he never had any, or they wore out with his daily care, either way a pity. The amount of time, and the disabled life had surely caused a monumental amount of suffering. He was of no use to anyone.

Then the fatal blow, when the water is moving and healing available, he is to invalid to be the one to receive. What a pitiful picture of the human experience. This is an extreme illustration of the plight of man.

Yet to all this the question remained; "Do you want to get well?". Listen if your a believer and have a covenant with God and you have a sickness, he has this same question to you, he wants to know "do you want to get well." It doesn't matter what the circumstance. It doesn't matter what the disablity. It doesn't matter how long you've been in this condition. It doesn't matter what the doctor said, what your family history is, or what stage of illness your going through. It don't matter what your theology, what church to belong to or what the doctrine of your assemble happens to be. What is on God's mind is "do you want to get well?"

To all this Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." Get up! This man is an invalid, he just said he needed help. What is Jesus saying? He's teaching faith. He's telling him to do what he can't do, by faith we receive the promises! Get up, and God will honor your faith, and you will receive. Get up and do what you can't and God will strengthen you. Don't look to the physical don't wait till you feel stronger, or see a little improvement, look to the realm of faith, and do the impossible. Take my word for it and do it, "Get up". God is on your side to bless you. This is what Jesus taught him, and what he is teaching us.

Jesus didn't pray for him, he didn't lay his hand on him and impart healing. He didn't even speak a healing for him. Jesus didn't wait until the power of the Lord was present to heal. He helped the man in a greater way, he taught him to help himself by his faith, and there he would find God. "For without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God." But faith in God is greatly pleasing to Him. The one thing this man had in his favor was that he was looking to God for his healing. Jesus showed him how to move God for that healing, by faith.

The ways of God are eternal, what he does for the one he will do for everyone. If we will look to God and do what is impossible to do in the physical, we too shall move God on our behalf and find we are healed. What does it take, FAITH. Faith sees what is unseen, faith grasps what is not-yet, faith is assured that it has received the promise, because God is not a liar. As written, "by his wounds you have been healed." I Peter 2:24

Is He in You

I love what Gatorade has done with advertising. By drinking it you can win the prize, go the extra mile, jump ten feet in the air, and outlast all your opponents! All explained by, "is it in you". Jesus said, "if you knew who was speaking to you, you would ask for living water." With this living water we will never thirst, we will never run dry, we can't exhaust it's supply. We can win the prize, go the extra mile, jeap from the earth into the heavenlies, and finish our course, and leave our opponents in the dust. This is the promise of the Spirit. This is the inheritance of the church. This is the well of salvation, the river that flows out of our bellies. This is real water, life giving, refreshing the soul, and empowering the saint.

Is He in you? Then draw out of the well of salvation and drink of His Spirit. Open you heart and mouth and let the river of life come forth to cause the plain to spring forth like a garden. And the desert to bloom like a forrest. This is in us, by our faith we are to bring forth the plans for the goodness of the Lord. To bring life where there was death, to bring plenty where there was lack. To bring hope to dispare, love to the unloved, mercy to the lost, grace to the sinner, and children to God. Purpose to the confused, goodness to those in distress, what a wonderful gospel. And we are it's advertising agents!

The other thing Gatorade has emphasized is passion, and great joy. Well excuse me, but I am a believer who can shout for joy, who can shout praises and magnify the Lord. Who is eager to tell of His love. Who is eager to heal the sick, and takes joy in casting out devils, and freeing the captives. I'm one who stirs himself up to take hold of God, and call on His name. To see His power working mightily in me. To see His healing flow from my hand. You think I don't get excited? That's the passion to see God Glorified, and to show His wonderful works, and love, and grace. Do you think I have some special gift or anointing, No. I have Jesus, He is the "anointed one", and He lives His life in me. And also in you if you are a believer, you have recieved Him and the anointing.

So I will go forth in my passion and in the knowledge "he is in me". And walk in His love and do those "works that He foreordained for me". "For we are His workmanship". And if you see me and think "their's a wild and crazy guy" remember, I'm not high on Gatorade, but on the Holy Spirit who is the power of God in the earth. And if you don't think that will make you a passionate and joyfull person, you may already be dead. Pray that God revive you! You see I'm not winning something like a ballgame, where everyone shouts for joy, I'm winning soul's to God for eternity in the presence of the Almighty. I really have something to shout and be glad about, even the angel's join in with me and magnify God.

It's a War Out There

I've been busy reading lately on the present movement of God. The Lord is establishing the apostle and prophet back into the church. The work and ministry are to help complete the training of the saints into the fullness of Christ. The end is that the body of believers be effective in their service for the Lord. The same as a tree is know for it's fruit, the body will be the fruit of these ministries, able to reproduce after it's own kind (bring sons to God). Luther had the revelation that each person could know salvation. Also each person could know God. This move is so each person can minister in the power and anointing with understanding. The fullness of Christ.

This is good news, that the church should grow to maturity. But there is some bad news. This is not going to be uncontested. By the devil, the threat of fear and terror is his effort to counter what the Lord is doing in the earth. By the devils of religion, to cast lies and accusations on the new men of the Lord. To slander things that have not been received into the main stream of Christianity, to try to divide the body even futher.

This brings us to the main issue, "will I find faith when I return". Faith is the issue. Fear is the lie that would cause men to stop short of there completing the calling of Christ. The word of the Lord, as it is written has to be trusted as the only truth. This word also includes all the promises to the church. As God is true and the word is sure, then the promises will come to pass. The question is on which side of the blessing will you be? Will you believe and receive, and walk in the fullness of Christ. Or will you doubt and fear, and walk on in your ignorance? Yes the Lord will still love you, we are all saved by His unfailing love and grace. But will you please Him, and give Him pleasure in your faith as Abraham?

Paul explained that even though the Jews had the scriptures it didn't profit them because of unbelief. So He sent them prophets, yet they killed them, rather than be corrected. This is historical fact. Let's be sure to keep a humble and teachable spirit, lest we do the same, by our unbelief and words and murmuring. The Lord is doing a shaking in the earth and in the church. So that He may present it as glorious and without spot or blemish or wrinkle. I don't know what it will look like in it's glory. I don't know how the Lord will accomplish all His good pleasure in the earth. But I do know He is faithful and will do it. I want to be on the Lord's side. No matter what He does.

My concern is two fold, for the congregation and for the ministers. Are we ready for the power of God to be manifest in our midst? Can we receive a prophet of the Lord and hear what is said and do it? Will we yield to the Spirit and heal the sick, and set the captives free? Can we worship and praise God in adversity? And only ask Him to streach forth His hand that wonders and mighty works be done in the name of Jesus? As the congregation we must shake off a spectator stance, and become the hands, and feet of this gospel, in the power of the Spirit. As ministers we must loose the knowledge of the Lord, and empower and encourage the people to be faithful to the leading of the Spirit, and how to discern His will.

There is much more to be said on these things. This is a bulletin, a notice, these things are surely coming. The glory of the Lord WILL cover the earth. Let's reexamine our hearts and settle our minds. The ways of the Lord are beyond our understanding. Prepare ourselves to be usefull instruments in the work of the Lord. Learn the voice of God, learn the teaching of those the Lord sends, be of good cheer, the Lord our God reigns.

Tag'ed Books

I've had a funny relation with books. My first day of school, I went back home and told my mother, "I don't need that". So I never was interested in books, until I was saved. The bible was my inspiration. After that all of the christian authors I could find that I agreed with, or that knew something that I didn't, their were a lot! I've never bought a fiction book, although some I've read seem like fiction. The only other subjects have been art and music. On occasion I read a lot, I may reread the same book a hundred times, then I don't read for quite a while, perhaps a year or so. If I am interested in a subject then I read until I grasp a working knowledge, and then work with that and discontinue reading. I view books as a tool to DO OTHER THINGS.

Total number of books owned; a thousand.

Last book I bought: Holding to the Word of the Lord; Roberts Liardon

Last book I read: The Best of Life; T. L. Osborn

Five books that mean a lot to me; this is hard, I've read many great authors, I can only single out one as the most outstanding I've ever read (apart from the bible) I doubt that anyone has ever hear of it. To Fight With Angels; Roland J. Lewis.

This is my list, and answer to your tag, thanks for the chance to express myself. And thanks to you J. A. Gillmartin.

Do We Get It?

This is the gospel of Jesus. That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That who-so-ever believeth on Him shall not perish but receive eternal life. This is the simple over view of the words and works of God. We can reduce it to this; God loves us, and has made a way for us to live with Him. In harmony, without fear, full of confidence in His love for us.

What is so bad about this? Why is this message of God's love so hard to understand? "While we were yet sinners Christ died for us." How much more will He freely give us all things now that we are reconciled to God through Jesus. All of scripture is the word of God's faithfulness to His dream and plan for man, "to become the sons of God."

We don't have to beg or plead. He's not withholding anything from us. He is willing to give us all things pertaining to life, and our relationship with Him. There is an adversary, one who would try to stop the blessing of God to us, the devil. He can't stop God from sending the blessing, so the devil will attact us and try to stop us from receiving. He will try to cause us to doubt, to waiver in our faith. To convince us that we are on our own. That God is to busy, or not involved, or doesn't do those things any more. Or that it's for an other time, or place, and we'll have to do without. He is a liar.

Let go back and look at how love acts. God is love, so by seeing how love acts, we know how God will act. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, is is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." I Cor 13:4. This is the fruit of love.

I said that love acts, it's not an attitude but an action. As written in James 2:15 "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it."

Let look at the life of Jesus. He was moved with compassion toward the people. This caused Him to heal the sick, loose the bound, preach the good news of the salvation of God. Heal the brokenhearted, mend the broken in spirit, and set the captives free. This is our example of LOVE IN ACTION. We who are born of God, by the work and word of Jesus have received this love. It first has it's work in us to align us to the way of God, and the way of love. Then as it is assimulated and become a living part of our being it works through us to help those in darkness around us in ever increasing strength. All according to the power of the Lord at work in us.

There are many admonitions to love. Paul, "Follow the way of love". John, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble." And the words of Jesus, "by this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another". I can't think of a more important or better way to live than to obey this command. It is not grievious, it's a joy. It's not hard, if we will remember all that the Lord has forgiven us. This is a light burden, and an easy yoke. To bring the good news of salvation for man, and the eternal life of love from God. Let's remember that to love and not act is not a living love, but a living love will cause us to act in love. Bringing real help and relief to those in need of the love of God.

The Integrity of the Word

The devil tempted Eve by representing himself as someone who possesed knowledge. He cast doubt on the word of God. Faith in God is believing what he has said. By man's betrayal of this trust, they broke faith with God. Even so God has remained faithful to his word, and to his purpose for man. That man should become "sons of God". The way is by faith, believing what God has said. This is what Jesus preached and lived. All was the fulfillment of the word of God on behalf of man, and God's plan for us. As it is written, "my just shall live by faith". Believe on the Son and you shall be saved. To them gave He power to become the sons of God.

The Lord made man as a vessel for His life, to be a partaker of himself. As these vessels we are made conscious of His nature, His life, and love in us. He is the source of everything good is us, to us, and through us. Think for a moment. Is there any reason to fear? Is there any thing to fear, either now or in the future? Is there any council, or weapon, or devise that can prevail against God? And He lives in us! Indeed we are more than conquerors, through Christ in us. This truth is liberating. We can live in confidence. We can live in victory. We can have all our needs supplied. We can overcome any and all obstacles. We can live just like Jesus.

This is all according to what God has written. And we can live according to His word, just like Jesus did. In God's plan man is a vital and desired helper. We are loved, and wanted, and accepted. We are His crowning glory. "To bring many sons to God". God has valued us worth the life of His own Son! We are valuable to God. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. "By His own will be begot us", God will is that we become his sons! Not only so, but He desires companionship, and friendship, and fellowship with us today, tomorrow, and forever. He desires to make known unto us the fulness of His blessing to us who believe. The greatness of His love and power on our behalf. And the goodness of His plans and purposes for us.

As it's written, "eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, nor hath entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him". But the Spirit will reveal them unto us as we continue to grow in the knowing of our Father. And in His love, and hold fast to the truth of God as He has written in His word.

Ministry of the Spirit

The nation of Israel has left us with this understanding. We can't figure out what God has said. The teachers of the law in Jesus day were perplexed and amazed at the words that he spoke. They were ready to stone him, they accused him, they said he was possessed of a devil. This much is sure; of all their teaching and study it left them totally clueless! They had the "word of God", but no understanding.

The walk and life and work of Jesus was a mystery to the people of his day. There was no one on the earth who knew what he was doing. The scripture says, "if they had know, they would not have cruified the Lord of Glory." It was sealed up, and known only to God. The words of Jesus are beyond the minds of men. If not, why didn't they know. As Paul said, "the natural mind is at emity with God." "The natural man doesn't understand the things of God, they are spiritually discerned."

How then can we understand? In ourselves we can't. But Jesus has provided the way. The Holy Spirit of God. When the word of God is proclaimed, the Spirit works in our hearts convincing us of it's truth. As Jesus said, "when the Spirit is come He will convict the world of sin, righteouness, and judgement." Therefore we see to be born of God, we accept the testimony of the Spirit, and receive the word, and the word and the Spirit produce the life in us. As Jesus said, "unless you are born of the Spirit, you can not see the kingdom of God."

This is of major importance when dealing with the unsaved, and also why we are instructed to speak with grace. They will not understand the words so much, but they will understand the spirit by which the testimony is given. All natural men are in darkness, the light of the Spirit will illuminate the word of God. So we conclude that indeed it is all by grace, the unmerited favor of God.

Seeing then that we started with the Spirit, we should also walk with the Spirit. To learn to "stop, look, and listen", and be instructed by the Spirit. We have all received the Spirit that we may know the things freely given to us, that is we who have been born of God. Through the testimony concerning His Son. As the Spirit instructed us into this salvation, he will also lead us into all truth. Our natural mind will not, our own understanding will not, only the revelation and quickening and witness of the Spirit within us can teach us.

The word of God is food, not an intellectual jig-saw puzzle. As recorded, the meat, and the milk of the word. Paul said he wrote with words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual words. If Paul had to be taught what to write, then surly we have to be taught what they mean. If we where to presume to "know the mind of God", to "be sure I know the doctrines", or any other such boast, we can be sure it's the speech of a fool. Let's not go beyond what we do know and boast of things we know not. The Spirit will lead the humble, but oppose the arrogant.

Consider the works of the Spirit; the stars in the heavens are the result of His power. The names and numbers their size and weight. The orbits and configurations are all known. There eternal purpose and end glory, the whole of their realm and reason for exsistence. This the Spirit worked, all accourding to the mind of God and the Word of God. Understanding all these and producing them by His power. Not only, but of all the planets, and folage, and animals, and everthing that was or is in the mind of God, that was spoken, He has produced all this. Of things of the heavens, or of the things on the earth, and that which regards man and his purposes. Such knowledge is to wonderful for the mind of man.

Back to our case, the Spirit within is to create the realitys of the word, not only to us, but to produce it in us. As written, "we are living epistles". This is food, not a mental exercise. It to grow us into the likeness and people where God dwells. In reality not in theory. There is discussion on two experiences of the Spirit. I myself have had not only two, but twenty. And if I have two hundred I still will need more to become the person that the Lord has made me in the "new creation". Not that any thing is lacking in me, but the understanding of what "the Lord has done" is not complete. The gifts of the Spirit are unlimited, can God be limited? These are listed to encourage us to "seek, ask, and knock" to know the power and the love of God, to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Let's set aside all our differences and press in to know the Father, and to bring Him glory, and honor, and praises.