I am dealing with the subject of our being Tested which is an unpopular term and is often denied by today's religious institutions but that does not change it fact and reality. Before getting there I will look to Pastor Hoekstra's pen and writing on Grace and the Holy Spirit. Then as has become a standard I will use the ESV translation and remember that I will editing all things as the LORD leads.
"Results of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit"
"Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:18-21)
"When a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, what will the results be in his life? What evidences will develop to validate the work of the Spirit in fullness? In some church traditions, which give considerable attention to the fullness of the Spirit, limited evidences are stressed (such as those mentioned often in Acts: tongues, prophecy, or boldness). The full biblical picture is much larger than this viewpoint.
Ephesians 5:18-21 is a classic example of the scriptures broad perspective on this subject. In Ephesians 5:18, the command is given to "be filled with the Spirit." The subsequent verses of Ephesians 5:19-21, list the spiritual consequences that will follow in a life that is characteristically Spirit filled.
When a believer in Jesus Christ is living in the fullness of the Spirit, he will be led and empowered unto fellowship with, and ministry to others: "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." These words fit those times when believers gather together for spiritual celebration through music. Some of the music of the church is directed toward other believers in the form of exhortation and edification. A Spirit filled Christian will be involved in "one another's life" in the Body of Christ.
Closely related to this, however, is the essential presence of a worshiping heart: "singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD." Genuine fellowship and effective ministry flows forth from an inner life focused in adoration upon the LORD Christ Himself. A Spirit filled Christian will be a worshiper of the True and Living GOD.
Further, when a disciple of Jesus is filled with the Spirit, his life will typically overflow with thanksgiving: "giving thanks always for all things to GOD the Father in (through) the name of our LORD Jesus Christ." The world and the flesh produce complaints and dissatisfaction. The Spirit of the LORD stirs gratitude and appreciation.
Additionally, servant-hood submission is a common attribute of one who is Spirit filled: "submitting to one another in the reverence and adoration of GOD." Natural humanity wants to control people and exercise mastery over them. The Spirit of Christ, the servant of all (Matthew 20:28), brings forth humble service from those who revere the LORD."
Spiritual Tests a Divine Method used for testing believers:
By Demanding Great Sacrifices,
Genesis 22:1-8 and Exodus 20:20 "After these things GOD tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering (Romans 12:1-3 with Deuteronomy 6:3-7) on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together."
Exodus 20:18-21 "Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die." Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for GOD has come to test you, that the fear (reverence and respect) of Him may be before you, that you may not sin." The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where GOD was."
By Leading Men in a Difficult Way,
Deuteronomy 8:1-10 and 13:3 "The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And HE humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that HE might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in His ways and by fearing (reverencing and respecting) Him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you."
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
By Giving Opportunities for Choices,
1Kings 3:3-5, 2Chronicles 32:31, Psalm 7:9, 11:5 and 17:3 "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and GOD said, "Ask what I shall give you."
2Chronicles 32:27-31 "Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for GOD had given him very great possessions. This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart."
Psalm 7:6-11 "Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; lift Yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; You have appointed a judgment. Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about You; over it return on high. For the LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may You establish the righteous—You Who test the minds and hearts, O righteous GOD! My shield is with God, Who saves the upright in heart. GOD is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day."
Psalm 11:4-7 "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man. The LORD tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is Righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face."
Psalm 17:1-5 "Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right! You have tried my heart, You have visited me by night, You have tested me, and You will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. With regard to the works of man, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your path; my feet have not slipped."
By Proposing Hard Tasks,
John 6:1-14 and 11:6 "After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following Him, because they saw the signs that He was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down (taking the seat of a college professor as the central figure of all authority) with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Hebrews, was at hand. Lifting up His eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward Him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" He said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little." One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, He told His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that He had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet Who is to come into the world!"
John 11:1-16 "Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, he whom You love is ill." But when Jesus heard it He said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of GOD, so that the Son of GOD may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." After saying these things, He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." The disciples said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." So Thomas, called the Twin, said to His fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."
By Permitting Men to Suffer when in the Pathway of Duty,
(such as Paul ans Silas) Acts 16:19-24 "But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the (these were the Jewish elite who opposed those of the Way as their) rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Hebrews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks."
By Permitting Temptations,
James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Monday, March 7, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Health required for Righteousness)
Spiritual Health and Righteousness before GOD is required by all and one way of proving our right and qualification for Righteousness is by way of testing us. Over the period of years that myself and my wife were among the religious institutions trying to fit in and find a place of belonging none was found, though many claimed to be what later turned out to be false. Now for Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace and the Holy Spirit and how HE works within us. And then I will look at our spiritual life tested by the LORD with the use of the ESV translation with some editing as the LORD directs. Our natural tendencies are to oppose the works of GOD as man is resistant to change and changes of all kinds, this the LORD has called rebellion and unbelief which is sin. This known means that the resistance that the spiritual person faces is from the natural earthy and worldly man who loves sin and opposes righteousness.
"Spirit Fullness: A Way of Life, Not Merely Events"
"Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them . . . the place . . . was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." (Acts 2:3-4; 4:8, 31; and Ephesians 5:18)
"When we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our lives thereafter (1Corinthians 3:16). At times after new birth, our lives may be repeatedly filled to overflowing by the empowering presence of the Spirit. The testimony of the early disciples illustrates this.
On the day of Pentecost, the 120 followers of Jesus were filled with the Spirit. "Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." Subsequently, the Apostle Peter, who was originally filled on Pentecost, was again filled as he stood before the religious hierarchy of Israel, the Jews. "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them." After this encounter, Peter joined the other disciples for a prayer meeting. "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." In this event, those who had been filled with the Spirit at Pentecost were filled a second time. Peter, who had been so filled twice before, was filled a third time. Therefore, it is evident that the filling of the Spirit is not a once for all time matter.
Furthermore, being filled with the Spirit is not automatic or universal for Christians, as is the indwelling of the Spirit. This fact can be clearly seen in the instruction given in Ephesians 5:18. "And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." Since this is a command and not a description, it only becomes a personal reality to those who respond properly. Our being born within a group or church that claims to be "Christian" does not automatically mean that we are a "Christians" nor is it true that to be an American makes one a "Christian" either. There has to be an Obedience to GODS word, will and law before new Life becomes imbibed within us. And it is this imbibing that is repeated many times as the spring and later rains fall on the earth, this is also known as Abundance of Grace making Grace a spiritual thing required by all.
Additionally, the form of this command contains tremendous insight concerning the fullness of the Spirit and GOD's desire for us. The injunction to "be filled with the Spirit" is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing condition. It could properly (though awkwardly) be translated "be (always) being filled." This imperative is a call to a way of living, not merely periodic events. It is the Will of GOD that we actually live, day by day, more and more, by the fullness of the Spirit's empowering work. We should humbly pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we face each day, each challenge, each opportunity of life."
LIFE TESTED by the LORD:
The Inward Life Tried,
Psalm 17:1-5, 6 and Daniel 12:10 "Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right! You have tried my heart, You have visited me by night, You have tested me, and You will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. With regard to the works of man, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your path; my feet have not slipped.
I call upon You, for You will answer me, O GOD; incline Your ear to me; hear my words."
Daniel 12:5-13 "Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?" And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by Him Who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?" He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days (this being the 31/2 years of Jesus' ministry). Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days (this took place in Acts 2). But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days."
The Refining Process:
Zechariah 13:7-9 "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, against the man who stands next to Me," declares the LORD of Hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn My hand against the little ones. In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. And I Will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon My name, and I Will answer them. I Will say, 'They are My people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my GOD.'"
Malachi 3:1-4 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming, and who can stand when HE appears? For HE is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. HE Will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and HE Will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years."
The Test of the Storm:
Luke 6:46-49 (Jesus is speaking) "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
The Final Test:
1Corinthians 3:10-15 and James 1:12 "According to the Grace of GOD given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."
James 1:12-18 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of Life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by GOD," for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, and HE Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (spirits) with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of HIS Own Will HE brought us forth by the word of Truth (Christ), that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
"Spirit Fullness: A Way of Life, Not Merely Events"
"Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them . . . the place . . . was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." (Acts 2:3-4; 4:8, 31; and Ephesians 5:18)
"When we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our lives thereafter (1Corinthians 3:16). At times after new birth, our lives may be repeatedly filled to overflowing by the empowering presence of the Spirit. The testimony of the early disciples illustrates this.
On the day of Pentecost, the 120 followers of Jesus were filled with the Spirit. "Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." Subsequently, the Apostle Peter, who was originally filled on Pentecost, was again filled as he stood before the religious hierarchy of Israel, the Jews. "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them." After this encounter, Peter joined the other disciples for a prayer meeting. "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." In this event, those who had been filled with the Spirit at Pentecost were filled a second time. Peter, who had been so filled twice before, was filled a third time. Therefore, it is evident that the filling of the Spirit is not a once for all time matter.
Furthermore, being filled with the Spirit is not automatic or universal for Christians, as is the indwelling of the Spirit. This fact can be clearly seen in the instruction given in Ephesians 5:18. "And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." Since this is a command and not a description, it only becomes a personal reality to those who respond properly. Our being born within a group or church that claims to be "Christian" does not automatically mean that we are a "Christians" nor is it true that to be an American makes one a "Christian" either. There has to be an Obedience to GODS word, will and law before new Life becomes imbibed within us. And it is this imbibing that is repeated many times as the spring and later rains fall on the earth, this is also known as Abundance of Grace making Grace a spiritual thing required by all.
Additionally, the form of this command contains tremendous insight concerning the fullness of the Spirit and GOD's desire for us. The injunction to "be filled with the Spirit" is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing condition. It could properly (though awkwardly) be translated "be (always) being filled." This imperative is a call to a way of living, not merely periodic events. It is the Will of GOD that we actually live, day by day, more and more, by the fullness of the Spirit's empowering work. We should humbly pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we face each day, each challenge, each opportunity of life."
LIFE TESTED by the LORD:
The Inward Life Tried,
Psalm 17:1-5, 6 and Daniel 12:10 "Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right! You have tried my heart, You have visited me by night, You have tested me, and You will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. With regard to the works of man, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your path; my feet have not slipped.
I call upon You, for You will answer me, O GOD; incline Your ear to me; hear my words."
Daniel 12:5-13 "Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?" And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by Him Who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?" He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days (this being the 31/2 years of Jesus' ministry). Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days (this took place in Acts 2). But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days."
The Refining Process:
Zechariah 13:7-9 "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, against the man who stands next to Me," declares the LORD of Hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn My hand against the little ones. In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. And I Will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon My name, and I Will answer them. I Will say, 'They are My people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my GOD.'"
Malachi 3:1-4 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming, and who can stand when HE appears? For HE is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. HE Will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and HE Will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years."
The Test of the Storm:
Luke 6:46-49 (Jesus is speaking) "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
The Final Test:
1Corinthians 3:10-15 and James 1:12 "According to the Grace of GOD given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."
James 1:12-18 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of Life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by GOD," for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, and HE Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (spirits) with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of HIS Own Will HE brought us forth by the word of Truth (Christ), that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Health required for Righteousness)
I have been dealing with the restoration of Spiritual Health and its relationship with Righteousness being restored to those are One with Christ and so I will continue. But first Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace and the Holy Spirit. Then on ward into my subject with the use of the ESV translation and as always I will edit as the LORD leads me. Christ being the Spirit of Truth as revealed elsewhere.
"Holy Spirit Empowering: Three Terms, One Reality"
"You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now . . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:5, 8; and Acts 2:4)
"When the book of Acts addresses Holy Spirit's empowerment for ministry, three different terms are used to describe the same reality. When Jesus promised this power, He used the term "baptized with." "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." When He indicated that this power would result in a worldwide witness, the term "come upon you" was used." You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Then, when these promises of the Spirit were fulfilled, the term employed was "filled with." "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."
It is clear that these three sets of terms in Acts 1 and 2 are all referring to the same spiritual phenomenon which Jesus Himself experienced. When the Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' followers for witnessing of Him, in spirit by the Spirit and Truth. Each terminology may carry its own descriptive implications. To be "baptized with" the Spirit is like being inundated by Him. To have the Spirit "come upon you" is like being "impacted from above" by Him. To be "filled with" the Spirit is like overflowing with Him. Nevertheless, although the words each bring their own picture, they all are describing the same reality. All three terms are biblically accurate, although "filled with the Holy Spirit" is used most frequently throughout Acts.
These Promises of Holy Spirit's empowering cannot be monopolized by any of religions many denominational groups or theological heritage. Nor can they be ignored by any individual or segment within the Body of Christ. These Truths are for all of GOD's children. Every disciple of the LORD Christ Jesus must continue to learn and to grow in this essential spiritual empowerment.
Perhaps a word of clarification is in order. These Promises are about the Spirit's indwelling the people of GOD. The Holy Spirit definitely lives within every born again believer in Jesus Christ. "Do you not know that you are the temple of GOD and that the Spirit of GOD dwells in you?" (1Corinthians 3:16). The Spirit already lived within the apostles when they were given these Promises. "And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (John 20:22). These Promises are about the indwelling Spirit flooding and overflowing our lives with the empowering reality of His presence." But to what degree, could be asked as He comes in as a fully grown mature Spirit but our spirit is not so at that point. It requires training and nurturing as any child does.
Righteousness tends to Spiritual Life:
Deuteronomy 32:44-47 and Proverbs 4:22 "Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess."
Proverbs 4:20-27 "My son, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Proverbs 11:17-25 "A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Proverbs 12:24-28 and 19:23 "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death."
Proverbs 19:16-23 "Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises His ways will die. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He Will repay him for his deed. Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to Life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."
Ezekiel 20:5-17, 18-21 "Thus says the Lord GOD: On the day when I chose Israel, I swore to the offspring of the house of Jacob, making Myself known to them in the land of Egypt; I swore to them, saying, I am the LORD your God. On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands. And I said to them, Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. But they rebelled against ME and were not willing to listen to ME. None of them cast away the detestable things their eyes feasted on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. "Then I said I would pour out MY wrath upon them and spend MY anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. But I acted for the sake of MY name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt. So I led them out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. I gave them MY statutes and made known to them MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live. Moreover, I gave them MY Sabbaths, as a sign between ME and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. But the house of Israel rebelled against ME in the wilderness. They did not walk in MY statutes but rejected MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and MY Sabbaths they greatly profaned. "Then I said I would pour out MY wrath upon them in the wilderness, to make a full end of them. But I acted for the sake of MY name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. Moreover, I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land that I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands, because they rejected MY rules and did not walk in MY statutes, and profaned MY Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols. Nevertheless, MY eye spared them, and I did not destroy them or make a full end of them in the wilderness.
"And I said to their children in the wilderness, Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor keep their rules, nor defile yourselves with their idols. I am the LORD your God; walk in MY statutes, and be careful to obey MY rules, and keep MY Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between ME and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God. But the children rebelled against ME. They did not walk in MY statutes and were not careful to obey MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; they profaned MY Sabbaths."
Ezekiel 33:14-16, 17-20 "Again, though I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.
"Yet your people say, 'The way of the LORD is not just,' when it is their own way that is not just. When the righteous turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it. And when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he shall live by this. Yet you say, 'The way of the LORD is not just.' O house of Israel, I Will judge each of you according to his ways."
Luke 10:25-29 and Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 "A lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Romans 10:5-13 "For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (to be healed in spirit which is Salvation, restored to GOD as a Christ one). For with the heart one believes and is Justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved (repeated here again to show its importance). For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between (should be Hebrew instead of the higher heretical elites of the) Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is LORD of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For "everyone who calls on the name of LORD Will be saved (is restored to spiritual health, which is Salvation, as a Christ one)."
Galatians 3:10-14 "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before GOD by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the Promised Spirit through faith."
"Holy Spirit Empowering: Three Terms, One Reality"
"You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now . . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:5, 8; and Acts 2:4)
"When the book of Acts addresses Holy Spirit's empowerment for ministry, three different terms are used to describe the same reality. When Jesus promised this power, He used the term "baptized with." "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." When He indicated that this power would result in a worldwide witness, the term "come upon you" was used." You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Then, when these promises of the Spirit were fulfilled, the term employed was "filled with." "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."
It is clear that these three sets of terms in Acts 1 and 2 are all referring to the same spiritual phenomenon which Jesus Himself experienced. When the Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' followers for witnessing of Him, in spirit by the Spirit and Truth. Each terminology may carry its own descriptive implications. To be "baptized with" the Spirit is like being inundated by Him. To have the Spirit "come upon you" is like being "impacted from above" by Him. To be "filled with" the Spirit is like overflowing with Him. Nevertheless, although the words each bring their own picture, they all are describing the same reality. All three terms are biblically accurate, although "filled with the Holy Spirit" is used most frequently throughout Acts.
These Promises of Holy Spirit's empowering cannot be monopolized by any of religions many denominational groups or theological heritage. Nor can they be ignored by any individual or segment within the Body of Christ. These Truths are for all of GOD's children. Every disciple of the LORD Christ Jesus must continue to learn and to grow in this essential spiritual empowerment.
Perhaps a word of clarification is in order. These Promises are about the Spirit's indwelling the people of GOD. The Holy Spirit definitely lives within every born again believer in Jesus Christ. "Do you not know that you are the temple of GOD and that the Spirit of GOD dwells in you?" (1Corinthians 3:16). The Spirit already lived within the apostles when they were given these Promises. "And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (John 20:22). These Promises are about the indwelling Spirit flooding and overflowing our lives with the empowering reality of His presence." But to what degree, could be asked as He comes in as a fully grown mature Spirit but our spirit is not so at that point. It requires training and nurturing as any child does.
Righteousness tends to Spiritual Life:
Deuteronomy 32:44-47 and Proverbs 4:22 "Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess."
Proverbs 4:20-27 "My son, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Proverbs 11:17-25 "A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Proverbs 12:24-28 and 19:23 "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death."
Proverbs 19:16-23 "Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises His ways will die. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He Will repay him for his deed. Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to Life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."
Ezekiel 20:5-17, 18-21 "Thus says the Lord GOD: On the day when I chose Israel, I swore to the offspring of the house of Jacob, making Myself known to them in the land of Egypt; I swore to them, saying, I am the LORD your God. On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands. And I said to them, Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. But they rebelled against ME and were not willing to listen to ME. None of them cast away the detestable things their eyes feasted on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. "Then I said I would pour out MY wrath upon them and spend MY anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. But I acted for the sake of MY name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt. So I led them out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. I gave them MY statutes and made known to them MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live. Moreover, I gave them MY Sabbaths, as a sign between ME and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. But the house of Israel rebelled against ME in the wilderness. They did not walk in MY statutes but rejected MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and MY Sabbaths they greatly profaned. "Then I said I would pour out MY wrath upon them in the wilderness, to make a full end of them. But I acted for the sake of MY name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. Moreover, I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land that I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands, because they rejected MY rules and did not walk in MY statutes, and profaned MY Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols. Nevertheless, MY eye spared them, and I did not destroy them or make a full end of them in the wilderness.
"And I said to their children in the wilderness, Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor keep their rules, nor defile yourselves with their idols. I am the LORD your God; walk in MY statutes, and be careful to obey MY rules, and keep MY Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between ME and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God. But the children rebelled against ME. They did not walk in MY statutes and were not careful to obey MY rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; they profaned MY Sabbaths."
Ezekiel 33:14-16, 17-20 "Again, though I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.
"Yet your people say, 'The way of the LORD is not just,' when it is their own way that is not just. When the righteous turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it. And when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he shall live by this. Yet you say, 'The way of the LORD is not just.' O house of Israel, I Will judge each of you according to his ways."
Luke 10:25-29 and Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 "A lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Romans 10:5-13 "For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (to be healed in spirit which is Salvation, restored to GOD as a Christ one). For with the heart one believes and is Justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved (repeated here again to show its importance). For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between (should be Hebrew instead of the higher heretical elites of the) Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is LORD of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For "everyone who calls on the name of LORD Will be saved (is restored to spiritual health, which is Salvation, as a Christ one)."
Galatians 3:10-14 "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before GOD by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the Promised Spirit through faith."
Friday, March 4, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Healtth restores Righteousness)
Moving on now to the Righteousness of GOD bestowed to those who become One with HIM again through the restoration of the Spirit within them. Pastor Hoekstra's writings have pointed us to the way of GODS Righteousness and for that reason I will share again from his pen his writing on Grace. The I will turn our attention towards GOD Righteousness. Making use of the ESV translation and will also edit as the LORD directs in both areas.
"Holy Spirit Power to be Witnesses"
"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
"After the cross and the resurrection, the now LORD Christ Jesus taught His disciples for forty days before He ascended to the Father to take HIS place at HIS right hand, the position of Authority as LORD and Christ. One of His strategic messages of preparation concerned the Holy Spirit enablement that we all would need to fulfill our ministry. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." After this vital Promise was given, Jesus was taken up into heaven to the right hand of the Father. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the Promise was fulfilled by the outpouring of the Spirit. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4). The grand result of this empowering would be the spread of the Gospel, region by region, throughout the entire world. "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Their success is documented in the scriptures. The religious opposition admitted that Jerusalem was promptly reached. "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" (Acts 5:28). Soon thereafter, Judea was being touched. "At that time a great persecution arose . . . and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea . . . Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:1, 4). Next, the message of Jesus entered Samaria. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip" (Acts 8:5-6). Finally, the Gospel of Grace poured out around the world. "The word of the truth of the Gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world" (Colossians 1:5-6).
This worldwide outreach was an astounding development, considering the unimpressive human credentials that characterized Jesus' followers. As these people were no longer just followers but has become one with HIM in Spirit and Truth. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). The explanation for their effectiveness was contained in the last phrase. These men had spent time with Jesus, had been impacted by Him, and were now walking in the spiritual strength of His Spirit, as Christ ones.
In order for any disciple (then or now) to be an effective demonstration of the reality of the risen Christ, they must live by the power of the Holy Spirit."
The Promise of Righteousness:
Job 36:1-16 "Elihu continued, and said: "Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on GOD's behalf. I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. "Behold, GOD is mighty, and does not despise any; HE is mighty in strength of understanding. HE does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right. He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne He sets them forever, and they are exalted. And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction, then HE declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity. If they listen and serve HIM, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. "The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when HE binds them. They die in youth, and their life ends among the cult prostitutes. He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity. He also allured you out of distress into a broad place where there was no cramping, and what was set on your table was full of fatness."
Psalm 34:15-18 "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Psalm 37:23-26 "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and His children become a blessing."
Psalm 92:10-15, Proverbs 3:32, 4:18, 12:13 and 20:7 "But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; You have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the House of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our GOD. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; HE is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in HIM."
Proverbs 3:27-35 "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"—when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in His confidence. The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but HE blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners He is scornful, but to the humble He gives His Grace. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace."
Proverbs 4:10-19 "Hear, My son, and accept My words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."
Proverbs 12:8-15 "A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
Proverbs 20:1-9 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin?"
Isaiah 3:1-12 "For behold, the LORD GOD of Hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support of bread, and all support of water; the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor and the skillful magician and the expert in charms. And I Will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them. And the people will oppress one another, every one his fellow and every one his neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the despised to the honorable. For a man will take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying: "You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule"; in that day he will speak out, saying: "I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people." For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him. My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths."
Matthew 13:36-43 "Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man Will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."
"Holy Spirit Power to be Witnesses"
"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
"After the cross and the resurrection, the now LORD Christ Jesus taught His disciples for forty days before He ascended to the Father to take HIS place at HIS right hand, the position of Authority as LORD and Christ. One of His strategic messages of preparation concerned the Holy Spirit enablement that we all would need to fulfill our ministry. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." After this vital Promise was given, Jesus was taken up into heaven to the right hand of the Father. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the Promise was fulfilled by the outpouring of the Spirit. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4). The grand result of this empowering would be the spread of the Gospel, region by region, throughout the entire world. "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Their success is documented in the scriptures. The religious opposition admitted that Jerusalem was promptly reached. "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" (Acts 5:28). Soon thereafter, Judea was being touched. "At that time a great persecution arose . . . and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea . . . Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:1, 4). Next, the message of Jesus entered Samaria. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip" (Acts 8:5-6). Finally, the Gospel of Grace poured out around the world. "The word of the truth of the Gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world" (Colossians 1:5-6).
This worldwide outreach was an astounding development, considering the unimpressive human credentials that characterized Jesus' followers. As these people were no longer just followers but has become one with HIM in Spirit and Truth. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). The explanation for their effectiveness was contained in the last phrase. These men had spent time with Jesus, had been impacted by Him, and were now walking in the spiritual strength of His Spirit, as Christ ones.
In order for any disciple (then or now) to be an effective demonstration of the reality of the risen Christ, they must live by the power of the Holy Spirit."
The Promise of Righteousness:
Job 36:1-16 "Elihu continued, and said: "Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on GOD's behalf. I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. "Behold, GOD is mighty, and does not despise any; HE is mighty in strength of understanding. HE does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right. He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne He sets them forever, and they are exalted. And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction, then HE declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity. If they listen and serve HIM, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. "The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when HE binds them. They die in youth, and their life ends among the cult prostitutes. He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity. He also allured you out of distress into a broad place where there was no cramping, and what was set on your table was full of fatness."
Psalm 34:15-18 "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Psalm 37:23-26 "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and His children become a blessing."
Psalm 92:10-15, Proverbs 3:32, 4:18, 12:13 and 20:7 "But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; You have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the House of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our GOD. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; HE is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in HIM."
Proverbs 3:27-35 "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"—when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in His confidence. The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but HE blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners He is scornful, but to the humble He gives His Grace. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace."
Proverbs 4:10-19 "Hear, My son, and accept My words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."
Proverbs 12:8-15 "A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
Proverbs 20:1-9 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin?"
Isaiah 3:1-12 "For behold, the LORD GOD of Hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support of bread, and all support of water; the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor and the skillful magician and the expert in charms. And I Will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them. And the people will oppress one another, every one his fellow and every one his neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the despised to the honorable. For a man will take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying: "You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule"; in that day he will speak out, saying: "I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people." For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him. My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths."
Matthew 13:36-43 "Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man Will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Health Restored to man, continued)
Today I am dealing with the promise of Spiritual Life from GODS perspective as this has been my habit from the beginning of this blog. I started with the mysteries which brought me up to the Promises. Now a look to Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace and the Holy Spirit. And then my completion of the Spiritual Health of Life restored within mans soul as Promised by GOD in Genesis 3:15, a law. As Genesis 2's eat not is a law of sin and death. Also keep in mind that I edit all things as the LORDS Spirit within me directs.
"Once More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
"In this prophetic scripture, we see the ministry of Christ is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit (as noted before in the manifestation of His godly character). "The Spirit of the LORD GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me."
By the empowering of the Spirit of Christ, Jesus was sent forth to "preach good tidings to the poor." This refers to the Gospel of Redemption through which Salvation is acquired. John introduced Redemption by repentance and the Lord Jesus Salvation through obedience to the Father and the Holy Spirit's restoration to mans soul. These two are so interrelated that they are often misunderstood until the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Christ reveals this to us. "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages . . . preaching the gospel of the kingdom" in Matthew 9:35. This good news of Salvation would be received by those who admitted their spiritual bankruptcy. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" in Matthew 5:3.
Also, Jesus was sent forth to "heal the brokenhearted." The heart of man can be broken by so many things: condemnation, grief, failure, betrayal, and more. Jesus the anointed instrument and divine messenger who allowed the Spirit to speak through Him brought comfort and restorations words to those who trust in Him. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" in Matthew 5:4.
Additionally, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." As with captive Israel of old, people today are in bondage to the worlds devilish schemes and systems. They are held captivate by worldly thinking, bound by bad habits, and imprisoned by ungodly relationships. Jesus is the great liberator for all who cry out to Him and feed thereafter upon His inspired word. "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free . . . Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed," in John 8:32 and 36.
Furthermore, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Ultimately, this speaks of the entire Age of Grace, whereby lives are accepted by GOD through faith in His beloved Son and enriched by Christ with immeasurable Spiritual Riches. "GOD . . . has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places in Christ . . . to the praise of the glory of His Grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved," as stated in Ephesians 1:3 and 6.
We are also sent forth to minister. "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). As it was with Jesus, we can only fulfill our calling by the same Holy Spirit Who empowered His ministry."
Spiritual Life:
Sustained by the Words of GOD,
Deuteronomy 8:1-10 and Isaiah 55:3 "The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that HE might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And HE humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that HE might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in His ways and by fearing (greatly revering) Him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land HE has given you."
Isaiah 55:1-3 "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live; and I Will make with you an everlasting covenant, My steadfast, sure love for David."
Secured through Faith,
John 5:18, 19-23, 24 and 20:31, Romans 6:11, 8:10 "This was why the Jews (those elite made up of doctors, lawyers, Priests and scribes) were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling GOD His own Father, making Himself equal with GOD.
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all that HE Himself is doing. And greater works than these will HE show Him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives Life to whom He Will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father Who sent Him.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My words and believes Him Who sent Me has Eternal Life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death (mans spirits natural state, a state similar to sleep suspension) to Life."
John 20:30-31 "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of GOD, and that by believing you may have Life in Him through His name."
Romans 6:8-11 "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live within Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the Life He lives He lives to GOD. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to GOD in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:9-11 "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness. If the Spirit of HIM Who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, HE Who raised Christ Jesus from the dead Will also give His Life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you."
Necessitates Death to Sin and Self,
2Corinthians 4:7-11, 12 and 5:15 and Galatians 2:20 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to GOD and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you."
2Corinthians 5:11-15, 16-17 "Therefore, knowing the fear of the LORD, we persuade others. But what we are is known to GOD, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for GOD; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the New has come."
Galatians 2:15-21 "We ourselves are Hebrews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be Justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be Justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law (of sin and death), so that I might live to GOD. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, Who loves me and gave Himself to me. I do not nullify the Grace of GOD, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."
Christ the Supreme Object,
Philippians 1:21-26 and 1Peter 4:6 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
1Peter 4:1-11 "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the Will of GOD. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him Who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of GOD's varied Grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of GOD; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that GOD supplies—in order that in everything GOD may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong Glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Love the Demonstration of,
1John 3:11-12, 13-22 "For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into Life, because we Love the brethren. Whoever does not posses selfless Love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has Eternal Life abiding in him. By this we know Love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does GOD's Love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the Truth (this is Christ) and reassure our heart before Him; for whenever our heart condemns us, GOD is Greater than our heart, and HE knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before GOD; and whatever we ask we receive from HIM, because we keep HIS commandments and do what pleases HIM."
"Once More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
"In this prophetic scripture, we see the ministry of Christ is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit (as noted before in the manifestation of His godly character). "The Spirit of the LORD GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me."
By the empowering of the Spirit of Christ, Jesus was sent forth to "preach good tidings to the poor." This refers to the Gospel of Redemption through which Salvation is acquired. John introduced Redemption by repentance and the Lord Jesus Salvation through obedience to the Father and the Holy Spirit's restoration to mans soul. These two are so interrelated that they are often misunderstood until the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Christ reveals this to us. "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages . . . preaching the gospel of the kingdom" in Matthew 9:35. This good news of Salvation would be received by those who admitted their spiritual bankruptcy. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" in Matthew 5:3.
Also, Jesus was sent forth to "heal the brokenhearted." The heart of man can be broken by so many things: condemnation, grief, failure, betrayal, and more. Jesus the anointed instrument and divine messenger who allowed the Spirit to speak through Him brought comfort and restorations words to those who trust in Him. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" in Matthew 5:4.
Additionally, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." As with captive Israel of old, people today are in bondage to the worlds devilish schemes and systems. They are held captivate by worldly thinking, bound by bad habits, and imprisoned by ungodly relationships. Jesus is the great liberator for all who cry out to Him and feed thereafter upon His inspired word. "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free . . . Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed," in John 8:32 and 36.
Furthermore, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Ultimately, this speaks of the entire Age of Grace, whereby lives are accepted by GOD through faith in His beloved Son and enriched by Christ with immeasurable Spiritual Riches. "GOD . . . has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places in Christ . . . to the praise of the glory of His Grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved," as stated in Ephesians 1:3 and 6.
We are also sent forth to minister. "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). As it was with Jesus, we can only fulfill our calling by the same Holy Spirit Who empowered His ministry."
Spiritual Life:
Sustained by the Words of GOD,
Deuteronomy 8:1-10 and Isaiah 55:3 "The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that HE might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And HE humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that HE might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in His ways and by fearing (greatly revering) Him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land HE has given you."
Isaiah 55:1-3 "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live; and I Will make with you an everlasting covenant, My steadfast, sure love for David."
Secured through Faith,
John 5:18, 19-23, 24 and 20:31, Romans 6:11, 8:10 "This was why the Jews (those elite made up of doctors, lawyers, Priests and scribes) were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling GOD His own Father, making Himself equal with GOD.
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all that HE Himself is doing. And greater works than these will HE show Him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives Life to whom He Will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father Who sent Him.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My words and believes Him Who sent Me has Eternal Life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death (mans spirits natural state, a state similar to sleep suspension) to Life."
John 20:30-31 "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of GOD, and that by believing you may have Life in Him through His name."
Romans 6:8-11 "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live within Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the Life He lives He lives to GOD. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to GOD in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:9-11 "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness. If the Spirit of HIM Who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, HE Who raised Christ Jesus from the dead Will also give His Life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you."
Necessitates Death to Sin and Self,
2Corinthians 4:7-11, 12 and 5:15 and Galatians 2:20 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to GOD and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you."
2Corinthians 5:11-15, 16-17 "Therefore, knowing the fear of the LORD, we persuade others. But what we are is known to GOD, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for GOD; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the New has come."
Galatians 2:15-21 "We ourselves are Hebrews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be Justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be Justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law (of sin and death), so that I might live to GOD. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, Who loves me and gave Himself to me. I do not nullify the Grace of GOD, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."
Christ the Supreme Object,
Philippians 1:21-26 and 1Peter 4:6 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
1Peter 4:1-11 "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the Will of GOD. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him Who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of GOD's varied Grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of GOD; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that GOD supplies—in order that in everything GOD may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong Glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Love the Demonstration of,
1John 3:11-12, 13-22 "For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into Life, because we Love the brethren. Whoever does not posses selfless Love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has Eternal Life abiding in him. By this we know Love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does GOD's Love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the Truth (this is Christ) and reassure our heart before Him; for whenever our heart condemns us, GOD is Greater than our heart, and HE knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before GOD; and whatever we ask we receive from HIM, because we keep HIS commandments and do what pleases HIM."
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Health Restored to man, continued)
I am on the last leg of my subject targeted area dealing with mans spiritual health restored within him and the last subject is our spiritual Renewal and Strength. Our being Renewed by the Holy Spirit in this Spiritual Renewal. But first lets hear from Pastor Hoekstra's pen and his target subject of Grace and the Holy Spirit. Then as has become my habit I will use the ESV translation and do some editing as the LORD the Spirit leads in both areas, while sharing the subject.
"More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"A Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:1-2)
"In this prophecy of Israel's and humanities, as it turned out, Messiah, that is to say Christ, we are told how the Lord Jesus (walking upon earth as a man) would function in order to manifest godliness. He would live by this prophetic promise: "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him."
The Holy Spirit operating in Jesus would be to Him "the Spirit of wisdom and understanding." No one ever displayed wisdom like Christ. Whether dealing with the woman taken in adultery in John 8:2-11 or answering provoking questions about Caesar's image on a coin in Luke 20:20-26, He wisely circumvented every attempt to undermine His ministry. Jesus also demonstrated perfect understanding. When confronting the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-35, He applied perfect discernment, exposing the corruption of their hearts.
Operating in Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of counsel and might." Jesus was truly the "Wonderful Counselor" of Isaiah 9:6. When counseling Nicodemus, the religious ruler in John 3:1-21, and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-42, He fully gave them what their hearts were seeking in the truths they needed to hear. Also, Jesus distinctively exhibited the might of GOD. Whether boldly speaking to calm the raging sea in Mark 4:35-41 or courageously remaining silent at His trial in Matthew 27:11-14, the mighty power of GOD was on majestic display.
Ministering to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." No one ever possessed knowledge like the Lord Jesus. "Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" in John 2:24. "Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father" in John 13:1. Jesus not only had thorough knowledge, but that knowledge was always controlled by "the fear of the LORD." Everything that Jesus ever did was under the full influence of His godly fear (reverential trust and loving respect) toward the Father. "The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" was His witness of testimony, this time in John 2:17. Jesus exercised extreme self control of Himself through out His earthly walk though at times His deity showed in hostility towards the Jewish hierarchy when He spung a cord of nine tails and used it as a whip to run off the sellers and money changers in Matthew 21:12.
Remember, all of these wondrous expressions of Jesus' character were based upon the enabling work of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him." This same Spirit of GOD can bring forth in our own lives every appropriate application of these same realities manifested in the life of Jesus."
Strength and Renewal by the Holy Spirit, our spiritual Renewal:
Psalm 51:10-13 "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You."
Isaiah 40:27-31 and 41:1 "Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might HE increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 41:1-4 "Listen to Me in silence, O coast lands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment. Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before Him, so that HE tramples kings underfoot; HE makes them like dust with His sword, like driven stubble with His bow. He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths His feet have not trod. Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am HE."
Romans 12:1-2 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the Will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2Corinthians 4:16-18 and Ephesians 4:23 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are Eternal."
Ephesians 4:17-24 "Now this I say and testify in the LORD, that you must no longer walk as the (earthy worldly religious) Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the Life of GOD because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught by Him, as the Truth (look closely at Romans 8:9) is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of GOD in true righteousness and holiness."
Special note interjected here after reading this last passage, Romans 8:9 should take on new meaning for all, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to HIM."
Colossians 3:5-11 "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of GOD is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in (as one with) them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Hebrew or Jewish elitist, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is All, and in all."
Titus 3:1-11 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of GOD our Savior appeared, HE saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom HE poured out on us richly through Christ Jesus our Savior, so that being justified by His Grace we might become heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in GOD may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
How many have received the Spirit Christ is my concern and motivation......how many have been raised from spiritual death is the next concern?
"More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"A Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:1-2)
"In this prophecy of Israel's and humanities, as it turned out, Messiah, that is to say Christ, we are told how the Lord Jesus (walking upon earth as a man) would function in order to manifest godliness. He would live by this prophetic promise: "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him."
The Holy Spirit operating in Jesus would be to Him "the Spirit of wisdom and understanding." No one ever displayed wisdom like Christ. Whether dealing with the woman taken in adultery in John 8:2-11 or answering provoking questions about Caesar's image on a coin in Luke 20:20-26, He wisely circumvented every attempt to undermine His ministry. Jesus also demonstrated perfect understanding. When confronting the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-35, He applied perfect discernment, exposing the corruption of their hearts.
Operating in Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of counsel and might." Jesus was truly the "Wonderful Counselor" of Isaiah 9:6. When counseling Nicodemus, the religious ruler in John 3:1-21, and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-42, He fully gave them what their hearts were seeking in the truths they needed to hear. Also, Jesus distinctively exhibited the might of GOD. Whether boldly speaking to calm the raging sea in Mark 4:35-41 or courageously remaining silent at His trial in Matthew 27:11-14, the mighty power of GOD was on majestic display.
Ministering to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." No one ever possessed knowledge like the Lord Jesus. "Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" in John 2:24. "Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father" in John 13:1. Jesus not only had thorough knowledge, but that knowledge was always controlled by "the fear of the LORD." Everything that Jesus ever did was under the full influence of His godly fear (reverential trust and loving respect) toward the Father. "The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" was His witness of testimony, this time in John 2:17. Jesus exercised extreme self control of Himself through out His earthly walk though at times His deity showed in hostility towards the Jewish hierarchy when He spung a cord of nine tails and used it as a whip to run off the sellers and money changers in Matthew 21:12.
Remember, all of these wondrous expressions of Jesus' character were based upon the enabling work of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him." This same Spirit of GOD can bring forth in our own lives every appropriate application of these same realities manifested in the life of Jesus."
Strength and Renewal by the Holy Spirit, our spiritual Renewal:
Psalm 51:10-13 "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You."
Isaiah 40:27-31 and 41:1 "Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might HE increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 41:1-4 "Listen to Me in silence, O coast lands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment. Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before Him, so that HE tramples kings underfoot; HE makes them like dust with His sword, like driven stubble with His bow. He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths His feet have not trod. Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am HE."
Romans 12:1-2 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the Will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2Corinthians 4:16-18 and Ephesians 4:23 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are Eternal."
Ephesians 4:17-24 "Now this I say and testify in the LORD, that you must no longer walk as the (earthy worldly religious) Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the Life of GOD because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught by Him, as the Truth (look closely at Romans 8:9) is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of GOD in true righteousness and holiness."
Special note interjected here after reading this last passage, Romans 8:9 should take on new meaning for all, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of GOD dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to HIM."
Colossians 3:5-11 "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of GOD is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in (as one with) them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Hebrew or Jewish elitist, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is All, and in all."
Titus 3:1-11 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of GOD our Savior appeared, HE saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom HE poured out on us richly through Christ Jesus our Savior, so that being justified by His Grace we might become heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in GOD may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
How many have received the Spirit Christ is my concern and motivation......how many have been raised from spiritual death is the next concern?
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (Spiritual Health Restored to man, continued)
From the very beginning and creation of the blog the LORD has been revealing Himself as the Christ, Messiah in Whom the anointing resides. It is this anointing of Life, Love and Light that imparts to the hidden seed within all human beings the ability to receive Life and Light that all seeds of nature have. This was first Promised to man after he fell into darkness and sin by disobedience which brought deaths separation from the One true GOD and Father of Life and spirit, this spirit is the center of all that is spoken of throughout the word of GODS revelation of Christ's restoration from Genesis to Revelations end. Not for Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace. And then with the use of the ESV translation at look into the teaching concerning Regeneration, the restoring of spiritual health to man. And again I will take liberty to edit as the LORD the Spirit of Christ in Truth leads. Here is a key to all understanding, in GODS eyes there is but One Family, One House, One Nation in which HE Promises to dwell among.
"Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"That which is conceived in her (Mary the Promised vehicle through whom GOD would come, a virgin girl) is of the Holy Spirit . . . and He saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon Him . . . Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 4:1)
"We gain great insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives by considering the work of the Spirit in the life of Jesus. From the very beginning of Jesus' history upon earth as Emmanuel, GOD with us, the Holy Spirit was involved. When Joseph was troubled over Mary's pregnancy, an angel comforted him by announcing: "That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Jesus' conception was not of man, but of the Spirit. In much the same way this is repeated with each new generation within each one of us.
When Jesus was identifying Himself with sinful humanity through His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit was again at work. "And He saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon Him." Here, as Jesus was presenting Himself for the commencing of His public ministry as Messiah, the Spirit of GOD came upon Him for authentication and empowering. The Son of GOD came to earth as a servant, laying aside the independent exercise of His ongoing deity. Jesus "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He would serve in dependency upon the Spirit. Jesus' ministry would not be of man (even the perfect Man), but of GOD. Jesus very well could have said within Himself after His baptism as required Hebrew custom that He was now Spirit and to the Spirit He would operate. We see this in the language used within the old testament. So Jesus gave Himself to the Spirit now actively working within Him. This was the pattern used by Saul after his conversion on the Damascus road meeting with the LORD.
When Jesus went forth from His baptism to fulfill His calling, the Spirit was still fully engaged in His life. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Although Jesus never ceased to be GOD, the Son, He would not lead Himself about through reliance upon His divine omniscience (His perfect and complete knowledge). His guidance would not be of man (flesh), but of GOD (Spirit).
These three glimpses into the work of the Spirit in Jesus' life have implications for us. First, the Holy Spirit had to be working for Jesus to be birthed here on earth. The same Spirit of GOD has to work for us to be born into the Family of GOD. "Unless one is born of . . . the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of GOD" (John 3:5). Second, the Holy Spirit was active in the ministry of Jesus as Messiah (Christ). The Spirit must be the one Who brings us spiritual validation and power in our service of GOD (bearing HIS witness as fruit): "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). Third, Jesus looked to the Spirit to lead and guide Him through life. We also need that same work of the Spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, these are sons of GOD" (Romans 8:14).
The teaching concerning Regeneration,
Birth of a New Spirit:
Ezekiel 36:22-32 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the LORD GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of My Holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I Will vindicate the Holiness of MY great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the LORD GOD, when through you I vindicate MY Holiness before their eyes. I Will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I Will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness's, and from all your idols I Will cleanse you. And I Will give you a New heart, and a New spirit I Will put within you. And I Will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I Will put MY Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes and be careful to obey MY rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be MY people, and I Will be your GOD. And I Will deliver you from all your uncleanness's. And I Will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I Will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations. It is not for your sake that I Will act, declares the LORD GOD; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel."
Of Divine Origin:
John 1:9-13 The true Light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came first to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of GOD, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of GOD."
Essential to Spiritual Vision:
John 3:1-3 "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Hebrews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that You do unless GOD is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of GOD."
A New Creation:
2Corinthians 5:16-19, 20 "From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard HIM thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the (Promised) New has come. All this is from GOD, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ, GOD making HIS Divine appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to GOD."
Necessary for Salvation:
Titus 3:1-11 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of GOD our Savior appeared, HE saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to HIS own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom HE poured out on us richly through Christ our Savior, so that being justified by HIS Grace (the early and later rains poured out or given in abundance as required) we might become heirs according to the hope of HIS Eternal Life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in GOD may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
By the Word of GOD:
1Peter 1:17-21, 22-25 and 1John 2:29, 3:9, 4:7 "If you call on HIM as Father Who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers (receivers) of GOD, Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him Glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to this Truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the Living and abiding word of GOD; for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the LORD remains forever." And this word is the Good News that is preached (proclaimed) to you."
1John 2:26-27, 28-29 "I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing (Christ) that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.
And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when HE appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is Righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him."1John 3:4-10 "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that HE appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there was no sin. No one who abides in HIM keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known HIM. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is Righteous, as HE is Righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of GOD appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of GOD makes a practice of sinning, for GOD's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of GOD. By this it is evident who are the children of GOD, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor is the one who does not love his brother."
1John 4:7-14, 15 "Beloved, let us love one another, for selfless Love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD. Anyone who does not love selflessly does not know GOD, because GOD is selfless Love. In this the Love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent HIS only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is Love, not that we have loved GOD but that HE loves us and sent HIS Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so Loves us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD of Love abides in us and HIS Love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent HIS Son to be the Savior of the world.
Whoever confesses that Christ is Jesus, and Jesus is the Son of GOD, GOD abides in him, and he in GOD." (John 17's Prayer)
In Obedience of Faith:
1John 5:1-4 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of GOD, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of HIM. By this we know that we love the children of GOD, when we love GOD and obey HIS commandments. For this is the Love of GOD, that we keep HIS commandments. And HIS commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Right now I am headed toward Spiritual Renewal as the next proof of what has been shared thus far.
"Jesus and the Holy Spirit"
"That which is conceived in her (Mary the Promised vehicle through whom GOD would come, a virgin girl) is of the Holy Spirit . . . and He saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon Him . . . Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 4:1)
"We gain great insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives by considering the work of the Spirit in the life of Jesus. From the very beginning of Jesus' history upon earth as Emmanuel, GOD with us, the Holy Spirit was involved. When Joseph was troubled over Mary's pregnancy, an angel comforted him by announcing: "That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Jesus' conception was not of man, but of the Spirit. In much the same way this is repeated with each new generation within each one of us.
When Jesus was identifying Himself with sinful humanity through His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit was again at work. "And He saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon Him." Here, as Jesus was presenting Himself for the commencing of His public ministry as Messiah, the Spirit of GOD came upon Him for authentication and empowering. The Son of GOD came to earth as a servant, laying aside the independent exercise of His ongoing deity. Jesus "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He would serve in dependency upon the Spirit. Jesus' ministry would not be of man (even the perfect Man), but of GOD. Jesus very well could have said within Himself after His baptism as required Hebrew custom that He was now Spirit and to the Spirit He would operate. We see this in the language used within the old testament. So Jesus gave Himself to the Spirit now actively working within Him. This was the pattern used by Saul after his conversion on the Damascus road meeting with the LORD.
When Jesus went forth from His baptism to fulfill His calling, the Spirit was still fully engaged in His life. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Although Jesus never ceased to be GOD, the Son, He would not lead Himself about through reliance upon His divine omniscience (His perfect and complete knowledge). His guidance would not be of man (flesh), but of GOD (Spirit).
These three glimpses into the work of the Spirit in Jesus' life have implications for us. First, the Holy Spirit had to be working for Jesus to be birthed here on earth. The same Spirit of GOD has to work for us to be born into the Family of GOD. "Unless one is born of . . . the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of GOD" (John 3:5). Second, the Holy Spirit was active in the ministry of Jesus as Messiah (Christ). The Spirit must be the one Who brings us spiritual validation and power in our service of GOD (bearing HIS witness as fruit): "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). Third, Jesus looked to the Spirit to lead and guide Him through life. We also need that same work of the Spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, these are sons of GOD" (Romans 8:14).
The teaching concerning Regeneration,
Birth of a New Spirit:
Ezekiel 36:22-32 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the LORD GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of My Holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I Will vindicate the Holiness of MY great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the LORD GOD, when through you I vindicate MY Holiness before their eyes. I Will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I Will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness's, and from all your idols I Will cleanse you. And I Will give you a New heart, and a New spirit I Will put within you. And I Will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I Will put MY Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes and be careful to obey MY rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be MY people, and I Will be your GOD. And I Will deliver you from all your uncleanness's. And I Will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I Will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations. It is not for your sake that I Will act, declares the LORD GOD; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel."
Of Divine Origin:
John 1:9-13 The true Light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came first to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of GOD, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of GOD."
Essential to Spiritual Vision:
John 3:1-3 "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Hebrews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that You do unless GOD is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of GOD."
A New Creation:
2Corinthians 5:16-19, 20 "From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard HIM thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the (Promised) New has come. All this is from GOD, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ, GOD making HIS Divine appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to GOD."
Necessary for Salvation:
Titus 3:1-11 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of GOD our Savior appeared, HE saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to HIS own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom HE poured out on us richly through Christ our Savior, so that being justified by HIS Grace (the early and later rains poured out or given in abundance as required) we might become heirs according to the hope of HIS Eternal Life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in GOD may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
By the Word of GOD:
1Peter 1:17-21, 22-25 and 1John 2:29, 3:9, 4:7 "If you call on HIM as Father Who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers (receivers) of GOD, Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him Glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to this Truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the Living and abiding word of GOD; for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the LORD remains forever." And this word is the Good News that is preached (proclaimed) to you."
1John 2:26-27, 28-29 "I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing (Christ) that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.
And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when HE appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is Righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him."1John 3:4-10 "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that HE appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there was no sin. No one who abides in HIM keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known HIM. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is Righteous, as HE is Righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of GOD appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of GOD makes a practice of sinning, for GOD's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of GOD. By this it is evident who are the children of GOD, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor is the one who does not love his brother."
1John 4:7-14, 15 "Beloved, let us love one another, for selfless Love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD. Anyone who does not love selflessly does not know GOD, because GOD is selfless Love. In this the Love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent HIS only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is Love, not that we have loved GOD but that HE loves us and sent HIS Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so Loves us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD of Love abides in us and HIS Love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent HIS Son to be the Savior of the world.
Whoever confesses that Christ is Jesus, and Jesus is the Son of GOD, GOD abides in him, and he in GOD." (John 17's Prayer)
In Obedience of Faith:
1John 5:1-4 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of GOD, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of HIM. By this we know that we love the children of GOD, when we love GOD and obey HIS commandments. For this is the Love of GOD, that we keep HIS commandments. And HIS commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Right now I am headed toward Spiritual Renewal as the next proof of what has been shared thus far.
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