|
|
FEATURED BOOK ...
Christian Leadership *
Self-Help
Group Discussion
the things
that are:
by Bill Campbell
the things
that are:
-208 pgs - 4.5 x 7.5 paperback
by Bill Campbell
_______________________________________
2 Creations.
Healing the World.
The Soul.
The Spirit world.
Teaching from the Holy Spirit.
Evil spirits. Unclean spirits.
The Source of our faith.
Seeing into and ministering to the soul.
This
book is helpful for anyone. A good study. You will learn things
that you didn't know.
ISBN 978-0-9810863-0-9
|
|
Download
e-book
(PDF)
$6.75
*after Payment Click
Return to Bill Campbell
at Top of Pay Pal page
(and
download)
|
the things that are: - Bill
Campbell
- 208 pgs. - 4.5 x 7.5 Paperback Book
Note: If you don't
have a PayPal Acc't, you will see the option to Pay by Credit Card. Please be sure to Fill in the Correct mailing
information.
For more info. email billcamcan@gmail.com Thank you for your Order. (allow 14 days)
|
|
____________
|
Chapter Overviews
In Part
|
Healing
1. Healing is God's Idea 2. Two Creations 3. Religion is Not Enough
4. Healing the World 5. The Soul 6. Teaching from the Holy Spirit
7. the Ministering 8. Teaching from the Holy Spirit
Justified
9. The Standard 10. What About
You ? 11. They Overcame 12. The Source of Our Faith
Homogenized
13. God's Word 14. The Foundation of Our Faith
Evil
15. Evil Spirits 16. The Spirit of Truth 17. The
Spiritual Realm
|
|
|
|
|
Healing is God's Idea
Chapter One
God's Idea
"See now that I, even I, am He, and there
is no God with Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver
... out of My hand."
- Deuteronomy 32:39
The first thing that we must
"realize" is that God is God. If we struggle with His judgments in this brief time on earth, we'll
probably have a hard time accepting His rulership in eternity.
God raises up individuals; and He takes down individuals.
He raises up nations; and He brings them to nought. God heals lands, and nature; and He does "things" ...
that we don't understand. There is no blessing, or curse, that should ever change this realization:
both now, and for eternity.
But, having said that, I want to share some thoughts with you about the gospel
of "Christ".
It is interesting to note, that when God spoke to His prophets about the coming of
the Christ, there is always the mention of a "great healing, and restoration", that would accompany this Savior;
and this anointing.
1. "Healing" is the fulfillment of prophecy
"And
there was delivered unto him the Book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the Book, he found the place where
it was written (ch.61),
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He
has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance
to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord.
And he closed the Book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat down.
And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This
day ... is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears."
- St. Luke 4:17-21
And again ...
"When
the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word,
and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, he, himself
took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses."
- St. Matthew 8:16,17
2.
Healing is the witness to the "Christ" anointing
"And John calling unto him two
of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, to say, Are you he that should come, or do we look for another ?
(speaking of the promised "Christ", the Savior)
When the men were come unto him, they said,
John the Baptist has sent us unto you, asking, Are you he that should come, or do we look for another ?
And in that same hour, he cured many of their infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many
that were blind, he gave sight.
Then Jesus answering, said unto them, Go your way, and tell John
the things that you have seen, and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead are raised, ... and the gospel is preached to the poor."
- St. Luke 7:19-22
3. The first missionaries were sent out to "heal"
"Then, he called
his twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."
- St. Luke 9:1,2
Jesus taught his disciples ...
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he
that believes on me, the works that I do, shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because
I go unto my Father."
- St. John 14:12
"You shall receive
power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
- Acts 1:8
(See also: Acts 2:38-43,
ch.5:32, ch.14:7-10, and 1 Corinthians ch.12)
____
Healing (of the Gospel)
Whenever we read about Jesus, or the early disciples,
being associated with "healing", it has basically been translated from three Greek terms ... that will help our
understanding.
"therape'uo" - to wait upon menially, to adore (God),
to relieve (of disease): cure, heal, worship
"iao'mai" - to cure, heal,
... make whole
"sozo" - to deliver, or protect; heal, preserve, save
(self), do well, be (make) whole
The first one is quite often associated with Jesus, in
the beginning of his ministry, where we see him healing all the people ... that were brought out to him.
This picture of attitude shows us somewhat of the nature of the ministry; and how one beholds God, and
the creature of God. It's almost an act of worship to God, not just service to mankind. (gospel of Matthew)
The second term shows us the ability: the "Lord's presence" to heal. (as
in St. Luke 5:17, and 9:2)
The third word shows us the subjugating power of the Kingdom
of God; where people are "taken", or delivered from the enemy, into God's dominion and protection.
This
is the power of God's salvation, as demonstrated in the "Christ" anointing. (St. Luke 8:36,
and Acts 14:9)
___
Healing is a part of God's salvation that shows
His concern for the "well being", and protection, ... of His creation.
For some
of us, our lifestyle and habits, have strayed far from this vision ...of His Spirit.
May
God help us to see the light of His "redeeming gospel", ... that we might be participants here
in this earth, in our generation.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Two Creations
Chapter Two
Two Creations
"Spiritual Vision"
and "Manifestation"
Compare St. John chs.1-4 to Genesis ch.1-4
These two portions of scripture
deal with the realization of the 1. creative power of God's Word, ... and 2. the manifestation
of it.
Both of these accounts open with the eternal, all-powerful, ... Word
of God.
In both cases, we see a creation going on that is in the unseen realm of the Spiritual and
eternal ... prior to the evidence of it ... in the earthly realm.
What am I saying ?
I'm
saying that in Genesis chapter one you have an account of God creating "light" (Genesis 1:3-5); and then, you have
a further account of Him doing the same thing again, as you follow through the account of creation.
(Genesis 1:14-19)
In Genesis chapter one, we see an account of God creating the human. (Genesis 1:26-31)
Then, in Genesis chapter two, we have a further account of God creating man. (Genesis 2:4-25)
For those scholars that hold the view that the story was just told twice, I would invite you to consider Genesis 2:4,5,
as well as the fact that the account of the creation of the lights both are found ... within chapter one.
What I am saying is, ... there is an event when God speaks something into existence in the
eternal realm, that is unseen by us in the earthly realm.
But He sees it, and it is complete,
and good. It is done. There may even be a rest period: or, there may not be one. (Genesis 2:1-3)
All
of this, no matter whether it be a long time, or a short time, really doesn't matter in this realm, because it is timeless.
It is different ... than our earthly realm. It's the realm of God's vision, and intention.
It's the realm
of ... His Word.
It is in this realm that the Kingdom of God exists. It is "out from" this
realm that "Word", and the Spirit of truth, ... proceeds.
It's not necessarily
far away, but it may be temporarily unseen.
____
"In the beginning ... God
created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the
face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there
be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light ... from the darkness."
- Genesis 1:1-4
Creation, ... didn't come from afar. It came from close. In this
account, we see the "presence" of the Spirit of God, and the Word of God. God created,
... right here.
Out of the realm of Spirit and Word, comes into "being"
an unseen realm of "creation" ... that we sometimes refer to as "vision".
First, comes the "vision": then by faith, it is brought forth ... into the realm of the
seen.
People of the Kingdom of God actually see into this realm, and are directed by the intent of the
"Spirit Word" of God.
They are not a people who memorize religious "creed", and practice
vain tradition: who are caught up in the blindness of their own works.
They are not a people who
follow after common intent; but rather, they express the Word of the Spirit.
____
As we move from the first chapter of Genesis into the second, a "forming" of this earth
... begins to unfold into this realm.
What the first human faced, is not very different in essence to what
... we face today.
Adam didn't ask for the hunger pains he felt, or the awesome views of nature, or the woman
who was called to his side. All of this was created by God; and it was all just too amazing.
Things haven't really changed that much. We still have the option to get caught up with our surroundings: or
to listen for that voice of the Spirit of God.
Our source of direction is
either the Spirit of God; or the voice of reason that comes from that "good idea" of carnal intent,
and common sense. But, remember ...
"For as many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God."
- Romans ch.8
The problem with Adam and Eve, was that they got caught up with "things
of this earth" that were not in God's plan for them.
And when we look at the apostle John's
account of the gospel in the New Testament Scriptures, we see the importance of God's Spirit Word as
being the "light" ... that lights every man.
"In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were
made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.
In Him was life; and the life was
the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness overtakes it not."
-
St. John 1:1-5
"That was the true Light, that lights every man that comes into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.
But,
as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, ... but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory; the glory as of the only begotten
of the Father; full of grace, and truth.
No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten ...
, which is in the bosom of the Father, has declared Him."
- St. John 1:9-14,18
The Kingdom of God relates to the first Creation: for from
within the first creation is the "visionary truth", or "light of the World".
In the first creation, we see God as Creator: and when He looked at His Creation, He said, "It is very good".
(Genesis 1:31)
The "light" of this restoration truth, ... is the "light" of
the gospel.
When one preaches the Spirit Word, he, or she, is preaching the gospel
of light: the "visionary" truth of this Creation.
The
eternal Word of the gospel has its roots in the vision of God's Spirit for this earth, and humanity.
To be a minister of this gospel, one must minister out of this Spirit.
____
Salvation, reconciliation, and healing, are the powerful "restoration" truths of the gospel message.
It is the Word becoming flesh, and dwelling amongst us ... to bring mankind into this Light.
It is God's redeeming miraculous power, fulfilling the intent of His vision ... in this earth.
____
When we see the ministry of Jesus in the earth, he was the image
of the gospel.
He was the Word of the first visionary Creation walking amidst the darkness, and perversion,
of this earth.
Now, it is the ministry of the body of Christ (the church), ... to be this Word
expressed.
(1 Corinthians 15:20-28,39-58, St. Matthew 13:35, ch.25:34-40, St. John ch.17,
Ephesians ch.1, Hebrews ch.1-4, 1 Peter ch.1, ch.4:10-11, Isaiah ch.40 )
___
"According
as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, ... that we should be holy, and without blame, before Him in
love;
Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure ... which He
has purposed in Himself:"
- Ephesians 1:4,9
____
"Do you
not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me ? The words that I speak unto you, are not of myself:
but, the Father who dwells in me, he does the works."
- St. John 14:10,24
____
Why is it so important ... that we understand
this ?
Because, to be out of relationship with this "Light", is to be lost
in darkness: a place where our works, although they may be a part of our religious duties, ... are not "born of
God's Spirit".
Eternal things, are born out of the eternal realm.
Spiritual
things, are born of the Spirit.
Intellect, ... is only intellect.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Religion is Not Enough
Chapter
Three
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man
can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. (the "witness" of the Spirit - St.
John 2:11)
Jesus answered, and said unto him, Of a truth I
say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
Nicodemus
said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old ? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb,
and be born ?
Jesus answered ...
Of a truth I say unto you, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit
is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
The
wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell where it comes from, and where it goes: so
is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus said unto him,
How can these things be ? (I don't understand)
Jesus
answered, Are you a master (teacher) of Israel, and don't know these things ?
Of a truth I say to you, We speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have
seen; and you receive not our witness. If I have told you of earthly things, and you believe not,
how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly (eternal) things ?
No man has ascended up to heaven, except he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man
which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so, must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have
eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ( the "light"
in the earth)
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn
the world: but, that the world through him ... might be saved.
____
At this point, I caution you to not forget the message that Jesus is speaking to us.
Believing in him, ... is to believe what he is saying to us. Normally, we associate
this scripture only with Jesus dying on the cross for us, and we miss ... what he is explaining. (re-read
vs. 3,5-8,19-21)
He that believes on him, ... is
not condemned: but, he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name (the
essence, the Word) of the only begotten Son of God.
And
this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil. (self-centered, independent of God, not worthy, not born of God. See also:
1 John ch.5, Romans chs.6,8, and James chs.1-5 ) For everyone that is doing evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(exposed)
But he that does truth comes to the light,
that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God. (born of God) "
- St. John 3:1-21
____
For the world
to experience healing, and salvation, we must first of all, come to the "light" of God's intention. Eternal
things, are born out of the eternal realm.
Spiritual things, are born of the Spirit. Intellect, ... is only
intellect.
Much of our praying has been filled with presumption. We have been taught that
Jesus loves us; and we have, out of our intellect, ... tried to do the work of God.
Someone says, "I know Jesus, and I'm saved."
But, I'm going
to tell you that knowing Jesus, or about him, will not save you.
____
Nicodemus, a religious teacher, knew Jesus, and watched him do miracles, but it did not save, or heal, him.
A rich young religious man came to Jesus to ask him what he should do to have
eternal life. He knew Jesus, but he went away lost. (St. Luke ch.18)
Some
adventurous fellows, the sons of a religious priest by the name of Sceva, thought that they would try to cast some demons
out of a person, ... in the name of Jesus. But, the demons yelled at them ... that they knew Jesus, but
they didn't know these men. The demons weren't saved, and neither were these men who tried to copy the apostles.
(Acts ch.19)
You see, it's not about doing the work,
or saying the special words, ... or even about knowing Jesus. The devils know Jesus. They believe that he is the Christ,
the Son of God. (St. Luke 4:41)
Knowing about Jesus, and believing
about Jesus won't save you. We need to remember that he was the "Word" of the
Spirit. Our relationship to this Spirit Word saves us, and heals us, as we obediently express it by faith.
It's His Work.
Quoting scriptures, and praying scriptures,
and saying magic phrases, are no substitute for this. Our ministries are born of the "visionary truth"
... of the Spirit.
(Acts 1:4,5,8, St. Luke chs.4,5, St. Mark ch.4, 1
Corinthians ch.12, 1 Peter 4:10,11, Ephesians ch.4, Romans ch.8)
What must we do ?
"Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
... and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
- Acts 2:38,39
It's the Word of God's
Spirit that commands the spiritual realm, creation, and destiny.
"He
sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
- Psalms 107:20
"When
the evening had come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his
word, and healed all that were sick:"
- St. Matthew 8:16
"For this people's heart is waxed fat, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes, they
have closed; ... lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with
their hearts, and should be converted, and I should ... heal them."
- St. Matthew 13:15
"And now Lord, behold their
threatenings: and grant unto your servants that with all boldness ... they may speak Your Word, by
stretching forth Your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy child Jesus.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, ... and they spoke the Word of God with boldness."
-
Acts 4:29-31
Acknowledge "the Light"
...
"The Word (Spirit Word - rhema) is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart:
that is the Word of faith, which we preach; that if you will confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and
shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. (Gk.
Sozo - to deliver, protect, heal)
For with the heart man believes unto righteousness;
and with the mouth ... confession is made unto salvation.
So
then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (This is the rhema - Spirit Word
that flows, not the logos Word)
- Romans 10:8-10,17
"For as many as are led
by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
- Romans 8:14
Religious ideology can be
a horrible thing; history has shown that. That is why ... we must know the source of this
power.
____
In
the gospel, it is the Spirit of truth that brings the vision. The people of God are just that; people
of God.
He speaks His Word, and then by faith, that vision
is born ... into the earthly realm.
There
is a false concept of "time delay". But we need to know that in the eternal, time is not a factor.
We need to learn to walk in the intent of the Spirit of God.
Jesus said, "I do nothing of myself ... "
- St. John 5:17-30, ch.8:28-29
To bring forth the glory of God, there can be no separation from the Spirit. What is birthed deep
within the foundation of the gospel, is now being demonstrated as the Gospel of light.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Healing the World
Chapter Four
Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.
Say not, There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest ?
Lift up your eyes, and look
on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
- St. John 4:34,35
____
Healing the World
God is the God of the righteous, ... and the unrighteous.
In times past, we have seen Him as
just the God of "our" religion. In fact, there are some folk in our religion that we're
not too sure of. Our perception just keeps getting smaller, and smaller.
He's not in competition
with the world. He is Creator, and God of all. He created all of heaven, and earth. It's
ok to heal the Maniac. It's ok to heal ... the sinner, and the person who doesn't understand.
It's ok for people to find refuge ... in the God of all Salvation. Worship Him
... as God.
____
- prophetic
"Smile upon the days of your youth. Let the bells ring. Let joy be yours.
God is our solace, and strength; a very present help in time of need. Burst forth in joy. Let your surroundings
show forth the glory of God. You are ... the eye in the atmosphere, that sees neediness. Your salvation
... is near."
____
"And he shall set the sheep on his right hand,
but the goats on the left.
Then, shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you
blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you ... from the foundation of the world:
For
I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink: I was a stranger, and you took me
in:
Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you
came to me.
Then, shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord when did we see you hungry,
and fed you ? Or thirsty, and gave you a drink ? When did we see you a stranger, and took you
in ? Or naked, and clothed you ?
When did we see you sick, or in prison, and
came unto you ?
Then, the King shall answer them, Of a truth I say unto you, inasmuch as
you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it ... unto me."
- St.
Matthew 25:33-40
____
To be "at one" with the Spirit
of God and His intention, is the most important ministry ... that one can realize.
Jesus said,
"I and the Father are one, ... I do nothing of myself"
The contrast between Jesus, with his "anointing" of salvation and healing, ... and
that of the rich young ruler, with his practice of "personal religion", is astonishing; and yet,
that is exactly what so many of us do.
Our Christian lives and churches are not the same, because we do
not have the same Spirit. The Gospel is God's salvation for the needy.
____
There is a "Visionary Word" Present
Many good brothers, and sisters, are overworked ... because of other people's distraction: or,
their (own) lack of "Spirit Word".
We need to get rid of some of the "distraction" in our
soul, and give ourselves to "helping out"; and then, there will be relief, and encouragement. (see:
St. Matthew 25:40) (Could Jesus have been referring to these workers, as well, in the above scripture
?)
___
- prophecy
"God is ... the Master "Carer". Boldly, Go forth.
See God, as the God ... of Salvation.
Woe, my teeth ... are hurting.
Woe, my eyes ... are red. Woe, ... the affliction of others is upon my soul.
(Jesus said, just to give one a drink of water ... in my name)
Healing, is yours.
Practice it on yourself, and on them.
O, drunkard, ... stay your vomit.
O, slander, ... howl not. O, loathsome, ... cross over into
penury ... a little at a time. O, calloused, ... hide your wicked heart, that it may not shout out from
the housetops.
Help the Needy with ...
1. Confidence - Psalms 42:7,8
2. Security - Isaiah 61:3
3. Nobility - in Christ
4. Wisdom - St. John 14:26
Stay the way ... of the ignorant. The world is full of scorners, with no salvation, or healing, in them.
I will protect you. I am full of ... salvation.
There is a breach on the way.
Sinners can't save themselves.
You must pull them from the wreckage. (see: James chs.1-5, Romans ch.10)
Be strong, help the weak.
Some of the weak think it is "a culture". That's
a dependent lie", and there are many hardships from it.
Do I see any marks of
the cross upon you ? He bore our afflictions, that "it might be fulfilled".
(St. Matthew 8:16,17)
Can you ... die for others ? Can you
... live for others ?"
____
In Genesis chapter one, we came to
know God as a Creator, with vision. In Genesis chapter two, we have come to know Him as Creator with power, and Lordship.
What we see is a fulfillment of Word, ... brought forth into the earthly realm.
The
second creation is temporal, and falls away. The first creation remains eternal, and is driven by Spirit Word. It
is the Kingdom of God.
(James ch.1; and a mirror image in 1 Corinthians 15:34-58)
____
When we minister, we must keep in mind that we are ministering to that which "remains",
... not to that which dies.
When God created man in His own image, it was the soul
of man that He created.
When He formed him out of the dust of the earth, it was the physical, temporal,
species, ... that we see.
As we receive the ministry of the Spirit, we are changed from
glory unto glory, ... even into the image of God; but, our physical appearance remains.
(2
Corinthians 3:17,18, ch.4:4, Romans 8:26-39, Colossians ch.1-4, and Hebrews ch.1)
Physical deliverance, and healing, are good for the soul. They are a blessed encouragement:
and He is the Bishop of our "souls".
"Bless the Lord O, my soul"
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
The Soul
Chapter Five
Soul - Gk. psuche' - spirit, a unique entity, a "being"
Healing the Soul
In this section, I will
attempt to effect your ministry ... forever. Let's closely look at a few scriptures to see what the early
apostles believed, and taught.
I think you will see that our vision has not seen the inside of a
soul for a very long time. May we have that ability restored to us ... by His Spirit.
"By
him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving
thanks to His name.
But, to do good, and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices, God ...
is well pleased.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch
for your souls, as they that must give account: that they do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is
unprofitable for you."
- Hebrews 13:15-17
"Receiving the end (outcome)
of your faith, even the salvation (health, deliverance) of your souls.
Seeing
you have purified your souls ... in obeying the truth through the Spirit ... unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart ... fervently:"
-1 Peter 1:9,22
"For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd, and Guardian, of your
souls."
- 1 Peter 2:25
"Forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones that went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting
your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:"
- Acts 15:24
"And when they preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many,
they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming (strengthening) the souls
of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation ... enter into
the Kingdom of God."
- Acts 14:21,22
"There
remains therefore, a rest to the people of God. For he that has entered into his rest, has also ceased from his own
works, as God did from His.
Let us therefore seek to enter into that rest, ... lest
any one fall after the same example of unbelief.
For the Word of God (rhema)
is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing asunder of soul
and spirit, and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents, of the heart.
Neither, is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened
unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
- Hebrews 4:9-13
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders, and signs, were
done by the apostles."
- Acts 2:42,43
____
12
Questions
1. Which part of the person ... moves on to eternity ?
2. Which part of the person either becomes lost, foolish, bitter and hateful, ...
or dynamic and full of light ?
3. When the Spirit of the Lord communicates, and
saves someone, ... who is He looking at ?
4. Why is it that we think that we can do the work of the
Kingdom of God by just looking at the physical presence of someone, and then ... make a decision ?
5. Do you not think that the Spirit of God is looking at the eternal value of the person ?
6. Can we drop
the pretense, seeing that this Kingdom of God is far greater ... than what meets the eye ?
7.
Do we think that it is possible to have a "Christ" ministry without the ... Spirit of God ?
8. Jesus quoted from the prophet Isaiah, so that the religious people could hear it.
"The
Spirit of the Lord ... is upon me"
Salvation is about God bringing forth His people into
His Light, and Kingdom, ... for eternity.
So, why is it that we think
... that we can just "look good for our neighbors", and go through this earthly life
pursuing our own ambition, ... and everything will be alright ?
9.
Do you really believe ... that being "disunited", and "out of touch" with the Spirit of the
LORD ... is alright ?
10. Do we think that our short term "ideas" are what God
is thinking about ? Or, is He interested ... in our eternal "soul" ?
11. Now, let's ask ourselves the question, Where are our sights set ? Are we really
interested in seeing things ... the way God sees things ?
12. Are we prepared to lay down
our "temporal values", and become ministers ... in the Kingdom of God
?
____
Let's learn to see into the soul. That's where the person dwells:
the real person: the one that's going into the presence of God for eternity.
In this world, we fall into traps, and prisons. We fall into snares of suggestion, bad experience, and whispers from
fearful spirits.
The Spirit of God, in the Christ ministry, calls these souls into
the "light of resurrection, and restoration". Who are you ministering to ?
____
Seeing into the Realm of Souls
Do you
see an earth ... full of souls ?
Distracted, weed-wacked, overplayed. Successful on others. Overclaimed,
and undernourished. The plague of "disease", and the brutal dissatisfaction.
The wormwood
of cancer. Scared to death. Unfulfilled, and falling short. When will it end ?
Afraid to come ... to a stop.
____
When you look at a person ... in front of you, what
you are seeing is a "learned presentation": a mask, good, or bad.
When you look at ... the
soul (with Spiritual vision), you will see something quite different.
You will see what the Holy
Spirit wants you to see.
Our imaginations ... are closed in, because we live in the temporal.
The "waft of realization" is of the Spirit, and will set us free ... to move in
God's intention.
The difference between a false Christ, and the real Christ;
is that a false Christ is "only a leader"; while the real Christ brings us into a relationship
... with the Spirit of God.
The false Christ looks for temporal power, while the real Christ
ministers ... to the eternal soul.
We are still trying to get our doctrines straight, ... because we
think in terms of tradition; ... while "ministry" awaits us.
While
we are excited, and caught up with group activity, the realm of God and "Spirit ministry"
... alludes us.
Just the idea ... of getting to know God is contrary to our everyday lives.
Here's an exercise ...
(this could take ... some time)
Picture ... your soul.
Calm down, close your eyes, and tell me ... what you see. Do you see a characteristic,
or a feeling, that surrounds your soul ? (write it down) Do you see more ?
Do you
see a word, or several words, that would come into the picture, ... that would indicate something ?
(write it down)
The Spirit of God ... is saying something to you. He communicates
with your soul.
Now, ask Him to talk to you, and give you words of council, comfort, and advice.
(write it down)
____
What do you think the Psalms are all about, when David was
writing ? Or, the book of Isaiah, when he was writing ? Or, the letter to the Romans, when Paul was writing
? Or, what do you think Jesus was doing when he went by himself to pray ? They were just picturing
... the lessons of the Spirit.
____
Now, here's another
exercise. (a daily one)
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say rejoice.
Don't worry about anything; but, in everything, by prayer, and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known unto God. (ask for His opinion, write it down)
And the peace of
God, which is beyond all understanding, shall keep ... your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, ... whatsoever things are true; whatsoever things are honest; whatsoever things are just;
whatsoever things are pure; whatsoever things are lovely; whatsoever things are of good report; if there
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
- Philippians 4:4,6-8
____
Salvation
We
practice Spirituality ... because our soul needs to be released from bondages, hurts, and deceptions. The Spirit
of truth will minister to your soul, and set you free. Your ideas will be a result of His ideas.
You will believe His truth. You will take on His character.
As you are a wise steward over your
soul, and as you spend more time with Him, ... taking His truth into your soul, you will grow
into a useful minister in the Kingdom of God.
You will find fellowship with other individuals that are
doing this same thing quite beneficial ... as you minister these Spirit realizations to one another,
and for one another.
It will encourage your faith as you have others getting the same "Word".
____
"If all prophesy, and there happens to come in one who is an unbeliever, he is
convinced of all, and judged of all. And thus, are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so, falling
down on his face, he will worship God, and report that God is in you ... of a truth.
When you come together, every one of you has a Psalm, has a teaching, has a Spiritual utterance, has a revelation,
has an interpretation. Let all things be done constructively.
Let the prophets speak, two or three,
... and let the others judge. If anything be revealed to another that sits by, let the first wait in silence.
(Be gracious, and encourage ministry) For you may all prophesy,
one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." (see also: Galatians chs.5,6)
- 1 Corinthians 14:24-31
"Be not unwise, but understanding what the will
of the Lord is.
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and
Spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always unto God, the Father,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Submitting yourselves one to another out of respect for God
- Ephesians 5:17-21
____
Picture your own soul. See the words, wounds,
and the truths.
Picture someone else's soul.
Now, you are on the track to minister to
the eternal: to the importance, and purpose of the soul.
See eternally.
This is the ... Gospel.
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh ... is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit ... is spirit."
- St. John ch.3
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Teaching From the Holy Spirit (1)
Chapter Six
Prophecy
Oct. /05
"Get up, ... and gotta, gotta, go. Day ... after day.
Be still, and know the mind of the Lord. Don't be a disease; and a carrier ... of "after thoughts".
Be still. Knowledge is in the rising of the sun. Be purposeful: annihilate the worm of discontent.
The soul is just a wisp of a thread; like a DNA chain. It's memory of "priceless
treasure". It's the "courage bean" of a society. It gives, and takes, ...
and worries less, as it goes.
It is omniscient in its understanding. The soul never
varies, but it does become encrusted with habits that surround it. The habits of truth are pervasive, and go through
... to the heart of it.
"I ... in Him, and ... He in me".
Jocularity indeed, doubles around ... to entertain it. Open up to the wisdom of "choices".
These will uphold you, and cradle you in the arms of success. Choices, are yours. The pervasiveness ... of the
Spirit of Truth.
The "gotta go ... gotta go",
... is a habit around the soul.
Be still; so that truth might pervade you. This
is the beginning of the "faith or fear" factor. Either, your soul will be filled with "light",
... or your soul will be filled with darkness.
Jelly-bean-ism. Too much sugar will bring
cankers to the mouth. The scorn of others, ... is at your reach.
Love and hate, are elements
of ... distrust, and faith.
Confidence, comes from the smile on our face. Arbitrarily discriminating, brings "panic
and awareness".
Faultfinding, ... brings lasting pleasure. Discriminating,
brings curdles of success. But, in the midst of this, are you happy ?
Love
not the world, nor the things that are in the world, for dismay is with them. But rather, set your affections on the
things which are from above, that you might see the glory, and behold the things which are.
Reasonableness, is a source of strength to some; but dismay will always follow ... because there is uncertainty
about hope for the "future".
Beware, lest you defraud. Beware, lest
you be defrauded.
The ingenious of the miracle, lies within the seed of faith. Faithfulness
grows, as the seed is watered with the "Spirit of truth". Acquire that which is wise, that you may grow thereby.
Seek the truth, ... and you will find it.
Hear
the Spirit of the Father, and obey.
Build, ... and despise not ... the riches of others.
Effortless, remains void. Faithfulness, ... is fruitfulness.
The
foundations are laid for the truth of despair. Despair, comes when you least expect it. It comes to hinder others,
and to thwart your display of courage. Better off to reject it, and to go on smiling; that others may see you,
and ... trust you.
Be the king of kings to those around you. Rule in the shadow of your success.
Imagine the faultless: go for the gorge of self-esteem. Look to the power of the Creator. Go for
justice. Love mankind. Be a fast-track ... to the survivor. Tell tales of wisdom, and
peace. Heal ... the soul.
Fill up the proud with the neediness of constraint.
Let the forlorn find wisdom in your pathway. Come to the Light.
Be proud of the strength
in your eyes, and the joy in your bones. For health is found in you; and peace shall happily yield the fruit of
wisdom, and contentment.
The soul that has peace, ... has much.
"Peace, I give unto you: not as the world gives".
"Come unto
Me, all you that labor, and I will give you rest"
"When the Comforter shall
come, He will abide with you forever"
Yield yourselves as servants of righteousness,
that your good deeds may be seen.
You are the light of the world, that men may glorify "that"
which ... created it.
Be still: and know that I am the LORD your Creator. My
knowledge is of you to the end of time: ... and Word is measured in the glory of your tribulations, as I see the leaves
of faith, and the fruitfulness of desire, bursting from the glory of your righteous soul.
The similitude
of success, is upon the brow of a child. The whole of realization ... comes from their soul.
Success
is yours, as you come like a little child; drawing from the Spirit of Truth.
Wisdom is glamorous;
alerting you, to sedate you. Come forth into beauty. Hold your head ... up high.
Give
unto the needy, that you may rejoice. Rejoice in the lack of fear.
Wisdom is yours. The price of
rubies ... is at her elbow. She will bend with the tide; and sorrow in her demise. For "life"
is the key to her success.
Knowledge is for the prudent. Wise unto content; and dismay.
Content, because I am with you. Dismay for others who fall short of you. Give unto them the riches of My glory,
and you shall find favor in the eyes of the Majesty of Heaven.
Words are like ... a canker.
They add sorrow to the wounds. But wisdom, is for the forlorn; and only tends to the leafiness of faith.
Come, all that are burdened; and I will give you rest.
Faith unto the journey. Joy unto the hollowness of the soul.
Peace unto the wretchedness
of the ... narrow way.
Wholesomeness unto the fun. Fury unto the attack.
Peace unto ... the despair. Faith unto ... the lively. In the night ... I was there.
Behold your knowledge. Scoop it like wisdom. Chase it as light. Love it like
life. Give it sparingly. Keep it like glue. Set it for the fine to see, like an ornament.
Disguise it, and shelter it, from the perverse.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
the Ministering
Chapter
Seven
Because of our traditional upbringing, we tell ourselves ...
"I need to learn these truths ... that God is speaking to me"
But,
He says, No. You need to "rest" in My communion with you.
Therefore,
there is joy in your soul."
"But, the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you."
- St. John 14:26
____
Healing
- the Laying on of Hands
As we have seen, up to this point, that our faith finds its source in the
realm of the "first creation" (the realm of "visionary Word");
we will now hopefully come to the understanding that all of the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit flow out
of this "Word" intention of God.
1. He created by His Word; and
"saw that it was very good"
2. Then, He "formed the Creation" (Genesis ch.2)
When we pray, "Thy Kingdom come", we are expressing our desire, and unity, for this "Word
intention" of God to be made manifest in this earth.
When we lay hands upon someone, to "minister"
to them, we are the mediator between two realms. We are functioning "in His name". We should
never rush ahead, or be talked into something, ... just because everyone thinks it is a good idea. Our only source
is the "visionary Word" ... of the Spirit of God.
We See it in the Spirit
Realm
Often in scripture, it was just a "Word"
from the servant of God that the person needed to obey, ... that "their faith" might be realized.
Because our faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things that are not seen (we
see it in the Spirit realm); we are able to join with someone, by the laying on of hands, as a definite faith
point of contact.
It is the "expectant" forming and touching of something, to bring it into being,
... because of the vision of the Spirit of the first Creation. (God's ... eternal Word)
And, if we are open to function accordingly, God's intentions will be manifest in this earth, as it is in heaven.
Here's ... some illustrations.
"Now, when the sun was setting,
all they that had any sick with many different diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of
them, ... and healed them.
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, You are the
Son of God ! And he, rebuking them, told them not to speak: for they knew ... that he was Christ."
- St. Luke 4:40,41
"And it came to pass, ... that
the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands
on him, ... and healed him.
So when this was done, others also which had diseases in the island, came,
... and were healed."
- Acts 28:8,9
____
See also:
St. Mark chs. 5,7, 8, Acts 6:6 and chs. 8,9, 13:3, ch.19, 1 Timothy 4:14, and 5:22, 2 Timothy 1:6,
Hebrews 6:2, and 12:12, James 4:8, and St. John 14:10-12
____
A Vision ...
I could see myself talking to someone dear to me, in a way that I thought would be motivating to them to turn from
their self-centered ways, and be more expressive in their service to God.
The person was ridiculing church people;
so, I exposed the ridiculous ways of the sinner. (I was good at it, for I had been one) I thought, that
if I could just make them look silly enough, this person might "see", and lose the glamour. I even scorned
this individual, saying that he, and his friends, were worse than what they accused the church people of being ("posers");
for they said that they knew God, but, they were doing nothing about it. At least the church people were attempting
to show their faith.
I was making the person feel silly, and I thought I was winning; at least, ... until
I saw the true lesson of this vision.
In the next scene, I was down on my knees, cradling
his head in my arms. He was next to dead. He ... couldn't move. All the preaching,
and ridiculing, in the world, ... couldn't help this.
He was wounded, unconscious, and dying.
Then, I came into a third part of the vision, where a mystery was being opened up to me; of two
very different sources of ministry. One from man's effort. One from the Spirit of God.
The
story of the "Good Samaritan" lingered before me; and I could feel the Spirit of this helper. (St. Luke
10:29-37)
Then, the time when Jesus led the blind man out of the city, and patiently ministered to
him, until he could "see". (St. Mark 8:23)
I was stopped at the thought, that it
is the Holy Spirit that will give a vision in your mind, ... an impression, a word, a
patient argument, and a realization. He will give joy in someone's soul; healing,
emotion, love, grace, strength, and hurt; and healing for the body.
"In Him, ... we live, and move"
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Teaching From the Holy Spirit (2)
Chapter Eight
Prophetic
Feb. /06
Two Different Sources
"Two different spiritual sources. One is malicious,
scornful, envious, hateful; and putrid. The other ... hastens to companionship.
Fraud is on
its way, ... because the attacker likes the smell of fresh bait.
The scheming, the lying, the cheating,
... will all rattle your nerves. You will all quickly disperse, because of Me.
But, I lay down ... my
life for you. I tend towards companionship. I have a razor; ... sharp with truth. It proceeds
from my mouth. It will win many. It is the Word of God. Despair flees. Sorrow ... melts
away. Fear falls short of the imagination.
My Spirit ... will heal your vision. Faith
will rise in your soul. Salvation will come to you in the light: ... where the care failed, and
fell short, with so many sins.
O, truth, that magnificent truth. When will I
be glad that I am Yours ? The whisper of love comes to my mind.
Salvation is in it. The curse is rare. The grab of the Word, is the Spirit of Truth. Compassion
fills my soul; and the longing for the wretchedness of living to cease, ... encompasses me.
"Come unto Me, all you that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light.
Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leads to life:
but, broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be ... that go."
For I have given you rest from ... the wicked. Peace and salvation ... are yours.
The fearfulness of ... evangelism. The despair of the needy.
"For even
though I have the gift of prophecy, and even understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all
faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, ... I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love,
it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love
promotes not itself; is not puffed up. Does not behave itself disrespectfully,
seeks not her own, ... is not easily provoked, ... thinks no evil.
Love never
fails: but, whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues,
they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, ... it shall
vanish away."
The quality of faith ... regenerates. The Spirit itself bears witness with
our spirit ... that we are the children of God.
Circumvent the deceitfulness with the Spirit of truth:
the hatefulness, with love: the despair, with goodness: the faultfinding, ... with salvation.
The voice of Him that speaks: this is good, ... and pure.
Kindness generates the malfunction of despair. Goodness, despises not ... wickedness. The seed of faith lies beside
you, ... to teach, and improve you.
The wicked will enter your door; once, then twice. Despair
will flee.
Despise not the goodnesses that are within you. They are great gold: the placitude
of success: the virtue of strength: joy to the marrow of your bone: ... brightness
to your eyes.
Lie not to the wicked, lest he despise you. Goad him with truth, rather, ... that he might
see salvation.
For in him is the darkness of sin, and the shame of his success. The blight of his
eyes are the strength of others.
For there is no salvation in him. His truth is weakness, and deception.
He is needy, ... and tired of it. Give unto him the true riches ... of salvation.
"Blessed are the merciful: ... for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are
the pure in heart: ... for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: ... for
they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are you ... when men shall revile you, and shall persecute you, and shall say all manner
of evil against you falsely, ... for My sake.
You are the salt of the earth.
You are the light of the world."
Contentions are for the stressful. Weakness is in it. The fear of falling short, while striving
for others to win. It is tired, and stressful.
Jocularity surrounds me. I am happy. There is
strength in my salvation. Come, and contend with me, and you will experience the Spirit of God.
Go to now, you that would march against others, for your plagues will soon ... overtake you.
Healing is resident ... in these Spirits that I will tell you of. Healing virtue:
a goodness. These are the apothecaries of success; for in them ... you will find My life.
Goodness: communion, and the faith to be enjoined to it. The Spirit of God must re-arrange
your house first, if you are going to have ... communion with this Spirit of Goodness.
Wisdom: has
a bitter-sweet taste to it. It is chaste. Wisdom tells the truth, and has healing virtues in it.
It doesn't interact; therefore shows no weakness of intercourse. It speaks the truth ...
in solitude.
Joy: surrounds, and
inflames, the nervous system.
Peace: revitalizes, and releases, health care. Peace
is found in ... the valley of decision.
Joy is found on the mountain top of success.
It is sometimes misinterpreted ... because of this.
The finite wisdom of others is a deceitfulness.
Poorer are they that listen to strong words. My wisdom is easy to bear. It is soft-spoken, and comes down
from the Father of lights.
Love: is a snare ... to the adulterous. Often times quite
mused; because of the delicacy of the manner. It removes all barriers, and defenses. Wisdom is thought to
go through it with pure intention. Truth rides upon the purpose of it; and joy comes in the aftermath.
The truth of love, is taught by the disciplines of peace. (which you find in the valley of decision)
There is ... no mockery in it.
Wisdom loses its power to forgive, ... when it
comes up against it. They cannot mix. Pride falls away in the midst of it. Laughter,
and joy, crown it with success.
Speak unto the wicked, and tell them that there are no
nerves in joy. It is like an icicle. It's a fluid that rushes over the soul. It
has no temperament, ... and can be deceitful.
Mix it with pleasure, and pain will go away. The
two cannot exist together for long.
Wisdom is the choice of all surgeons, because it will displace
... the cause of the pain.
Truth is needed ... for there to be success.
Jesus, was a Master of none. When you looked at Jesus, you ... looked
at Me. When he came out of the wilderness, he was full of Me.
Are you willing to
sacrifice your personality as he did when he ... was tested ?"
This
is the engrafted Spirit: ... "I and the Father, are one ..."
*compare:
St. John ch.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Standard
Chapter Nine
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard
... against him."
- Isaiah 59:19
The Standard
You may have heard the military term "standard bearer". That is the soldier that carries the flag, or the banner,
for the army. In most places throughout scripture this is what "standard" is, a flag, or a banner. The Hebrew
words for flag (de'gel, ne'c), are words that describe an emblem, or ensign, that would show the identity of the army.
In the above scripture, this is not the case. This time the word "standard" was translated from the Hebrew
word "nu'wc", which means to make to vanish away, make to flee, put to flight, that which ... the breath driveth.
"The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him"
This is
the "action", "subjugating power", of the Holy Ghost. In this case, the power of God is in action,
showing forth more than ... just a flag. The very next ... verse says,
"And
... the Redeemer ... shall come to Zion"
This "standard"
... that the Spirit of the LORD will raise up is the Christ anointing. It is the breath of God's Spirit.
It is the anointing that was upon Jesus. It's the same anointing that is upon the Christian. If
you are in Christ, you are a new creature. You are part of the redemptive plan of God. You are part of the
"Standard". (the aggressive breath of God's Spirit)
This
army is not one that is merely waving a flag, or showing a banner. This army moves in the intention of the Holy
Spirit.
Let's back up a few verses in Isaiah chapter 59, so that we can get a clearer picture of what
is going on.
"Yea, truth fails; and he that departs from evil makes himself a prey:
and the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment.
And He saw that there was
no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, His arm brought
salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and a helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with
zeal ... as a cloak.
According to their deeds, accordingly, He will repay, fury to His adversaries,
recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense.
So shall they fear the
name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
And the Redeemer
shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, says the LORD.
*
As for Me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD;
My Spirit that is upon you,
and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the
mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed's seed, says the LORD, from henceforth and for ever."
- Isaiah 59:15-21
I want you to remember this scripture,
and now see what Jesus and the apostles were saying ... as they preached to the people.
"And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out
a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue
on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet
Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, (Isaiah ch.61)
...
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach
the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering
of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year ... of the LORD."
And he closed the book, ... and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down.
And the eyes of all them
that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled
in your ears."
- St. Luke 4:14-21
The apostles that founded the early
church, preached the same gospel of ... the Spirit of God.
"And they were all filled with the
Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, ... as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And
Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, You men of Judea, and all you
that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: (see:
"words" - Isaiah 59:21)
(The "Standard")
This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel (quoting from Joel ch.2) ...
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh:
and your sons, and your daughters, shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
and on my servants, and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD ... shall be saved."
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and you shall ... receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you,
and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. And with many other
words he did testify and exhort saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (see: "children" -
Isaiah 59:21)
- Acts 2:14-21,38-40
____
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the
Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him."
Could Paul, the apostle, when writing
to the Ephesian church, have been quoting from Isaiah 59:17 ? Let's look.
"Finally
my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but
against principalities, against powers, ... against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all to stand, stand therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication ... for
all saints."
- Ephesians 6:10-18
____
Do you
get it ? It's not just about you. It's about God raising up a "standard" (a force)
in this earth ... by His Spirit; and you working along ... for the glory of God. It's a call
to move forward in the light of the LORD, which is ... His salvation for the earth.
Do you want to work along with God ? There is no greater destiny, or calling, in this earth: ...
but, this is where the argument begins in each of our lives.
____
Jesus told
a story about a young man who served his own ambition, until he was so down, and out, that he was willing to give in to the
Father. (St. Luke 15:11)
He told another story about a farmer who sowed seed,
which he likened to the Word, and call of God, being sowed in people's hearts.
Some ignored the
Word, and it was taken away. Some joined the club, because they thought it was exciting; but soon enough were offended,
and dropped out. Some agreed with the Word, and call, but they had too many things of their own that they had
to do.
But, there were some that took the Word of God's Spirit as being the only
important thing in life, and they did the will of the Father. (St. Luke ch.8)
This life isn't very long, and it would do us well to forget about "distraction", and delusion.
___
There was a rich young ruler that came to Jesus, and looked to be interested.
He said that he was very religious, and lived a very good life. Jesus replied, That's good. Now, sell all that you
have, help the poor out, and come and follow me.
The rich young ruler went away sad. He wasn't of the mind
to give up his own ambition. (St. Luke ch.18)
You see, it's easy to be religious, as
long as "you" maintain the control. Do what you want, when you want to, and believe what you want,
as long as it's convenient.
But, when God's Spirit comes into your life with His ideas, ...
then the argument begins.
He will uncover hurt, unforgiveness, fear, self-ambition, guilt, ideas of the
crowd and family, the noise of the world, and the works of darkness. Salvation, ... is Him working in you,
and moving you forward as a "light" ... in a dark world, for the glory of God.
Sound interesting
? It is. But, you must be willing to be "steerable" by the Spirit of God.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
What About You ?
Chapter Ten
"... and your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace."
- Ephesians 6:15
The
Preparation
This is about ... your life. Some of the translators of this scripture
state it as "a firm-footed stability", or "the equipment of the gospel".
Or, you may say,
"it's an internal preparation wherein ... you will stand".
We need to remember, that when the apostle had written this part of his letter, he had already discussed the
"three things" that we will look at now; the basis of our preparation.
1.
Spiritual Understanding
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may
give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
... and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ... and what is the exceeding
greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of ... His mighty power."
- Ephesians 1:17-19
2. Spiritual Relationship
"Now,
therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;
in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the LORD: in whom you also are built
together for a habitation of God ... through the Spirit."
- Ephesians 2:19-22
These first two areas of preparation ...are necessary to bring the third "destiny expression"
to our lives; and form the solid foundation for our "function"
... in the ministry of the Christ life.
It would be good to review these first
two areas ... of Spiritual experience, and find fresh direction from the Holy Spirit.
Are we weak in either of these two areas ?
"I, beseech you, that
you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing
one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is
one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
___
Now, ... we can look ...
3. Spiritual ministry
But, unto every one of us is given grace according
to the measure of the ... gift of Christ. (the Spiritual anointing) And He gave some, apostles; ... and
some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors; and some, teachers; for the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature ... of the fullness of
Christ.
This, I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you hence forth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind, ... having the understanding darkened, ... being alienated from the life of God through
the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."
- Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13,17-18
____
Be Careful of Delusion
Delusion is in the area of what we think success
is, and the fear of falling short of it.
To be Spiritually minded, is to let the Spirit of God
... decide what is "success", and what is not.
Are we "steerable"
... by the Spirit of God ?
___
Jesus taught ...
"the wind blows where it will; you hear its sound, but you can't tell where it came from,
or where it goes. So it is with every one ... who is born of the Spirit"
- St. John 3:8
"I do nothing of myself; but, as my Father has taught me, I speak ... these things.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
- St. John 8:28,32
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him; but,
you know him for he dwells with you, and shall be in you."
- St. John 14:16,17
"When he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into
all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show
you things ... to come."
- St. John 16:13
"Do you not believe that
I am in the Father, and the Father is in me ? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but, the
Father that dwells in me, He does the works."
- St. John 14:10
"(the apostles) were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, and in Bithynia.
Then a vision appeared to Paul in the night, ... re-directing him." (Acts
ch.16)
Paul also wrote to the church at Rome ...
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
- Romans 8:14
This is God's finger in the earth, presiding over, and organizing His salvation.
This is ... the Kingdom of God.
"Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your
Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is ... in heaven.
Give
us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us ... from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom,
and the Power, and the Glory, Forever. Amen."
- St. Matthew 6:9-13
Steering, is one thing. But, you don't
need to steer something, unless it is "movable". The ministry ... is movable.
"The
wind blows where it will, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit"
Movable
and Steerable
I remember two specific revivals that took place world wide, in the late
sixties, and early seventies. The "Jesus people movement", and the "Charismatic renewal". One spoke
to the harvest, and one ministered to the church.
I remember the groups of young people traveling from
town to town, and meeting in "coffee houses", on the beach, in houses, and parks, and at festivals. They were
on the move, and they ministered ... to everybody.
The Charismatic renewal had groups of people meeting in church
basements, town libraries, homes, and restaurants. These groups were "on the move", traveling, mingling, and ministering
to everybody. The denominational barriers of the traditional "creed based" church ... were no longer there.
People loved each other; and ministry, and praise and worship, ... "flowed".
And then, a "teaching movement" started. And the teachers couldn't stop. They taught,
and they taught. They wrote books, and held seminars, until the once "flowing" people ... were moved
back into creed, and tradition.
Why do we always seek to be tied down, bound-up in creed, and cemented
into ... a building ?
___
In the New Testament writings, the church was scattered. They
went everywhere ... preaching the gospel. (There are records of missionary journeys)
As Jesus worked with his disciples, he sent them out in small groups to minister "light", salvation,
and deliverance to the people.
In one of his stories, the sower went out to sow.
His final words were, to go, and teach all nationalities of people, the word of the Lord, and to show
them the bright light of salvation: ... the presence of the Holy Spirit.
And
now, ...
Movable, and steerable, ... in our generation.
Many of our churches have declined into a traditional social
club; ... trying to fill a building, and glorifying "consistent attendance" as though it was the driving force
of salvation. The spirit of man, clothed in his pompous works has replaced the leading, and power,
of the Spirit of God.
To have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, is what our
fellowship meetings are supposed to be all about. But, we don't have to put our shoes on,
... if we don't plan on going any place. (Preparation)
___
Jesus
told his disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem ... until they were endued with power from on high; and then, he said,
you will be witnesses unto me, ... wherever you go.
The anointing is a progressive experience.
Ephesians ch.4 takes us out of the "building complex", and the closed "organizational
fellowship", ... and places us into the bright light of the ... "Day of Salvation".
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all.
One hope of your calling."
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
They Overcame
Chapter Eleven
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength,
and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused
them before our God day and night.
And they overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives ... even unto
the death.
Therefore, rejoice you heavens, and you
that dwell in them.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth,
and of the sea. For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war
with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
- Revelation 12:10-12,17
Let's
look at this prophetic scripture ...
They "overcame"
the accusation of sin by their identification with the "blood of the lamb", and with the
"word of their testimony".
Where do you think the word
of their testimony came from ? (Revelation 19:10)
Buried
within this prophetic statement is the three-fold witness to the foundation of the gospel of Christ, ...
and Communion.
1. The accusation of sin removed because of identification with
the blood of the lamb
2. The "word of their testimony" ... is of
the authoritative word of the Spirit of God.
3. The repenting, and giving
up of life to God's expression.
Let's have a
look ...
The Blood of the Lamb
I need you to understand the importance of the Blood of the Lamb. The blood has always been precious, and essential,
to relationship, ... because of the nature of it.
Within the blood is found the essence, and unique entity ... of life. It is our world of expression,
and relationship. (inheritance, and identity)
When
we identify with the Blood of Christ, we are identifying with the blessing of promise, and oath, that the Word
of the LORD declared, as prophets, and angels, announced the coming of Christ.
To identify with this blood, is to identify with this promise.
(to believe God's promise to be true; to respect, and revere, His Word)
The coming of Christ, is the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy.
The blood oath that accompanies this salvation is the seal of our "relationship",
and heritage, ... with God, and His Word.
The
justification that we stand in ... before the presence of angels, and spiritual realms, is found centered in this "blood
covenant". The blood of the Christ. (the Word expressed)
The
apostles used to begin their letters with reference to the Blood of Christ, because it refers to "the place wherein
we stand" ... before all principalities, and powers.
When we
state identity with the Blood of the Christ we are stating our belief in the word of his gospel.
We are acknowledging the promised "Word authority" of this salvation of the Father.
When we join in with others to give testimony to the cup of the new testament (communion), we are
stating the expression of eternal Word; ... the Word of the Kingdom of God.
Here's a few scriptures ... for you to become ... familiar with.
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion
... of the blood of Christ ?
The bread which we break,
is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? "
- 1 Corinthians 10:16
"After the same manner
also, he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do as often as you
drink it, in remembrance of me."
- 1 Corinthians 11:25
"Giving thanks unto the Father, who has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light:
Who has delivered us from the power
of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
In
whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
And
having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him I say, whether
they be things in the earth, ... or things in heaven."
- Colossians 1:12-14,20
"Elect ... according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, ... through
sanctification of the Spirit, ... unto obedience ... and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold, ... from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
- 1 Peter 1:2,18,19
"In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins according
to the riches of his grace;
but now in Christ Jesus,
you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
- Ephesians
1:7, 2:13
"Being justified freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God has set forth to be a propitiation ... through faith
in his blood,
to declare His righteousness for the remission
of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To
declare I say at this time, His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes
in Jesus."
- Romans 3:24-26
"But
God commends His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, ... Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath ... through him."
- Romans 5:8,9
"Take heed therefore
unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he
has purchased with his own blood."
- Acts 20:28
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and
do not the truth.
But if we walk in the Light,
as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
- 1 John 1:6,7
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness, and the first begotten of the dead, ... and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings
and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
- Revelation 1:5,6
"These
are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore
are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sits upon the throne
... shall dwell among them."
- Revelation 7:14,15
"And he was clothed
with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called ... The Word of God."
- Revelation 19:13
This last verse of scripture
... reveals the aspect of relationship between the Blood of the Lamb ... and the Spirit Word
of the Kingdom of God.
___
Many
scholars have thought Revelation to be the revelation of Jesus Christ. But, I would say that the whole vision reveals
the importance of the revelation of Jesus Christ as being the expression of Spiritual Word ... of the Kingdom of
God.
Beginning in the first chapter, phrases like "Alpha and Omega",
the "testimony of Jesus Christ", followed by "he that has an ear let him
hear what the Spirit is saying ... to the church", and in chapter nineteen the "sharp
sword" ... that proceeds out of His mouth, ... all lead up to this last verse to show us the culmination of this relationship
between the Word of the Kingdom of God and ... the Blood of the Lamb. (See also: St.
John ch.1, and 1 John 5:7,8)
And they also overcame with ...
The Word of Their Testimony
Our world is riddled with scholars who have opinions about the popular religions of their culture,
and generation.
For the most part, their teachings, and conversations,
are handed down through the "vain traditions" of teachers with no first hand knowledge of what we are going to discover
in this section.
For us to uncover this truth, it's important
for us to understand that "testimony"... is not opinion. One can give an opinion, but an opinion will
not stand up in a "judicial" system because it doesn't ... establish truth.
What we need to recognize, is that the truth of our religion must not only stand up in our lives,
but it must also stand before the hierarchy of principalities, and powers, ... in the spiritual realm. For after all,
this religion is not just a morality to live by, but it must secure our position in the eternal life
hereafter.
Testimony must have first hand knowledge.
It's meant to bring about "judicial rift"; to bring "light to a situation". Is
the testimony true ? Will it ... stand up ? Or, is it just hear-say ?
In the Scriptures, we find that there is only one way to be certain of
truth, both in heaven, and on earth: and this testimony is the " light of God", which
lights every man.
Because the life of Jesus Christ is seen as an "expression
of Spirit Word", the witness to this expression must be the same. Jesus Christ didn't
only come as a prophet to give us a message, but also ... to baptize us with the experience of the
Spirit, and with fire.
It is then, he
said, ... that the Spirit of Truth will reside with us, and in us. (see: St. Luke
3:16, St. John 14:16,17, and Acts 1:8)
"For
whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our
faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus ... is the Son of God ?
(born ... of God)
This is he that came by water, and blood,
even Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears
witness, ... because the Spirit is truth.
*(The water of baptism,
the blood of the cross. At both of these events in Jesus' life ... the Spirit spoke, bearing
witness)
And there are three that bear witness in
the earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
If we receive the witness of men, ... the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which
He has testified of His Son.
He that believes on the Son
of God ... has the witness in himself. He that believes not God, has made Him a liar;
because he believes not the testimony that God gave of His Son.
And
this is the testimony that God has given to us eternal life, and this life ... is in His Son.
He that has the Son, (identifies with the Word, and anointing, of the Son)
has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life." (this is born ... of God)
- 1 John 5:4-12
The emphasis of this scripture is the contrast between the Spirit's testimony, ...
and the testimony of man.
The Spirit, the water, and the Blood.
These are the three that bear witness in the earth, and are the foundation of the gospel of Christ. The "carnal
witness", or religion of man, ... is not an option.
The testimony ...
To understand this Christian
"testimony", let's review what the early preachers were saying.
...
"John (the baptist, speaking of Jesus)
answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. He must increase,
but I must decrease. He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth, is earthly, and speaks of
the earth. He that comes from heaven is above all.
And what he has seen
and heard, that he testifies of; and yet, no man receives his testimony. He that has received
his testimony has set to his seal that God ... is true.
For
he whom God has sent, speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit ... by measure unto him.
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
(Compare: St. John 16:24-28, the disciples) He that believes on
the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
- St. John 3:27,30-3
Jesus
said ...
"I can of my own self do nothing: as I
hear, I judge: and my judgment is just because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me.
If I bear witness (testimony) of myself, ... my witness is not true. There is another that bears witness
of me, and I know that witness which He witnesses of me ... is true.
You
sent unto John, and he bore witness unto the truth. But, I receive not testimony from man: but, these things I
say, that you might ... be saved. He was a burning, and a shining light: and you were willing, for a season, to
rejoice in his light. But, I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father has
given me to finish, the same works that I do bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me.
And the Father himself, who has sent me, has born witness of me. You have neither heard
His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And you have not His word abiding in you: for whom He has sent,
... him you believe not.
Search the scriptures; for in them you think you
have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might
have life.
I receive not honor from men. But, I know you, that you have not
the love of God in you.
I have come in my Father's name,
and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive.
How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seeks not the honor that comes from God only
? "
- St. John 5:30-44
Jesus taught his followers ...
"For John
(the baptist) truly baptized with water; but, you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost
... not many days hence. You shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be
witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
- Acts 1:5,8
* Do you remember, when
you started reading this book, about how God would raise up a "standard"? (You're right) We're
getting there. Testimony. Standard. You will see ... what this means now,
as we briefly look at the early church, the apostles, and ... the "testimony of Jesus".
___
The "testimony" is the "standard"
"And it came to pass, in Iconium, ... that Paul and Barnabas went into the synagogue
of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed. Therefore,
they abode there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who gave testimony ... unto the word of His grace, and granted
signs, and wonders, to be done by their hands."
- Acts 14:1,3
"I thank my God always, on your behalf, for the grace
of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything you are enriched by him, in all utterance
(Spirit utterance), and in all knowledge (Spirit knowledge);
even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed (established) in you: so that
you do not come behind ... in any gift. (Spirit gift) "
- 1 Corinthians
1:4-7
"And I (Paul), when I came to you,
came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
(the "standard")
And my speech, and my preaching,
... was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration ... of the Spirit and
of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (not
natural, ... of God)
Now,
we have not received the spirit of the world, ... but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that
are freely given to us of God. Which things we also speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches,
but that which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things ... with spiritual.
The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can He know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
- 1 Corinthians ch.2
Do you understand now, that when it was prophesied that the Spirit of
God would raise up a standard in this dark world, that it is the Spirit Word of the Kingdom of God:
... the "testimony of Jesus Christ" ? (Rev. 19:10)
___
Because of our immersion into religion of "tradition" and "creed",
we have strayed from the truth, and the daily experience of this "presence", and don't relate
to this "testimony". Rather, we have replaced it with our own. Listen to the apostle, Peter.
"As every man has received the gift, ... even so,
minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it with the
ability that God gives: that God, in all things, may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
- 1 Peter 4:10,11
____
Now, let's hold this understanding
while we go to the message that the apostle John wrote to the churches ... about his revelation.
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave
unto him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by His
angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,
... and of all things ... that he saw.
I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony
of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a
trumpet," (this is "real testimony")
- Revelation 1:1,2,9,10
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
the Source of Our Faith
Chapter
Twelve
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory
that overcomes the world, even our faith."
- 1 John 5:4
"So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
(rhema, Spirit word) ... of God."
- Romans 10:17
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak in light: and what you hear
in the ear, that preach ... upon the housetops.
- St. Matthew 10:27
Our Faith (its source)
Have you
ever wondered why Jesus went to the wilderness, or some other quiet place, to pray ? Or, why there are many references
to the apostles retreating to a lonely place ?
It's because you have to understand "truth",
before you can understand faith.
Revelation followed by "realization"
... is the essence of faith.
When Moses ... was faced up against the Red Sea, with
the Egyptian army fast closing in behind him, ... he didn't grab for a memory verse, or claim the promises of God ...
that they would be safe.
No. He was listening to ... the Spirit of God.
There is no Spiritual faith without ... Spiritual truth. We need to draw from the presence of Spirit.
____
I was sitting in a conference recently, and the atmosphere felt tight.
We were gathered to discuss, and pray for, revival. I could sense that we were up against the powers of darkness, and
the delusion, that blinded the hearts of the people, and confused the actions of our society. There was a "scared
defense" against the things of God that would bring the light of salvation.
Religious people were
acting ludicrous, and busy.
The Holy Spirit formed a vision in my mind. I could see the scales
of justice. On one side, I could see these hopeless bondages. But on the other side, ... was the "revelation".
What I saw on God's side of the scale, was the following words.
"Prophetic Word
of the LORD". "Deception - will be broken".
But, what I could also see was that nobody was loading this side of ... the scale. How far we have drifted
from the power of the "testimony of Jesus".
It's the Spirit of Truth that breaks the deception.
It's the revelation, and realization, that brings faith ... to people's hearts.
There is a radical "realization" afoot in our generation, ... and I feel that I have
just shared the beginning of it with you.
"For when the enemy would come in like a flood, the Spirit
of the LORD ... shall lift up a "standard" against him." ____
There are folks in this world, who are just tired of their lifestyle. So, when
they repent, and become religious, they find a new life, and new friends. (no matter what the religion)
But, that's not what this is about.
We have to accept the "idea" that God has communicated
with us throughout history. Then, it's not too hard to accept the idea of the "Christ".
If we have a problem accepting the glimpses, and revelations, of the Spirit realm in history, ... then we are probably
not prepared to accept the gospel of Christ.
The expression of Christ is God's salvation to
the earth. If for some reason we are blinded to the presence of God, then we probably won't
see this, either.
Delusion usually comes from rejecting God's call ... when you know
that His Spirit is speaking to you. The human effort to barricade: and the excuses of the
world.
The Spirit of God is the "resurrection" power that is present with the Christ
gospel. He defeats the dark lord of death and mortality, lies, and destruction. (Romans ch.8)
It's the same Spirit that is the power of the Creator: the same, that moved across the face of the unformed
earth. (Genesis 1:1)
It is this Spirit that works with us in our everyday lives: gives
us wisdom, and direction, and works wonders, ... as we speak His words into existence.
The spells of wickedness must be broken. This is the power of salvation, both for now, ... and
eternity.
It's not about joining a group, studying, singing the right songs, or choosing the right religion.
At the end of the day, you're going to leave this life as a "spiritual person".
Either, you will know God, or you won't. Either, you will be at one with Him, or you won't.
May this be the beginning of a "blessed" career with the Spirit of God as
you become that person that has the testimony of Jesus, the "light of the gospel", and faith that overcomes.
|
|
Section Three
- Homogenized
-
|
|
|
|
God's Word
Chapter
Thirteen
We Fellowship - either in "faith", or "fear"
Applause
What the human being wants, at the end of the day,
is applause. That's why we ... do things.
We need to return that applause to God. That's called praise,
and worship. It's called, giving up our quest for applause; and turning ... to serve God.
The richness
of the inheritance of the saints is God's applause.
Truth
Truth: not just knowing about it, ... but experiencing it.
One sees a picture of a blue school
bus. The question is asked, "Do you drive" ?
Just looking at the blue school bus, ... will
not get the children to school.
Just knowing about the blue school bus, will not get the children to school.
Truth is like that. And, when we do drive, ... we may not be told where we can drive (except by the
Holy Spirit); and then, there is a mannerly way of driving ... that we have been referred to.
The Bible
Today, in the twenty first century, there are three religions that are
known as "the people of the Book". The Jews, the Muslims, and the Christians. The Jews have the Torah,
and the Talmud; the Muslims, the Quran; and the Christians, the Bible.
Each of these religions have
many sects within them that homogenize around certain views of their Book, that they believe is "the
way" that it's supposed to be interpreted.
Today, debates go on, scholars decide, and organizations
are formed. People claim that their Book is the complete Word of God, the final Word of God, and the only Word
of God: and they fight to make it known.
Jesus, the apostles, and the early Christian church, were
not of this way of thinking; and were not known as "people of the Book". They stood alone, having
come out of the darkness of traditional creed religion.
For them, the Word became flesh,
and dwelt amongst people ... as a light. (St. John chs.1,3) They were more interested in becoming witnesses
of the Light, than scholars of a Book. (Acts 1:4,5,8, ch.2:37-47, Romans 8:14, 2 Corinthians
6:14-18, Philippians ch.3) They made their decisions according to the mind and intent of the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 15:28, chs.10, and 16:6, 1Peter ch.4, Ephesians chs.1-6)
Jesus didn't have a Bible to preach
from, but when he was with religious people he took their Book and showed them that the prophets of history spoke of
the Spirit of the LORD. (see: St. Matthew ch.7, St. John 4:19-24, and St. Luke ch.4)
Paul, the apostle, explained it to religious folks, and warned them not to get caught up with religion: but
as well, not to hate religious people. (Acts 17:22-38, Romans chs.9,15, and Galatians)
There is always
a sifting going on to distinguish what is of the Spirit of God, and what is of the natural mind. We are not
judged by some carnal student of the Book, but rather, by Spiritual ministry. (1 Corinthians chs.2, 14,
Ephesians ch.4)
We are not endeavoring to become a student of the Bible, but rather, a student of God's "presence
and Word". It's fine to be able to associate your findings with past scripture, but our source
of Word ... is found in the Spirit of Truth.
Paul's exhortation to Timothy was not to become
a student of the Bible (there wasn't one until 397 AD), nor of Jewish religion and history (although that would
be helpful to his ministry); but rather, to learn how to become a "workman" that was clear in his
calling, and understanding, of the revealed word of truth.
"Study to show yourself approved
unto God, ... a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
- 2 Timothy 2:15
To be fair to Paul's letter to Timothy, he also told Timothy to stir up the gift that is in him
by Paul's spiritual ministry (chapter one), and also, to "not discard the scriptures" (old prophets)
because they have value. (chapter three).
What we are hoping to establish here ... is that we are not
people of the Book, in the sense that the Bible is our source of Word. Rather, we are "born of the Spirit",
and find our source of truth from the Spirit of Truth. (St. John ch.3) We are Spiritual people,
and believe in the presence, and ministry, of the Holy Ghost. (Romans ch.8,12, 1 Corinthians ch.12,14) The
ministry of the Christian is not one of intellectual, or legal, understanding.
Their interests are not to judge
whether, or not, someone is right, or wrong. The Christian is to reveal the "presence" of God amongst the
people of this earth, and to bring forth salvation to the individual. We are not ... "people of the Book".
"And of his fullness have we all received; grace upon grace.
For the law was
given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
No man has seen God at any time;
the only begotten ..., who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared Him. (made Him known) "
- St. John 1:16-18
"Philip saith unto him, Lord show us the Father, ... and it will suffice us.
Jesus
said unto him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip ? He that has seen me has seen
the Father; how do you say then, Show us the Father ?
Do you not believe that I am
in the Father, and the Father is in me ? The words that I speak unto you, are not my own: but, the Father that
dwells in me, He does the works.
Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me:
or else, ... believe me for the very works sake.
Of a truth, I say unto you, he that believes on
me, the works that I do he shall do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Counselor that He may abide with you forever; even
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but, you
know Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you.
The Counselor, (minister,
comforter), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
- St. John ch.14
The apostles of the early church continuously fought the notion of the people
slipping into the darkness of scholarly head knowledge, and self-righteousness; rather than a relationship with the
Spirit of God.
The apostle Paul, wrote;
"My speech, and my preaching, was not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration
of the Spirit, and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power
of God."
- 1 Corinthians ch.2
The apostle Peter, wrote;
"As every
man has received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it with the ability
that God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion, for ever
and ever."
- 1 Peter 4:10,11
Biblical Theology
Biblical theology is a name given to the study that refers to actual "comment" ... on the Old Testament,
and the New Testament.
To be a Biblical theologian, one does not have to belong to a particular "movement",
or "Group".
One does not even have to be in a relationship with the Spirit of God, to
be a Biblical theologian. (see: St. John 3:1-21, and many other priests, and doctorates)
Anyone, can make comments.
The Task
Throughout generations, we have
had many Biblical theologians commenting ... under different banners, and movement names; and we still have to "sift",
and prove, the information.
The ever expressing Word grows out of, and clarifies, the already "expressed
Word". We always ... only "see in part".
We don't need a "carnal
commentary", (from an unregenerate mind), on how we should conduct our lives; but rather, a Spiritual
expression, affirming our "growth" in God's eternal, and greater expression. This
is where the Spirit of prophecy comes in.
The voices throughout history have spoken up at God's
bidding, and we have seen the development of His very real purposes, and the fulfillment of His Word. Jesus,
Peter, Paul, and others, all referred to past ancient prophets, as they went about "expressing the Word"
in their lives, and ministries.
Does God ... speak today ? Yes! We need to stop
robbing this generation of the "voice of the Spirit" of God, and turn back to Him with all our hearts.
Much of what we have experienced with Biblical theology is nothing more than ambitious intellect.
The
problem with carnal commentators is that they take fragments of undeveloped prophetic expressions, and use them as building
blocks to construct carnal doctrines. And because they are born out of opinion, rather than the Spirit, most
often they end up in segregation, rather than salvation.
God's Word is "ever expressed", and is
the essence of His Spirit moving forth like the wind. Our beings are to be the "expressive
witness" ... of this Word. (St. John chs.1and 3)
Is His Word
complete ? Is His Word, only history ? Does His Word live, and abide ?
(1 Peter 1:23)
How do I get there ?
We need to understand the Christ gospel. It hasn't
commonly been preached.
Peter said, "This is that which was prophesied by the prophet Joel":
and Jesus had come preaching ... about a Kingdom.
We need to become "hearers" of the Word.
(Revelation chs.2,3)
A "Hearer" of the Word
There have been times when the hearers of the Word were bewildered. (Noah, Abraham, Joseph,
Moses, David, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, and many since) But, as these people had open
hearts to the expression of God, and moved in faith, God's Word was performed.
Is the Bible
the complete Word of God ? Is the Bible the final Word of God ? Do we hold the Bible as inspired ?
Do we want the Bible ?
Yes. It shows the greatness of the magnitude of God; and the "expression" of
His Magnificent Self. We say, thank you.
But, our "walk with God is our source":
not our knowledge, or self-righteousness. Let's get homogenized in the Light, rather than around an opinion.
"If we walk in the
Light, ... as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanses
us from all sin."
- 1 John 1:7
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
the Foundation of Our Faith
Chapter Fourteen
*This is not a relationship to the Scriptures; but rather, the relationship of the
Scriptures.
Traditional Religion
How long will we appeal to tradition, and not the "essence" of the gospel, ... which is the
Spirit of God ?
Traditions ... are a disguise of the enemy,
and serve to confine one's faith, presume the intent of the Spirit of God, and exclude ...
the true nature of the presence of God in one's life. Can we get past the hymn singing, the pious look, the long
prayers, the religious tone of voice, and self-righteous good works ?
The
Stone
The "stone which the builders rejected".
A "rock of offence". It will destroy ... what it falls upon.
"You are "lively stones", ... a Spiritual household"
(Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter ch.2, St. Matthew 21:33-44)
God's Spirit Word
The foundation of our faith is the revelation of Spirit Word in our lives.
When the apostle Peter refers to us as being lively stones, and a Spiritual household,
he is stating that we are alive as expressions of God's Spirit Word. (1 Peter ch.2)
The foundation that the world is built upon, ... is the Word of God. The Word
is solid, and good to build upon. The Christ ministry is the expression of Word.
(see: St. John ch.1, and ch.14:10, St. Matthew 7:24-27, ch.16:17,18)
We are a part of the "creative force" that is creating "new creatures" in Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 2:9,12-13, and ch.5:16-21)
____
Now, we are seeing what "born again" means.
If you can get an understanding of verse one, in Romans chapter eight, then the whole chapter will
open up to you. Without understanding this chapter, ... probably one doesn't understand the gospel.
Being "saved" (as in having your sins forgiven), is Old Testament terminology, and
refers to forgiveness for sin, and law-breaking. This form of gospel still leaves the person without knowing God. (St.
John 17:3)
Being "born again", and the idea of sonship, is the Gospel
that Jesus, and the early apostles, preached, and lived. This is the message of the New Testament; and the foretold
experience that is recorded in the Prophets. (the realization of light)
There
is definite teaching about controlled "ministry, and works". The tests of Jesus
in the wilderness are a good illustration of three important understandings. (St. Matthew ch.4)
1. the Word that proceeds from the mouth of God
2. don't test God, but rather listen and
obey
3. Him only, shall you worship and serve
This understanding of the gospel will help you
to go through intimacy, grace, and love, and into the experience of signs, healings, and miracles. (the expression of
Light)
____
Our desire to "impart" information, and to impress, ... causes
us to ramble.
Keep the message (present tense) simple, uncontaminated, and clean.
Uncloud
... the message.
The living Word of God ... is not so much meant to increase our education as is
it is to "express the intent and creative power of God" through our lives.
In Genesis chapter
one, God spoke to the human, and told them to "replenish" the earth. But, it didn't
happen until Genesis chapter two, (and beyond), where it happened through a process.
The point that I'm making,
deals not so much with a matter of "time", as it does with the importance of "expecting" the
Word to be "expressed". This is not easily seen in religion that worships knowledge of the Scriptures, but
fails to see, or be a part of, the activity of God's Spirit.
In Mark's account
of the gospel, (ch. 11:13,14, 20-33), we see the same teaching of Jesus that is in the gospel according to John,
(chapter 15:1-8). The seriousness of faith, fruitfulness, and the expression of God's Spirit Word
in this earth. It's a call to abide in His "intent". (His Spirit Word)
It would
be worth your while to look these two scriptures up, and compare them. There are many things to learn from them, such
as the power of faith, the source of Word, and the importance ... of the "forgiveness flow".
Nothing that we are talking about gives credibility to any form of religious knowledge; but rather
to "relationship", and expression of the Spirit Word ... that proceeds from God.
The "Word of God" results ... in fruit.
The living Spirit Word is life-giving.
Jesus told the people, "the Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life".
(St. John ch.5, and ch.6:63)
Where there is no fruit, ... there is no relationship with the Spirit
of God.
Fruit, is not just something nice to look at, it is the key element to "replenish".
It is God's process. It is the product of His creative spoken Word. It's
a result of vision ... born from the Throne of God. (as in Genesis chs.1,2)
Creation
Do you understand what creation is ? We create from vision. It would be great
if we understood the importance of vision. If we did, we would nurture it
in others that we cared for; and discourage the nurturing of wrong vision.
True vision for our destiny
comes ... from God's Spirit.
Faith connects us to God. Vision is at the "focal point"
of faith. Focus your faith ... in Spiritual vision.
The Spirit of God ... is God's
intimacy with man: God's relationship with the individual. Communion. Not a religion: but rather, communion,
and oneness. For in God, we live, and move, and have our being.
We are created
Spiritually, and actually have to work at not being attentive. We have to fill our minds with
distraction, carelessness, and unbelief, ... in order to avoid the Holy Spirit.
God's Spirit
is the Spirit of truth. The only true reality is found in this Spirit. All circumstance
that we see around us ... is in a state of continual change ... because of effect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Evil Spirits
Chapter Fifteen
Introduction
Evil, when we're talking about relationship with God,
is something "that is contrary" to God's purposeful vision.
Throughout many of the
accounts that we read about in the Scriptures, we see people that did things contrary to God's will; and that was evil.
There are also accounts of the nation of Israel taking ... the evil road. (see: the Book of Judges)
Evil
is also something ... that is calamitous, hurtful, and destructive: and this harm can even come from the correcting
hand of the LORD. (Jeremiah 6:19, ch.13, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 18:10, 19:9, 2 Samuel 17:14, and 24:16)
We are speaking of realms of people, and realms of spirits, exercising destructive influence against "humans",
and against God's Creation. There is a whole world of activity that is not easily recognized by our natural
understanding, ... that seeks to influence our lives in this world.
____
I was
recently called to meet with a dying woman, who for the most part didn't want to talk about God. Right to her deathbed,
she wanted to talk about all the good-time partying she and her friends had done.
I could see, as I met with
her, the figure of a man trying to pull her into the next world. I believe that much of her problem was brought upon
her by this spirit. As I talked with her it seemed to become evident to me that it was her dead husband.
Because of her rejection towards the Holy Spirit, ... she had placed herself in a place of danger. She eventually
died.
On another occasion I enquired about a recently departed person, who had come to me with a message for her
family right after she had died. It was a year later, and I asked the LORD what had become of her. The answer
was, that she was on a "judicial review".
I am not a medium, and do not seek to communicate with the
spirits of the dead, ... but, I have had several of these experiences, when it was close to their time of death.
My interests, rather, are centered in what the Holy Spirit wants to say to people. But, having said that, I
am reminded that Jesus, and the apostles, communicated with the spiritual realm; and, as we move on in this part, hopefully
our understanding ... will be enlarged.
I do not want you to associate your dead loved ones with evil; but,
I do want you to become aware of this vast world, because it is so linked to the present. Not all of the spiritual realm
is evil, but there is a part of it that is.
The Vastness of the Spirit World
What we know of the Spirit world is possibly quite limited. I think that without the Spirit of God as
our guide, we would miss much of it.
I want you to keep "this thought" close to you, ... for your
relationship with the Holy Spirit will serve you in this world, and that which is to come.
When
Jesus walked this earth as a man, he said that all the things that he was doing were because of the Father
who lived within him.
When he died on the cross, he said, "Father, into Your hands, I place
my spirit".
If a person walks around in this earth "out of touch",
lost, and vulnerable, their spirit most likely will pass into the next world in the same state. Whether the person
is religious, or not, won't be important. Real salvation ... is for us to establish a relationship with the
Holy Spirit; so that we as the lost might become found.
In the same way, if a person walks around
in this earth with a "spiritual attachment" that is not good, that probably won't change either at the
time of passing.
There are hosts of angels, and all sorts of beings, that are beyond our imagination.
There are fallen angels, demons, evil spirits, and unclean spirits.
When Jesus went through the sacrificial part
of his ministry, he also, through the power of God, defeated the spirits of accusation and condemnation, ... that
salvation might be made known ... in all the realms. (including earth)
"He ascended
up on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."
- Ephesians 4:8-15 (see also: Psalms 68:18) Evil
Spirits
Evil spirits like to travel in packs, ... hang around some "areas", some "bodies",
and "people". Where they are, they have an evil effect. This terminology is general, and includes
devils, demons, unclean spirits, and fallen angels.
(See: St. Mark ch.5, St. Luke ch.4, 7:21, 8:2, 26-36,
ch.11, St. Matthew ch.12, Acts 19:8-20, and Revelation ch.18)
In these records, you will see
a pattern. You will see the mention of (1) evil spirits, and (2) driven of the devils. The unclean spirits
manifest ... what the devils, and demons, instigate.
In the introduction, we described evil as being destructive.
Evil - when translated from the Hebrew term "ra", or "ra'wah", means to spoil, bruise, afflict, hurt,
mischief, vandalism.
Evil - translated from the Greek term "pene'ros", means diseased, hurtful in
effect or influence, malice, and guilt.
The apostle Peter describes the evil conduct of some people in such
a way that you can almost see the spiritual effect at work.
"Them that walk after the flesh, ... in the
lust of uncleanness, and despise authority.
Presumptuous, self-willed, not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.
Natural brute beasts, made to be taken ... and destroyed, speak evil of things that they don't understand:
and shall utterly perish ... in their own corruption; and receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they
that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are, and blemishes, ... sporting themselves with their
own deceivings, ... while they feast with you.
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease
from sin; deceiving unstable souls: a heart that they have exercised with covetous practices: cursed children.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved
forever.
While they promise liberty, they are servants of corruption: for of whom a man
is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage."
- 2 Peter ch.2
devils (demons)
devils - from the Greek term "daimon" (demon),
a deity, a supernatural spirit of a bad nature.
devils - also from the Greek term "diabolos";
a traducer, false accuser, slanderer.
"unclean" spirits
unclean
- from the Greek word "akathartos"; not united.
The Greek term
"kathairo" means to cleanse, prune, purge, expiate. (as found in St. John 15:1-11)
These
"unclean" spirits are the opposite of the Greek term "hama", which means "at the same time"
(Revelation 18:2)
The "unclean" spirit is un-united with the "Spirit of God", and the
"Christ". (see: St. John chs.14,15,16)
"Try (test, judge)
the spirits ... whether they are of God "
- 1 John ch.4
These are not devils, but rather, "un-united"
spirits. No Spirit of truth, or "covering of the Christ".
These are unaffected, independent,
unruly, spirits; who become bullied, ... and are overpowered, and captivated by devils.
Spirits that have gone
on to the next realm.
What a fearful thing it is to be without the "the promise of the Father",
the Holy Ghost, the One sent to abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, the counselor, ... the guide.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
the Spirit of Truth
Chapter Sixteen
This life and the Authority of "Spirit Word"
"Does
not wisdom cry ? And understanding put forth her voice ?
She stands in the top of high places,
by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in
at the doors.
Unto you, O men, I call; and My voice is to the sons of man.
O you simple, understand wisdom: and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Hear; for I
will speak of excellent things; and the opening of My lips shall be right things. For My mouth shall speak truth;
and wickedness is an abomination to My lips. All the words of My mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing
froward, or perverse, in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them ... that
find knowledge.
Receive My instruction, and not silver; and knowledge, rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The
fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the fraudulent mouth, ... I do hate.
Counsel is Mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By Me, kings reign,
and princes decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I
love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early, shall find Me. Riches, and honor, are with Me; yes,
durable riches, and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold; than fine gold; and My revenue,
than choice silver.
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love Me
to inherit substance; and I will fill ... their treasures.
The LORD possessed Me in the beginning
of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth was. (Compare
St. John 1:1-5)
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding
with water. Before the mountains were settled; before the hills were, I brought forth: while as yet, He
had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
When He prepared
the heavens, I was there: when He set a compass upon the face of the depth: when He established the
clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep: when He gave His decree to
the sea, that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth: then,
I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him; rejoicing
in the habitable part of His earth; and My delights were with the sons of men.
Now, therefore,
hearken unto Me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse
it not.
Blessed is the man that hears Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors.
For whoso finds Me, finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD. But, he that sins against Me, wrongs his own
soul: all they that hate Me ... love death."
- Proverbs ch.8
This is
a serious illustration of St. John chapters one and three, where the apostle introduces the heart of the gospel to us;
which is found in the realization of "light", and "Spirit Word".
People that Would
Not Hear
"Then, the Word of the LORD came unto me saying, thus saith the LORD, After
this manner I will mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.
This evil people, which
refuse to hear My words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship
them, shall even be as this girdle which is good for nothing.
For as the girdle cleaves to
the loins of a man, ... so have I caused to cleave unto Me the whole house of Israel, and the whole house of Judah,
saith the LORD; that they might be unto Me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory:
but, they would not hear."
- Jeremiah 13:8-11
Hate the Light: Love the Evil
"And
this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because
their deeds were evil.
For every one that does evil, hates the Light, neither comes to the Light,
lest his deeds should be exposed."
- St. John 3:19,20
A Form of godliness
"For
men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than
lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but, denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
the Spiritual Realm
Chapter Seventeen
Spirit
The word that is used in early church writings, to describe
"spirit", is the Greek word "pneuma"; which means "a current of air", a "breath",
the "rational soul". This word could be used to describe any type of spirit. (an evil spirit, human
spirit, Holy Ghost)
King Saul and the dead Prophet
When King Saul couldn't
find anybody that could give him a Word from God, ... he went to a woman that communicated with the dead. Her
job was to talk to the prophet Samuel, who had passed on.
The account says, that she saw "gods" coming
up, and then, Samuel. (1 Samuel 28:13). These gods (Heb. elohiym) are usually linked with God, and have a defense
and justice calling. They are like protectors. (angels, guards, etc.)
Some spirits, such as unclean
spirits, run wild, and are under control of devils. Some spirits ... are in unity with the Holy Spirit,
and are protected by God's "protectors". (the "elohiym") Why would you not
want ... the salvation of God ?
The Spiritual Realm
The Spiritual realm
is full of spirits. This temporal realm, that we live in here, ... feeds off of the Spiritual realm.
These spirits want to express, ... and to become flesh. Spirits cling to people to "live out",
and express, their character, and emotion, fear, lust, idolatry, and bigotry.
Some of these spirit "expressions" travel for generations within a family, city, or group. (eg. Prince of
Persia - Daniel ch.10)
You may ask, Why are they all bad ones ?
The answer is this. The
spirit that is "abiding", and at one with the Holy Spirit, ... isn't running "at large",
and lost.
When one won't submit to the LORD of the Spiritual realm, one has no authority.
The Word
of the Holy Spirit is authoritative in both worlds.
Both, Jesus, and the prophet Isaiah,
stated their mission statement, ... (Isaiah ch.61, St. Luke ch.4)
"The Spirit of the
LORD is upon me, to set the captives free"
The power of this authoritative Spirit
Word is present, here amongst us, to "set the captive free". But, we must learn to hear, ... and in faith,
obey. This is what ministry is all about.
"Every one that does evil, hates the Light,
neither comes to the Light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
But, he that does truth, comes to the Light,
that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
- St. John 3:20,21
Jesus, following the "judicial proceedings" of the cross,
went into the "utmost parts" of the regions of the dead, and preached to the spirits. (1 Peter 3:18-22,
ch.4:1-11, Ephesians ch.4)
When we are born again of the Spirit
of God to become eternal Sons of God, the vastness of our calling, and the realm of our existence,
supercedes anything that we could ever imagine. (Ephesians ch.1, Colossians ch.1)
Our calling,
and relationship, begins here today, as God fulfills His Kingdom purposes ... in this earth.
Extreme Creation (and the beyond)
We are in the midst of unimaginable and complicated
worlds, teeming with life; and the only hope for our true condition, and sustenance, is God's
Spirit of truth. For the Spirit of truth ... is also the Word of the Kingdom that abides with "you".
(St. John chs.14-16, 1 Corinthians ch.2, and Romans ch.8)
How disastrous it is, to get
caught up with the petty, little, distractions, and religions; ... and fall short of the glory of God.
The Stewardship of our Soul
At the time of birth (either before, or after)
I had a wild experience, ... that I was bodily flying around, and over, the surface of the earth. I was
linked to a beautiful, compatible, girl; and we were arm in arm, embracing as we flew, ... discovering the earth. It
was amazing, and the feeling of oneness, and companionship, was the greatest.
We flew through
mountain ranges, over hills, and across plains; and everything was a joy as we experienced the wonders of this
earth, together. This may be the best illustration that I can give to you of an "out of body" spiritual experience,
and the bliss of it.
____
But, I have a surprise for you. The compatible girl that I told you about is my soul. Why a
girl ? Because, together we are procreative. We are created after the image of God, the greatest Creator;
and we became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)
I have a stewardship
over my soul, to nurture it, and bring it up for the glory of God. It is my soul that develops character,
just as a church, city, or nation. When God is exalted in my soul, and the Spirit of truth is given His rightful
place, the glory of the Light shines bright.
In the ancient Zoroastrian religion, the prophets
believed that the first companion that you became aware of when you died, was your soul. Either, you had a beautiful
mate coming to meet you, or an ugly, deformed, one. They taught that your spirit came into this world to
do combat: that your soul was for character; and that your body ... was for activity.
In
various places throughout Scripture, Jesus and some of the early apostles refer to ... our soul.
"You
shall love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (St. Matthew 22:37)
"But, we are not of them who draw back unto perdition: but of them who believe to the saving ...
of the soul. " (Hebrews 10:39)
"Dearly beloved, I beseech
you as strangers, and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against ... the soul." (1
Peter 2:11)
The most precious thing that you can present to God is a soul that is full
of His image, and sealed by His Spirit.
______
Ephesians ch.1, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
|
|
(Chapter Overviews In Part)
For Paperback Book
Order Today !
|
|
Download
e-book
(PDF)
$8.95
*after Payment Click
Return to Bill Campbell
at Top of Pay Pal page
(and
download)
|
the things that are: - Bill
Campbell
- 208 pgs. - 4.5 x 7.5 Paperback Book
Note: If you don't
have a PayPal Acc't, you will see the option to Pay by Credit Card. Please be sure to Fill in the Correct mailing
information.
For more info. email billcamcan@gmail.com Thank you for your Order. (allow 14 days)
|
|
____
div style="text-align:center; margin:0px; padding:0px; width:220px;">
 Large
Visitor Globe
|
