THE BLESSING OF THE CROSS

I have attempted to define for you what the word of God calls eternal redemption and eternal inheritance. On the surface, it sound like a difficult concept to grasp or even understand, but by carefully reading scripture, as it was intended, neither adding nor detracting anything from it, and in the context in which it was written, it should make sense to most folks. You need to understand that God is anxious for his children to understand him and his ways. What parent wouldn’t want the very same things for their children? God is not complicated, friends. He’ll make every possible effort, going to extreme measures to see that you are properly trained and taught from his precious word. This effort will reward the student by revealing to them the depth, height, length, and breadth of his love. There’s a phrase and song lyrics in the world that says something like this, “To know him is to love him”. And that is true.

The only time Christ ever used riddles, was when he was confronted with questions by the religious leaders, who proclaimed to be righteous and in right standing with God simply because of their position as church leaders and the fact that they adhered to the laws of Moses flawlessly. Christ called these men hypocrites and whited sepulchers. Matthew 23:27-28 KJV Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Christ knew the truth about such men as these and he exposed them for what they truly were. To others (e.g. the multitudes), he often spoke in parables, with a message that, with a bit of thought, revealed exactly what he meant. To those who truly hungered and thirsted for truth, righteousness, and intimacy, Christ often spoke plainly.

The Scribes and Pharisees didn’t want to be told the truths of God. They thought they knew everything anyway. We’ve all known such people. They merely wanted to entrap Jesus so they’d have something with which to accuse him; to put him to death. These people never received anything from God, in fact could not because their hearts were hardened like stone. Christ knew their hearts were evil, and wasn’t about to give them any words of life. As you can imagine, Jesus became a real pain in their neck and they hated him because of it, regardless of the numerous miracles he performed in front of them and the multitudes. He challenged them openly concerning their self-professed holiness and the supposed relationship they had with God because of the Laws Moses had given them. They were never his disciples and never would be. The religions of today are no better. They too claim to know God, but are far from him. In fact, religious people find it difficult to understand why followers of Christ find such pleasure in the presence of publicans and sinners.

God tells us that the message of scripture [the word of God] is for the average man or women, who have a genuine heart to receive the message of Christ, not necessarily the affluent or financially down and out. These people come from all walks of life, but they all have one unique thing in common. They know they need a Savior and have a longing in their hearts to hear the true spiritual message of the gospel; “the too good to be true Good News of the gospel”. With contrite hearts, Christ will not turn them away. In fact he was criticized by the religious leaders of his day for communing with these undesirable publicans and sinners (read the account for yourself – Mark 2:14-17 KJV).

Important fact of faith…
Take comfort friends, Christ sincerely desires to enlighten his precious saints, not to cause, or allow confusion to render them helpless and hopeless.

Just think about it for a moment. How could you possibly spread the message of hope to others, if you’re confused about it yourself? Here’s the truth about his coming. He ultimately did what we could not do for ourselves. He died for you and me. The ransomed price was paid for everyone and anyone who would receive the truth of it by faith.
***

So, what is eternal redemption? Its redemption achieved by a single once only offering [Christ’s blood] that covers all sin, for all people [human kind], forever. In other words, it’s just as valid today as it was the on the very day Christ died at Calvary. It will never be duplicated. You need to know that with eternal redemption comes eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

How did Christ do that? He entered into heaven; into the very throne room of God Almighty [the Holy of Holies], upon his death and provided the necessary blood sacrifice [offering] that God demanded for the sins of mankind. That is why he is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world – John 1:36.

Here’s a unique way to think of it. Even the very smallest drop of Christ’s precious blood was more than sufficient to cover any sin that would ever take place in the world until his return.

By accepting Christ, your sins are forever covered, past present and future. Because he took care of the sin issue, it is no longer the element that separates mankind from their Creator. Now, if you can grasp this truth and receive it with humility, it will literally transform your life from that very moment.

What are your benefits? Let me show you.

Hebrews 10:1-2
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered?

Did you notice the question mark? It’s important. Here’s what this scripture is actually saying. If the animal sacrifices had really been sufficient to deal permanently with the sin issue forever, then they would have ceased to offer those sacrifices, and Christ would not have needed to die. But we know that was not the case. Since animal sacrifice was never meant to be fully sufficient, the Jewish people had to continue sacrificing animals, up until the time of Christ’s death. Their continual sinning demanded it, and their separation from God remained because of sin conscience.

When Christ died, the need for animal sacrifices ceased. The temporary reprieve offered by animal blood was replaced with the permanent fix for sin, Jesus’ very own blood sacrifice. Hebrews 7:26-27 ASV - For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the (sins) of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.

The veil in the temple was rent [torn in to; from the top to the bottom], which signified that the perfect work of redemption was now complete. Christ’s death restored relationship for us with Almighty God. No longer would sin separate mankind from its Creator, nor hinder them from intimacy with the Godhead.

Something wonderful to consider…
How great was the finished work of Christ’s death? It’s revealed in this scripture - 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 KJV But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Satan didn’t understand the “hidden wisdom” of God, which was to reunite mankind with their Creator. So he had schemed to kill the Christ child early on and then later as an adult, but couldn’t get the job done. God would not yet allow it. When Jesus was finally betrayed and handed over to the religious leaders for execution, Satan thought he had won the game. In reality, God used this fool [Satan] to bring about the perfect work of redemption – the death of Christ, which was the perfect plan of God all along.

The sacrifices of the Old Testament could never make the sinner prefect. They were but a shadow of what was yet to come. The New Testament begins where the Old Testament left off.

The blood of Jesus Christ dealt with the issue of sin once and for all, forever. The thought of it now gives me goose bumps. I can’t help but shout with all joy and thanksgiving for his sacrifice.

His blood stripped the power of sin and its hold over mankind; in effect removing the burden of sin from our shoulders.

Not only did Christ’s blood deal a fatal blow to our sins from the past, present, and future, it also purged sin from the depths of our conscience - Hebrews 10:2 …because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

What a wonderful revelation this is; yet there are still problems.
The tragedy is that very few of God’s people actually know this to be true in their own lives. Being in a place where sin conscience no longer lives is difficult to imagine. Instead, many of God’s people are like those who lived in the Old Testament. They’re condemned by their sin and are taught that they must continually get their sin(s) under fresh blood. Just as the Israelites lived in a constant state of sin conscience, most Christians of today do to. It’s what they’ve be been taught all of their church going lives.

Most Christians are convinced [having been taught] they are horrible sinners, not fully understanding or appreciating what was provided for them by Christ’s death. Many fear that challenging established religion, or their denomination, on any level, will only invoke the wrath of God in their lives. Instead, they should be challenging everything they hear from the pulpits of their churches and denominational dogma. According to scripture, they’re to prove [test] the Word of God for themselves. Those not content to merely attend church, should never be satisfied with what they hear in the church. We are commanded to know truth for ourselves and to be diligent in our efforts to keep the word of God free from half-truths, or a person’s opinion.

Godly people, desiring to rightly divide the word of truth, are the ones who will hold the pastors and teachers accountable for the words they instruct, so that no error slips in. It benefits them, their pastors, and the members of the congregation. It’s a win, win situation.

***

Friends, the days of feeling condemned for sin is long past. Read it for yourself in this scripture verse - Romans 8:1 KJV - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

If your church insists on a doctrine of condemnation for those who commit sin, then perhaps you should move on. Sin has its consequences, as I’m sure you realize, if left un-repented, but it no longer separates you from the Godhead. Access to the Throne Room of God is swung wide open to those who are the Born-Again children of God. Enter in and be blessed.

Tell the Lord you are thankful for his sacrifice and that his blood has now and forever stopped flowing for sin. Let the Word of God purge you from stinking thinking, with truth. Captives are made free with truth.

Now that you understand the truth, let’s go forward.

***

Ephesians 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

I find it amazing that we are able to put on the New Man identified in this scripture. This New Man is created perfect and in the exact image of Christ - in righteousness and true holiness.

Can anyone diminish God, or his finished work? NO! God’s finished work in both redemption and inheritance is eternal, meaning it never needs improvement or to be changed. It is entirely sufficient for all people for all time.

There is really only one way to diminish scripture’s truth. You do it whenever you chose to believe the lie(s) religion perpetrates on people who don’t know the word for themselves.

When someone preaches something other than what the truth of what scripture reveals, I immediately reject it, since I know the truth for myself. Amazingly, churches are full of people who could care less about what’s being taught from the pulpit. Many find it easy to sleep through the service, or feel they’ve done their religious duty by being in attendance. They might also reason that since a person has attended a seminary, or religious training of some sort, who are they to question the teacher or pastor concerning spiritual matters, or the messages they preach.

Organized religion has only one word for what I’m teaching you here – heresy. They’ll tell you that people like me are lunatics or religious fanatics. Frankly that’s exactly what they thought about Christ.

Question…
What is a religious fanatic? Isn’t it simply someone who loves Christ and the truths of scripture more than you do?

Everything I teach I can back up with the Word of God. That’s why I supply you with plenty of scriptural references for you to examine for yourselves.

God never intended for animal sacrifices to be sufficient or eliminate sin conscience, or to resolve the sin issue permanently. In time he would provide them and the world with the perfect sacrifice for that very purpose – his son. Until then, they would retain their sin conscience state – hence the need for repeated offerings –“getting their sin(s) under the blood”, one more time.

In the New Testament the blood of Christ dealt fully with those issues.

Never forget this...
Sin no longer separates the child of God from their creator. Period!

Churches hammer the sin doctrine home to their congregations, with every sermon, telling you how unworthy you are because of your sin, and say that God could never be pleased with you in such a state.

The thing that nailed Christ to the cross and kept him there until his death was his great love for you. Sin was the issue that caused separation, but his blood was the answer; restoring fellowship with the Father.

Another thing to consider…
If sin were really the issue, then the issue would always remain, because of the fallen state of mankind. That means that man would never be able to enter into the presence of God because of his fallen nature.

What about those who aren’t yet children of God? Is sin an issue for them? Should sinful condition be the focus of our approach to them?

Here’s your answer…
Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

This scripture verse tells you precisely how God feels about the unsaved. He is essentially telling you that relating the goodness and love he has for his creation is what leads men/ women to repentance. Remember, love draws you to Christ, while the condemnation of sin drives you from him.

What exactly then is the Good News of the Gospel?
1) Is it: You’re a sinner bound for hell unless you repent? No! Though true, that’s not the good news of the Gospel!
2) Is it: Since you’re a sinner, God has rejected you? No! That’s not the truth or good news either! God would not have sent Christ if you were rejected by him.
3) Is it: You’ll always be separated from God because of sin. No! Sin separates you from God, but it does not separate God from you.

The only ones you’ll ever find that’ll reject you this side of heaven, are religious zealots.

Think on this…
Churches have stricter guidelines for acceptance into their denomination than God does for you to enter into fellowship with the Godhead. Isn’t there something wrong with this?

Scriptural example: Luke 18:10-14 KJV - Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.


The “too good to be true” Good News of the Gospel is that even though you were a sinner separated from God, Jesus Christ, because of his sacrificial death and shed blood, now offers you right standing with Almighty God, as a free gift, if you will simply believe and receive the truth of it by faith.

That’s what makes people truly free. John 8:36 KJV - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Let me make this abundantly clear...
If you understand the things I’ve been sharing with you, supported by the scriptural references I’ve included, then you’d realize that your “born-again” nature is now completely sin free. Your soul and body were not made new however, only your spirit. This spirit [new man] is incapable of sinning. Why, because it was sealed by God himself [the Holy Spirit] against the effects of any sin or sin conscience. Sin no longer has dominion over you. Its power has been forever broken. That is why scripture now calls you an overcomer, victorious over all things – a conqueror.

When you were converted [saved], through faith in Christ, you were separated from your sin; as stated in Psalms 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

So why is it that countless Christians continue to struggle in their walk with Christ? What’s the one fundamental problem that constantly plagues everyone claiming to be a child of God? Without a doubt, nearly 100% will tell you that it’s their constant battle with sin.

God’s people are always trying new and unusual ways to…
1) …defeat sin through their human effort.
2) …to overcome sin by attending support groups and seeing “Christian therapists”.
3) …to make themselves acceptable to God through constant repentance, fasting, church attendance.

Most believe that having a relationship with God requires most or all of these things. They believe that this is completely normal for all Christians to feel unworthy and the foundation on which they build their relationship with the Father. How sad that is.

Scripture is so plain. Can you not see it? Your sins are forgiven – past, present, and future. Acceptance by God was never based on your performance, or abilities. It is based on his grace, mercy, and love, alone. He did what he knew you could not do to restore relationship. And he was glad to do it.

He wanted to purge your sin conscience so he could have unrestricted fellowship with you; with no barriers or hindrances.

There will be a group who rise up and say that I am advocating sin, but that is not true. If you could see what God has done for you, or can grasp the truth as it is revealed in scripture and confirmed in your new man, then you’d know the goodness of God which was poured out to mankind through Christ’s suffering and death. Who would knowingly sin in the presence of such great love?

How great is God’s love towards you and me? Romans 5:8 KJV - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in right
eousness and true holiness.
Final word…
Let the love of God dominate your life. Understanding this alone would cause you to live a holier life accidentally, than you could ever hope to accomplish on purpose.

PERVERTED

Gal 1:6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

In the day that we live in there seems to be such a mindset with many of God’s children concerning the subject of grace and all things acceptable concerning that grace
To many including preachers and teachers the idea of grace implies that an individual is able to do what they want and when they want with no consequences to their actions.

Hear the word of God very carefully
Rom 6:16
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

To whom you yield yourselves servants to obey you become his servants
Whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness and grace does not void out or nullify this scripture

True grace teaches us how to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

The true grace of God is a teacher that instructs us how to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and how through faith to tear down strongholds and bring them in to the obedience of Jesus Christ and to revenge all disobedience.

2 Cor 10:4-6
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Now notice what the Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians
Gal 1:6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

In this epistle Paul is adamant about the grace of God and he says that if anyone comes preaching another gospel even if it is an angel from heaven let them be accursed or on other words LET THEM BE CONDEMNED TO HELL

Gal 1:8-9
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
And he goes onto say that there are some who have brought trouble and have perverted the gospel of Christ.

Listen to what Paul wrote in the book of Romans concerning the gospel of Christ
Rom 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul states that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation and now in the book of Galatians Paul is saying there are some of you that have brought trouble and have perverted the gospel of Christ

Hear what he is saying “NOT ANOTHER”

Gal 1:7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Paul is saying it is not another gospel, it’s not another teaching or even another philosophy that is the enemy, the enemy is that the gospel has been added to ,it has been perverted,

Paul is saying that the worst thing that can happen to the gospel of Christ is that it has been added to making it perverted and that is what happened to the church in Galatia and the same thing in taking place throughout America today

The Galatea church were not renouncing that Christ was the Messiah or the Savior of the world
They were not saying that Christ was not the Son of God, they believed those things, the problem was that they we’re not believing by faith in Christ alone, they were adding works upon the work of Christ which had already been finished.

Religious Jews had come in to the midst of the church and said yes Christ is the Son of God and yes he is the Savior of the world and you must accept him as Lord but you also have to keep all the rituals and regulations of the Old Testament in addition to faith in Christ and this is what Paul is preaching against

Look at
Gal 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

What an awesome word!
Paul is speaking about death and in fact speaking about his own death and he says I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, he is speaking about dying and in that death he states he has found the true purpose of life,
In his hungering and thirsting for the abundance of life he has found it in death to himself

I wonder how many will be able to grasp the significance of that statement

Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

“whosoever will come after me let him deny himself”

Matt 10:39
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

“he that loseth his life for my sake will find it”

Are you seeking for revelation on his word
Here it is----it’s about denying self and self is alive and well in the lives of most people today and not only is it alive and well it is thriving as we are being encouraged to walk in the relationship of self.

Many have the mindset today that self is the center of the universe and everything revolves around that.

Let me give you revelation,
Self-centeredness is the source of all problems, all grief, all heartache, pain and unhappiness.
Only when you get out of your self-centeredness and put God and other people ahead of yourself are you ever going to experience any true liberty in your life

James 1:25
but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty and becomes a doer of the work this man shall be blessed in his deeds

Multitudes of God’s people want revelation knowledge, they want to attach themselves to someone with that revelation knowledge without it costing them anything
They want to hang out and walk in revelation knowledge without that revelation knowledge becoming lifestyle in them.

They are not willing to deny themselves, they are not willing to come out of their life to find the true purpose of life and they are not willing to forsake all so that they can come into the virtue of truth that will give them perfect liberty in Christ

It's called self-centeredness

And then on the other hand there are people who will hear this message concerning self-centeredness and they will see the problems that it is causing in their lives and they will begin to deny themselves to such a point that they will begin to hate everything that they do, people so consumed with dying to themselves, so consumed with carrying the cross of Christ and crucifying everything that is in them and that is not what the scriptures are talking about.

Paul said I am crucified with Christ

Paul taught on this in
Rom 6:8-11
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Such as awesome word and yet multitudes continue to be bound by the shackles of religion.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Dying in Christ has been so religiously taught according to religious views that many because they have such an obsession with dying to themselves they become more self-centered trying to get rid of all the things that happen to be in their life

i remember so well in a church service one night that the sermon centered around self-centeredness and we were given a piece of paper and we were told to write down on this paper all of the sins in our lives that we felt were giving us problems

so I wrote down all these sins and then we were told to meditate on these sins so that we could see just how bad that they really we’re in our lives,
by the time that I had finished I was so condemned and miserable that I was determined to get those things out of my life and in that I now was more centered in on myself than I ever had been before and even though the focus had changed I was still centered in on my self

Notice what Paul said
He did not say I am crucifying myself he said I am crucified with Christ in other words it is a done deal. it is over.
When you became born again you we’re crucified with Christ

The correct way to die to yourself
The correct way to take up your cross and to deny yourself and to follow him is to come to the revelation that he died, he was the one who was crucified, he paid the price so that we might live and because of what he has done your love for him should overshadow everything in your life and the focus should be all about him and not about you
The love that you have for him should far exceed the love that you have for yourself
Your entire life should be centered around him

So many of Gods people believe that before the light can shine forth darkness has to be removed

That is not true at all
When a room is dark all that needs to be done to make the darkness go is to turn on the light

John 1:1-5
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 any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

WHEN YOU REALLY LOVE THE LIGHT THEN SELF LOVE WILL DIE

SEEKING HIM TO KNOW HIM

Are we seeking and pursuing after God’s presence or Gods presents.
Ps 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Do we know what this scriptures is really saying
Seek the face of God and not the hands of God
Seek the presence of God and not the presents of God
Seek God for who he is and not for what he can do for you.

For if you will seek Him and search for Him you will find him

Ps 14:2
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God

The Lord looked down to see if anyone understood and was seeking Him

Do we understand,
Do we understand that Almighty God desires us to seek him with our heart that we might know him instead of seeking him out of need to fulfill and meet our needs

Seeking Him with all our heart automatically places us in the place where we are protected and all of our needs are met.
Ps 91:1-10
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Ps 27:4-6
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Victory follows the heels of rejoicing and our rejoicing should have nothing to do with what he is doing for us or what he is not doing for us..

Neh 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

We have little power against the devil if we are unstable and allow circumstances or situations to determine our joy. happiness is not determined by the outcome of situations or circumstances
Joy is determined by the presence of His presence,

Happiness is fleeting when it is determined by what happens concerning us
Joy is eternal no matter what happens to us.

Happiness you will find in his presents
Joy you will find in his presence.

We should not be looking for the gifts of God we should be looking for God himself.

Matt 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

What is it that is going to sustains us
It is His presence
What is it that is going to give us life
It is his presence
It is his presence not his provision that sustains us and gives us life and gives it abundantly.

Every day the Israelites ate the provision of the Lord
Every day they ate manna

Exod 16:35
And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

Every day they drank water from the rock
Every day for forty years they dwelt and enjoyed the provision of the Lord but never entered into His presence

There are many people who will follow Jesus as long as he takes them where they want to go and does for them exactly what they want to do

But when it comes to the process of transfiguration,
When it comes to the process of changing,
When it comes to the process of transisition
When it comes to the place of testing and persecution so that the change can be made

The carnal desires refuse to submit and surrender and they walk away from Christ and refuse to walk anymore with him.

You see we must come to the place that Job came to,
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:

Ps 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

“Your attitude determines your altitude”

Your attitude determines the place in which you are going to walk, the place in which you are to fly as an eagle or flutter around on the ground like a chicken
Your attitude determines whether you walk in victory or defeat.

Ask yourself a question?
What is your attitude?
Does your attitude, your way of thinking, you’re outlook, your philosophy is it filtered and flavored through the word of God

The word of God needs to be a filter inside of you that takes every piece of information, every thought, opportunity that is presented to you and it needs to be filtered through the word of God.

In my last writing “More than a conqueror” I shared with you how your feelings are not based upon truth and that feelings are based upon perceptions of what you may be feeling at the time but they are not facts.

I need to say it again,
Feelings are based upon perceptions, perceptions of what some one else might have said, upon what some body else might have experienced, based upon statistics and how you feel about any given thing, but they are not based upon the word of God.

And the word of God is the only standard of truth that the born again child of God can rely on if that child desires to walk in the fullness and completeness of who God is in them.

Understand this,
Your feelings are based upon perceptions of what you might think to be truth but in reality they are a lie masquerading as truth
Perceptions of truth are not facts and truth is facts based upon the word of God.

Let me give you some facts that are true that will make you free.
#1 you are a brand new creation and old things are passed away and all things are new.

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

#2 Not only are they new, they are new every morning

Lam 3:22-25
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

The Lords mercies are not consumed, His compassions do not fail, every morning they are new

Every Morning!

#3 Great is His faithfulness!

He is faithful and because He is faithful, He is my portion; He is my hope as I seek His face,
These are the facts, this is truth
But how is it that you perceive these facts and truths.

Do you perceive them though your feelings, do you not see them as new every morning because of what you may have went through during the previous night,
Do you not see how great His faithfulness is because of the trouble that you are now experiencing?

#4 you are above only, you are not beneath, and you have been made the head and not the tail.

Deut 28:13
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:


#5 you are complete and you are finished.

Col 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The same spirit that Christ has in Him, you have in you, the same resurrection power that was present is Christ is present in you, the same faith that Christ had to raise Lazarus from the dead lives inside of you
The same ability to cleanse the leper, raise the dead, cast out demons and heal the sick lives on the inside of you.

Matt 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead , cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
You have all the faith that you need.
Rom 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith .

#6 you have access to all the promises in the word of God
2 Cor 1:20
For all the promises of God in him are yea , and in him Amen , unto the glory of God by us.

#7 everything that you need you already have.
2 Pet 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

#8 everything that pertains to this life and this salvation has already been provided to you.

1 Cor 3:21
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

Does your thinking and your attitude exhibit this truth that all things are yours?

Rom 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

The scriptures are plain, when the Father gave us and delivered up His Son for our safes how could he not with His Son give us all things pertaining to His Son

Ps 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

The Lord God gives grace and glory
2 Cor 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

What a tremendous scripture,
All things are for your sake that abundant grace might through thanksgiving may super abound to you for the glory of God

Is this how your attitude is managed and controlled or is your attitude managed and controlled by,
I am not adequate,
I am just a sinner saved by grace
I can not do it,
I can not be victorious around that person,
I can not walk in love around that person,
I can not forgive that person,
Everything is stacked against me,
I need more faith,
I need more grace when the grace of God is already abounding towards you.
Your thoughts ought to be about that which is abounding towards you instead of that which you feel you are lacking in.

Once and For All

You’ve probably noticed how I love to recite truths found in God’s guide book for believers – his word. I repeat these scriptural truths constantly, for my own spiritual benefit and well-being, as well as yours. I find the word of God is vital and indispensable for living life here on this earth; for without them I can do nothing. His word should be just as important to you. What truly awesome words of life they are. Embrace them.

Let’s begin…

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

Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1) What’s the point of putting on this new man?
2) Why do we need to see who we are in Christ?
3) Why do we need to wear the new man?
4) Why do we need to slip into this new garment of salvation, as I brought you last week?

If you think about it, it really makes sense to put on the new man. It’s really not much different from, say, a worker in a nuclear power plant, or chemists in an unsafe biological testing laboratory. The suit they wear protects them from harmful exposure to everything dangerous within their environment; those things which pose great danger if they were not protected. The world we live in is similar in every way. Just look around you. What do you see? There is spititual danger everywhere.

Illustration…
Have you ever watched a documentary of a battle; perhaps the D-Day invasion comes to mind, and noticed any of the soldiers casually strolling up and down the beachhead, picking up sea shells? Certainly not! They’d be dead in a heartbeat if they did. They’re in a war zone where great destruction is all around them and their friends are dying by the thousands. No, they’re constantly on the lookout for signs of any danger and prepare themselves to face the onslaught of the enemy around them seeking to destroy or maim them. You would rightfully conclude that they’d be wise to practice extreme caution, and I would agree.

Unfortunately, most Christians have absolutely no concept of the spiritual dangers surrounding them. Most don’t even accept the fact that they are in any kind of danger at all. As a result, they’re constantly suffering at the hands of their enemy, because of their unpreparedness. Some are wounded while others lives are destroyed.

I wonder why churches never teach this vital truth to their members. If you really loved someone enough, wouldn’t you want them to understand how they can effectively prepare for survival, and even to become victorious over every onslaught of the enemy? I would think so.

Can you think of what some of dangers are that face the children of God? As I said, there are many dangers. Unfortunately, the dangers we’ll encounter in our lives are numerous, some even unknown, to be able to write them all down here. Fortunately, they are not unknown to God, who is our protector in times of need.

Here are but a very few…
1) We are constantly exposed to human failure.
2) We are constantly exposed to criticism, judgments, and much disapproval from others.
3) We are constantly bombarded by the negative actions of others, especially those closest to us.

That is why it is absolutely imperative that you put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It is our insulator from an undegenerated world; one which seeks to destroy you and I because of what we believe and the God we serve.

Here’s an example…
If my only way of relating to God was through my performance, self-effort, religious dogma, etc.,then I would surely be depressed and defeated every single day of my life. Why, because any kind of performance on our human part merits nothing with God. Only faith pleases our Father in heaven. Religion obviously does not like to hear that. In fact religion thinks they are ‘tight’ with God, because of their ritualistic and human performances.

Look around your own church and you’ll see what I mean. There are defeated Christians everywhere. It’s a building full of wounded and dying saints. Not only are they defeated, but they are most miserable. They’re caught in limbo of trying to serve both masters; the flesh, religion, and God. Scripture tells you that it utterly impossible to do so, but most are never taught this. Matthew 6:24 KJV - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Either God is your master, or religion is; plain and simple. Salvation and its benefits are easy enough to grasp and understand, ask any child, but religion tells you it’s impossible to know Almighty God outside of church dogma.

I’m reminded of the temple leaders during the time of Christ. They got it wrong in the worst possible way and missed the very one sent to deliver them – Jesus Christ. Remember how they used to puff themselves up, strutting around the street corners and temple like peacocks, so everyone could see how “holy” they were? They thought God was pleased with their silly antics, or efforts at “holiness”. They observed the law (Ten Commandments) religiously, but their lives were hypocritical. God was not pleased, so much so, that his Son confronted them about it. He called them what they were... Matthew 23:27 KJV - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Their righteousness was complete foolishness to God. And look where it got Jesus – nailed to a cross.

Christians, by way of their religious teachings, love God as long as it fits within the realm of their intellect and church dogma. If they can’t figure it out intellectually, they’ll dismiss it as a bunch of nonsense, relegated to “weak minded” people and “fanatics” who claim to know Christ and God outside of formal religion.

Know this…
Anything considered intellectual is not faith. The things of faith do not require the intellect, or your minds ability to reason the things of God; rather, it is a more sure thing to believe God by faith only.

Scriptural proof… 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

When I finally realized the grace of God, I was able to then understand the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for me, and it change me forever. Something marvelous and wonderful happened to me when I became filled with the fullness of God, as stated in this scripture.

Eph 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Knowing the love of Christ which passes, or as implied, surpasses knowledge (your intellect), that we will be filled with all of the fullness of God, is a glorious thing. What child of God wouldn’t want that?

That word “to know” in the above scripture is the very same word used in the book of Genesis when it tells us about Adam “knowing” his wife, Eve. Intimacy is always born out of relationship. It brings oneness to both parties – spirit, soul, and body.

The most intimate relationship known to man is the same word used by God in Ephesians, “to know” the love of Christ.

When I finally realized the love of God, and what he did for me, so that I could be accepted in his Beloved (Christ), it transformed my life forever. What did he do in this transformation? He changed my spirit forever more.

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

Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

My spirit was recreated at that exact moment of time when I invited him to be my Lord and Savior; in righteous and truly holiness. He made in my spirit man, the exact representation of himself, pure and holy.

I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Christ now lives (resides) on the inside of my spirit man in fullness. My new man and Christ have become one and the same, where there is no distinction.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

My born again spirit is united with Christ. I am now one with him – one spirit.

How many people would readily accept this truth, except that they can’t seem to get past the last sin they committed, as though their sin needed to be atoned for, or placed “under the blood” again, before they can believe they’ll be restored as a son or daughter?

So, does that mean that blood has to continually flow as it continuously did in the Old Testament? No! Don’t forget, grace replaced the law. We are no longer restricted from God because of sin. Sin definitely affects us, and needs to be repented of quickly, but it does not change the born-again nature of the new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness – sealed in this perfect state by the Holy Spirit. If this is not enough, then remember that scripture also tells us that before the law existed, man’s sins were not imputed to him. Romans 5:13 KJV For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. In other words, sin did not restrict their access, or communion with Almighty God. Neither does it restrict us today. We have complete and total access to God, at any time of the day or night, because of Christ’s sacrifice.

If we’re to be penalized for every infraction (sin) that might take place tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even years from now, then according to the common belief of modern religion, the flow of sacrificial blood would never stop. That doesn’t sit real well with this next scripture.

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

I hope this is making sense to you. Christ entered in once and obtained eternal redemption. Period! To confirm this action, scripture tells us that God rent the curtain in the temple, from top to bottom when Christ said, “It is finished”. The blood stopped flowing at that moment and will never flow again. Bloodletting is over.

Think about this…
Can you imagine what the religious rulers must have thought when the curtain was ripped in half. It probably scared them to death to see such a thing. I’ll bet they said to those around them, “We’ve got to fix this problem. God won’t be pleased if we don’t get things back in order and get the sin sacrifices back on the altar”. They probably got out the needle and thread and went to work “fixing the problem”. The religious leaders of today are no different. They can’t imagine the sacrifice of Christ as being sufficient for absolutely every sin today. In their eyes Jesus simply must do it again, and again, and again, because of our constant sinning ways. “We’ll make you presentable to God”, they claim, “Just do it the same way we’ve always done it and taught you to do it. Get your sins under the blood so God will be pleased and grant you a visitation”. It makes me sick to think of what is going on around us today in religious circles. No wonder we need to put on this new man, so we can withstand the onslaught of their religious teaching.

What do these scriptures tell us?
Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

They tell us that redemption has been obtained for us – all of us, equally – that the forgiveness of our sins has been obtained eternally – once for all; forever. What an awesome and convincing truth.

More proof…

Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Our relationship with God is not based upon performance.
Neither are we required to maintain our salvation according to any religious dogma. The work is finished friends. Now is the time for rejoicing and thanksgiving. No more sacrifices.

It just keeps getting better…
Heb 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Here’s the word of God as it specifically contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament. The Old Testament was but “a shadow of things to come”. The New Testament is the promise of God fulfilled in Christ.

Heb 9:25-28
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

There is absolutely no doubt about what these scriptures tell us. The prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christ went into the holy place once and by the presentation of his blood before Almighty God, obtained for all of us, equally, eternal redemption. This sacrifice redeemed the child of God from all past, present, and future sins.

Perhaps, someone might rise up and say, “This is quite ridiculous. How can you be forgiven a sin before you even committed it”? Even a simple minded person would recognize that this type of person knows nothing about scripture, or the things of God.

The sacrifice of Jesus was both adequate and eternal, by God’s standards, not ours. We must accept this by faith, or be reduced to fools. Psalms 53:1 KJV - The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.

If Jesus didn’t deal with your sins before you were born, then your sins would still remain, and with no means of redemption. There would be absolutely no hope for you. You would, in fact, be eternally lost.

Jesus is never going to die for any one’s sins again, I don’t care who tells you so. Religion wants you to believe he will, but it is a lie from the devil himself. Continue with your rituals and church traditions till you fall over from exhaustion, but it won’t happen again. Read a great history lesson from Elijah – 1 Kings Chapter 18 and you’ll see the very foolishness of which I speak.

Christ has finished dealing with sin. Thank you Lord!

1 Pet 4:1
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Two thousand years ago Christ submitted himself as the sacrificial lamb and became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Here’s another revelation…
Roman 4:6-8
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

The scripture you just read from Romans originates in…
Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Once again…
Romans 4:8 AGAIN
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Simple English tells us the words “will not” is a “future tense” statement; anything from that point forward - past, present, and future.

When you come to Christ, submitting your life to him, all sins you ever commit have already been dealt with (forgiven).

Most churches still preach an Old Testament relationship with God. If you go to such a church, then I encourage you to find one that preaches the good news of the gospel. Grace has replaced the law and we are redeemed. This is the New Testament, a place where hope springs eternal.

Grace replaced the law. Jump and shout for the glory of God and the sacrifice of his son and our Savior, Jesus, the Christ. I am doing it here, right now! Join with me!

Putting On The New Man

ONCE AND FOR ALL

You’ve probably noticed by now that I love to repeat the truths found in God’s guide book for believers – his word. I repeat these scriptures constantly, for my own spiritual well-being, because I’ve found them to be indispensable for me as a born-again child of God, here on the earth. It should be just as important for you. What truly awesome words of life they are.

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

Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

What’s the point?
1) Why do we need to put it on?
2) Why do we need to see who we are in Christ?
3) Why do we need to wear the new man?
4) Why do we need to slip into this new garment of salvation, as I brought you last week?

It’s actually simple when you think about it. Like a worker in a nuclear power plant, or chemists in an unsafe biological testing laboratory, the suit they wear protects them from the harmful exposure to everything in their environment, which poses great danger if they were not protected. The world we live in is similar in every way. Just look around you. What do you see? There is danger everywhere.

Illustration…
Have you ever watched a documentary of a specific war or battle, say the D-Day invasion, and noticed any of the soldiers casually strolling up and down the beachhead, picking up sea shells? Absolutely not! They’d be dead in a heartbeat if they did. They are in a war zone where great destruction is all around them and their friends are dying by the thousands. No, they’re constantly on the lookout for signs of any danger and adequately prepare themselves to face the onslaught of the enemy around them. You might say they’re wise to practice caution, and I would agree.

Unfortunately, most Christians have no concept of the spiritual dangers surrounding them. Most don’t even accept the fact that they are in any danger at all. As a result, they constantly suffer at the hands of their enemy, because of their unpreparedness.

What are some of dangers that face the children of God? First of all there are many dangers. Sadly, the dangers we encounter are far too numerous and even unknown, to be able to write them all down. Fortunately, they are not unknown to God, who is our protector in times of need.

Here are but a few…
1) We are constantly exposed to failure.
2) We are constantly exposed to criticism, judgments, and much disapproval.
3) We are constantly surrounded by negative actions from others, especially those closest to us.

That is why it is absolutely imperative that you put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It is our insulator from an undegenerated world; one which seeks to destroy you and I at every turn.

Example…
If I had to go back to relating to God through my performance, self-effort, religious dogma, then I would surely be depressed and defeated every single day of my life. Why? Simply stated, performance of any kind merits nothing with God. Only faith pleases our Father in heaven.

Look around your own church and you’ll see defeated Christians everywhere. Not only are they defeated, but they are most miserable. They’re caught in limbo trying to serve both masters; the flesh/ religion, and God. Scripture tells us that it utterly impossible to do so, but most are never taught this. Matthew 6:24 KJV - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Either God is your master, or religion is; plain and simple. Salvation and its benefits are simple to grasp and understand, ask any child, but religion tells you it is impossible to know Almighty God outside of church dogma. I’m reminded of the temple leaders in the time of Christ. They got it wrong in the worst possible way and missed the very one sent to deliver them – Jesus Christ. Remember how they used to puff themselves, strutting around the street corners, so everyone could see how “holy” they were? They thought God was pleased with their efforts at “holiness”, as exhibited by their lifestyles. He was not. It was nothing but foolishness to God and his Son confronted them about it. Look where it got him.

Christians, by way of their religion, love God as long as it fits within the realm of their intellect and church dogma. If they can’t figure it intellectually, they’ll dismiss it as a bunch of nonsense, relegated to “weak minded” people who claim to know Christ and God outside of religion.

Note…
Anything intellectual is not faith. The things of faith do not require the intellect; rather, it is a more sure thing to believe by faith only.

Scriptural proof… 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.



When I finally realized the grace of God, I was able to then understand the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for me, it changed me forever. Something marvelous and wonderful happened to me when I became filled with the fullness of God as stated in scripture

Eph 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

To know the love of Christ which passes, or as implied, surpasses knowledge (intellect), that we will be filled with all of the fullness of God. What child of God wouldn’t want that for themselves?

That word “to know” is the very same word used in the book of Genesis when it tells us about Adam “knowing” his wife, Eve. Intimacy was born out of relationship. It is the most intimate act that brings oneness to both parties - heart, soul, and body.

The most intimate relationship that is known to man or woman is the same word used by God in Ephesians, “to know” the love of Christ.

When I realized the love of God, and what he did for me so that I could be accepted in his beloved (Christ), it transformed my life forever. What did he do? He changed my spirit.

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

Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

My spirit was recreated in a moment, in righteous and truly holiness. He made me, in my spirit man, exactly the same as he is.

I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Christ now lives (resides) on the inside of my spirit man in fullness. My new man and Christ have become one and the same, where there is no distinction.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

My born again spirit is united with Christ. I am now one with him – one spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Questions…
How many people would readily accept this truth, except they can’t get past the last sin they committed; as though it needed to be atoned for, or placed “under the blood” once again, before they can be restored as a son or daughter?

Does that mean that blood has to continually flow as it did in the Old Testament? No! Remember, grace replaced the law. We are no longer restricted from God because of sin. Sin definitely affects us, and needs to be repented of quickly, but it does not change the born-again nature of the new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness – sealed in this perfect state by the Holy Spirit. If this is not enough, then remember that scripture also tells us that before the law existed, man’s sins were not imputed to him. In other words, sin did not restrict their access, or communion with Almighty God. Neither does it restrict us today. We have complete and total access to God, at any time of the day or night, because of Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 5:13 KJV For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

If we’re to be penalized for every infraction (sin) that might take place tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even years from now, then according to the common belief of modern religion, the flow of sacrificial blood would never stop. That doesn’t sit real well with this next scripture.

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

I hope this is making sense to you. Christ entered in once and obtained eternal redemption. Period! To confirm this action, scripture tells us that God rent the curtain in the temple, from top to bottom when Christ said, “It is finished”. The blood stopped flowing at that moment and will never flow again.

Imagine this…
Can you imagine what the religious rulers must have thought when the curtain was ripped in half. I’ll bet they said to those around them, “We’ve got to fix this problem. God won’t be pleased if we don’t get things back in order and get sacrifices on the altar”. They probably got out the needle and thread and went to work “fixing the problem”. The religious leaders of today are no different. They can’t imagine the sacrifice of Christ as being sufficient for absolutely every sin today. In their eyes Jesus simply must do it again, and again, and again, because of our constant sinning ways. “We’ll make you presentable to God”, they claim, “Just do it the same way we’ve always done it. Get your sins under the blood so God will be pleased and grant you a visitation”. It makes me sick to think of what is going on around us today in religious circles. No wonder we need to put on this new man, so we withstand the onslaught of religious teaching.

What do these scriptures tell us?
Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

They tell us that redemption has been obtained for us – all of us, equally- that the forgiveness of our sins has been obtained eternally – once for all; forever. What an awesome and convincing truth.

More proof…

Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Our relationship with God is not based upon performance.
Neither are we required to maintain our salvation by any religious dogma. The work is finished friends. Now is the time for rejoicing and thanksgiving. No more sacrifices.

It just keeps getting better…
Heb 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Here the word of God specifically contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament. The Old Testament was but a shadow of things to come. The New Testament is the promise of God fulfilled in Christ.

Now follow this…
Heb 9:25-28
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

There is absolutely no doubt about what these scriptures tell us. The prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christ went into the holy place once and by the presentation of his blood before Almighty God, obtained for all of us, eternal redemption. This sacrifice redeemed the child of God from all past, present, and future sins.

Perhaps, someone might rise up and say, “This is quite ridiculous. How can you be forgiven a sin before you even committed it”?

Even a simple minded person would recognize that this type of person knows nothing about scripture, or the things of God.

The sacrifice of Jesus was both adequate and eternal, by God’s standards, not ours. We must accept this by faith, or be reduced to a fool. Psalms 53:1 KJV - The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.

Think about this…
If Jesus didn’t deal with your sins before you were born, then your sins would remain, with no means of redemption. There would be no hope for you. You would be eternally lost.

Jesus is never going to die for any one’s sins again. Religion might tell you he will, but it is a lie from the devil himself. Continue with your rituals and church traditions till you fall over from exhaustion, but it won’t happen again. Read a great history lesson from Elijah – 1 Kings Chapter 18 and you’ll see the very foolishness of which I speak.

Christ has finished dealing with sin. Thank the Lord!

1 Pet 4:1
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Two thousand years ago Christ submitted himself as the sacrificial lamb and became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Here’s another revelation…
Roman 4:6-8
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

The scripture you just read from Romans originates in…
Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Again…
Romans 4:8 AGAIN
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

The words “will not” is a “future tense” statement; anything from that point forward - past, present, and future.

When you come to Christ, submitting your life to him, all sins you ever commit have already been dealt with.

The church still preaches an Old Testament relationship with God. If you go to such a church, then I encourage you to find one that preaches the good news of the gospel. Grace has replaced the law and we are redeemed.

Jump and shout for the glory of God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, the Christ. I’m doing it here!

Putting on the new man

WHAT YOU WEAR MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

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

Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

The Greek word found in the Strong’s Concordance for the word ‘put’ is en-doo, which means to wear.

To wear something implies that we become a part of a garment, or suit, by simply getting into it, i.e. the knight got into his suit of armor. Furthermore, it applies to our wearing this new man in every aspect; completely, spiritually, emotionally and physically. It’s what we’re commanded to do as children of God.

Note: You must remember that scripture is not for the unbeliever; but only those who are in Christ through the born-again experience.

It is this ‘new man’ who was created after God in righteousness and true holiness. This wonderful truth should bless you beyond measure. The churches of today seldom convey this truth to their members, largely because they don’t understand it themselves. As they say, “you can never teach a truth adequately, if you don’t understand it yourself”. This is true about anything.

Now, about the method God used to forgive sin(s) in the Old Testament, which is found in this scripture…

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Here’s what the context of this verse means. In the book of Hebrews we see the method by which all sins were previously dealt with in the Old Testament. Forgiveness of sin(s) for the Jewish people was only accomplished through an animal sacrifice. This was done in accordance with the laws God established for the nation of Israel during that time in history. But it was not a permanent fix for their sinful condition. It was only temporary. Every time sin was committed by an individual, a specific blood sacrifice was required to atone for that sin.

Here is a partial list of the animals God required for that purpose.
1) Goats
2) Calves
3) Bullocks
4) Lambs
5) Pigeons

Whenever an infraction of the law [sin] was committed, up to the temple they went, to present the appropriate offering to the priests. So it was, till the time of Christ’s crucifixion.

Once every year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies to offer up a special blood sacrifice for the entire nation of Israel for any sins that were not covered during the year.

Do you know what this means? From the time the laws of God were instituted, until the sacrifice of Christ, the land was in a continual state of sin consciousness. They could not escape it, because the LAW was a constant reminder to them of their failure and humanity’s inability to live up to the standards God had set before them. The Ten Commandments that most of the Christian world still embrace today, was for the Jews a constant reminder of their failure to be holy apart from the law. They could never be made completely free while the law [Ten Commandments] existed. Every offering was at best a temporary fix for their sin. It took the death of Christ, at Calvary, to finally break the grip of the law that had held them captive so long.

The sacrificial blood of countless animals continually flowed throughout the whole land of Israel, for the sins of the Jews. In contrast, Hebrews 9-12 shows us the “too good to be true” Good News, when Jesus entered into the holy place after he died to present his blood sacrifice before the Father for the sins of all humanity. His sacrifice obtained for us eternal redemption by his shed blood. No longer would the blood of lambs and bullocks be necessary every time someone sinned. The law had been replaced by grace.

I rejoice in this truth constantly; thanking God for his great grace and tender mercy. Because of this singular sacrificial event, we are now privileged to put on this new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness. It should be a highly esteemed honor for all saints to “put on” this new man.

In the book of Romans I showed you the love of God and the revelation of his grace poured out upon all mankind. I have shown you the futility of trying to approach Almighty God through your own merits and self-effort. Friends, this great truth has the potential to make you free, if you will simply believe it by faith.

Scripture says that Jesus entered into the holy place once and obtained eternal redemption for us through his blood sacrifice. You will find nothing in scripture that says Christ enters the Holy of Holies [the presence of God], with another blood sacrifice, every time you sin. If that were true, he would need to be crucified over, and over, and over again, to provide that blood offering. Putting it another way; it’s like saying his one-time sacrifice [atonement] at Calvary was never sufficient, or adequate enough to get the job done the first time. Just think about that for a moment. If this were the case, then you would never be truly born-again. Every time you sinned you would feel you needed to be born-again, and again, and again. That my friend is utter nonsense! Christ completed the work the first time, and by his own words, proclaimed, “It is finished” – John 19:13 KJV. He won’t do it twice. It’s yours alone to receive this truth by faith, or to reject it, and him. Another compelling scripture tells us the greatest truth concerning this one-time only event - Hebrews 10:18 KJV - Now, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Question…
If Christ claimed the work at the cross to be finished, then why isn’t it finished for you?

The answer is quite simple. You honestly don’t believe that the work of the cross is finished, or in fact sufficient, for every sin and need you have. Religion has taught you the error which says you need to repent and get your sin “under the blood” one more time. Hogwash! It’s true that you need to sincerely repent of any sin you commit, but not by offering another blood sacrifice for it. That is no longer necessary – thanks to Calvary.

By grace, God made a way for us to be restored unto him through Christ’s blood atonement, permanently. Sin was the barrier that separated us from God and certainly needed to be dealt with. However, the blood sacrifice of Christ broke the strength of all sin, thus reuniting us with our tender, merciful, and loving God. Scripture tells us we will sin, as long as we’re in our flesh and our minds remain un-renewed. When we do sin, we’re to go quickly to the throne of grace to receive mercy in time of need [to repent]. God quickly forgives us of any repented sin because he loves you and doesn’t want anything hindering you from intimacy with him.

Remember, there is always a cost for sin in your lives, if you continue in it, but it does not restrict your access to the Father. Scripture admonishes us to forsake sin and cling to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Since sin brings death to our flesh, then let us rather chose life that we might live unto God. As scripture admonishes us in John 8:11 …”go, and sin no more”.

Understanding un-repented sin…
1) What happens if you commit a particular sin and you fail to repent of it? Would it mean that atonement could not be made, or provided for it? Absolutely not!
2) Does it mean that your sins are not eligible to be under the covering of God’s forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice? Absolutely not!
3) Does it mean that you no longer can enter into the presence of God, or have access to him when there is un-confessed sin in your life? Absolutely not!

Many believe there can be absolutely no fellowship with God once they’ve sinned; that their sin causes alienation from Almighty God?

Response…
If this is how you view your salvation, then the blood of Christ has no greater value to you than the blood of goats and bulls did for the Children of Israel.

For every sin committed in the Old Testament a new sacrifice had to be made on an altar – a lamb – goat – bullock, etc. Many believe the same applies today. Every time you sin in the New Testament, you still feel that your sin(s) must be put “under the blood” one more time [Old Testament Law].

You’ll also seek…
1) A place of repentance – again
2) To rededicate your life – again.
3) Seek to be born again – again.

Salvation, as viewed from eyes of religion, is an event that is ongoing, simply because you can never seem to get your life in order or straightened out. Because of this, the church believes you’ll never be in a favorable enough place with God to have the kind of intimacy and closeness I’m teaching is possible; all because of sin.

This also implies that…
1) You’ll never have assurance your sins are actually forgiven.
2) You’re never going to feel secure in your fragile faith.
3) You’ll never have genuine peace which comes from knowing the truths of scripture.
4) You’ll never feel you have sufficient boldness to enter into the Throne of Grace.
5) You’ll never have confidence enough to approach God because you are always in a state of repentance and feel completely unworthy.
6) You’ll feel that blood must be continually applied every time you trip, stumble, and fall.

You see unworthiness written everywhere, but God says you have been made worthy in Christ. Shame and rejection comes because the child of God does not understand what Christ has done through the atonement. Scripture clearly tells us that Christ entered in once and thereby obtained eternal redemption for us.

The results of stinking thinking…
1) You always feel unworthy and condemned because of your sin.
2) You feel rejected by God and man because of your sin.
3) You don’t enjoy being in the presence of God because of un-repented sin.
4) There is no joy, singing, or dancing in your life because of sin consciousness and resulting condemnation.
5) You have no awareness of being saved to the uttermost.

The word of God proclaims that Christ entered once into the holy place and obtained eternal redemption for us.

What is eternal redemption? It occurs when we become born-again by faith, inviting Christ to be our Savior and Lord; committing our lives to him alone, for the rest of our human existence and then into eternity. At this momentous event, our sins, which were many, were completely washed away by God and cast away from us, as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more, forever. At that instant, we were completely sin free. Our sinful nature was removed and a new life in Christ instituted. This new man was then sealed by the Holy Spirit.

What happens after that?
Generally, since our minds have not been renewed [taught] to understand all that Christ has done for us, we’ll ultimately revert back to our old familiar ways. We’ll sin. It may not happen right away, and we certainly don’t want to sin, now that we’re born-again. But at some point sin will occur. Scripture tells us so - 1 John 2:1 KJV - My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was given the original Ten Commandments and a host of additional laws to obey, without exception.

The Old Testament “law(s)” commanded the children of Israel to be in control of their actions as the law dictated, while the New Testament commands us to be in control of our thoughts.

Here’s a well-known example…
If a man commits adultery in his mind, then scripture says he is just as guilty as if he actually performed the act.

This scripture lends credence to the example given. Proverbs 23:7 KJV - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

Who of us can stand up to a standard like the law? It is impossible. We must realize our need for “eternal redemption” which can only come through Christ. It is absolutely necessary for each of us today and available in the future for times when we’ll surely fail again. Eternal redemption is, as it states, eternal [without end]. What was sufficient for the early church is just as sufficient now and will to be till the end of the age.

The book of Hebrews shows us the transition made from animal sacrifices in the Old Testament to the final and permanent solution for sin, the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary, and all it implies.

Heb 9:13
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

This verse tells us that the sacrifices made during Old Testament times were only temporary.

Verse 14
…much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Verse 14 identifies the need we have to purge our conscience from unbelief, to that of faith and trust in the finished work of Christ.

Verse 15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Notice, there are two fundamental truths concerning Christ’s sacrifice. He obtained for us eternal redemption, and eternal inheritance.

Few of God’s children understand this radical truth. When you come to a place of surrender, salvation, and personal commitment to Christ, you are atoned of your past, present and future sins. Hearing this truth, most people generally ask what they feel is a logical question. “Can we then do whatever we want [continue sinning], since our sins have already been forgiven”? NO!

That is not what I am saying and it isn’t what scripture teaches. The thought of sinning again, once you’ve received Christ as your Lord and Savior, should be appalling to you, as the mere thought of it was to Paul in this next scripture reference.

Rom 6:1-2 KJV - 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

This is what the good news of the gospel proclaims. We can be free and remain free from all sin, when our minds are renewed. Understanding this good-news separates you from your former sinful desires and causes you to be drawn closer in love to your new master and Lord.

In Christ, sin no longer abounds, but grace does, and unto every good work. This transformation is about you decreasing [becoming less of what you were] and Christ increasing [becoming more of what Christ is like] in your life.


The scriptures I’ve referenced confront the teachings of most denominations. The truths are clear…
1) He obtained eternal redemption.
2) He obtained eternal inheritance.
3) He entered in once into the holy place and offered up his blood sacrifice to the Father.

In closing…
Religion tells you that God is totally unapproachable on your own. Don’t you dare believe it! He loved us enough to send his most precious gift – Jesus, so that you can have more in this life and the next, than you ever thought possible. God is completely approachable!

If you have difficulty with this teaching, ask the Holy Spirit to minister to you and help bring understanding, so that you will abound to every good work in Christ. If you’re anything like me, you’ll do exactly that, since you’ll long to have absolutely everything Christ has given us through his atonement.

Putting on the new man is a mandate from Almighty God.

A MONSTER IN THE CHURCH

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

When the Holy Spirit directed me to begin sharing what He has placed in my heart I understood that there was going to be reality and truth that was certainly going to offend many, especially those in the Pentecostal realm who believe that their lives are being directed by the Holy Spirit simply because they speak in tongues.

But here is reality and truth, we speak in tongues but we are not drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not allowing Him to lead us into all truth and we are not allowing him to guide us to the fullness of walking through Him in completeness

With all that he is, with all that he possesses, with all that is available to us through Him, we still do not draw on his power.

The truth is that we have access to God through God the Holy Spirit and the prophets of old longed and desired to see what we are seeing; they longed and desired to hear the things that we are hearing from the word of God

Matt 13:17
For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
And here we are living in this blessed day where it is more beneficial for us to have the Holy Spirit than it is to have Jesus Christ
.
John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And we walk around depressed, discouraged, wanting a fresh touch from God, constantly looking for some thing new that can be felt, chasing God here and chasing God there and the whole time the Holy Spirit (Almighty God) lives on the inside of us.

If you have been born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues then He lives and dwells on the inside of you,
He lives on the inside of you where you can be refreshed and if you are weary can find rest

Isa 28:11-13
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing : yet they would not hear.

He lives on the inside of you where you can build up your most holy faith,

Jude 20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith , praying in the Holy Ghost,

But what does the child of God do, they chase God from one event to another, they chase God from one church to another and God is not running.
They are looking for a well to drink from, they are looking for a place to get a fresh drink of water and they never come to the revelation that the well that they are looking to drink from is on the inside of them.
A well of living water springing up, leaping up into everlasting life,
The Holy Ghost.

John 4:10---Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

VERSE 13
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life .

Notice the words,
But whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give shall never thirst and it will be a well of water springing up into everlasting life

John 6:35
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Hear the words,
You shall never hunger, you will never thirst if you drink of the water that he gives and it shall be to you a well of living water that is constantly bubbling up, that is springing up like an artesian well, it never has to be primed, it never has to be pumped---it is a well of springing water.
And one of the biggest monsters in the church today is
Lord I hunger for you
Lord I thirst for you
Fill us up Lord we are so desperate for you.

It’s like sitting down to a six course meal and then telling every one how hungry you are,
If you are hungry --- then why don’t you just eat, if you are thirsty then why don’t you just drink, it has been given to you so that you will never hunger, so that you will never thirst.

But the language of the church is I feel so empty, so dry, so drained, instead of telling every one how hungry you are—why don’t you eat.

The reason you’re so empty, so dry, so confused and so drained is because you are not drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit to refresh you and bring you rest
When did you stop realizing who it is that lives on the inside of you?
When did you stop seeing the potential that lives on the inside of you?
When did you stop the flow of the resurrection power that dwells on the inside of you?
When did you stop promoting spiritual growth and strength.

Speaking in tongues edifies and builds you up, when did you stop allowing it to do that.

1 Cor 14:4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

The word edifieth in the Greek is oykodomehoo and it means to build a house,
Building a house promotes growth and strength.

Jesus said come to me and you will never hunger and you will never thirst again and yet in the body of Christ there are multitudes that are doing just that, hungering and thirsting, desperate for him and the whole time the well is on the inside of them.

The Holy Spirit has been sent to be your encourager, your comforter, to build you up, to strengthen you, to refresh you, to bring you rest when you are weary, to lead you into all truth and we walk around depressed discouraged and confused.

There is something terribly wrong with this picture.

It is not about what we do not have; it’s about not appreciating what we do have and not walking in the revelation of power that has been given to us.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He will guide you into all truth
Those words he will guide in the Greek are hodaygeho and it means to show you the way and the meaning is literal
To show you the way means to start revealing to you the things of God

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus
The Holy Spirit takes the things of Jesus and reveals them
The Holy Spirit is sent to exalt Jesus, to glorify Jesus, to lift up Jesus, to magnify Jesus and many of God’s people do not know the Holy Spirit intimately.
Are they born again---Yes?
Are they baptized in the Holy Spirit—yes--but they do not know Him apart from speaking in tongues.

The way that you think reveals whether or not that you know Him, The things that you speak reveals whether or not you have intimacy with him.

What is intimacy---knowing Him?
Paul said it in
Phil 3:10
That I may know him , and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

It is the Holy Spirit that reveals Jesus to you, you can come to the place in your life where you know Jesus and it will keep you from being depressed and discouraged, it will keep you from being confused.
I am not speaking about superhuman strength in which to persevere through
I am revealing to you intimacy and love through the Holy Spirit..

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

If you only take the last part of this verse it would transform your life if you would grasp what is being said.

and he will shew you things to come.

If you were open to see just what he would reveal unto you about next week it would transform you, and if you would take advantage of what he would show you it would radically change your life, it could prevent you from having a car wreak and being killed, it could prevent you from having an accident at home.
There have been times when the Holy Spirit has told me to move and if I would not have moved I would have been seriously hurt.
The Holy Spirit shows you things to come and because he knows about those things he can save your life.

Rom 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The word helpeth our in the Greek is soonanteelombanomahee and it means to take hold together.

The Holy Spirit does not intercede for you by himself, He does not help our infirmities by himself, He does not help our infirmities on his own and you can not intercede on your own
.
It is beyond human ability.

But when you begun to pray and to intercede then the Holy Spirit takes hold with you and He then joins with you making intercession with groanings which can not be uttered making the prayer of a righteous man effectual and fervent that avails much.