Forgive Future Sins?

Hi WordPress world. I read this article on Guy Dunnicks Facebook page, and messaged him asking his permission to repost it. Enjoy!

Are All Future Sins Pre-forgiven ?

There are some ministers who teach that all the sins of all believers — past, present, and future sins — are already forgiven. They teach that for Christians, every past sin they have committed, every present sin they are committing, and every future sin they might commit is already forgiven. When we study Scripture, however, it is clear that although all the past sins of believers are forgiven, future sins are not pre-forgiven.

It is absolutely true, of course, that the full measure of Jesus’ blood has already been shed, once and for all, and that He will not “re-suffer” or “re-die” or “re-shed His blood.” The full retainer of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross is available and the completeness of His saving work is capable to meet whatever “forgiveness demands” become present in any believer’s life. That does not mean, however, that all the future sins believers might commit are “pre-forgiven.” Although everything necessary for the forgiveness and cleansing of every sin of every person in every generation and at all places — from Adam and Eve up to the last baby that will ever be born; for both sinners and saints — has been provided through the incredible and super-abundant one time and once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ in His suffering, in His shedding of blood, and in His death, that does not mean that all the sins of all believers are “pre-forgiven.”

It is true, of course, that believers will be forgiven and cleansed of any sin they commit in the future because the necessary provision for the forgiveness of their sins is already in place. Jesus is the propitiation, not only for the sins of sinners, but also for the sins of believers. The blood of Jesus Christ is effectual to cleanse any sins that any believer may commit [I John 1:7]. But believers’ sins are not forgiven BEFORE they are committed; they are forgiven AFTER they are committed.

We could compare the abundant provision of Jesus’ shed blood which the Father planned and Jesus provided for the forgiveness of all sins of all people — past, present, and future — to a good earthly father who, because of his love for his children and his foresight, made a financial deposit into a bank that was so substantial, it could cover every possible future need that might arise in the lives of any and all of the children he might ever have. All the necessary health insurances and life insurances, and medical aid, and lawyers, and legal aid, and anything else that was necessary or might become necessary could be met by the substantial provision that had been put in place by the father before he even had any children. Any time that any of his children had a crisis or a need, or any time a bill “came due,” a draw could be made from the substantial account at the bank and everything that needed to be covered would be covered in full. Although the provision to cover every bill and pay every debt and meet every need was already put in place long before it was needed, the bills and debts and needs would only be paid when they “came due.”

This is exactly what our heavenly Father did for all His children in the New Covenant. He put in place for all lost sinners who He loved and for all of His children who were already saved the full provision of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Everything that might ever need to be dealt with or payed for in the future, including the sins that believers would commit, could be dealt with and payed for. What God pre-planned and pre-provisioned in the New Covenant to deal with the forgiveness and cleansing of believers’ sins — the provision of the precious and powerful cleansing blood of Jesus — is an account so richly funded that there will never be a “debt” incurred by any sinner’s sin or by any saint’s sin that cannot be immediately “paid in full.” As the apostle John revealed in I John 1:7, in I John 2:1-2, and in several other places in his first epistle, true believers can continue to experience, in the present — in “real time” — the forgiveness and cleansing of any sins they commit. Although the provision for the forgiveness of those sins was put in place long before the Father God had any children, the sins that believers commit are forgiven after they are committed, not before.

Earlier in our study, we learned that when believers walk in the light as God is in the light, “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth [them] from all sin” [I John 1:7]. In this verse, the Greek word katharizei that the English word “cleansing” is translated from is in the third person, present tense, active voice, and indicative mood. We know, then, that the cleansing John was referring to in this verse was neither a past cleansing or a future cleansing, but was an ongoing cleansing; a cleansing that was happening “in the present.” This ongoing cleansing was being accomplished by a “third person” — the blood of Jesus Christ. According to John, the cleansing of believers’ sins by the blood of Jesus is a present, continuous, and ongoing cleansing. It is obvious, then, that believers’ future sins have not been “pre-forgiven.”

In I John 2:1-2, John informed his spiritual children that if they sinned, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” John also revealed that believers have had provided for them a propitiation for their sin; the same Jesus Christ. According to John, Jesus is presently believers’ advocate with the Father, pleading their cases before Him if they sin. According to John, Jesus is presently the propitiation for believers’ sins, dealing with whatever sins they have committed to ensure that there is no impediment in their relationship with the Father. If it was true that every future sin of every believer had already been pre-forgiven, there would be no need for an advocate with the Father. If it was true that all future sins of believers were pre-forgiven, believers would not need a propitiation for their sins.

It is interesting that in our primary text, I John 1:9, John wrote that God, “is [present tense] faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Notice that John did not write that God was [past tense] faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It is clear from John’s words in I John 1:9 that the forgiveness and cleansing of believers’ sins occurs AFTER they are committed. That means, of course, that all future sins have not yet been forgiven.

If every past, present, and future sin was forgiven at the moment a person first believed and was saved, then no believer would need to be cleansed of his sins by the blood of Jesus as he walked in the light [I John 1:7]. No believer would need an advocate with the Father or a propitiation for their sins [I John 2:1-2]. And no believer would need to be forgiven of their sins and cleansed [I John 1:9]. If every future sin was already forgiven, then the blood of Jesus would not be continually cleansing believers of their sins, having an advocate to plead before the Father would be unnecessary, and a “propitiation for our sins” would be unnecessary. John’s teaching clearly reveals that the sins believers commit are forgiven AFTER they are committed, not BEFORE.

This is an excerpt from Guy Dunnicks upcoming book:

“Must We Confess Our Sins?”

Its a 200 plus page study on 1 Jn 1:9

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, where you have appeared distant, and I have sinned against you, show me my terror, that I might humbly ask Your forgiveness and find grace in Your sight today, restored fully to fellowship to You through Jesus precious blood, Amen’

Guy Dunnick heads up ‘Masters Touch’ Ministries here in Tulsa: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Guy-Duininck-Masters-Touch-Ministries

Judge Not? Judging like Jesus..

Judging like Jesus!

Been meditating on the concept of how Jesus judges. Watched the movie, ‘The Shack’ recently, and it got me to thinking. I remember one scene in the movie, where God the Father (appearing as a wonderful black woman) was asked “Why don’t you judge them?”

With raised eyebrows she said: “Judge?”

The overwhelming theme of the movie is how incredibly complex human lives are, and how far God will go in love to reach out and heal and redeem shattered people.

Clearly God is love, and hates evil, yet operates in love above and beyond all evil.

Got to thinking about some Scriptures.

Remember the woman caught in adultery?

Let’s look at it together:

John 8:

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

² And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

³ And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

⁴ They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

⁵ Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

⁶ This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

⁷ So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

⁸ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

⁹ And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

¹⁰ When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 ¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

We see in this reading, that Jesus was called to judge in the case of the woman caught in adultery. Many have commented on His great mercy towards the woman, and the wisdom of His judgement on her behalf, standing against the corrupted judgement of the religious leaders of the day. Obviously, for adultery to have occurred, there had to be two participants, and the man was conspicuously absent from this mock trial and potential stoning.

Yet, Jesus was able to render true judgement in this case, and in His judgement, I believe there was grace imparted to the woman, power from God, to empower her to be able to do, what He told her to do: Go, and sin no more.

Yet, today as I meditated upon the Word, seeking the will of our Father for my life, I see something here that I suspected for many times, and that is the relationship between personal holiness and purity of heart, and the power of God displayed.

Normally, judgement is rendered out of the mouth of two or three witnesses. The question logically might be: How do we know if the witnesses are telling the truth? Secondly, what do we do if the society has become so corrupt, that no honest witnesses can be found?

Jesus heart was revealed in His relationship with our Father, in this:

John 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Jesus walk with our Father, was from birth to the cross, in absolute purity, and sinless perfection.

I believe that we are called to walk this way also.

The question is how do we get there, and how do we judge or make decisions?

What about these verses?

Matt 7:1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Here we see a direct commandment not to judge people.

Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Joh 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

How on earth, are we supposed to do that?

Answer? This is only possible by correctly applying the Word of God, and accurately hearing the voice of Jesus in the earth, the Holy Spirit!

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

In all of these Scriptures, we see that we are forbidden to judge other people, yet what about these verses:

Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Does Jesus still have authority to judge? Surely.

Question is, as His representatives and ambassadors in the earth, how do we judge?

1 Cor 4:1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

I believe there is a place in obedience to the Holy Spirit, whereby Jesus reveals to us, as leaders, His judgments and decrees in the earth, and that these must be received by direct revelation from the heart and lips of our Father in heaven.

The challenge is what to do with what He shows us?

Are we to pray, prophesy, preach, confront?

This takes wisdom, because sometimes, because He loves us, He simply shows us things, to protect or bring understanding to us, and our families.

Sometimes the best I can do in these situations, where others are set in THEIR ways to do against the revealed will of God, is to quietly walk away and remove myself from them.

I have learned to seek purity of heart and motive.

Why?

Mt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

I, like you, need to see God, clearly, so that I might know the will of the Father. Only when I see and hear Him, can I honestly obey, with a right motive, and judge correctly. He is Lord, I am not, I am nothing but a steward over His work, His Creation. Yet, there are times, when I must stand bold against sin, sickness, demons, and the constructs of the agendas of men and their worldly agendas.

Our job is always to endeavor to obey Him, no matter what!

2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

As we obey, we will see more and more power of God manifest in the earth:

Ac 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

As a witness, I need to see something: either His plan, purpose, presence or revealed will in a situation, or perhaps to an event that He performed, a sign, wonder, miracle, that I can testify about. When I witness the Holy Spirit bears witness, and He graciously shows up in my life, as I obey Him!

This, and this alone allows me to judge situations, people, and even governments!

When this happens, I can take His authority, and war for His will in the earth, declaring His decrees and watching as He establishes these in power, as I believe His Word!

You can too!

Let’s Pray:

“Father, I believe that all judgement still belongs to Jesus. He is Lord, and I am His. Jesus, show me your will for my life, my family, my church, my community, my state, and my country. In every area these are not in alignment with your will and your Word, anoint me to arise in violent faith, and to blast every enemy, and to establish your kingdom through your Word declared. Thank you for signs, wonders and miracles establishing your Word in the earth. Amen’

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

Praying for America – Hidden Things Revealed – Truth revealed

Praying for America Hidden things to be revealed.

Here are some great verses to bring before Gods throne in prayer today:

Isa 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Father, please give us treasures out of darkness, and hidden riches from secret places today, that it might be known that you are the God of the United States of America.

Isa 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

Father, there are inventions, things of heaven, inventions, technologies, water production, mineral rights, food production systems, business wisdom, and administrative processes that will bring glory to Your name in this nation. We are blessed, but need Your grace, strength, and wisdom to know how to best implement your grace to see this nation prospered, at peace, and light to the other nations of the earth.

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Father, there is hidden wisdom in your heart and mind, that we seek. We need You, and ask for Your knowledge, insight, and creative problem solving ability.

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Father, may we do right, honestly, uprightly, free from lies, deception, and guile. Deliver us from our own way, from the dishonest and crafty ways of wicked people. We we work together with a clear conscience before God and all men. Where we have lied, cheated, violated trusts and confidences, forgive us, and have mercy upon us. Teach us to do right in Your sight, individually, and as a nation. Bless us, so that we can be a blessing to the nations of the earth.

As we proceed toward National Day of Prayer, these are the verses I feel impressed to pray:

That God will reveal to us hidden things:

1. Hidden keys of knowledge to dismantle and destroy works and roots of darkness.

2. Hidden keys of wisdom to know what to do, to see the kingdom of God advance and be restored in the United States of America.

3. That God reveal the very motives of men’s hearts, the agendas of godless men, intent on destroying this country, and that He, Himself destroy them: Ps 112:10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. That these very desires perish, and that God change both the hearts of men and leadership here, or, if nessesary, the leadership itself, that the government be righteous, holy, and fully under the Lordship of Jesus.

4. That the Lord come, and reveal the hidden things of dishonesty and iniquity, and that by manifestation of the truth, these be destroyed and cleansed from our land.

5. That the Godly agenda voted in by, be implemented, that obstacles be removed to forward progress in righteousness.

6. That wicked people be removed from authority, and that legislation and decisions made against God’s will, be washed from this nation.

7. That God protect President Trump, his family, and every government official. That God give them strength to drain the swamp, eliminate abortion, destroy racism, and to promote and provide economic prosperity and jobs for all Americans. That inventions and energy technologies that will honestly bless this nation be implemented, immediately – that barriers to their use be removed.

8. That God move on and for native Americans, healing this land from broken treaties, and historic genocide and atrocities. That God make a way for natives to prosper and grow in wisdom and knowledge, to implement ways to heal this land.

9. That God give wisdom on water usage. That He would bring clean water into the desert of this continent.

You were not born gay…

You were not born gay…

Lev 20: 13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them

Isn’t it good to know that God loves people in a homosexual lifestyle enough that instead of their own blood being upon them, the blood of Jesus still cries mercy, if they would receive it, and leave their lifestyle.

Though I don’t understand much about the gay lifestyle, having never lived in it, I am trying to understand. Reading a great book right now by Michael Brown: Can You Be Gay And Christian?

Every human being receives not only the physical DNA of our parents, but a spiritual DNA that the Bible calls sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, none of us are exempt.

Listen to this verse:

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Guess, to qualify for the kingdom of heaven, you need to know you are a sinner, that needs forgiveness.

Listen to this story Jesus told:

Luke 18:

Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

⁹ Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: ¹⁰ “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer^[b]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! ¹² I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

As I walk with Jesus, I more and more need mercy, as I see my selfishness, pride, stubbornness, and fallen nature. Only in Him can I be made whole:

Here is how:https://chrisaomministries.com/2017/02/27/do-you-want-to-go-to-heaven/

If you would like me and my family to pray for you, submit a prayer request on the sidebar. If you need to talk to someone personally, there are several prayerline telephone numbers in this link:

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

Let’s Pray:
Father, for those trapped in homosexual lifestyles and relationships, forgive them, deliver them, reveal to them, that no matter what satan or people have said to them, that you did not create them gay, but as sons and daughters, destined for glory, honor, and holiness: eternal life in you Lord Jesus, Amen.

And Jesus said to Paul of Ryan

I am praying for President Trump, and do not agree with the jabs taken at him in this article, but it is thought provoking and funny: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/opinion/and-jesus-said-unto-paul-of-ryan.html

The Spirit of Faith! USE IT!

The Spirit of Faith!

Read with me: 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

This is the heart of any true minister. You need faith for your marriage, faith for protection, faith to receive wisdom and revelation from God. Faith to eat your meals, faith to raise your family, faith to provide for your family. Faith to be a good steward over your money.

The Bible says: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

I want God’s church to grow, so I must continue to preach the Word to you, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Some of you need faith just to get to church every Sunday. Well,

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Or if you want a teaching on it: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/04/15/eagles-still-go-to-church/

You now see that regular church attendance is actually in the Word of God, so now, you simply have to agree with the Word, for faith came when you heard it, now do what you believe!

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Once you recognize that your very world is framed by the Word of God, you will have no problem getting to church to hear the good word of God.

Why?

Well, I’m commanded by God to 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind

;

Now, if you understand that your life is going to be adversely or positively affected according to your hearing of the Word of God, you will reprioritize some things. ‘Seek ye first’is still in the book, not in a legalistic sense but so that God can add all things unto you.

2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Corinthians 4:13 (BBE) But having the same spirit of faith, as it is said in the Writings, The words of my mouth came from the faith in my heart; in the same way, our words are the outcome of our faith;

Romans 4:17 ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Throughout the week, I spend countless hours praying out mysteries in other tongues, for you.

1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Why, because faith comes by hearing.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

692 argov argos ar-gos’

from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2041; TDNT-1:452,76; adj

AV-idle 6, slow 1, barren 1; 8

1) free from labour, at leisure

2) lazy, shunning the labour which one ought to perform

For Synonyms see entry 5814

My question to you today is what do you believe about your life? Like that old comedy:”Doom misery and despair, if I didn’t have bad luck I’d have no luck at all?”

Like Eeyor in Winnie the Poor, are you down at the mouth, just barely getting by?

Well, you’re carnal then. The children of Israel died in the desert by grumbling and complaining. What are you doing day to day? Calling those things that are not as though they were? Standing boldly on the promises of God, more than a conquerer in Him? Or like the ten spies, do you have grasshopper mentality, all your problems are giants in the land? Where are the Joshua’s and Calebs of this generation who will stand up and boldly declare the victory Jesus bought and paid for in His own blood?

I like the statement I read of the Moravian Christians that went as missionaries to the Virgin Islands to bring the gospel to the slaves there, knowing that it may cost them their lives, that they might need to become slaves themselves, in order to reach the slaves there.

They prayed, “Dear Lord, that we might grant you a reward worthy of Your sufferings..”

They had such a deep revelation of the depths to which Jesus went for us, when He died upon the cross for all mankind, in light of eternity, no sacrifice was too great, in comparison of what He did, to redeem people back to Himself.

Faith, established upon the promises of God despises obstacles. He is the resurrection and the life. He is Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and earth, He lives, and He reigns.

Lets see this spirit of faith in action in the Word of God

David

Did David say to Goliath, “You big mighty man of war. You fearsome giant, and undefeated warrior?”

Not!

He was so in tune with His walk with the Lord, and the promises of God, He saw the problem from God’s perspective. ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine to raise up against the army of Almighty God?’

He saw himself from God’s perspective, with a covenant with God.

He saw Goliath from God’s perspective, without protection, and without a covenant.

Can’t you see, this man is without protection, and He dares to raise His hand against God? This should be fun, what’s in it for the man who chops off his head?

Did he run from the giant? No! He ran to him! Faith is not waiting for Jesus to come and deliver them but enforcing Jesus victory in every arena of life.

What about Jonathon?

1 Samuel 14:1 ¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

16 ¶ And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

One man, with God, walking by faith got victory over an entire enemy nation. Why, because when he did in the natural, God did in the supernatural,

and:

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

God backed up Jonathon, and the earth quaked.

Where are the giant killers today?

The David’s that will look enemies in the eye and tell these mountains to move?

The Jonathon’s that will take the battle to the enemy, not run from it or pretend it doesn’t need to be fought!

He went to the enemy, and he won.

How about the three Hebrew children? Let’s pick up their story in the midst of their challenge.

Danial 3:10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Notice the attack is against the glory of God, we must keep our attackers focused on Him, not us.

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Spirit of Faith – They knew God, and knew He would deliver them!

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

17 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

If you throw us in the furnace O king, God will deliver us and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

That kind of stand of faith will really tick a controlling person off. They think they are in charge.

19 ¶ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Enemies were destroyed in their own flames.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

In your trial of faith, in the firey furnace of your affliction, the object of your faith will appear!

Jesus, your Lord and your king, shows up, for He will never leave you or forsake you. When He does, you get delivered for God acts!

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

26 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ. Kings come to the light of God’s glory.

Isaiah 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (God shows up, you get delivered, and yes, you get really grateful and glad!)

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

27 ¶ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

God gets the glory, you get the promotion, and the real purpose of your trial is revealed – the harvest! God has eternity on His mind, and we are the only hope this generation has. Sometimes we go through things at the hands of satan and wicked people, that God allows for a season to perfect us, glorify Him, and most importantly, allow others to come into the kingdom of God.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Notice the gospel was preached by the government as a result of the stand of faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They did not bow, they did not burn, and the entire nation came back to God through their stand of faith, and they were promoted!

Ps 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 ¶ For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

So who are you anyway? A grumbler, destined to spend forty years in the desert in despair, or more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus?

You can choose what you are going to do right now, COMPLAIN AND REMAIN (In your present trial), or PRAISE AND BE RAISED (seeing the power of God make your mess a miracle!) Praise Him in the midst of your madness, and He will deliver you!

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Jesus made it plain,

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So your bills look like they have you whipped? Are they a mountain of bills yet? God said something about mountains in Mark 11:24. Are you down so low you have to look up to see bottom? Not! Never! You are the head and not the tail, a child of the king, made to sit with Him in heavenly places. There is no circumstance that can lord over you, unless you let it. Whatever your circumstance is, get over it with the Word of God.

Jesus is your Lord, and He has the final say.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If it is in the world, your faith in God is well able to whip it. Are you a grasshopper? Or are you well able to take the land?

Stand in the presence of our king, and let’s reaffirm our faith in Him again.

I don’t care what your bankbook says:

God says:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

You are a giver aren’t you?

Let’s believe the Word together!

The Bible says now 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Now how are we to be strong, when we feel so weak?

In the Lord, using our faith-filled words!

Mark 11:22-25New King James Version (NKJV)

²² So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

I am a whosoever, and so are you! (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/mountain-moving-faith/)

We are mountain-moving, history making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joel 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

You say it, and God will back you up, and you will be strong.

Is 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Thank you Father, we were healed. We believe it and receive it, now, by faith.

Now normally, I end these exhortations with a prayer, but not today. The Word of the Lord given to me by the Holy Spirit is PRAISE!

Ps 67:5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Praise is the weapon of the day, the key to unlock our victory, today.

Hurting, discouraged, feeling beat? Been there, done that…

Sing!

I don’t care if you are choking on every word join me:

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of thanksgiving’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of joy!’

Praise paralyses devils, it is the shout of victory that overcomes the world, for God inhabits the praises of His people!

I remember hearing a testimony of a women doctor, dying of cancer and a heroin addiction named Dr. Lillian Yeoman. She had been asking God to heal her, and bringing His promises of healing before Him in prayer, yet was still dying. One night, lying on her pain-wracked bed, she had a vision, that changed her life. She saw a balance, with one side that was labeled PRAYER, and the other side PRAISE. The side that was labeled PRAYER was weighted down completely, while there was nothing on the praise side to counter-balance the load. She claimed she heard the voice of God speak to her, to PRAISE, and that when the weight of her praise, equaled the weight of her prayer, she would be miraculously healed. So, she began to sing praises to God, like a croak at first, but as she gave herself to it, she began to get stronger, and her voice clearer. She stayed with it, until she literally sang herself off of that deathbed, totally healed of cancer, and totally delivered of her heroin addiction.

He is worthy!

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Jesus fights for truth – in this land of freedom, liberty and justice for all!

Job 16:19

“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And my advocate is on high.

As I read this simple story this morning, I thought about Jesus:

On May 2, 1962, a dramatic advertisement appeared in the San Francisco Examiner: “I don’t want my husband to die in the gas chamber for a crime he did not commit. I will therefore offer my services for 10 years as a cook, maid, or housekeeper to any leading attorney who will defend him and bring about his vindication.”

One of San Francisco’s greatest attorneys, Vincent Hallinan, read or heard about the ad and contacted Gladys Kidd, who had placed it. Her husband, Robert Lee Kidd, was about to be tried for the slaying of an elderly antique dealer. Kidd’s fingerprints had been found on a bloodstained ornate sword in the victim’s shop. During the trial, Hallinan proved that the antique dealer had not been killed by the sword, and that Kidd’s fingerprints and blood on the sword got there because Kidd had once toyed with it while playfully dueling with a friend when they were both out shopping. The jury, after 11 hours, found Kidd to be not guilty. Attorney Hallinan refused Gladys Kidd’s offer of 10 years’ servitude.

From the Book of Lists #2, p. 157.

Jesus always sides with truth, it is His very nature. In this world of deception, and murder and lies, God stands holy, in absolute purity, in perfect truth.

In this account, Gladys Kidd had nothing to defend her husband with, but her life. She knew him, and she knew he was innocent. So, she performed a desperate act, an appeal to justice, and any true appeal to justice, reaches heaven…

She was willing to become a slave for 10 years, to work as a servant, out of love for her husband, and clearly God Himself raised up a champion for her cause!

Jesus is truth, stands for truth, and executes judgement against all evil and lies…

Yet, the gospel would not be good news, if that were the end of the story. In heaven’s justice system, there is mercy…

Jesus is still a friend of sinners. His blood is still alive before heavens throne, and to all who come to that blood, there is mercy, forgiveness…He will forgive!

1 John 2:1

[ Christ Is Our Advocate ] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

If we have committed crimes, when we are guilty, there is a place of forgiveness in God.

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19

[ A New and Living Way ] Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood ofJesus,

His blood will atone for our sins. He can forgive our deepest, darkest secrets, and we can be cleansed from our guilt and shame, by His precious, heavenly, holy blood.

Today, do not seek to manage your sin, come bold to His throne, and find His blood there. Confess your faults and guilt to Him, and Him alone, and find mercy in heaven’s courts, and watch Him move on your behalf, here, in the earth.

God is not your problem, unless you keep running – Jesus is your answer, and can create a bright new day, and future for you, no matter how dark your journey has been.

Let’s pray:

“Father God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, judge of all the universe, today, I come to Your throne, asking for mercy. You know all, see all, and have seen my wickedness, my failure, my sin before You. I ask that You would forgive me – I ask that the blood of Jesus might cover my sin, and wash me clean again. Today, I commit to doing Your will, and Your plan for my life, no longer my own. For this fresh start, for mercy, for a future, a way, where there has been no way, I humbly thank you, and recieve Your grace to live right, from this day forward. I ask this, only because of You Lord Jesus, and Your incredible love and mercy towards me. Amen’

 

Conflict Resolution – Biblically

I have always argued that Jesus taught clearly on things of everyday life, that His teaching are meant to be lived, not merely studied and preached.

As I sat in Dr. Young’s class, ‘The Jewish Roots of the Gospels”, and we were studying what the first thirty years of Jesus life could have been like, as he explained from many sources, the traditional culture and lifestyles of practicing Jews that were most probably the life and customs of Jesus as a Jew in Galilee being raised in Israel and visiting Jerusalem.

Like a bolt of insight, I rethought Matt 18, and Jesus teachings on conflict resolution from a Jewish perspective. I have not finished my meditation, prayer, research, or study yet, but let me share with you what I have traditionally taught, and then suggest to you where my thinking is heading:

Basically, I have always taught that the Biblical pattern of relationship reconciliation was four-fold:

1. If someone has sinned against you, and you are offended, privately, after prayer, go to them and confront them personally, humbly, directly, with the intent of seeing the wrong made right, and reconciling the relationship. (Matt 18:15)
2. If they will not hear you, go to them with two (hopefully objective) witnesses, again with the intent that wrongs be made right, and that the person be given the opportunity to correct themselves before God and you, and again, restore the relationship. (Matt 18:16)
3. If they still will not hear you and two witnesses, Jesus commands the matter be brought before the church, and that the person be disciplined by church leadership, and if they still will not repent, they are to be removed from fellowship. Remember in this, that church leadership should be actively seeking to emulate the love of God, and exhibit the goodness of God that might lead the offending person to repentance. Jesus mission is still to seek and save the lost, and He is still a friend of sinners. Sin is a horrible thing though, some will still not repent. (Matt 18:17)
4. Here is where it gets complicated in Western society – God is still in charge of the governments of the earth, and has set police, soldiers, courts and prisons in place, and I believe even capital punishment, to rid the earth of evil. If the person at large is a criminal, and a menace to society, I believe there are times when legal charges must be brought, and the person must be prosecuted under the laws of the land, that justice may be served. (Romans 13:1-5)
   
   As a Christian leader, I have engaged in this process several times over the years, both as an offended party seeking to get paid for work I had done as a contractor, and as a pastor called to execute judgment in certain brutal life situations (like a divorce, custody arrangements, and similar gut-wrenching situations).

Here is where I received my ‘lightening bolt’ of insight as I sat in lecture:

Jesus is a Jew.

Though this passage of instruction was given to the church, initially, until Acts 10 when Cornelius was converted, it was spoken to a Jewish or Messianic church who were well schooled in the law of Moses.

Let’s look at a couple of verses:

Deuteronomy 17:6

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

Deuteronomy 19:15

[ Witnesses ] One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Notice in the first verse, when two witnesses to a crime were brought forward under the Torah, that was enough evidence to put the criminal to death!

 

Then, we read in Deut 19 how two witnesses were required to establish guilt, but if they were found, these eyewitness accounts were enough evidence to have a person executed.

 

In my millisecond of insight, I saw a whole other depth of seriousness in the new testament passages. At the point of two witnesses being brought forward to testify and confront a person involved in some sin, assuming these two witnesses are truthful, under the law, this was enough, in a capital offence, to have the person executed!

Seems there is a process then – that is very thorough when applied, to determine guilt. I am not educated enough to know yet what this would like like in a Jewish community, when step three was implemented – where the matter was brought before the church. My thinking would be that at this point, the churches job was to investigate the claims of the offended party, and the statements of the two witnesses, and weigh it carefully before God, always attempting to see the one accused repentant and potentially restored to community.

 

When this was not possible, judgment in the form of exile was executed by the church or synagogue, the convicted criminal was forbidden to fellowship or worship with the church.

 

What is interesting here, is that Jesus describes His, at that time future, heavenly ministry, seated at the right hand of the Father, as just ruler, and judge of all life. He declares that His authority was invested and entrusted to His church, and that He literally would be present to enforce what was decided upon by church leadership in the words of Matt 18:  ¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

In other words He is establishing that whatever His church forbids in the earth, is forbidden, and once that judgment is decreed  and declared, He Himself, from heaven, also forbids it, and I believe, releases His power and authority to enforce this decree. Likewise, whatever is permitted (after deliberation, prayer, and declaration) is executed as permitted.

Equally as astounding is verse: ¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

What makes this verse astounding is the fact that in His heavenly ministry, Jesus, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, personally attends every prayer meeting, and listens to, agrees with, and actually enforces His authority where only two or three are gathered together in His name.

Truly, He spoke:

John 16:7 (AMP)

⁷ But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the ^[a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]

What gives these verses excitement and teeth is the truth that while Jesus, in the days of His flesh, could only be in one place at one time: now, as God the Son, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent – He is literally present when we gather together in His name. The loving, merciful, yet holy judge of all the universe is present in power and judgment, and to those living contrary to what is right, this should bring a fear of the Lord, a tremor of reverence, knowing the day will come when we all face Him in absolute truth.

On that day, unless we have received Him as our Lord and savior, and received His forgiveness and mercy, we will face Him as judge, with no appeal, no parole, facing eternity separated from Him in a fate far worse than death – eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

Yet, if you recall my introduction, I had written four steps of relationship reconciliation and justice. My concern in this, is my Western American interpretation of this process. Recall, it was written by a Jewish Jesus, to a Jewish church, who were to understand the whole counsel of God. I do not know the full judicial system of the day, but it appears that the priests were also the judges of all morality, applying the law to all of life. In this context, when a person came to church, he also went to court also, for it was there one should find the law and the Spirit fully working to judge the very thoughts, motives and intents of the each human heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

¹² For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged ^[a]sword, penetrating as far as the division of the ^[b]soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, and now we live under a covenant of mercy and grace, a new and better covenant. (Heb 8:6)

Yet there is more to be understood here, and before I investigate step four, which I might sub-title ‘a Christian’s role in the judicial system’, I must consider a couple verses:

First, the words of Jesus, in confronting the religious leaders of His day:

Matthew 23:23

“Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters], and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are  the [primary] things you ought to have done without neglecting the others.

 

Or what about the verse: Matthew 5:40

If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender].

 

1 Cor 5:12 For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders (non-believers)? Do you not judge those who are within the church [to protect the church as the situation requires]? 13 God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside [the faith]. Remove the wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].
Okay, enough for tonight

 

Here are my thoughts that I will expound upon as we proceed:

 

1. The first three steps of correction are for Christians, in the church.
2. There is a clear distinction between the way God judges His children in the church, and those who do not know Him, who live in the world, outside the faith.
3. Clearly one of the weightier matters of the law, is justice.
4. Clearly, according to Romans 13, God is also Lord of the justice systems of the earth, and there is a place there for Christians to learn, grow, and exemplify Jesus.

   For today, thank you for walking with me this far in my study – like many great sermon series, this is ‘to be continued’.

‘Father, give me courage to confront people, and walk out Your process of reconciliation within your church. You know, you see, and you have seen all that has happened. Give me grace and wisdom to know when to pray, and when to say, as I seek to see people and situations through Your eyes, and to judge them only with Your heart of love and compassion towards them. Teach me Your weightier matters, matters that reveal hearts, motives, and all the justice systems of the earth. I ask, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen.’

Prayer Requests: If you or your family need specific prayer for anything, please send us a prayer request. We as a family will pray for you today, and if you would, please let us know the wonderful ways God answers. This is a great encouragement to us

 

Bible Verses:

 

Matt 18:NASB ¹⁵ “If your brother sins^[k], go and ^[l]show him his fault ^[m]in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every ^[n]fact may be confirmed. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as ^[o]a Gentile and ^[p]a tax collector.¹⁸ Truly I say to you, whatever you ^[q]bind on earth ^[r]shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you ^[s]loose on earth ^[t]shall have been loosed in heaven.
KJV:  ¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matt 18 Amp¹⁴ Just so it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish.

¹⁵ If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.

¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

¹⁷ If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector.

Be Subject to Government

Romans 13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.² Therefore whoever ^[a]resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. ³ For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. ⁴ For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God]

The Supernatural Blessing of Rain..

As most of you know, we have spent many years walking among native americans, learning much about the movings and workings of God in North America, from a people close to Him and nature.

Many times, in times of drought, we would witness prayer for rain, and it would rain, watering the earth, and causing life to again come forth.

We know how God caused a drought to come upon Israel and then Elijah prayed and rain came, in abundance.

Rain in Scripture, generally symbolizes God’s blessing upon the earth:

Deuteronomy 28:12

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

Psalm 147:8

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

There are many instances of God sending rain, throughout Jewish history. Here is an account given in my seminary reading from Dr. Young’s ‘Jesus the Jewish Theologian’, that I find edifying and comforting, the story of the Jewish rabbi known to be heard by God, and answered in rain: He is known as Choni the Circle Maker. Here is his story, from the Jewish legend:

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/448345/jewish/Choni-the-Circle-Maker.htm

Is it any wonder then, that many native american tribes identify strongly with Israel, recognizing clearly that the Jesus we worship as Christians is Jewish, that His homeland is Israel, the land that He loves.

Yesterday, as Franklin Graham opened in prayer at President Donald Trumps inauguration, as President Trump took the platform, a gentle rain began to fall:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8CHxAoIcl4

I believe God has had mercy on the nation of America again, that as we again bless Israel, stop abortion and corruption, and do what is right before God, He will again bless this country.

God has had mercy upon America again!

Now, we must recognize this great love towards us, and respond to heaven…

The change begins with me and you.

What can I do to make America great again?

What can you do?

What are areas of corruption that I have allowing in my life, my family?

What, today, will I do to eliminate these, to rise up to be the person of honor God has created me to be?

Jesus is still a friend of Sinners…

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Luke 15:1 ¶ Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus loves you! This is the message, this is the truth. The only thing you really need to do to go to heaven, is recognize you are a sinner, and ask forgiveness. The only people that Jesus has a problem with, are those who think they need no help.

Pride in God’s sight, is not a puffed out chest, and haughty attitude, it is simply thinking that you can live life without Him, doing your own thing, and ignoring Him, and His Word.

This is pride, when you see something in the Word of God, and then deciding you have a better idea. A walk with Jesus is a love walk, a journey into truth, never a destination. He is looking for a relationship, that ever deepens with time…

Reminds me of a story: I remember one time I was asked to visit an inmate during my weekly prison visitation when I was pastoring. I was escorted into maximum security, then into protective custody, where the prisoner was brought to see me, through glass in handcuffs and leg-irons. The man was a small skinny guy, about 140lbs, with short hair, and piercing eyes. I remember thinking: ‘Wonder what this guy is in here for?”. So I told him that Jesus loved him, and had a plan for his life, and that sometimes we get drunk or high and do stupid things, but Jesus understands, and will forgive us if we ask Him. This man looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘I know exactly what I did. I wasn’t drunk or high!’

When he said this, the hair on the back of my neck prickled up, and I suddenly knew I was in the presence of a very dangerous man. Out of my heart, I said: ‘Good! At least you know you are a sinner, and Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for sinners. If you have enough guts to face Him with your sin, He will forgive you, and give you a clean heart, and a fresh start.”

Very somber, serious words, to what turned out to be a very serious and brutal man. I watched my words register on him, and he was ticked off at me, and the guards came, and the visit was ended.

After I got out of the facility, I immediately called the addiction counselor that had asked me to visit this man, to discover that everyone else in their community was afraid to visit him, because he had horribly cut up a teenage girl with a knife, and the girl had somehow lived, and was presently in intensive care, fighting for her life. The counselor asked me if I would be willing to visit this man again, the following week. I told them I would pray about it.
Next day, someone shoved a newspaper in my face, with this man’s picture on the front page, the Media glorifying the horror of what he had done, and the life and death drama of the young girls life hanging in the balance in intensive care.
At first I was frustrated and angry, feeling like I had been shoved into a brutal situation, that I felt really unqualified for, then I began to pray, and realized God had not only allowed it, but orchestrated it, and was asking me to go visit this man again, the following week. I called the prison chaplain that oversaw my security clearances, and told him what had transpired, and asked him to try and keep this man alive until the following week, and to get him a Bible in his language.
We organized a 24 hour prayer chain for the wounded girl, and for him, that he not go to hell. God did a miracle! The girl was miraculously healed, and some top plastic surgeons donated their time, and when the girl eventually came out of the hospital, some time later, you would never know how horribly she had been disfigured.

When I went back the following week, there was a new man on the other side of the glass! He had given his life to Jesus, and was proudly holding up the new Bible the chaplain had given him. Turns out this man had been raised as a first nations hunter, and all he knew was killing and butchering animals. He had broken into the families house where the girl lived thinking there was no one home, and when he found the girl there, he did what he did with a knife, quickly. Makes my stomach turn to think about it, but God forgave Him!

As the court system performed its inexorable course of justice over the next 18 months, the man was sentenced to 12 years, with no parole. I visited him for the time he was on trial, and watched him receive ministry and grow weekly in the grace of God, as the prison chaplain integrated him into several small group Bible studies.

Amazing grace, Jesus left the 99 and found the one lost sheep. The one all of us had written off, the one none of us ‘ministers’ wanted anything to do with. Love never fails, and mercy triumphs over judgment. This is the love of God, finding the sinner and the victim both at the foot of the cross, receiving forgiveness or healing, as Jesus, King of Love makes wrongs, right, by His mercy, grace, love and power. This is the kingdom of God in action, this is love!

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, I need you to forgive me, and help me to forgive those who have done me wrong. You have seen the atrocities I have committed, the betrayals, lies, and breaches of trust, and you have seen the horrible things that have been done to me. Forgive me, heal me, find me Jesus, because I have lost my way in life. I need you Lord Jesus, help me, Amen’