Levels Of Communication

                                                     Levels Of Communication 

JESUS is called the Word (John 1:1). 

The Word of the Lord is eternal (Isaiah 40:8).

The angel came for Daniels words when he was praying and fasting ... (Daniel 10:12).

The Angel Gabriel shut the mouth of Zechariah because of unbelief words (Luke 1:18-20).

By your words you will justified or condemned...... (Matthew 12:37).

In the multitude of words sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). 

Let your words be few (Ecc 5:2).

1. Prayer & Prophecy (to God and from God).  Prayer in the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 1 Cor 14:1-2, Eph 6:18) direct, uninterrupted communication with God.  Pray the solution for breakthrough don't reinforce the problem with the words of your mouth.  
2. Preaching/Teaching God's Word; inspired inspiration, prophetic and revelation words that spirit and life. To hit the spirit of man, feed the spirit, anchor the soul and can bypass the intellect straight for the heart (Mark 16:15, John 6:63, Matthew 4:4, Isaiah 28:10, Hebrews 4:12)
3. Words in season, the gems or pearls of wisdom God gives you to speak life, knowledge and blessing and into people into things and into situations. Words that are fitly spoken (Proverbs 25:11), wholesome, sound & spiritual words (1 Tim 6:3, 1 Cor 12:8).
4. Vows, oath taking, solemn, covenants, decrees given by kings & judges, declarations/attestations (Hebrews 6:13,16, Job 22:28, Proverbs 8:15). 
5. Commanding, ordering, establishing (Military, Throne room, Tactical, intelligence, operational, logistical or Boardroom level).  (Isaiah 9:7, 1 Tim 4:11, John 15:17). 
6. Fruitful conversations that are edifying, creative, beneficial, purposeful and meaningful, (Proverbs 15:4,7). 
7. Debating, arguing, pleading, presenting, discussing, & interacting. (Political, legal, educational). Speaking as a man (1 Cor 7:6, 2 Cor 8:8).
8. Base, carnal, cursing, cussing, taunting, confusing, heretical, full of strife, accusations, miscommunication,  misunderstanding, offensive, worldly, low level communication, prejudicial, coloured, biased, gossip, chatting, earthly, sensual and devilish.  (Mathew 16:22-23, 1 Tim 6:4-5, 2 Tim 2:16, James 3:16). 

  

Jesus & Finances

Read Matthew 17:24-27.

Jesus is questioned about temple tax.  Notice Jesus never offended them nor abdicated responsibility from paying tribute.  Neither did He get perturbed about this financial challenge.

1. Go to God for money.  Ask God for daily provision.  "Give us this day our daily bread". 

2. God knows where the money is.  "In the fishes mouth".  This is miracle money.

Expect God to connect you to money, to attract money and be a money magnet.  You finding money and money finding you.  Expect the miraculous.

3. God knows how to get the money to you.  The strategy was to open the mouth of the fish there is the money.

4. God will use your skills to get the money.   Jesus sent Peter fishing.

5. God is able to meet all your need (Phil 4:19).

6. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you can ask or even think (Eph 3:20).  Even strike the rocks and water can come out in the wilderness. (Numb 20:11).

The Temptations Of Christ Pt 2

Reading Matthew 4:5-7

We begin this message by looking at the second time Jesus is tempted by the devil.  Jesus is located in the wilderness; a dry, barren, unsociable, isolated, deserted place communing with God forty days and nights then the tempter comes... Certain people consider fasting forty days and nights as an achievement but they are not located in a physical wilderness at the time of the fast.  

Jesus overcame the first temptation in the wilderness by correctly quoting in context, the Rhema Word of God at the devil (Deut 8:3).  Notice that Jesus never used philosophy, debate or discussion with the Word of God.  He stuck the sword of the Spirit into the devil's heart.   This is a pattern and a principle for the Christian believer to follow when dealing with sinful opportunities presented by the devil.  The devil could not manipulate, entice or influence Jesus Christ to sin.  Jesus would not be brought under the power of the kingdom of darkness.   Jesus was told to command the stones to bread!  Command means to exercise authority which He has over a certain person or thing.  The devil wanted  Jesus to demonstrate power.  However, Jesus is not a puppet pulled along by any alliance other than His Heavenly Father, (John 2:24).  He is not a politician following the party rhetoric or the majority of the people's wishes, unlike Pilate (the government) or the Pharisees (the religious bigoted fraternity).  If anyone questions the divine authenticity of the book of Deuteronomy they are wrong because Jesus quoted from it as His source.  

Looking, more closely at the following scriptures  (James 1:2,13-15, Romans 7:15-23), we can see that temptation to the believer can come from within or from without.  

What do I mean by that?  Temptations can come from an external source being presented and made readily  available to you.  Or they can come from an inward lust, a weakness and inclination for certain things, like an internal desire, yearning or craving, seeking fulfilment.    

It is not always the devil or one of his agents presenting the opportunity to sin (fall).  Considering the life of Moses he forsook the pleasures of Eygpt being the grandson of the Pharaoh and all that entailed, rather to suffer reproach, with the people of God (Hebrews 11:24-25).  Sin being referred to as pleasure for a season.  If it was not pleasurable, people  would not commit and practice it.  

In the book of James it refers to the within after being offered from an outside source.  In the book of Romans it is portrayed more as an infectious disease, present within carnal bodily members referred to as "sinful nature" or what can be termed "the flesh".  For any person, a believer in Jesus Christ or unbeliever to think you cannot be tempted and fall into sin means you are in pride at the height of deception. (Galatians 6:1). 

With reference to the original sin of Adam in the garden of Eden known also as the  "Fall of man". It was no a physical fall that happened to Adam and his wife that lead to expulsion from the garden it was spiritual and moral.  All of creation everything under Adam for which he previously had dominion over also got corrupted.  Weeds in the garden, briers, thorns, rust on the metal products, fruit that will perish and decay the land will not yield a harvest so easily.  It will be harder through sweat and toil to get the produce of the ground.  Child bearing pains in birthing children, no longer clothed in glory but dressed and covered with animals clothes.  The concept of atonement is introduced by the slaying of the animals and the blood being shed for pardon and forgiveness reading Genesis chapter 3. 

Regarding Jesus, because He has a divine nature ( impeccable), He can only be tempted externally.   Now the Bible says Jesus was tempted in all points yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). 

 The thee temptations in the wilderness presented by the devil to Jesus touched His body, His soul and His spirit.  The first being a physical temptation to the body, stones to bread to relieve the physical hunger.  The second being a soulish temptation throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple, it is somewhat spectacular in nature very eye catching to to the on looker.  It is very much like a bunge jump with no safety net or bunge. 

The final one is about worship, loyalty,  mission, commitment and reward.  It is aimed at the spirit of Jesus. He is being enticed by a reward.  Nevertheless He must offer His worship and allegiance to the devil to get it.  He must sell His soul His complete life over to total darkness and be an instrument of Satan on order to gain all the kingdoms of this world and their glory.

In conclusion, it is apparent that Jesus never compromised, negotiated, succumbed to manipulation, gave into fear, intimidation or domination of the devil.   He maintained, being straight and true faithfully committed to a divinely appointed mandate.   

The Temptations of Christ

The Reading Matthew 4:1-4 

Notice in verse 1 it was the Spirit of God who did the leading.  However, it was the devil who did the tempting.  Does God lead us into temptation?  One has to emphaticall say no, it is against His character and nature! (James 1:13-14)

The Bible says that Jesus had been fasting 40 days and 40 nights.  It was an abstenation from food for such a long period of time.  The duration was forty days and for forty nights, the location was a wilderness.   It was a consecration, a separation, a devotion a surrender, an abandonment to the purposes God, a purification and purging, a soul searching, and an isolation to God Almighty, the eternal Heavenly Father.   Jesus was preparing Himself for His earthly ministry of around three years in length.  

It is interesting to note in Luke's gospel (6:12) that He prayed all night long then He chose His disciples who became His apostles.  The sanctification and the separation to God had to come before the selection.  

By way of comparison Paul the apostle was in Arabia for 3 years before announcing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:17).  "Private philosophy determines public performance".  

Before looking at the first temptation of Christ, I am inserting an article about Christ and whether or not He could sin from www.gotquestions.org.   Could Jesus have sinned is it peccability or impeccabity?  

Could Jesus have sinned? If He was not capable of sinning, how could He truly be able to 'sympathize with our weaknesses' (Hebrews 4:15)? If He could not sin, what was the point of the temptation?"

There are two sides to this interesting question. It is important to remember that this is not a question of whether Jesus sinned. Both sides agree, as the Bible clearly says, that Jesus did not sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22). The question is whether Jesus could have sinned. Those who hold to “impeccability” believe that Jesus could not have sinned. Those who hold to “peccability” believe that Jesus could have sinned, but did not. Which view is correct? The clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus was impeccable—Jesus could not have sinned. If He could have sinned, He would still be able to sin today because He retains the same essence He did while living on earth. He is the God-Man and will forever remain so, having full deity and full humanity so united in one person as to be indivisible. To believe that Jesus could sin is to believe that God could sin. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (Colossians 1:19). Colossians 2:9 adds, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

Although Jesus is fully human, He was not born with the same sinful nature that we are born with. He certainly was tempted in the same way we are, in that temptations were put before Him by Satan, yet He remained sinless because God is incapable of sinning. It is against His very nature (Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18, 4:15; James 1:13). Sin is by definition a trespass of the Law. God created the Law, and the Law is by nature what God would or would not do; therefore, sin is anything that God would not do by His very nature.

To be tempted is not, in and of itself, sinful. A person could tempt you with something you have no desire to do, such as committing murder or participating in sexual perversions. You probably have no desire whatsoever to take part in these actions, but you were still tempted because someone placed the possibility before you. There are at least two definitions for the word “tempted”:

1) To have a sinful proposition suggested to you by someone or something outside yourself or by your own sin nature.

2) To consider actually participating in a sinful act and the possible pleasures and consequences of such an act to the degree that the act is already taking place in your mind.

The first definition does not describe a sinful act/thought; the second does. When you dwell upon a sinful act and consider how you might be able to bring it to pass, you have crossed the line of sin. Jesus was tempted in the fashion of definition one except that He was never tempted by a sin nature because it did not exist within Him. Satan proposed certain sinful acts to Jesus, but He had no inner desire to participate in the sin. Therefore, He was tempted like we are but remained sinless.

Those who hold to peccability believe that, if Jesus could not have sinned, He could not have truly experienced temptation, and therefore could not truly empathize with our struggles and temptations against sin. We have to remember that one does not have to experience something in order to understand it. God knows everything about everything. While God has never had the desire to sin, and has most definitely never sinned, God knows and understands what sin is. God knows and understands what it is like to be tempted. Jesus can empathize with our temptations because He knows, not because He has “experienced” all the same things we have.

Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted, but He does not know what it is like to sin. This does not prevent Him from assisting us. We are tempted with sins that are common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). These sins generally can be boiled down to three different types: “the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16 NKJV). Examine the temptation and sin of Eve, as well as the temptation of Jesus, and you will find that the temptations for each came from these three categories. Jesus was tempted in every way and in every area that we are, but remained perfectly holy. Although our corrupt natures will have the inner desire to participate in some sins, we have the ability, through Christ, to overcome sin because we are no longer slaves to sin but rather slaves of God (Romans 6, especially verses 2 and 16-22).

In conclusion; we can see that Jesus is impeccable not capable of sinning and that the first proposition is evident from the Biblical account of Him in the wilderness with the devil.  He was presented externally with the opportunities to sin.  It was not something He was conceiving in His mind or heart to later act upon.  His very nature is different to sinful human nature.  

Impeccable means without flaws, perfect, not capable of sinning. 

The Bible says that we are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  

The first temptation of Christ was a physical one.  The lust of the flesh,  the Bible records it similar to Eve in the garden gazing at the fruit on the tree, surely it must taste delicious.  A carnal worldly appetite for fleshly pleasures that appeal to the lower, the sensual, the base nature of man for instant gratification, satisfaction and relief.  

One would question was it a legitimate temptation?  Of course it was in many different forms.  Not just a natural temptation to alleviate the hunger of Christ.  Biologically speaking after 40 days and nights the human body can no longer sustain itself.  It has no reserve fats in it or foods to digest so it starts to eat itself, malnutrition is starting to set in.  Soon an individual will be looking boney their is nothing the human body can draw upon to eat so food is very necessary, imminently.  Jesus overcame the temptation with a counter "man cannot live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds out from the mouth of

God".  Peter realised the validity of following Christ not just for material gain after He had fed the 5000 men (John 6:67-68).  "You have the words of eternal life".   Eternal life is nothing to compared with material gain in this life time. 

Another aspect of this temptation was that it was supernatural.  In order for it to be a legitimate temptation we must consider the command of the devil.  He says to Jesus "command these stones to be turned into bread"v3.  That is a supernatural happening of a metabolic miracle to change the structural composition of one thing to another.  Stones being turned into bread.  We have to realise here the depth of this statement.  In order for this to be a legitimate temptation of Christ, it has to pre-suppose that the one who is being tempted has the authority, the power and the ability to do such a thing.  I guess that the devil has never tempted you with this because he knows you cannot turn stones into bread.  So in your case; it is not a legitimate temptation, to perform or produce supernaturally is not within your ability or remit. To do something like this ...turning stones into bread is a metabolic compositional structural change miracle.  Furthermore, this brings us to the greater revelation of  who Jesus really is!  My previous sermon "what is your concept of the Messiah".  He is so powerful the winds and waves obey Him, a fig tree dries up when He speaks to it.  What is your concept of the Messiah?  Have you limited the miracle producing power of Jesus Christ, to fit into your limited theological, self  contained, boxed in, church attendance, low level, framework of reference? The devil knew that Jesus can change structures and substances by just speaking a word.  The Bible says the devil's believe and they fear and tremble (James 2:19).  How powerful is your Jesus, this is very frightening to come into the presence of an all powerful living King.  It makes you tremble what He might pronounce!  

Going deeper with this temptation.  The  devil says "If you are the Son of God"...  The devil wants Jesus to prove Himself and His identity with a miraculous demonstration of power.  Christ is not insecure and He does not need a tangible sign to prove who He is.  Secure people do not need to prove themselves they already are.  They have a proven testimony and track record that distinguishes them.  A secure person does not submit to manipulation or the need to turn it on at the people's wishes.  

In this context, the devil is goading Jesus to prove it.  Scripture teaches that we please God by faith (Hebrews 11:6).  Why does the devil and unbelievers always want physical tangible evidence before they believe? 

Now the devil already knew Jesus was and is the Son of God.  Jesus had gotten onto the devil's radar.   In order to make those propositions, legitimate temptations, you have to know someone first, and how they tick.    Otherwise how can you realistically tempt them, if you do not know the triggers or the pressure points?  The devil had insight of Jesus.  The devil could well of heard the confession of the Heavenly Father following His baptism in the river Jordan "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". (Matthew 3:17).  Jesus already had His commendation and validation from His Heavenly Father heavens highest authority.  What further need was there to give audience to the devil...?     

Jesus did not need to prove to the devil or a crowd of people who He was.  People in Scripture knew Him by revelation of the Holy Spirit not by just demonstrations of miracles.  Jesus Himself  said "except you see signs and wonders you will not believe." (John 4:48).   Neither Jesus nor the devil had any identity crisis.  It was the devil trying to set Jesus up by undermining His personhood, and challenging His divinity.  

Again going deeper with the temptation, we must consider the nature of Christ.  He is impeccable without flaw He cannot sin.  Consider His words in John 5:19 "verily, verily I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the  Father do..."  Jesus never violated divine instructions or compromised them.  If heaven didn't ordain it or sanction it, then Christ would not fulfil it on the earth.

Jesus fulfilled everything His Father told Him to do (John 17:4).  He is God incarnate (John 1:14).  To bow down or to be dictated to by the devil would be sin. Perish the thought!!!

So in closing, it was a real legitimate temptation concerning the lust of the flesh, appetite.  It was physical and appealing, it had manipulation woven into it, supernatural demonstration of power to prove Christ's identity.   Jesus would not and cannot be compromised!  The tempter knew Jesus and His abilities before hand and His authority and His power.   In order to make it a real temptation the devil knew the trigger points not just Christ's physical hunger but to superimpose His divine rights over His earthly human state as the Son of Man.  

Which brings us to the final conclusion.  That God, will not violate or abuse His principles.  He came in the form of a man suffered as a man and that meant hunger after forty days and nights without food.  He could eliminate His hunger immediately with a demonstration  of miraculous power but He would not violate His humanity and His own principles as the Son of Man in the flesh. Jesus suffered in the flesh as a man and would be manipulated by the devil's desires. 

To be continued ...next time looking at temptation two and three as the Holy Spirit unpacks and reveals more truth Praise God forevermore!!!!

Apprenticeship/Discipleship

Scripture Reading:  John 8:31

1. You watch and I'll do it (help practical support).  All great leaders do this that is why they are the best servants.  

2. You do it and I will help you do it (interdependence). A mutual sharing, and synergism working together.  A kind of weening off culture. Also an empowerment (Acts 1:8). 

 

3. You do it and I will watch you do it (independence).  A competency and a skill gained.  A lesson learnt a trade passed on.  A maturation (Eph 4:13). 

True fathers, grandfathers etc (whether natural or spiritual) train and spend time with their children.  It involves a lot of commitment and takes time and energy a willingness to give to someone else and commit to them.  Not to give up and loose heart.  

Does God, or did God ever give up on you? (Romans 8:35-39).  God believes in humanity so much that He is willing to comit to them that is why He sent Jesus to die on a cross and never give up on His creation, rather than destroying them forever!  

The Old Testament flood in Noah's day was of destruction.  Contrasted by the New Testament anti-type water baptism is freedom from sin, death to the old life, deliverance and newness of life in Jesus Christ. The former covenant was of condemnation but it still had glory attached to it just look at Moses's face when he came me down from the mount Sinai.  The New  covenant is much more exceedingly glorious (2 Corinthians 3). 

The first covenant was hard work you were kept outside denied access and only one high priest was allowed in once a year and had access.  Now, that veil is rent in two and removed no more works but by grace through faith we can all enter in and take hold, having full possession (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

Paul calls it a mystery of Christ and His church.  However, the typology refers to a husband and wife .... (Ephesians 5). 

The Apex of The Anointing

In the life of Moses it was Sinai when he fasted 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai in the glory of God. 

In the life of Elijah it was his confrontation with false prophets  and the  revival of a nation (Israel) on Mount Carmel.  

In the life of Jesus it was His Transfiguration a type of the resurrection to come. 

In the lives of the 120 apostles its was the Upper Room experience at Pentecost.  

The Prelude to Good Friday Pt2

The Intercessory Ministry of Jesus 

John 17 all of the chapter.  

We really get to see the heart of God in the prayers of Jesus.  Notice the pattern; He glorifies God and gives thanks for finishing the divine assignment placed upon His life.  Jesus prays for Himself v1-5,  He prays for His disciples v6-19 lastly He prays for the entire body of Christ those that will believe in Him v 20-26.  He did not pray for the sinners at this time but for His Church, His body that they may be one!  Biblical unity, is trinity unity (Psalms 133).  We can be in unity with other Christian denominations through the work of Jesus.  The word "atonement" broken down means "at" "one" "ment" No longer two or "di" but one!   Jesus made that atonement for us He became one with the Father vertically think of the vertical wooden beam of the cross.  He became one with man horizontally think of the horizontal  wooden bean of the cross.  Jesus made peace with God and man as the Mediator  the propitiation for our sins as the innocent third party lamb of God.  His death was our proxy and in our place as a substitutionary sacrifice slain before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8). He is our scape goat who became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21).   Read Colossians 1:20-22 Paul  explains the purpose and power and procurement of the cross in his epistle to the Colossians.  

The Prelude to Good Friday

          The betrayal & the arrest: 

Matthew 26:14-15; Judas covenanted with them for 30 pieces of silver.  This was the value Judas placed on Jesus, it was His bounty.   How much value do you place on Jesus before departing from the faith?  Everybody has a price, if they have not accepted the shed blood of Jesus as the eternal currency that gets the sin sick, lost, depraved soul into a wonderful heaven prepared by the blessed bride groom.  Judas not only wanted to throw away his eternal life but also the ministry and bishoprick that had been entrusted to him.  Do we value people, or do we value money more than the people?  Consider this man one of the chosen twelve to be a close disciple of Jesus for over three years.  How was this disloyalty breeding inside of him?  When and why did it occur?  What brought it to light and sprung it up from the roots!   Can this be true of our friends and associates?  Do they become jealous at our achievements in life and popularity?  Are they inwardly seeking an occasion like the devil to take advantage of us?  Just look at the mud slinging in any presidential election campaign.  Everybody wants to be top dog.  An in-bred crab mentality, of all the crabs in a bucket each trying to pull one another down.  No- one ever succeeds and gets over the top and out of the bucket.  

John 18:12 they bound Him and lead Him to the High priest ....  The arrest, they arrested a completely innocent man who had never sinned one day in His life.  Notice, the surrender and the submission to an injustice, perpetuated by a depraved corrupt religious system.  Can you be subject to ungodly worldly rulers and allow them to bind you and drive nails into your wrists.  We do not need to suffer to this degree He has already paid that price.  Consider the injustice He never opened His mouth in defence.  A

Adding Kingdom of God Value

                    Add Value 

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-14

Jesus called His disciples salt and light.  What does salt do? Preserve and protect the food.  What does light do?  Dispel darkness.  

As a leader and a Christian how can I influence society for the better?  How can I be a blessing to people by adding value to their lives? Considering every transaction and interaction.  Can I add any value here whether it be just a smile or a nod of agreement.  

As a church leader wanting more members to join into His church.  How can I help the members do the 3 D's (discover, develop and deploy) their gifts for the kingdom of God.  

God's Plan For Your Life

At the start of each New Year we need a "word" from God.  This "word from God" will be our theme and vision to carry us through.  What does God have in store for us in each year of our lives?  Ephesians 2:10 says that we are created for good works, prepared for, before the foundation of the world that we should walk in them... God's formula for success was given to Joshua in chapter 1 verse 8 meditate on this book of the law and do not let it depart day and night.  Then you will make your way successful and have good success.  It is repeated in Psalms chapter 1 about fruitfulness and prosperity.  In Isaiah 30:15 the Bible declares in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.  In Romans 12:11 the Bible says we are to be fervent in spirit serving the Lord.  

The "word" God gave to me this year is "enrichment"  based upon the scripture in 

1 Corinthians 1:5.  That we are enriched by God in everything.... My meditation will be around this theme and concept for 2016.  Studying the life principles and looking to receive the divine activation of this word affecting every area of my life for the glory of God.  

In 2015, God gave me the word "inspiration"  (2 Tim 3:16).  I found that my life went through many twists and turns and challenges and real blessings. Many memories which I will forever treasure.  I was inspired to get involved and be interested in many things, most of them came to pass.  This happened as I allowed the Holy Spirit to inspire me daily in every month and season.  

Are we getting older (naturally), or are we growing up (getting wiser) learning lessons in life that make us better instruments that can be more effective and divinely crafted in the Masters hands?   

I want to be a brand plucked out of the fire.  A minister of fire, divinely ordained of God, sanctified and approved, who needs not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth, working in the kingdom of God for His Majesty's sake.  A vessel of honour fit for the Lord's work ...separated wholly and holy unto Him. Dear God make it happen this year for Your names sake!   

The Bible declares call unto Me and I will answer.  God says to Jeremiah the prophet that He would show him things to come (33:3).  A very well known verse is often quoted in Jeremiah 29:11... God knows the plans He has for us to bless and to prosper us ....it could be argued is this contextually relevant for us today, however every word is of God and He does not change (Mal 3:6).  

The Bible says that children of God  are to be lead by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14).  Awaiting for divine instructions and revelations for activations in the earth.   Notice the example of the Apostle Paul he conferred not with flesh and blood after receiving his Great Commission following a Damascus Road experience (Galatians 1:15-18).   I am sure that he had many questions of Jesus that is why he mediated in Arabia for 3 years.  A divine consolidation for God's formulation, to launch a pioneering missionary, who planted many churches, confirming the brethren, ordaining elders, receiving apostolic decrees, mentoring sons, preaching, teaching, signs, wonders, miracles, healing, writing to the churches and establishing doctrine. The divine purpose, the sovereign election, the revelation and impartation into human vessels from God will release His purposes in the earth.  Read Romans 8:19, 2 Thessalonians 2:13.  The "who"will always produce the "do".  We are - so we do!  It is not the other way around.  

So we need to seek Him, humble ourselves, meditate, be fervent, and activate His divine plan after receiving a divine strategy for implementation and activation.  The "how to" of our Christian faith will validate our purpose, calling and election and ordination. Read Philippians 2:13, Jude 1:24.  

Well,  I pray this message had blessed you and finds you in wonderful divine health . Until the next time ... remain  blest in Jesus Christ.  

What is your concept of the Messiah?

Scriptures to read Matthew 11:2-6. 

"Are you the one or do we look for another?" 

Those were the words of John the Baptist when he was locked up in prison on a charge by the king.  He was feeling alone, abandoned, disillusioned, dispairing and dispondent. 

 Those are the words that come to us when God does not visit with us, show up, rescue us out of all our problems, or answer our prayers in the way we expect Him to do so.  "Are you the One or do we look for another".  Jesus and John were cousins (but unlike Abraham and Lot) Jesus does not bust John out of the prison or pay for his bail. 

Whenever God does not answer your prayers or show up for you the way you expect Him to.  The tendency is to ask Jesus, "are you the One or do we look for another?"  Our framework of reference is very limited to a selfish mentality, expecting God to move the same way all the time.  If He doesn't, we give up and feel disillusioned and dispondent. 

So what is your concept of the Messiah? Who is Jesus to you?  Does He fit into your mould, and limited, finite, framework of reference? 

You may not be physically sitting in a prison cell today, but you feel locked up and imprisoned by your circumstances of life.  Which are temporary anyway, and subject to change.   God is eternal. 

Look at the divine response from Jesus go and tell John... "the blind see, the lame walk,  the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised back to life, the poor have the gospel preached to them".  The works of Jesus testify to who He is.  

That is Jesus's response to you today ... The dead are raised, the blind see the lame walk, the deaf hear, the poor have the gospel preached unto them.  Jesus is busy working in the kingdom of God. 

Read John 6:5-15 in verse 15 the Jews want to make Jesus, king.  Their concept of the Messiah was the same as the Zealots.  To have a conquering Messiah who would knock out and overthrow the Roman government. That was not Jesus' missionary mandate while on planet earth.  His Kingdom is not of this world. 

(John 18:36). 

John the Baptist; acknowledged Him, identified Him and called Him out.  When he said "behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:36).  That should be our concept of the Messiah.  After all the Messiah comes from another kingdom, might and dominion, located in Heaven.  Operated and governed by heavens framework of reference. 

Read Genesis 1:26-27 God says He will make man in His image and after His likeness. Notice it is His image and His likeness. 

Idolatry is when man sets up a god creates an image, an icon, a statue, an effigy, a system, and bows down to worship it.  Whether it be through human, animal or financial sacrifices the dumb idol, whether it be wooden, carved, statue, formed, fashioned, crafted, is somehow worshipped.  When ever you create a Jesus that fits into your image or you try to carve, craft a god into your image and likeness then that is idolatry! 

Read Exodus 32.  The Israelites worship the Golden calf.  One that is formed and fashioned by Aaron the high priest.  The people corrupt themselves while Moses is on mount Sinai for 40 days and for 40 nights receiving the Ten Commandments.   They try to form a god into an image they would have seen whilst in their Egytian bondage of slavery.  Egypt had many god's. They worship it, sacrifice to it, dance, have ceremony and corrupt themselves.  

 

God wants us to approach Him on His terms. After all we are made in His image and after His likeness. We are to conform to His image and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 8:29,  12:2).  There is only one way to God the Father and that is through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6). 

In our modern age that does not recognise the Bible as the only source of infallible truth.  In our post modern thinking, full of worldly philosophies, blend in mentality,  carnal scripts, and our being "politically correct" so that we can be socially acceptable means that we water down the gospel and compromise the truth of the scriptures forming and crafting an image of the Messiah that fits into the 21st century.  

Are we conforming to the image and likeness of God our eternal heavenly Father and creator.  Or are we creating and forming a Jesus to blend into a postmodernism lifestyle?  A me, myself, and I, culture ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5).  "Are you the One, or do we look for another?"

Jesus where are you now?  

So what is your concept of the Messiah?  Who is Jesus Christ to you?  Jesus is still saying to you today,  (Hebrews 13:8), "the blind see, the dead are raised, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the poor have the gospel preached unto them".  The works of Christ testify Him to be authentic, the Spirit of God rested and remained upon Him.   

 

David's covenant with Jonathon

     

     2 Samuel Chapter 9

The Covenant: Affected The Descendants of Jonathon: 

The Outcome: Mephibosheth is promoted, placed, prospered, provided for, he is given a land and an inheritance his birth rite is restored.  His wealthy place means he no longer needs to work.  He is a child of the king, a kingdom kid.  

The Meaning: This chapter of scripture has a much deeper application for us today.  It is a type and shadow of the following:  

Typology: King David (God the King) the covenant (Jesus who shed His blood on the cross for mankind) the entourage (The Holy Spirit who goes out looking for the sinner).  Mephibosheth (a sinner) who is paralysed living in Lo Debar (obscurity, low life, low lifestyle) below Kingdom rights, privileges and benefits.  He is paralysed (the effect of sin on man) we cannot elevate or empower ourselves it has to come from God.  

Today: New Testament believers are part of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).  Where the word of a king is, there is great power (Ecc 8:4). 

Application: God will visit you, God will promote you, place you, prosper you, and provide for you.  God will change your location from a barren low lifestyle to a table prepared for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalms 23).   God can send out angels on assignment to look for you.  He can turn your negative low lifestyle into a positive high life, from a down and outer, to an up and outer.  All because of the covenant He cut with us at Calvary!!!   2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are new creations, all things are become new!   A divine transformation. 

Question: How many people in the body of Christ and are living up to all the kingdom rights privileges and benefits that Calvary has procured for us?!!!  

Remember: the Mephibosheth model, a miraculous turn around empowered lifestyle living in the  kingdom now!!  The blood of Jesus has not been shed invain!!!  It has power and it has procurement!!!! 

The Divine Ministry Of The Lord Jesus

The Divine Ministry Of The Lord Jesus Christ

The divine ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a corporate profit and loss organisation, run by a few CEO's on a Sunday then managed by them throughout the week.  

It is of divine origination and source, it has a biblical; moral, ethical, constitution called the Bible.  

God is people centred and people focussed.  God, who so loved the world, (not universe, not willing for anyone to perish) that He was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son.  Crucifying all the sins of mankind on the body of Jesus.  

The only profit and loss is the cost and time it takes to rescue people's souls from going to hell.  Then to radically see their lives turned around so that they can hook onto the purposes of God by the power of God.  

The self-sacrificing in the ministry is of its workers.   Who are striving in the vineyard, to fulfil the underlying foundational biblical principle, "rescue souls from hell and prepare &  perfect them to meet the bride groom (Jesus) in heaven".    This Great Commission involves our time, talent and treasure being employed and put to work. 

Our mission is to cleave people to the Lord Jesus Christ joining them fully to Him (Acts 11:23).  I can only "partner", "not join" to a ministry or brand of Christianity because I identify with it for a set time that God has allowed.  In so doing,  I am helping them to accomplish a biblical purpose.  

Partnership, purposes that are practical and positive as God directs and instructs us by His Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:10-19). 

Someone can only "join" to their spouse in a "covenant relationship".  Joining to a ministry implies a much more intimate kind of relationship to a ministry which could be very destructive or very abusive if not managed, monitored and regulated correctly.  

Philip joined  himself to the Ethiopian eunuchs chariot for divine purposes as instructed by the Holy Spirit.  It was for sharing the gospel and then he left.  The prodigal son "joined" himself to a citizen in a far country which was for wrongful purposes.  It lead to his destruction but resulted in his deliverance and reconciliation to the Father. 

I am "divinely joined" into the body of Christ,  and I am in the body of Christ, functioning as a member, recognising that Christ is my eternal Sovereign head.   I am divinely seated in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:3, 2:6). 

1 Corinthians 3:4-9 says "who then is Paul or who then is Apollos?"  They are just co-labourers in the field, which is Gods.   The ministry of Jesus Christ is not about a celebrity personality or a power performance from the select few who will grace the platform or hit the stage this Sunday?  To try and turn us on, rev us up,  impress us, or captivate our hearts.  Put ministers in their proper place.  

Remember what happened to Herod when he failed to give the glory to God after making his oration... the Angel of the Lord smote him and he got eaten with worms (Acts 12:21-23).  Give all honour to whom it is due.  

It's all about Jesus!  The gift is from God, the anointing is from God, and God alone takes all of the glory.  Every man has sinned (Romans 3:23).  A man can receive nothing, except it come from God (John 3:27). 

So where is our focus and attention then?   Hebrews 12:2.  Looking unto ..... Jesus! 

The Lord Jesus Christ, bought and paid for me, redeeming me with His precious blood which is far above and beyond all human worth, value and wealth.  (1 Peter 1:18). Where is human boasting then? 

Rather, let the authentic ministers & ministries that are of God suffer the loss of all things materially and thereby gain Christ (Philippians 3:8), if they truly believe in divine rewards?   Or do they?!   He must increase (Jesus) and ministers must decrease. (John 3:30). 

Heaping up earthly, temporary, treasures on this earth.  They try to impress, boasting about their net worth.  Making the people invest in some "pet project"  in the "Name of Christianity" for selfish gain to finance their empires and exclusive, extravagant lifestyles that are so far removed from the Biblical earthly, ministry lifestyle, example, of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Read 2 Peter 2:3. Do not allow feign words merchandise you! 

Jesus said let your conversation be without covetousness. (Hebrews 13:5). There is no pay to pray.  Prayers are free! 

God  Himself does not need someone's money He lives on streets of gold with very a impressive throne made of sapphire, jasper, onyx, emerald and sardine stones. (Rev 4).  He has no economic or money problems.   There is no recession in heaven!   You have the money problem man or woman of God!!! 

These ministers and ministries should become so completely transparent to earthly rulers of this world (like the naked Christ who hung on the cross, He gave account and subjected Himself to Herod (King) Caiaphas (High Priest) Pilate (Governor) thereby, stripping all principalities and powers in the process (Colossians 2:15).  Why shy away from them?  Jesus was not intimidated by Pilate the governor! (John 19:10-11).  Does it really matter if they strip you of your impressive luxury assets; planes, yachts, boats, luxury cars or mansion houses.  

Is God in this plan, purpose or pursuit ? That is the question we need to be constantly asking ourselves. 

Am I advancing His purposes following a divinely ordained mandate in the earth or building my own kingdom and agenda?  Then worst of all using Christianity as a cover or crutch to appeal for money to fund it (Mathew 7:21-23).  

Dear God, & Heavenly, Eternal Father, purify the hearts, motives, attitudes and desires of your church in your holy fire, so that they will align to your divine will and mandate.  Let the pure divine gold can come forth out of us.  Burn up the dross, fan into flame, winnow your floor, thresh the wheat and gather it into bundles for your barns.  Blow away all the chaff.  Go in deep with the sword of your Word piercing, penetrating all forms and works of darkness.  Leave no stone unturned, leaving  nothing hidden but made manifest before You, my dear King.   For your holy & precious Name sake.