Saturday, June 30, 2012

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST!

Video embedded below notes

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1Pe 1:18-20 KJV

What is the most precious commodity that is an ever constant factor before the Father?
I cannot deal with such an inexhaustible topic as the Precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ in a few short moments so I would like to focus on a few factors that are presently on my heart.
In our minds Christ was crucified more than 2000 years ago, a completed and finished fact in the past. In the mind of the Father, past, present and future are always present before Him for He dwells in eternity. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  Isa 57:15 KJV
There is no past present and future sequence before God for these are phases of time. Therefore Christ Who was slain before the foundation of the world is seen as slain in the present a constant before God the Father. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Rev 5:5-6 KJV

Why is the Blood of Christ described as precious?
In heaven Christ's sacrifice and death is always in the present, as a Lamb slain!
What or Who is most precious to the Father? His Son the Messiah (Christ) of course!. It therefore follows that the blood is an ever present constant before Him PRECIOUS beyond anything else!
Invoking the Blood strikes a tremendous chord in the heart of the Father because of what Christ did. Can you imagine the response to those who reject this Blood that obsesses the Father’s thoughts?
God became human to obtain precious innocent blood...human blood for an offering, a purchase price. For the span of His human life on earth Christ carried blood in which was the life of the flesh! But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.  Gen 9:4 KJV
And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.  Lev 17:10-11 KJV
The human body of the Messiah was a vessel for the precious Blood which was poured out as a sacrifice and offering before the Father when Christ was slain. The priests of the Old Covenant offered the blood of animals in the tabernacle and the temple.
 
Where was Christ’s Blood offered up?
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:11-14 KJV

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb 9:23-28 KJV

When we come to God on the basis of the Blood we come based on the most precious commodity in all creation and beyond. The holiest place in all creation and beyond is the Holy of holies in heaven. I would like to speculate and say that there is no other blood in heaven of any kind, but ONLY the blood of Jesus the Messiah ever present, ever fresh, ever living, and ever powerful! Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1Co 15:50 KJV
Jesus said to his disciples: Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Luke 24:39 KJV

So just how valuable is the Blood of Christ to us?
When we believe and yield ourselves to His Blood we become as close to the Father as His Son is! And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  John 17:22-23 KJV
When we begin to say in our hearts that no one understands us and no one feels our pain, if at that time we take a look at the Cross we see Messiah hanging there and begin to understand that He feels, He understands, He suffers with us, which is why He hung there!

His BLOOD:

1. Washes our sins away!
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  Rev 1:5 KJV
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1Jn 1:7 KJV

2.  Redeemed us from slavery!
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1Pe 1:18-20 KJV
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) Psa 49:6-8 KJV
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Act 20:28 KJV

3.  Provides for our healing!
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1Pe 2:24 KJV
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.  Isa 53:5 KJV

4. Overcome the devil
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Rev 12:11 KJV

5.  Purges our consciences
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  Heb 9:14 KJV
We need no therapy or psychologist or psychiatrist just the Blood of the LAMB!

6. Boldness to enter His presence!
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb 10:19-22 KJV

The Blood is an ever present constant before the throne of God! It will always be the most memorable event before God the Father. It will always be the most precious thing in any and all realms forever!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY-MOVEMENT


Living things move!
Not all that move is living but all that is living will have some form of movement whether noticeable or not.
Some movements are internal with substances being transported from one part of the body to another. Other movement is external and visible to the observer viz. Locomotion, blinking of eyes, and movements of limbs.
While you were sleeping apparently dead to the world a lot of movement was taking place within your body.
Movement in living things is self directed i.e. it happens by volition of the individual.  Movement in healthy living things always tends towards more favorable environment.
Movement in human beings also usually takes the form of exercise or recreation.
A living fish is able to swim against the tide...a dead fish simply flows wherever the tide takes it.
We are either a movement or a monument! 

A Christian's life is never static but is always in motion. It's either forward or backward....upward or downward ...progression or regression...building or breaking...or as our LORD said...gathering or scattering! So...are you with me or against me here? J
 Our Christian life is a walk, a race, a journey…a movement
There is movement away from and movement towards.

We are commanded to follow after certain things:
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Most important is that we follow the Good Shepherd and not stray away from His Voice!

We are also advised to move away from, or flee from certain things.
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. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1Co 10:13-14 KJV
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18  
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1Ti 6:9-11 KJV
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 2Ti 2:22-23 KJV



PHYSICAL MOVEMENT
SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS
SCRIPTURE/COMMENTS

Movement from one place to another geographically
We are on a constant spiritually journey upwards. Jesus’ command to follow Him implies that He is taking you on a journey. It is a walk of faith with the disciple trusting the Lord to lead him as he follows by faith.
Philippians 3:12-14 KJV 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There is within the body, constant movement that is vital to the well being and development of the body. Cells are continuously on the go, transporting, building up and repairing while getting rid of harmful substances.
We are to be perfected through patience

In our life we are to constantly present our bodies to the LORD and be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2Co 4:16 KJV


My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Jas 1:2-4 KJV
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:1-2 KJV
There is also a finely coordinated movement between various organs and parts to benefit the body as a whole.
The Christian benefits from the corporate assembling of the body developing and maturing through that which every part supplies.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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. Heb 10:24-25 KJV
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Eph 4:16 KJV

Romans 12:1-2 KJV  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 2:12-13 KJV  12   Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  21   Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
A temple is a place where a lot of worshipful activity should be taking place.

Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 12:1-2. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.


Sunday, June 10, 2012

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: EXCRETION

Excretion is the process by which the body removes waste products of metabolism and the system that is responsible is called the excretory system.
The human body produces waste in the process of living and performing its functions. This waste has to be removed in an efficient and regular manner for if allowed to remain it will accumulate and lead to harmful consequences, breaking down the body and ultimately resulting in death.
In similar manner the spiritually alive person must pay diligence to ridding himself of those things that may prove not only harmful but fatal to spiritual life.
The body’s defense mechanism together with the excretory system is also responsible for removing poisonous stuff, invading toxins etc.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 KJV
  
"Dirty clothes don’t automatically come off just because you realize they are dirty. They will only come off if you do something to remove them! People are inwardly changed, but their old thinking patterns have become a bad habit. Therefore, they still wear those old, filthy attitudes, even though those negative attitudes are no longer consistent with the clean, new condition of their inner man." Renner

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: Colossians 3:5-6 KJV

Galatians 5:19-21 KJV   Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20   Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV   9   Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10   Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:3-7 KJV   But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  4   Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  6   Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  7   Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

PHYSICAL EXCRETION
SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTIC
SCRIPTURE/COMMENTS
Substances that are toxic to the body can either invade from outside or be produced in the body and can be harmful to the body or even fatal.
Spiritually harmful invasions can be from evil forces and influences or produced as a result of the sin nature in man. The result can be serious or fatal.
Romans 7:23-24 KJV  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
1 Peter 5:8 KJV  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
James 1:14-15 KJV But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
There must be a mechanism in place to neutralize and get rid of the waste and toxins that can harm the body.  The excretion process involves breaking down, detoxifying and elimination of the waste products and other substances that are harmful to the body.
God has provided mechanisms for the Christian to fight and defend against external and internal spiritual toxins.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 
James 4:7 KJV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 6:6-7 KJV  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Many things that we take in physically may seem nice, good, and acceptable but our bodies immediately scream danger and go to work at eliminating the danger.
As we walk in the Lord we will encounter many things that appear innocent and harmless but if they succeed in enticing and draw us away from God we need to get rid of them.
Sin can be made to appear attractive to the one being tempted.
Proverbs 1:10-15 KJV My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.  11  If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:  12  Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:  13  We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:  14  Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:  15  My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: 

We are exhorted to live a life of abstinence
1 Peter 2:11-12 KJV  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

We are exhorted to live a life of vigilance
1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We are exhorted to live a life of diligence
2 Peter 3:9-14 KJV 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.  10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We are exhorted to a life of obedience
1 Peter 1:13-16 KJV Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.