The birth of Christ was in this fashion: John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Jesus came full of the Holy Spirit (grace) and truth! How so? The Word became flesh when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary (Rm 1:3, Is 7:14). Matthew 1:18, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” – for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost (Mt 1:20). Luke 1:35, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

 

In other words, Jesus was “born of the Spirit.” Those who “follow” Christ (disciples, brethren) must also be born of the Spirit. We follow Jesus in all things. John 3:5-6, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” To be born of water is the baptism of repentance. This prepares the heart to be baptized of the Holy Ghost, which John the Baptist had stressed that Jesus would do.

 

Jesus was literally born of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s disciples must be literally “born again” of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3). To be born of the flesh is to be born in corruption and in bondage to the devil’s lie. To be “born again” of water and the Spirit is to be redeemed from the bondage of Satan (just as God redeemed the children of Israel from Pharaoh). All things become new – your nature, and whole life’s motivation & purpose focus upon doing the will of God. Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Suddenly you can “see” (refer to “He that hath Ears to Hear” above).

 

The darkness is the way of wickedness (your way, the will of the flesh) which is opposite of the light (God’s truth). Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” Darkness is blindness to the truth of God. The power of Satan is his appeals (allurements, enticements, beguiling) to the lusts of the flesh – thus leading in darkness. The power of God is the Holy Ghost working in you (grace) and leading in God’s truth. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 Jn 1:5). God calls us out of the darkness and into His marvellous light (1 Pt 2:9). So you must stop being led of the devil through the desire of the flesh and start being led of the Spirit by submitting to the truth of God (1 Pt 2:11, 4:2). Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

 

Redeemed in Christ (1 Pt 1:18-19)? Just as God delivered the children of Israel from the bondage and corruption of Egypt (Ex 15:13), Jesus delivers repentant man from the corruption that is in the world and from the bondage of the devil (Gal 1:4, Heb 2:15). Romans 8:21, “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Corruption is through the lusts and desires of the flesh. In Eden, man sought the desires of his flesh rather than obey the commandment of God. To be “redeemed” means that you no longer walk in or serve the darkness. You no longer walk in the lusts and desires of the flesh. The children of Israel were redeemed out of Egypt and served under bondage no more. To be redeemed by Christ means that you no longer walk in the course of this world (the darkness, 2 Pt 1:4) – you have a new Master and Lord (Jn 13:13).

 

The Holy Spirit leads us to be “sons” or “children” of God (Rm 8:14-15, discussed more below). In other words, the Spirit leads us out of the corruption that is found in the flesh into God’s will or righteousness. 2 Peter 1:4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Final and complete deliverance shall be realized/obtained upon Jesus’ return. Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” We are delivered from Satan’s bondage into adoption as children of God. We were partakers of the devil’s corruption through bondage, but now (having been redeemed) we become partakers of God’s nature as sons.

 

Notice that “forgiveness of sin” is predicated upon “turning from darkness to light.” You cannot be forgiven to continue to walk in darkness. Do you forgive a thief to keep stealing or a murderer to continue to murder? The intent of forgiveness is that the violation will stop or be forsaken. There must be a very real “change” of actions in you.

 

This is an exchange of kingdoms: Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” You now yield to the will of God in all things! Jesus is the King in the kingdom of God. You no longer defend the flesh and its lusts and desires (the devil’s lie). You must no longer walk in the course of this fallen and corrupt world or follow the prince of this world (Gal 1:4). Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (also Gal 1:4).” You no longer say things like: “works do not save” or “everyone sins” or “you can’t out sin God.” You now desire God’s will and do not justify the will of the flesh.

 

The flesh (self) must die in every respect. It must be crucified with Christ Jesus (Gal 2:20). Romans 6:6, “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.” AND 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Suddenly these verses have new and great meaning. Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Otherwise, you cannot be Christ’s disciple (Mt 10:38, Lk 14:27).

 

Those who are “born again” are no longer led by the lusts and desires of the flesh. 1 Peter 4:2, “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” AND Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” AND Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” So: the “born again” walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Rm 8:4-5). You no longer do the things you once did and are washed, sanctified and justified in Christ Jesus and by the Spirit of God (1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:3-8, 11).

 

To no longer walk in the course of this world or in the lusts and desires of the flesh is the evidence of the Holy Ghost’s work in you. The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal 6:14). Religious man often tells us that our righteousness is imparted to us by virtue of Christ’s righteousness and it is nothing we do. This is a partial truth with serious connotations.

 

Why did Jesus die? Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father (also Eph 5:25-27).” To continue to walk as the world is to not be delivered from it (consider carefully: Gal 6:8). To “not change” is to “be the same.” 1 John 1:6-7, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Jesus brought the “truth” and we must “receive” and walk it - Ephesians 5:10, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” The Lord’s truth must be demonstrated in you – as it was in Christ Jesus.

 

You are now led of the Spirit. Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Suddenly, you understand the true meaning of the following verse: Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Mark 8:35  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it (also Mt 10:39, 16:25, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25). So, Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (also Gal 5:25).”

 

Those born of the flesh cannot receive such truth: 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Those who defend the flesh defend the one who leads in the lusts and desires of the flesh – the devil. Jesus said in a conversation with such men (Jn 8:31-47): John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Jesus further said to them: John 8:47, “He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

 

The Word was made flesh to bring life (the Word of life, 1 Jn 1:1). Jesus came as a light to show us the way in this dark and fallen world (Is 9:2, 59:9). Matthew 4:16, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” AND Luke 1:79, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” John 1:4, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” This light is God’s truth (the Word made flesh). To be in God’s truth is to partake of the Lord’s life. John 8:12, “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.” Therefore, Jesus boldly proclaimed: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jn 14:6).”

 

We discussed earlier in this paragraph how the children of Israel were redeemed from Egypt – the house of bondage (Ex 13:3, 14, 20:2, Deut 5:6, 6:12, 8:14, 13:5, 10, Josh 24:17, Jdg 6:8). God took them out of Egypt and freed them to serve Him and never return to Egypt again or serve them (Deut 4:20). Once you are redeemed, you never walk under the old way (bondage) again. This can easily be equated to being “born again” in Christ. The old life is dead (forsaken) and the new life is embraced and walked in. Jesus delivers us to walk in His light and serve the darkness no more. The redeemed shall walk in the way of holiness (Is 35:8-9, Lk 1:75, Rm 6:19, 22, 2 Cor 7:1, Eph 4:24, 1 Thess 3:13, 4:7, Heb 12:14).

 

Many want to serve God, yet remain in Egypt. In other words, many want to live as this world and yet serve God also. They essentially serve God on one day (perhaps Sunday) and live for self and the world the rest of the week. God calls us out of self and the world unto Himself – you cannot have dual masters (Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). God desires your full heart, soul, mind and strength. God desires that you seek Him first/foremost. God told the Israelites to tell their sons: Deuteronomy 6:21, “Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” In Christ: We were the devil’s bondmen in the world; and Jesus brought us out of the world with a mighty hand (Jn 8:31-36, Rm 8:21, Gal 4:3-5, 5:1, Heb 2:15, 1 Jn 3:8).

 

We are given a description of Satan in the book of Isaiah (Is 14:12-17) in which it is said: “he opened not the house of his prisoners (Is 14:17, also Is 42:22).” Even so, the Spirit of the Lord was upon Christ to preach deliverance to the captives (Lk 4:18, also Is 45:13).” Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”

 

The deliverance is found in the truth that Jesus spoke. ALSO Isaiah 42:7, “To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Those that hear and apply this true will no longer be in bondage. Jesus destroys the works of the devil which are found in sin (transgression of God’s will)! 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

 

It was further prophesied of Christ: “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth (Is 49:6).” Isaiah 49:9-10, “That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them (similar to Ps 23:2-3).”

 

Return to bondage? When the children of Israel were led out into the wilderness (desert) they were denied the comforts of the flesh. Their flesh suffered in its desires on the way/journey to the Promised Land. This was intended for the purpose of learning trust and obedience toward God, (foreshadowing of sacrifice in this world and life’s journey to obtain the world to come). They began to look back to Egypt (Ex 14:12, Num 14:3-4, Acts 7:39) – after all, the bondages now didn’t seem so bad – there was some benefit to the flesh. The children of Israel built a god of their own making to return to Egypt, the land of their bondage (Ex 32:4, 8, Deut 9:16, Ps 106:19, Neh 9:18, Acts 7:41). They worshipped the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

 

The golden calf that Israel made was a god controlled by man. This was a rejection of the true God who is sovereign over man. That which man makes/builds, man controls. However, we must realize that which God creates is in God’s control. Israel had cried to God for deliverence, but having been delivered had no appreciation for the Lord’s way – and sought their own way. Israel had no sense of direction (blind), but were sure they knew where they were going (stubborn, obstinate, unyielding, hard headed, unbelieving, disobedient).

 

We must consider that many religious men today serve a god of their own making, carefully constructed through theology, doctrine and tradition – precepts of men (Is 29:13). This is a god that allows them to remain in their bondage (sin) walking in the course of this world (Egypt). In an honest evaluation and comparison with God’s Word, their religious system reflects the image of the world much more than the image of the Jesus described in the Bible. They most likely call this god Jesus (2 Cor 11:4). We are to be “born again” to embrace God’s nature. God will not be re-created (through religious maneuvering) to conform to man’s nature. The stubborn ways and blindness is the deception they walk in. Unfortunately in many cases, the blind are leading the blind (to be discussed in Chapter 7).

 

The “real” Jesus delivers from the bondage of sin and will not allow one to remain there. John 8:31-36, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

 

No my friends, God didn’t redeemed the children of Israel so that they could continue to serve Pharaoh and Egypt in bondage. Jesus doesn’t redeem you so that you can continue to serve Satan and the world in bondage. In both cases, the freedom was to serve God. How do you honor God with your redemption?

 

This writing has made clear that the Word became flesh to speak God’s Word or truth to man – as a man. Those who continue in the Words or truth that Jesus spoke are His true disciples. To “continue in” takes one beyond just hearing the Word (consider the parable of the seeds). To “continue in” leads one to apply and walk in the Word or truth – brings them to Christ’s marvellous light.

 

 

Christ was literally born of the Spirit (made Flesh). However, Jesus was walking an example for man to follow so He was baptized of water and the Spirit – even though He was filled with the Spirit and had no need of repentance. Matthew 3:13-17, “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness (in other words, to set the example). Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

 

God revealed to Moses concerning Himself (in a song, Deut 31:19): Deuteronomy 32:3-4, “Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Jesus who is God and the Rock perfectly walked that description as a man on the earth (Word made flesh). Jesus came bearing the truth and was without iniquity (Jn 8:46, 1 Pt 2:22).

 

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost were all present at the Lord’s baptism. The same must be true for Christ’s disciples – for they follow Him in all things. This is why Jesus said: Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” A man can only be “born again” of God (Jn 1:13).

 

Baptism of repentance (water) and baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate events. John the Baptist made it clear that he baptized with water unto repentance, but that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Mt 3:11, Mk 1:8, Lk 3:16, Jn 1:26-27). In other words, those baptized of John did not receive the Holy Ghost for He was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified (Jn 7:39). Jesus’ disciples also baptized men with water unto repentance (as Jesus looked on), but those that were baptized did not receive the Holy Ghost because the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified (Jn 4:1-2, 7:39). Jesus said you must be born of 1) water and of 2) the Spirit (Jn 3:5) – two events. Christ’s disciples were baptized with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost after Jesus had been glorified (Acts 2:1-4, 33, 38-39).

 

In the book of Acts, some were baptized with water before they were baptized with the Holy Ghost and some were baptized with the Holy Ghost before they were baptized with water. For example: 1) Acts 8:15-17, “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” AND 2) Acts 19:4-6, “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”

 

Consider that events occurred in reverse order when the gospel (God’s Word) was given to the Gentiles. Acts 10:44-48, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

 

Even though baptism in water and baptism of the Spirit are two separate events, God is not limited and both could occur simultaneously depending on circumstances. The point is that most people assume that if they have been baptized in water that they have also been baptized in the Holy Ghost and this is usually not the case.

 

The clearest indication that one has been baptized in the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues. This may be a hotly disputed, contested and abused issue in the religious world, but Jesus said: Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.” Speaking with new tongues always followed being baptized with the Holy Ghost as detailed in the book of Acts. It is also very important to realize that the Holy Ghost first fell upon the Jews at Pentecost followed by speaking in tongues and the Holy Ghost first fell upon the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house followed by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4 and Acts 10:44).

 

In explaining that God had given His truth to the Gentiles, Peter told the Jews: Acts 11:15-18, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” The only evidence that the Holy Ghost had fell upon the Gentiles was the speaking in tongues. How did the Holy Ghost fall on the the Jews at the beginning? Acts 2:4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

 

Speaking in tongues is one of those things that men become hard hearted about and refuse to yield to God on. After all, this is a humbling thing and it denies the flesh its reasoning and control. Some call it gibberish (nonsense), but this position is found in pride. When one prays in tongues, it completely bypasses human understanding (and interference) and this is the point. 1 Corinthians 14:2, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” AND 1 Corinthians 14:14, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”

 

Speaking in tongues is your spirit praying as the Holy Spirit (who dwells within you with your spirit, discussed below) gives utterance (Acts 2:4, 1 Cor 14:14). The understanding of the flesh is not required nor desired.

 

Not having the baptism of the Holy Spirit places you with an impossible handicap in serving God - if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (Rm 8:9). This does not mean that you can’t be “religious” and do many “religious things” just like the Pharisees did. However, like the Pharisees, you will not “know” God or be walking in His ways. “Ye say, that He is your God: Yet ye have not known Him (Jn 8:54-55).” To reject the Holy Spirit is to reject God’s grace or free gift and this is certainly “not knowing” God. The Holy Spirit teaches God’s ways and leads in them (Jn 14:26, Rm 8:14, 1 Cor 2:13).

 

Further understanding concerning baptism:

 

Water baptism represents death and resurrection. We must die to the old life in the flesh and embrace new life in Christ. Romans 6:3-5, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

 

When a man is born, God gives him life and there is a spirit in man (Job 32:8). Genesis 2:7, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Job 33:4, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” God gives and the Lord takes away (Job 34:14, Ps 104:29, Eccl 8:8, 12:7). The vessel of clay is the container that the spirit dwells within (Gen 3:19, Job 10:9, 13:12, 103:15, Eccl 3:20, 12:7, Is 29:16, 64:8).

 

When a man is “born again,” God gives him the Holy Spirit to dwell with his spirit in the vessel of clay  - for your body and spirit are God’s (body, Jn 1:12-13, 3:3, 5, 7, 1 Cor 2:10-16, 6:20). This is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is our Comforter (Jn 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7). Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…” God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (2 Cor 6:16, also Rm 8:11). Therefore: 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” AND 1 Corinthians 6:19, “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?” You are no longer your own because your spirit now has a Comforter (Holy Spirit) dwelling with it.

 

The spirit of man knoweth the things of man. The Spirit of God knoweth the things of God (1 Cor 2:11). God’s Spirit dwells in you to reveal and lead in the things of God (1 Cor 2:12-13) – through your faith. In this way, you have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

 

Christ was the temple of the Holy Ghost. John 2:19, 21, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. But he spake of the temple of his body.” His body was the temple of the Holy Ghost and three days after His death He was raised by the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (also 2 Cor 4:14).” AND 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

 

The Holy Spirit is our access to Christ and the Father (1 Cor 2:10-16). Ephesians 3:17, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith… (also Gal 3:14)” Ephesians 2:18, “For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” So: 1 John 4:13, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” AND Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Can you see how the Holy Spirit and your spirit (if you be His) are together? The Holy Spirit provides comfort to your spirit bearing witness that you are God’s.

 

All of this is for a purpose. We are “born again” to live unto God (heart, soul, mind and strength, Rm 12:2). Romans 6:10, “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” The old way of life in seeking the lusts and desires of the flesh is dead. Romans 6:12-13, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Yield to the Spirit!

 

Here is something amazing: The children of Israel worshipped God in a temple made with hands. God dwelt in the holy of holies and only the high priest once a year went in (Heb 9:3-7). The holy place was separated from the holy of holies by a veil. Hebrews 9:8, “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing.” When Christ died that veil was rent from top to bottom (completely) signifying that through Jesus man has direct access to the Father (Mt 27:51, Mk 15:38, Lk 23:45, Eph 2:18). As described above, the Lord dwells within those who love and obey Him - for they are now His temple (Jn 14:15-17, 21, 23).

 

These are precious things, but who has ears to hear and eyes to see?

 

 

After having been tempted of the devil in the wilderness, Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. Shortly thereafter,Jesus came to a synagogue in Nazareth and stood up for to read (Lk 4:16-17). He read a prophecy concerning Himself from the book of Isaiah (Is 61:1-2).Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus told the audience: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Lk 4:21). Our “sight” is recovered when we begin to hear and see what Jesus said.

 

Christ next answered what He knew was in their hearts with a short rebuttal which was not well received. Luke 4:28-29, “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.” This event seemed to set the tone for man’s future response to God’s Words as spoken through Jesus the Son.

 

Jesus came forth boldly speaking God’s Word and demonstrating it in great power for all to see. The Lord’s followers or disciples will do just as He did: Acts 4:29-31, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

 

After being filled with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, Peter quickly got everyone’s attention when he healed a lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-11). Of course this deed of love and compassion also quickly brought about persecution from religious man (Acts chap 4).

 

 

Jesus came speaking only the Father’s Words, doing the Father’s will and doing the Father’s works (Jn 4:34, 5:17, 19-20, 36, 6:38, 7:16-18, 8:26, 28-29, 9:4, 12:49-50, 14:10, 24, 31, 15:15). Christ showed only love and compassion toward His fellow man and He fed, taught, sacrificed for, healed, raised the dead, calmed storms and delivered from demons (Mt 4:23-24, 8:16, 9:31-33, 11:4-6, 14:14, 35-36, 15:30-38, 16-21, 19:2, 21:14, 32-33, Mk 1:34, 3:10-11, 4:37-41, Lk 6:17-19, etc.). Even so, He was despised by religious man (Is 53:3, Mt 9:34, 12:10, 14, 45-46, 21:15, 22:15, 26:4, Mk 3:2, 6, 14:1, Lk 11:53-54, 20:19-20, 22:4, Jn 5:16, 7:1, 20, 25, 8:6, 48, 59, 9:16, 24, 20, 25, 30, 44-49, 10:20, 31, 39, 10:20, 11:8, 47-48, 50, 53-54, 57, 12:19, 15:24). John 8:42, “Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.”

 

Christ walked the two great commandments in that He loved the Father with all His heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus loved His neighbors and sacrificed for their benefit. Jesus showed man how to relate to the Father – as a loving faithful Son who is devoted to and honors the Father’s will. Christ showed us to love each other by always desiring the welfare of others. Jesus revealed “perfect” love by laying down His life (all that He had to give) for man’s benefit and God’s will.

 

Some followed Jesus just to see the great wonders that He did. John 6:2, “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.” Some had other reasons: John 6:26-27, “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” Men were following for fleshly reasons and not for God’s truth which brings eternal life.

 

Jesus spoke some hard truth and it immediately brought a separation. John 6:60, “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” Jesus told them: John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The flesh is opposed to God’s truth. God’s Word comes against the flesh! The flesh nature in you must die (be crucified with Christ) if you are to follow in the Lord’s narrow way. John 6:65-66, “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” Only those whose heart’s have been humble and no longer walk in pride (self) can come unto Christ.

 

 

Jesus grew up in the region of Galilee. Matthew 13:54-57, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.” This is so true, those most familiar with you tend to give you the least amount of respect – who are you that you should be able to tell us anything? The author has experienced this in following His Lord. The result was: Matthew 13:58, “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Those with unbelief toward God always come out the losers.

 

The people said: John 7:27, “Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.” They further said that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet (Jn 7:52). Do we see God when He is in our midst or do we just explain things away? God raises up whom he will to confound the wise (1 Cor 1:27). The author has heard some of the most profound things of wisdom from men who had been humbled through imprisonment or having lived homeless on the streets. Do you recognize truth when it comes from a source that you do not expect or from one you have little respect for? Do you say: “out of my family, friends or from the stranger down the street ariseth no prophet?”

 

A man in jail taught the author (who was suppose to be the one doing the teaching) something that profoundly changed the author’s life. He said that the television had been the single worst influence in his life and had destroyed him. Oh, such wisdom for those who only have ears to hear! Another man humbled through great need once told the author that its not in talking about what Christ did, but rather doing what Jesus did. He said he saw that in me as I was lending some help, and this I would not trade for great riches. We must have discernment to recognize “truth.”

 

The prideful give no thought to those they consider beneath them. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.” God’s way is not man’s way.

 

Christ’s own brothers did not believe Him. John 7:5, “For neither did his brethren believe in him.” These were the children of Joseph and Mary who were named  James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas (Mt 13:55). When one is “born again,” they are born into a new heavenly family. Jesus said: Mark 3:33-35, “And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” This is your eternal family – those who completely submit to God and walk in His ways.

 

Let us re-consider something very important once again:

 

God’s prophecy: Deuteronomy 18:18-19, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

 

Christ’s Words: John 12:48-50, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

 

Jesus was completely focused upon completing the Father’s work. Mark 3:20-21, “And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.” To say “beside Himself” would equate to being unbalanced or losing control. John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” If you follow Christ with such devotion, friends and family will say the same of you. They will say – “Lets not be extreme” or “you must keep things in balance.” Yet, with the same passion, they will serve the things they love (hobbies, entertainments, collections, sports teams, etc.).

 

 

Recall that the children of Israel saw the mighty miracles of God in Egypt and the wilderness yet were full of unbelief and did not obey God or walk in His ways (Acts 7:39). Jesus also came speaking God’s Word and doing mighty miracles. He healed, opened blind eyes, delivered from devils, raised the dead, calmed the sea, and fed multitudes with only minor provisions. John 12:37-38, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

 

Romans 3:3-4, “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Being found in God’s truth, ye shall withstand the judgment.

 

Man continues to reject God and refuses to walk in His truth. What more could God do in reaching out to man? The Lord has said: “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people (Rm 10:21).” To gainsay is to oppose or act against. The Lord God reaches out in love and man continually resists because to walk with God man must concede (give up, forfeit) his own way (1 Jn 4:10). It is the Creator’s right to be sovereign over His creation. It is the Potter’s right to have power over the clay (Is 44:9, 64:8, Jer 18:6, Rm 9:21, Rev 2:27). Woe to the rebellious ones!

 

So, just how are the Lord’s purposes being accomplished? Jesus came for the lost sheep to lead them back to God. Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” AND “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mt 9:13). God desires to grant mercy to the repentant. There is a percentage of man, however small, that will humble themselves and receive God’s truth and walk therein. The Lord delights in mercy and rejoices when a lost sheep is found (Lk 15:4-6). Jesus said: John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

 

Jesus said it over and over: “he that hath an ear let him hear” and “I say to those who hear.” Are you one that will hear? The evidence of having heard is to follow! The evidence of having “received” is to obey!

 

 

God’s Word has it’s effect in separating the good from the bad. John the Baptist said of Jesus: Matthew 3:12, “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (also Lk 3:17).” Jesus spoke the truth and it had a sifting effect: John 7:12, “And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.” John 7:43, “So there was a division among the people because of him.” Some presumed one thing: John 7:20, “The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?” Others were not so sure: John 7:31, “And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”

 

Jesus sent forth His disciples into the surrounding area with His Word and power (Mt 10:1). Matthew 10:7-8, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” A follower of Christ shall be as his master in all things – particularly speaking God’s Word with power (miracles). Christ gives His followers authority to speak for Him: Luke 10:16, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” AND Matthew 10:40, “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”

 

Jesus further instructed them: Matthew 10:14-15, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Why is this important? Because God specifically stipulated that those who would not hear the Words that He put in the mouth of the prophet would be destroyed from among the people (Acts 3:22-23) – these Words would be required of them (Deut 18:18-19). Jesus further said the Words that He spoke would judge man in the last day (Jn 12:48). Christ said: Matthew 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” To “reject” Christ’s Words is to oppose Jesus, and the message He brought which is God’s truth. This is to set yourself against God.

 

When the disciples went forth speaking God’s Words with miracles, then man would either “receive” or “reject” the message – an eternal sifting. Do not suppose or presume that you are due multiple and endless opportunities to respond to God in an acceptable way (not words, but demonstrated faith walked daily). This day may be your last – as a snare come upon you.

 

Christ rebukes those cities which have rejected God’s Word. Matthew 11:20-24, “Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee (also consider Mt 12:38-42).” Shall Jesus also say woe unto you? The prideful disregard God’s Word and the humble receive it (Mt 11:25, 28-30).

 

The Lord’s Word will intentionally produce divisions and Jesus made this very clear. Matthew 10:34-36, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” There will be division because those who seek to walk in God’s Word will walk opposite from those who walk in the course of this world. There will be great contention over God’s Word.

 

Even so, we must choose our side wisely: Matthew 10:37-39, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” For the disciple of Christ, the real family are those who do the will of God (Mt 12:47-50, Mk 3:32-35).

 

 

By reading God’s Word we can be assured that God’s anger is directed toward those who ignor or disregard His Word and treat His commandments as trivial (unimportant, insignificant) or irrelevant (Ps 7:11). The Lord’s wrath will be against those who do not acknowledge His authority and submit to it – they do not retain God in their knowledge or thoughts (Job 24:13, Ps 10:4, Rm 1:28).

 

This rebellious attitude was expressed by Pharaoh when he said: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice (Ex 5:2)?” and “I know not the LORD (Ex 5:2).” Many think, “It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God (Job 21:15, 34:9).” Job 21:14, “Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways (also Job 22:17).” The wicked, through the pride of his countenance (self exaltation), will not seek after God (Ps 10:4). Psalms 36:1, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes (also Rm 3:18).”

 

For those who are truly repentant and fully acknowledge and forsake their evil, God is very merciful (Ps 86:5). You must call upon God in truth (Ps 145:18). No one is worthy for all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rm 3:23). Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” The Lord’s pleasure is found in those who fully acknowledge their sin and completely turn from it back unto the Lord. There is rejoicing in heaven over such (Lk 15:7, 10). Psalms 147:11, “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

 

The Lord says: Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” AND Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” The Lord always says: Ezekiel 33:11, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

 

Turning from your way (forsaking it) to God’s way is repentance. God is longsuffering not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9). This is the goodness of God – His forearance and longsuffering that leadeth thee to repentance (Rm 2:4). 1 Corinthians 8:3, “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” To love God is to deny or sacrifice self for His benefit.

 

Consider God’s nature: The LORD God is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty (Ex 34:6-7, also Deut 4:31, Ps 116:5, Jonah 4:2, Lk 6:36, Heb 8:12). God is plenteous in mercy for the contrite of heart (Ps 103:8). Psalms 86:15, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” ANDPsalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

 

God’s mercy is based upon acknowledging and walking in His truth (forsaking and eschewing evil, Ps 57:10, 85:10, 89:14, 100:5, 103:11, 108:4, Ti 1:1, 2 Tim 2:25). Psalms 25:10, “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” AND Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” The Lord is greatly upset when: “there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land (Hos 4:1).” AND Malachi 2:17, “Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?”

 

The Lord responds accordingly: Psalms 18:25-26, “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward (also Rm 9:18).” The upright man is virtuous or pure in heart (genuine, real sincere, right motives) meaning he voluntarily obeys the truth. To be froward is to refuse to do what is right or expected or to turn from the truth.

 

God is not mocked, for what a man sows he shall reap (Gal 6:7). Deuteronomy 7:9-10, “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Hatred would be to sacrifice (disregard) God for the benefit of self. In other words, to place “self” before (ahead of) God is to hate the Lord. To hate God is to make Him of lesser importance in your life.

 

 

Not only were Jesus’ Words not received and rejected by the people, but He was accused of perverting the nation before the the power and authority of the Roman governor (Lk 20:20, 23:1-2). To pervert is to turn from the truth, propriety, or from its proper purpose; to distort from its true use or end; as, to pervert reason by misdirecting it; to pervert the laws by misinterpreting and misapplying them. The religious leaders said: “He deceiveth the people (Jn 7:12, 47).

 

The Son of God who spoke only the Father’s Words was accused of turning men from the truth or lying. In other words, religious man accused God of doing what the devil had done at the beginning. The governor did not agree. Luke 23:14-15, “Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.”

 

Jesus showed nothing but love, first toward God the Father and then toward His fellow man. In other words, Jesus perfectly walked the two great commandments. Matthew 22:40, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (also Mt 7:12). Also these two great commandments are more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mk 12:33). John 15:25, “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”

 

 

We discussed how blindness to the truth results from hardness of heart (hearts as an adamant stone). This is a refusal to forsake your own way and is manifested as obstinacy, stubbornness and obduracy. This is to cling to and exalt your way above God’s way. This is to be froward, which is a refusal to do what is right or required. This is also to walk in pride. Romans 2:5-6, “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.” The judgment is all based upon God’s Word – did you yield to it or stubbornly and contentiously resist it (Rm 2:9-10)? Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.”

 

When King Saul was disobedient to the Lord in the matter of the Amalekites, Samuel told Saul: 1 Samuel 15:23, “…stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Stubbornness is iniquity because it places your will/way above God’s. To reject God’s Word or truth is to also be rejected of God – action begats reaction (1 Sam 15:26). Afterward, the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul (1 Sam 16:14). Let him hear that hath ears to hear.

 

The religious leaders accused Jesus of transgressing the tradition of the elders (of man) concerning the washing of hands (Mt 15:1-2). Christ pointed out how the religious leaders violated God’s commandment through their traditions by not honoring their father and mother. Through their religious maneuvering they had made God’s commandment of none effect (Mt 15:3-6). Jesus said: Matthew 15:7-9, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

 

Many were concerned by what had transpired. Matthew 15:12-14, “Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch (also Lk 6:39).” Was this harsh? No, the religious leaders were inflexible and stubborn and refused to yield to God’s truth. They sought the way of man through doctrines and traditions and nullified God’s Word or truth. They were leading in disobedience to God which is the way of death.

 

These men were blind and walked in pride. Jesus said of such: John 5:40, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Why? Because of their hardness of heart and frowardness (obstinacy, obduracy). Coming to Christ requires humbleness which denies the flesh its place or control. Coming to Christ requires one to admit fault and change direction in their life. The religious leaders thought they could see, but were truly blind (Jn 9:39-41). Jesus was specifically sent from God to reveal God’s Word with power. Walking in your way or the ways of the world blinds you to the truth Jesus brought.

 

We must equally and seriously consider that there are many blind leaders in modern Christianity. These are no more willing to yield their religious ways than were the Pharisees of old. These walk in the doctrines and traditions of man. They speak great things with their mouth and lips, but their hearts are far from God, but near to self.

 

 

Jesus brought many things to light concerning the behaviors of religious men. Religious men are those who seek God their way through their doctrines, traditions and religious protocol (modus operandi, practice, theology), yet are unyielding to God’s way (stubborn, obstinate, stiff necked). Matthew 23:4-7, “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” They walk in pride (self exaltation)!

 

Blind guides (Mt 23:4)! Matthew 23:13, “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” Through their great institutions with their doctrines, traditions and theologies (of man) they misdirect. Matthew 23:15, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Their theology tells us “the doctrines we are to believe” and “the duties we are to practice.” Blind – without perception or understanding. They know not what they do, but are steadfast in their course (Pv 4:19, Lk 23:34).

 

Oh such a form of godliness they possess – they say: “you must come to us and our institutions to find God.” Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”

 

Jesus said: Matthew 23:33, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” What did the serpent do (Rev 20:2)? The serpent led man away from God into the path of disobedience and rebellion (Gen 3:1-6). The serpent led man into the path of darkness which is blindness to God’s truth. Blind leaders of the blind, you are leading opposite of God to eternal damnation. The blind walk in darkness and know no where they go, yet they are positively sure they are almost there. Pray for eyesalve, that thou mayest see – ye blind men that have need of nothing (Rev 3:17-18).

 

 

Christ said: Matthew 23:34, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” In other words, God send many men to speak His truth and all were soundly rejected and treated harshly.

 

Religious man had been anticipating the coming of Elijah (Elias) and the coming of the Messiah. It was prophesied: Malachi 4:5, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” When John the Baptist (in the spirit of Elias, Mt 11:13-14) and Jesus Christ came, neither one met religious man’s expectations and both were also soundly rejected.

 

Jesus revealed something to His disciples that was very condemning of religious man. Matthew 17:10-13, “And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” Is this not a serious disconnect between religious man and God? Do you not realize that much the same still exists in the religious world today (in whatever form)?

 

Jesus was despised of the religious leaders – rejected of men, a man of sorrows (Is 53:3). He came to His own, the people of God, with a message from God (the gospel) and His own received Him not (Jn 1:11). Jeremiah 8:9, “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?” What wisdom do you have you great blind theologians? Do you walk blind to the world yet in the light of the Holy Spirit of truth (2 Jn 1:2)?

 

Christ spoke and walked God’s Word, yet man condemned Him to death. Even so, God’s purposes are being fulfilled even to this day. There is a great and eternal separation occuring – a sifting. The Lord is determining who will “receive” and “walk” in His Word. In other words, God is determining just who really loves Him. Faith in combination with the workings of the Holy Ghost will produce what God desires and shall yield a harvest unto the Lord. The fruit will be evident and cannot come forth any other way.

 

 

Those who receive Christ have great hope. John 3:33, “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” AND John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

 

John 3:21, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” AND 1 John 1:7, “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.” Those who do truth come to the light and walk in the light and have forgiveness in Christ’s shed blood. Those who walk in truth will not walk or abide in darkness - have the light of life. (Jn 8:12, 12:35, 46).

 

 

A journey that last for eternity begins with a first step. You must take that first step toward God and never look back (Lk 9:62). God is light! Those walking opposite of God are walking away from His light and into ever greater darkness. This darkness further blinds their eyes to God’s truth (Ps 18:28, Is 9:2, 42:16, Mt 4:16, Lk 1:79, Jn 1:5, 12:35, Acts 26:18, 2 Cor 4:4). John 8:12, “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.” AND John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” AND Ephesians 5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

 

Each step toward God is one more into the light and one more step out of the darkness. 1 John 1:5, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Each step toward God is that much more clarity in understanding God’s truth. To walk toward God is to see God ever clearer. To walk toward God is to walk in Christ’s path. Jesus is “the Way” and “the Truth (Jn 14:6).”

 

Each step toward the Lord increases your understanding. Each step draws you nearer to God. With each step it becomes all the more evident to you that: “I was blind, but now I see.” Each step increases your love toward God and relationship with Him. Each step increases your faith and thereby your strength.

 

Walking toward God is walking in mercy, truth and righteousness. There is no place for justifying unforgiveness, sin/iniquity and unrighteousness. The closer you draw to God the more evident it becomes that there is no place for any opposition to God’s will. You realize that the flesh has no place and is a great hindrance to doing God’s will.

 

May your eyes begin to open that you may see these things! May your ears become unstopped that you may hear.

 

 

Man is a most rebellious creation! Man has been rebelling against God and rejecting His Word since the beginning – from generation to generation. The Lord God knows this. God intends to harvest a faithful obedient remnant from throughout the ages – called of God (Joel 2:31-32, Mt 13:36-43, Rev 14:15). Jesus acknowledged this in saying: Luke 13:23-24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” AND Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” A remnant shall be saved (Rm 9:27-28, 11:5).

 

What more could God do for man? Must the Creator bow to the will of His creation? Jesus Christ (the Word of God made flesh) came as a man speaking and demonstrating God’s Word. Jesus gave everything for man’s benefit – complete sacrifice – complete love. God says to the disobedient and rebellious: “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded (Pv 1:24). God’s is slow to anger, but His wrath is certainly kindled and shall come forth in great fury (Rev 6:17, 19:15).

 

In the religious world, most men are led about by the doctrines of men rather than the Holy Ghost. Jesus said we are to be led and taught of the Holy Spirit (Spirit of truth, Comforter, Jn 14:26, 15:26, Rm 8:14). Complete theologies (what we must believe and practice) have been developed through what men like Martin Luther, John Calvin or perhaps some Catholic father taught.

 

Even so, there is much error in these teachings and in these men’s examples. The Holy Ghost does not have such handicaps and is certainly without error. 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” The Holy Ghost teaches and leads each generation in God’s truth if they will receive it! The religious, quite frankly, have their doctrines, theologies and traditions and do not desire the Holy Ghost’s teaching – it usually conflicts with theirs.

 

The GREAT condemnation is that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (Jn 3:19). Jesus “personally” brought “light” or God’s “truth” unto man. Men prefer the darkness! – seeking their own way through the lusts and desires of the flesh – led about by constant temptations. James 1:14, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Who leads in such temptations? The devil deceives through the flesh (2 Cor 2:11)! 2 Thessalonians 2:10, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” Men refuse God’s truth that the “Word made flesh” brought unto man. They do not love the truth because they love darkness which is the devil’s lie. They believe the devil’s lie, yet reject God’s truth (2 Thess 2:11). The truth will be required of man by God and you must be found in it to have life.

 

Those led of the flesh walk an opposite direction from God. 2 Thessalonians 2:12, “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” To love the darkness is to have “pleasure” in unrighteousness.

 

Our righteousness before God is only found in our faith (love, submission, obedience, trust and devotion toward God) as guided in truth by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. This is the path back to God! This is the only escape from the condemnation of death. Those who walk this path shall fully realize complete reconciliation and restoration in that death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54). They shall be raised from the dead just as Jesus was – Christ went before and they follow after (as sheep). 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Those who have made peace with sin and “religiously” or otherwise justify it shall have no right to life. Death shall claim them as its own. Proverbs 5:22, “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” The wages of sin is death and death shall rightfully claim its own (Rm 6:23).

 

The Bible speaks of a time when all things shall be restored upon the earth. Isaiah 11:9, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” AND Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Those who have “received” Christ’s Words and endeavor to walk in them as led by the Holy Ghost, look forward to such a time of “peace.” Those who have “rejected” Christ’s Words as evidenced by living in a way opposed to the truth (walking in darkness – religiously or not) will have no place.

 

Let us be found walking in the truth that Jesus brought so that we may partake of the mercy that He obtained with His own blood. Proverbs 3:3-4, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

 

The Lord says “come” to “whosoever will,” but how many receive His Word and walk therein (Rev 22:17)? Who has ears to hear? Who hath eyes to see?

 

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