Introduction

The author found himself becoming very discouraged in trying to share

the truth of God with others. It just seems that there are very few people
that want to hear or read the Word of God as was spoken with power (the
gospel) and walked in example by Jesus Christ. The author had been very
dedicated and spent many many hours writing down the precious things of
God, but just who has ears to hear or eyes to see? So many hearts are
waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing. Many say they see, yet are
fully blind (Mt 13:15, Jn 9:39).

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Even those closest to the author tired of hearing the beloved truth of the
Lord. He has been called mad/crazy by some, and others, including some
friends and family members, have separated from his company. The
author was absolutely certain of the truth of the message, but just began
to be weary (worn down) due to all the rejection.

The author considered the fact that he could not just stop speaking and
writing God’s truth and simply keep to himself the cherished things that
the Lord was revealing. This would be to hide your light (truth) and put it
under a bushel (Mt 5:15). This would be to lay up the truth in a napkin or
hide the truth in the earth (Lk 19:20-23, Mt 25:25-28). This is to be as
salt that has lost his savour (Mt 5:13).

However, we are to give light unto all that are in the house (Mt 5:15).
Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” A candle
(light) must be set upon a candlestick so that all may see (Mk 4:21).
There is a great responsibility and obligation (a commandment) to speak
and demonstrate the Lord’s gospel (Mk 16:15, Mt 24:14) - not only to
believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Php 1:29, 2 Thess 1:5, 2
Tim 2:12).

The Lord spoke to the author’s heart and revealed something precious
that brought about the needed encouragement – a reminder (a help to
remember something important). The Lord said that man rejected Him
when He spoke the Father’s Word, so how much more will you be rejected
when you speak My Words (Jn 15:18)? Luke 21:17, “And ye shall be
hated of all men for my name’s sake.” This was so incredibly encouraging
to me, but why? Because it revealed to me something desired more than
anything this world has to offer – it revealed that I was walking in the
steps of my Lord (1 Pt 2:21, 4:1).

The author was not being offered a solution to end all of the rejection or
necessarily a remedy to remove the hurt. The author was being offered a
cross and a narrow path to continue to walk in (Mt 7:13-14, 16:24, Mk
8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23, Jn 14:6) – just as Christ had walked. This was more
beneficial and prized (valuable). This was a treasure and a pearl of great
price (Mt 13:44-46, 19:21). Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his
master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” AND
Matthew 10:24-25, “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant
above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and
the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house
Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” 2
Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.” After all, Jesus learned obedience by the things which He
suffered – and so shall His followers (Heb 5:8-9).

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The Lord plainly tells us: Luke 6:22-23, “Blessed are ye, when men shall
hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall
reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s
sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is
great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the
prophets.” So: 1 Peter 5:9, “Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing
that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world.” Your not alone in your tribulations – Jesus endured suffering and
so do all His followers.

Now there are many religious people in this world and most claim to be
following Christ. The truth of the claim is revealed when your life actually
lines up (aligns) with the example that Jesus walked (Jn 15:20). This is
how we must judge ourselves (2 Cor 13:5). Jesus said we would be
judged by His Words (which He walked flawlessly); so Christ’s Words are
our standard to live by (Jn 12:48). The religious world claims to practice
or adhere to God’s Word, but mostly ignores or explains away the hard
things – those things that come against the will of the flesh - those things
that require sacrifice. These often compromise away the meat of the
message that was spoken of God in the person of Jesus Christ (the Word
of God made flesh).

Examples might be: being hated by others (not popular, Mt 5:10-12, Lk

6:22); losing your life for Christ’s sake and the gospel’s (Mt 10:39, 16:25,
Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24); bearing your cross (dying to self, Lk 14:27); forsaking
all that you have (Lk 14:33); not loving the world or seeking fleshly lusts,
desires or possessions (or walking in the course of this world, 1 Jn 2:15-
17); placing Jesus before father, and mother, and wife, and children, and
brethren, and sisters, yea, and your own life (Lk 14:26); bearing the
injuries of others (forgiveness, Mt 6:15, Mk 11:26); and loving your
enemies (Mt 5:43-45). These things are often explained away by religious
man thus making Christ’s Words of none effect (effect - to promote
needed change).

There are many hard truths in the Bible and it is certain that a true
follower (disciple) of Jesus will experience everything that Christ
experienced. 1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself
also so to walk, even as he walked.” AND Colossians 2:6, “As ye have
therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Jesus is the
firstborn of many brethren (Rm 8:29). Brethren are brothers whereby one
resembles the other in nature and experience. Jesus forged a path that
His disciples must follow along – for He is the Shepherd and they are His
sheep (Jn 10:27). He goeth before them (Jn 10:4). Galatians 5:25, “If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

One of the things a follower of Christ quickly learns is that man has
consistently rejected God and His Word from the very beginning. When
Jesus came (the Word of God made flesh) speaking God’s Words, He

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was soundly rejected by those who claimed to serve God – meaning
religious man. Jesus said of His followers: John 17:14, “I have given them
thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world.” If Jesus is hated by the world then
His disciples must also be hated by the world – thus you know that you
are following Christ.

Why are they hated? They are hated because of God’s Word or truth. The
world is in rebellion against this truth. The world walks opposite of the
truth. Christ sanctifies (sets apart) His followers in God’s truth. John
17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (also Jn
17:19).” So: 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.” God’s Word is the real issue here!

Therefore: If you walk as Jesus walked and speak His Words, then the
world will hate and reject you just as it did Jesus. John 13:16, “Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he
that is sent greater than he that sent him.” AND John 15:20, “Remember
the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If
they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept
my saying, they will keep yours also.” What we are being told is that by
and large rejection is an expected condition of speaking the truth of God’s
Word. Christ’s disciples perfectly follow Him in all things including being
persecuted, rejected, hated and despised. Only the humble (self denying)
will receive God’s truth.

Conversely, if your message is being well received by a large audience

(such as authoring a very popular book), then you have cause for concern
(1 Jn 4:5). The world loves its own (Jn 15:19)! Jesus spoke to and was
rejected by a very religious people who thought they knew and served
God. This was quite a disconnect in that God (the Word) became flesh and
spoke God’s Word or truth to His own people only to be rejected by them.
Christ’s message (which was the Father’s Word) was rejected by religious
man. John 1:10-11, “He was in the world, and the world was made by
him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own
received him not.”

Do not be surprised that the exact same condition exists today in so many
of those who claim to know and serve Jesus Christ. In other words, many
claim to follow Jesus, but they do not know Him. These same one’s who
claim to follow Jesus (with mental acknowledgement) will actually reject
walking the path that Jesus walked. God’s truth quickly separates the light
from the darkness (2 Cor 6:14-18). Many “identify” with God’s Word, but
who “practices” God’s Word? Jesus said: Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them.”

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God’s Word is so divisive! The Word of God quickly separates the real from
the false. The majority of man, including much of what calls itself
Christian, has rejected the Word of God. How so? They have not
“received” God’s Word in that they will not apply it to their lives and
actually walk therein. Most of the religious world has a “free gift” and
“cheap grace” doctrinal theology that essentially believes that Jesus did
everything (and He is worthy) and nothing is required of man (that
through Christ sin may abound???). They bandy about (pass about freely
and carelessly, exchange in argumentative manner) the ill-advised
(unwise, misguided, foolhardy) phrase: “works do not save.”

This outlook has nullified the Word of God and made it of none effect. It is
so much easier to accept (as in some mental acknowledgment) or tolerate
the words of another (Jesus) when you do not believe that you must
actually walk them (live them) or be held accountable to them. However,
we must OBEY the truth (Rm 2:8, 2 Thess 2:8, Gal 5:7)! Nothing is so
easy as to deny that which is not agreeable to your own desire. Oh it was
just fine when Jesus walked the narrow way; however, Jesus always said,
Come, follow Me.” Jesus is telling you dear reader to “follow.” Let us
understand what “works” means.

Modern Christian thinking is that if you “accept” Jesus (as in some

repeated sinner’s prayer) that you will somehow be exempt from having
to walk and live the things Jesus said – confusion? – its all so surreal.
They distort (do not understand) and are ignorant of the verses:
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast.” The underlined words are what modernpopular Christianity
stresses (emphasizes).

Understanding “grace” and “faith” is the key! God’s grace is the Holy Spirit
of grace working in you to accomplish the Lord’s purposes (Acts 4:31-33,
Php 1:25, 2:13, Heb 10:29). The Holy Spirit is the gift! Grace = gift =
Holy Ghost! Peter said it well: Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto
them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost (also Acts 10:45).” Paul said: 2 Corinthians 9:14-15, “And by their
prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in
you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” The grace in you or
unspeakable gift is the Holy Ghost which dwells within you (1 Cor 3:16, 1
Jn 4:13).

Faith is your free-will (not coerced, must be sincere and genuine)

submission, obedience, love, trust and devotion toward God. When such
faith is coupled with the Holy Ghost’s working in you, then God’s will is
accomplished (Acts 5:32, Rm 4:16, 5:1-2, 5, Php 1:6, 2:12-13, 15). This
results in a “change” of condition! Rather than denying God to seek self,
you will now deny self to seek God. Such “change” will turn your life

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upside down – a complete change of direction! You shall be renewed in
knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col 3:10).

Iniquity, which is the transgression of God’s will, is destroyed because

those who fear God depart from that which opposes God. If God’s Word is
not mixed (joined, united or blended) with such faith it does not profit the
hearer (Heb 4:2). True faith as led by the Spirit is what saves you and
Christ’s death made it possible.

Christ’s life and death provided four essential things: 1) God’s truth; 2) an
example to follow; 3) forgiveness of past sins; and 4) the ability and
means to follow – namely, the Holy Ghost. You must “conform” to the will
of God which is found in Christ (Rm 8:29, 12:2). Colossians 2:10, “And ye
are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Jesus
is well pleasing to God! Following Christ by faith through the leading of His
Spirit makes you well pleasing to God! This cannot be achieved soley
through your own works – no one will be able to boast of such.

Peter said: “through sanctification of the Spirit, unto

obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ God hath begotten
us in His mercy (1 Pt 1:2-3).” The sprinkling of Christ’s blood is
forgiveness of past sin (transgressions against God’s will, Rm 3:25, 1 Jn
2:2). Being “set apart” by the Spirit unto obedience is the Holy Ghost
leading you through your faith. God forgives past sin for a purpose – to
transform you (born again, 1 Pt 1:23) into what you were originally
intended to be (before corruption, 1 Pt 1:14-16) – to make you perfect –
in His image (Mt 5:48, Lk 6:40, Rm 12:2, 2 Cor 13:11, 2 Tim 3:17, Heb
13:21, 1 Pt 5:10, Rev 3:2). This image is found in Christ – look unto Him
and follow. Peter goes on to say: “kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation (1 Pt 1:5). We shall understand that the power of God is
the Holy Spirit. AND “ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit(1 Pt 1:22).”

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines “grace” as divine influence or the

influence of the Spirit in renewing the heart and restraining from sin. We
are “quickened (made alive)” by the Spirit: Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye
are saved;).” The Spirit of God + man’s faith = path of righteousness. The
Lord leads in the way of righteousness (Pv 8:20, 12:28, Ps 23:3, Rm
8:14). This means that the Holy Spirit will NEVER lead you to remain in
sin/bondage.

Jesus’ death provided the means of reconciliation with God. Reconciliation

with God is based upon a free-will desire to serve God – to seek Him with
all of your heart. This desire must be demonstrated in your life. You must
have virtue whereby you voluntarily seek God and walk in His truth. Faith
is never coerced/forced, but must come forth freely from a willing heart.

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Therefore, only the humble (self denying) can possibly come to this
position. You can “say” all you want, but God observes them that “do.”

Its not your works that save you, but rather your obedience to the Spirit’s
leading and teaching – the Holy Spirit working to transform you into the
image of Christ. Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” You are changed into the
same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (1 Cor
3:18). Jesus is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph 3:20). First you
receive the Holy Spirit and then your heart is purified by faith as you obey
His Word (Acts 15:8-9, Eph 5:26). - the work of faith with power (2 Thess
1:11). In other words, we have access by faith into this grace wherein we
stand (Rm 5:2, also Gal 5:5). This is so elementary (baby food – milk, not
meat, 1 Cor 3:2), yet so completely misunderstood by a religious world.

Obedience is not your “own” work toward “earning” salvation, but rather
submitting to the will of another, who is God. Obedience is a free-will
sacrifice of self offered to God (the opposite of what man did in Eden).
Your obedience to God’s will produces God’s works and not your own
works. To “obey” God’s will and thereby produce God’s works actually
requires that you “die” to (forsake) your own will and thus forfeit your
own works. So, its not your works of righteousness, but rather God’s
through His Spirit. Don’t be lost in religious confusion that contradicts the
bulk of God’s Word by having you think that nothing is required of you.

Consider God’s intent: Hebrews 10:15-17, “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is
a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that
I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws
into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and
iniquities will I remember no more.” How are they put there? 2
Corinthians 3:3, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the
epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit
of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

This speaks of the Holy Ghost and His leading and teaching. For what
intent? Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works. ALSO consider: 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.” So: God’s grace (Holy Spirit)
in you bringeth salvation – the Spirit “brings about” salvation in you by
teaching you to forsake those things that oppose God.

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Once you understand “faith” and “grace,” then the follow-on verse to the
above Ephesians verses makes sense (usually omitted by religious man):
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them.” The result of your faith yielding to the Holy Ghost is good works
known as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Eph 5:9, Rm 6:22, 7:4).
Faith must yield good works (Js 2:17-26, 3:17). May Jesus stablish you in
every good word and work (2 Thess 2:16-17).” Therefore: Colossians
1:10-11, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

Christ’s sacrifice was so that “we might be made the righteousness of God
in Him (2 Cor 5:21).” We are “made” righteous through obedience to the
Holy Ghost. So: 1 Peter 1:5, “Who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (The “power of
God” = the Holy Ghost) + your faith = salvation.

Why did John the Baptist place such an emphasis that Jesus would baptize
with the Holy Ghost (Mt 3:11, Mk 1:8, Lk 3:16, Jn 1:33, Acts 1:5)? Why
did Jesus say it was expedient that He go away such that the Holy Ghost
would come (Jn 7:39, 14:26, 16:7, 20:22)? Why did Christ insist that His
disciples tarry at Jerusalem until they received power from on high (Lk
24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:2-4)?

The reason is so clear! The Holy Ghost is the grace of God. The Holy Ghost
is the promise of God. The Holy Ghost is the gift of God (Rm 5:15-21).
The Holy Ghost is the power of God (Jn 1:12, Lk 24:49, Acts 1:8, 2 Thess
1:11, 1 Pt 1:15). The Holy Ghost = God’s grace = God’s promise = God’s
gift = power of God. Faith without works (Holy Spirit’s teaching/leading)
is dead (Js 2:17, 20, 26)! Faith must produce God’s purposes to have
merit. Faith must “change” you – transform.

Please understand: “the free gift came upon all men unto justification of
life (Rm 5:18).” The Holy Spirit came upon man at Pentecost because
Jesus, the baptizer of the Holy Spirit, received this promise from the
Father and shed it forth (Acts 2:1-4, 33). By the obedience of one
(Jesus) shall many be maderighteous (Rm 5:19). We are “made”
righteous by the workings of the Holy Spirit through our faith (submission,
obedience). John 1:12, “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.” The “power to become” is the Holy Spirit working to transform you
to God’s expectations. Therefore: Romans 8:14, “For as many as
are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

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The Holy Ghost is your comforter, teacher and guide to conform you to
Christ’s well pleasing image such that you become a son of God. Consider
what Peter told the Jews after the Holy Ghost had come upon the
Gentiles: Acts 11:16-17, “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?”

Understand that grace is not simply unmerited favor in the sense that God
just looks the other way (a concept completely contrary to God’s Word) or
does not hold you accountable for the evil that you continue to do
(walking in darkness). God does not look the other way and this is why
Jesus had to suffer man’s condemnation of “thou shall surely die.” Grace
is actually the Holy Spirit working in you to transform you into the image
of Christ. Once you comprehend this, then scripture makes sense and
verses no longer conflict with one another.

Those who are sojourning in this world and seeking God quickly come to
the knowledge that there are two different “Christs” preached and
proclaimed. 1) One group (the majority) preach a Jesus who justifies you
in your sin (Gal 1:6-7). They essentially say in so many confused religious
reasonings that Jesus is a covering for man’s continued sin because man
is incapable of stopping – a “not perfect just forgiven” mentality. This is to
hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rm 1:18). 2) The other group (a
minority) preach a Jesus who delivers you from your sin. They say that
Jesus came to free you from the bondage of sin that you may be
reconciled to God and freely serve Him – by My Spirit saith the Lord. If the
fruit of your doings has not changed with regards to Christ, then what has
Jesus availed you? If you are still burdened by sin, then how are you free?

These groups may sound similar at times, but are eternally different. You
must choose very wisely based upon sincerely seeking God and placing
His Word (truth) in your heart. Christ’s first Words concerning the time in
which we live were: “Take heed that no man deceive you (Mt 24:4).”
Jesus came to lead in mercy, truth and righteousness (by My Spirit) and
this is the key to understanding. Who shall ultimately prevail? 1) Man
through the justification of his transgressions against the will of God OR 2)
God through the purging of all transgressions against His will? Is sin
justified or erradicated? What prevails – the lie or the truth?

Can one be found “wicked (sinful, transgressing of God’s will)” in Christ

Jesus? If one kills in the name of Jesus (as in war), does that make him
innocent (Mt 5:43-45)? If a thief steals (or is adulterous, lying, hating,
etc.) in the name of Jesus is he no longer guilty? Hebrews 10:26, “For if
we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins (also Ez 3:19-20, 18:26,
33:12-13, 18).” You must again sincerely repent and forsake such evils to

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be found in Christ. Continued sin nullifies any “forgiveness” given. You
cannot be forgiven to continue to violate the thing you were forgiven –
that would void the meaning of the word and the action.

The issue is that many have made “peace” with sin rather than
“overcoming” sin. For most, the battle is over – they say you can’t live a
“perfect” life acceptable to God and that Christ’s blood is a covering for
your continued sinfulness. In other words, they are in agreement with the
devil that you can sin against God and “ye shall not surely die,” Yet Jesus
said: Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which
is in heaven is perfect.” The Lord also says: 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he
which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation
(lifestyle); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 John 5:4,
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Does God require us to
do something that cannot be done? This reasoning will not stand because
God has given us His Spirit.

I say this to those who have made peace with sin: 1 Corinthians 15:34,
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of
God: I speak this to your shame.”

The Holy Ghost is the grace of God that leads one in truth unto
righteousness. However, religious man attributes the grace of God as a
covering for unrighteousness which is only found in the devil’s lie. They
essentially say, through so many religious words and doctrines, that grace
is God not acknowledging or holding you accountable for continued
transgressions – because you cannot stop sinning. Can you see how this is
utterly contrary to the Holy Spirit’s work and a denial thereof. The only
thing they are justifying is sin and they make Christ the Lord of sin – He
who brings license?

What does the Lord expect? “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev 2:7).”
This verse EQUALS = Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do his
commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may
enter in through the gates into the city.” Those who overcome do the
Lord’s commandments and have life! --- its all so simple!

Now consider: Revelation 2:26, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my

works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” AND
Revelation 3:5, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white
raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will
confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” So, is
overcoming no more than repeating a prayer that is not even of your own
making (i.e. a sinner’s prayer)? Is overcoming “saying” and not “doing?”
Your eternal destiny is based upon correct understanding. If you do not
“overcome,” then you will not be found in the Lamb’s book of life!

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Lets get right to the cruxed of the matter: Revelation 3:21, “To him
that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” This brings us
back to “following” Jesus and walking as He walked (Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 1
Pt 2:21). This reveals that we must conform to His image (Rm 8:29, 2 Cor
3:18, Col 3:10). There is a narrow way that must be trod with cross in
hand and no true disciple of Christ will travel it any other way (Mt 10:38,
16:24, Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23, 14:27).

Oh, there is still a battle raging (with eternal consequences) irregardless if

you are in it or have again been taken “captive” by the enemy. 2 Timothy
2:26, “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the
devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” There are those who are
“free” and those who are “bound.” Jesus came to “free;” are you still
bound? The “bound” are in Satan’s prison house!

God’s Word never contradicts itself when it is properly understood and

applied. How does one separate grace from the Spirit of God working in
you? Godnever, under any circumstances, accepts transgression of His will
(disobedience to His commandments). God does not oppose His own
truth! God does not justify the wicked and will by no means clear the
guilty (Ex 23:7, 34:7, Deut 25:1, Pv 17:15, Is 5:23). The Lord does not
overlook evil.

If you believe that Jesus came to justify or provide a covering for sinful
behavior, then you have completely “missed” God’s purposes. Satan is the
author of the lie that proposes you can transgress the will of God and “ye
shall not surely die (Gen 3:4).” This proposition completely opposed God’s
Word of “thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17).” Pick your side! Are you
walking in Satan’s lie?

Many religious men (Mt 7:15) would have you believe that Jesus came to
justify you in your sin and disobedience to God’s Word. Galatians 2:17,
“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” Shall the
throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee (Ps 94:20)? A false prophet’s
message always has the implication that you can disobey God (through
Christ) and “ye shall not surely die (Gen 3:4).” This is the devil’s lie! They
will say that you can never measure up to God’s expectations and that
you must live vicariously through Christ. To be vicarious is essentially to
share-in or undergo another’s experience through “imagined
participation.” This reasoning utterly negates everything the Holy Spirit is
sent to do and absolutely opposes God’s purposes.

For those who say they love Jesus, but walk in darkness; know this: God
always says: “I will not justify the wicked (Ex 23:7, Pv 17:15).” Jesus in
no way came to justify the wicked (Jn 3:19)! 1 John 1:6, “If we say that

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we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the
truth.” Jesus is not a covering for continued wickedness (sin, iniquity,
transgression of God’s will). Those who continue in darkness only prove
the insincerity of any commitment they may have made to Christ (Pv
14:16, 16:17).

So, is it possible to be correct with a theology of “works do not save” and

that what you do does not contribute to salvation? Paul said of such: Titus
1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him,
being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
How can you say you are saved by God irregardless of your actions toward
God? Did this theology (once saved always saved way of thinking) work
for Adam? Didn’t such opposition to God’s will bring sin, death and so
much misery into the world?

Jesus said: Luke 13:24, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I
say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” – to be
accounted worthy to obtain (Lk 20:35, 21:36). Peter said: “be
diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless (2 Pt 3:14).” Paul said: 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Know ye not that
they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that
ye may obtain.” John said: 1 John 3:3, “And every man that hath this
hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” AND 1 John 5:18, “We
know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten
of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” To strive,
be diligent, run that you may obtain, purify yourself, sinneth not, and
keepeth himself all speak of effort that results from your faith
(submission, obedience and devotion to God).

There are some things that are monumentally important to understand.

First of all, we are held accountable to Christ’s Words: John 12:48, “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.” Secondly, the application of God’s Word to your life shall determine
if you “received” Jesus’ Words. In other words if Jesus said “stop” and you
“go,” then obviously you did not “receive” what He said as proved by your
actions. Christ said: Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of man shall come in
the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every
man according to his works.” AND John 5:29, “And shall come forth; they
that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have
done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

You will be judged by your works and deeds: Romans 2:6-9, “Who will
render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by
patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not
obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the

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Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” Every man’s work will be
revealed according to his ways (Job 34:11, Eccl 3:17, 11:9, 12:14, 2 Kg
8:39, Ps 62:12, Pv 24:12, 29, Is 59:18, Jer 17:10, 25:14, 32:19, Ez 7:3-
4, 8-9, 27, Oba 1:15, Zech 1:6, Mt 12:36-37, 16:27, Jn 5:29, Rm 2:6,
16, 14:12, 1 Cor 3:13, 4:5, 2 Cor 5:10, Col 3:24-25, 2 Tim 4:1, 1 Pt
1:17, 4:5, Jude 1:15, Rev 2:23, 20:12-13, 22:12). So, works and
deeds really do matter.

Therefore, how does God judge? “Without respect of persons judgeth

according to every man’s work (1 Pt 1:17).” A simple profession (mental
acknowledgment) of Christ without a walk of faith will fall short – even so,
Christ judges the very intent of the heart.
d
The following writing came about as the Lord began to show the author
just how God (and His truth) has been rejected by man from the
beginning. The world loves it’s own, but has rejected God. John 15:19, “If
ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are
not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the
world hateth you.” That verse reveals how standing on the side of the
Lord and speaking His Word will set you up for rejection by the world.

If you love the world (it’s ways, path, culture, etc.), then the world will
love you. It is only when you come against the world that you are
rejected. When you walk in step with Jesus, you walk out of step with the
world (vice versa). Jesus said concerning the world: “but me it hateth,
because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil (Jn 7:7, Gal 1:4).”
To speak God’s Word or truth is to come against the world and testify that
its works are evil. Is it any wonder that you would be continually rejected?
Natural man loves the darkness/world rather than the light/truth (Jn
3:19-21). If the majority of mankind loves the world and you speak
against the world, then where does that leave you while being in the
world?

Let me tell you dear reader, it is very hard to stand against this world. No
one can do it in their own power for a sustained period of time. You must
be walking in God’s truth and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you are
walking in God’s truth and you desire to do His will, then God will make a
way – but you have to really want it. It is so easy to go along with the
flow of this world; there is no persecution in compromise – neither is there
a witness for God.

The free flow of this world is as a mighty river flowing over a cliff and
down into a great abyss. Shouldn’t you fight against such a current with
all your might? Is going against the current (gravity) ever easy? You are
either traveling with/in the current or you are fighting against the current.
The Lord saves/rescues those who are fighting against the current. The
Lord helps you in your struggles to reach Him, but never in your
concession to the world’s flow.

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The following writing will reveal man’s initial rejection of God and then will
specifically move on to how man has rejected the Word of God made flesh
called Jesus the Son of the Highest who was sent from God (Lk 1:31-32).
Man is blinded by the flesh and remains that way when he will not
“receive” and “walk in” the Word of God. Jesus came that the blind might
see and those who see might be made blind (Jn 9:39).

The Lord has been longsuffering toward the world and His Word does not
return void and accomplishes that which He pleases, and it prospers in the
thing whereto He sends it (Is 55:11, also Is 45:23). The Lord says
concerning His purposes: “I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I
have purposed it, I will also do it (Is 46:11).” The Lord desires the “few”
who have ears to hear (Jn 6:40). Jesus often said: “He that hath ears to
hear, let him hear (Mt 11:15, 13:9, 43, Mk 4:9, 23, 7:16, 8:18, Lk 8:8,
14:35).” Shall we hear?

Jesus once profoundly touched a blind man’s life; this man later said: “one
thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” The only blind men
that were healed were those who sought (cried out) God for sight (Mt
9:27-29, 20:30-34, 21:14, Mk 10:46-52)! Shall we see? Shall we cry out
to the Lord for sight? God desires the “few” who will hear and apply His
Word and see to walk His path…

Whom hath God called? Isaiah 43:7-8, “Even every one that is called by
my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I
have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the
deaf that have ears.” For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty (Is
44:3, Mt 5:6). The water is the Holy Ghost (Jn 4:7-15, 7:38-39).

If you have eyes to see and ears to hear – if you hunger and thirst for
righteousness, then God can work in you.

Chapter 1, Disobedience to God Brings Death

In the beginning God created man in His own image and placed man in a
beautiful garden (Gen 1:26-27, 2:7-8, 15). God gave man His Word:
Genesis 2:16-17, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that
thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” In other words, if man
disobeyed God’s Word and ate from the forbidden tree, he would surely
die.

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The devil entered the garden through a serpent (Gen 3:1). The serpent
told man that he could disobey God and eat from the forbidden tree and
that “ye shall not surely die (Gen 3:4).” The devil’s word was utterly
contrary (completely opposite) to God’s Word. The devil changed the truth
of God into a lie (Rm 1:25).

Man obeyed the devil’s word and rejected God’s Word (Gen 3:6-13). Man
chose that which was opposed to God! Man did not obey the truth, but
obeyed unrighteousness (Rm 2:6-9). To reject the truth is to obey a lie –
for no lie is of the truth (1 Jn 2:21). God’s Word required a denial of self-
will in order to obey God’s will. The devil’s word embraced self-will and
thus denied God’s will (Word/commandment). The devil’s word benefited
the flesh and offered that which was forbidden.

Man elevated (exalted) his flesh over God’s Word in seeking its lust and
desire. Man rejected God in favor of self. To disobey God and walk in your
own will/way is to rebel against your Creator. This exaltation of self is
known as “pride.” Pride always goes before destruction and this is the
broad way in which the devil leads (Pv 16:18). Man chose to be as a god
and decide good and evil for himself rather than submit to and obey the
one true God (Gen 3:5). Romans 3:16-18, “Destruction and misery are in
their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear
of God before their eyes.”

The devil overcame man through his craftiness and man lost his standing
with God. “For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage (2 Pt 2:19). Oh, who shall redeem us from such bondage and
death??? Sadly, we shall discover that most do not necesserily want to be
redeemed when they discover that they must relinquish self-will (to be as
a god).

Death

One thing is clear throughout God’s Word and that is that disobedience to
the will of God brings forth death. God is the giver of life and there is no
life apart from Him (Gen 2:7). Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man
sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned.”

God told man that the day he disobeyed His will (commandment) that
“thou shalt surely die.” This condemnation is an expected and eternal
conclusion for those who do not reverence their Creator (Ps 119:4). The
truth of this statement still stands and always shall.

God is your life! If you remove yourself from God, then you remove
yourself from your life – plain and simple. The creation does not have life
within itself – it is not self sustaining. God created you! Shouldn’t you love

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and be devoted to the One who gave you life? Shouldn’t you reverence
and obey Him?

Satan is a created being who deceived man in saying: “ye shall not surely
die.” The devil has no life to give and can only offer death, through
bondage in his lie and rebellion. This rebellion shall not stand and its only
purpose in temporarily continuing is to shake that which can be shaken so
as to remove the chaff. God prevails in every way – He retains that which
has been tried and tested and is pure.

Chapter 2, Obedience to God Brings Life

Man has been disobedient and rebellious toward his Creator. Man has
violated God’s will and is under the condemnation of death. The Lord God
has no further obligation toward man and can certainly carry out the
sentence of death at His discretion (Rm 5:16). However, God is a merciful
God - longsuffering toward man, not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9, Ps 103:10). Psalms 85:4-7,
“Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to
cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger
to all generations? Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may
rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.”

God’s mercy and forgiveness can only be obtained through God’s

determined way which is always found in His truth. We
shall only understand God’s path of salvation when we understand:
Psalms 85:10, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and
peace have kissed each other.” Can there be mercy outside of God’s
truth? Can there be peace with God apart from righteousness?

For it is said of God (and Christ’s throne): Psalms 89:14, “Justice and
judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go
before thy face.” AND Isaiah 16:5, “And in mercy shall the throne be
established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David,
judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.” Psalms
100:5, “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth
endureth to all generations (also Ps 108:4, 115:1, 117:2).”

We shall understand in this book just how important it is to be found in

God’s truth so as to partake of His mercy. Righteousness or “fear of the
Lord” tendeth to life (Pv 11:19 & 19:23, also Pv 12:3, 28, 13:6, 15:9,
21:21, 1 Pt 2:24, 1 Jn 2:29, 3:7). The Lord says: Hosea 6:6, “For I
desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God (truth) more
than burnt offerings.”

Therefore, let us understand: Romans 5:19, “For as by one man’s

disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall
many be made righteous.” Who is this “obedient” man who brings life to

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the repentant…? Who is this obedient man who brings “truth” and makes
“righteous,” through “mercy,” so as to establish “peace” between God and
man?

The Coming of Christ

The first mention of the coming of Christ or the Messiah is given in the
following account: The Lord God JEHOVAH through His mighty hand
delivered His people from the bondage of Pharaoh in Egypt and brought
them out unto Himself into the wilderness (Ex 6:3, 7:16, 13:3, 14, 16,
14:13-14, 18, 30, 15:2, 6-7, 13). Israel encamped at Mount Sinai/Horeb
where Moses had first met God at the burning bush (Ex 3:1-12, 19:1-2).

God said: Exodus 19:4-6, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians,
and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now
therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye
shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is
mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation…”
The people responded: “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do (Ex
19:8).”

The Lord God was going to speak so that the people would hear His voice.
Exodus 19:9, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a
thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe
thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.”

The people were made ready and assembled to hear God speak (Ex 19:9-
15). Exodus 19:16-20, “And it came to pass on the third day in the
morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon
the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the
people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the
people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether
part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because
the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as
the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when
the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder,
Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the LORD came
down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called
Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”

Furthermore: Deuteronomy 4:10-13, “Specially the day that thou stoodest

before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather
me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they
may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and
that they may teach their children. And ye came near and stood under the
mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven,
with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. And the LORD spake unto you
out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no

17
similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant,
which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he
wrote them upon two tables of stone (also Deut 4:36-39, 5:4-6).”
Deuteronomy 4:33, “Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out
of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?”

God then began to speak His Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 5:4,

“The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of
the fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the
word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not
up into the mount;) saying, I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee
out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” AND Exodus 20:1,
“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which
have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
Among the Ten Commandments, the Lord specifically said: Exodus 20:3,
23, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Ye shall not make with me
gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.” Later, the
people again said: “All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be
obedient (Ex 24:7).”

The people greatly feared God (Deut 5:24-27): Exodus 20:19, “And they
said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God
speak with us, lest we die (also Deut 5:23-28).” Deuteronomy 18:17-19,
“And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have
spoken. 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.” The Lord further said of them:
Deuteronomy 5:29, “O that there were such an heart in them, that they
would fear me, and keep all my commandments always,that it might be
well with them, and with their children for ever!”

The whole purpose of God speaking directly to the people was so that they
would “fear” God and keep His commandments and walk in His ways
(Deut 4:10, 5:29, 6:2, 10:12-13, 20). God’s Word requires a submission
and obedience from man.

This people rejected hearing directly from God! Very soon after God had
spoken His commandments, they also rejected God’s Word (and violated
their own word) in that they built a god of gold (Ex 32:1-8). While Moses
was meeting with God, they made a molten calf of gold and worshipped it,
and sacrificed thereunto: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel,
which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt (Ex 32:4, 8, 23, Deut
9:12-14, 16-17).

Once again, man did not obey the truth, but did obey unrighteousness
(Rm 2:6-9). Therefore it was said: Acts 7:39-40, “To whom our fathers

18
would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back
again into Egypt. Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as
for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what
is become of him.”

God had delivered them from Egypt and the house of bondage, but when
it came right down to obeying God, who really wanted to be delivered?
Similarly, Jesus delivers man from the world, but when it comes right
down to obeying Christ, just who wants to be delivered from the world
(Gal 1:4)? Who reallywants to die to self-will and the lusts and desires of
their flesh (Jn 3:19)? Who really wants to make God the foremost desire
in their life? Many say they love God, but obey the flesh (just as thy first
father, Adam – Is 43:27). Jesus said that “if ye love Me, keep my
commandments (obey Me, Jn 14:15).”

The Lord said: “I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff necked
people;” and had it not been for Moses He would have destroyed them
and blotted their name out from under heaven (Deut 9:13-14). God also
said: “a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith (Deut
32:20, also Ps 78:7-8, 22).” These were the people that had seen all of
God’s miracles and wonders. These were not heathens, but rather the
Lord’s people whom God had delivered by His mighty power and stretched
out arm from the most powerful nation on the face of the earth (Ex 19:5,
Deut 4:20, 9:29, 14:2).

Moses would later say of them: Deuteronomy 9:24, “Ye have been
rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.” AND
Deuteronomy 31:27, “For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold,
while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the
LORD; and how much more after my death?” – “I know that after my
death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way
which I have commanded you (Deut 30:29).”

Even though God had done so many miracles before them they were full
of unbelief and disobedience (Deut 4:34-35, 11:1-7, 26:8, 1 Cor 10:1-12,
Ps 106:21-22). Psalms 78:32, “For all this they sinned still, and believed
not for his wondrous works.” Psalms 78:10-12, “They kept not the
covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and
his wonders that he had shewed them. Marvellous things did he in the
sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.”

So, God said of them: Hebrews 3:9-12, “When your fathers tempted me,
proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with
that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have
not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my
rest. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God (also Ps 95:9-11).”

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The Lord counseled them: Deuteronomy 10:16, “Circumcise therefore the
foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.” In other words, stop
being obstinate and stubborn (obdurate) in your own way and yield to
God. A circumcised heart for what purpose? Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the
LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed,
to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that
thou mayest live.”

At mount Sinai/Horeb, the people did not want to hear directly from God.
The Lord said: Deuteronomy 5:29, “O that there were such an heart in
them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always,
that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” The Lord
said He would one day raise up a prophet from among them and would
put His Word in His mouth. This prophet would come speaking only that
which God commanded Him to speak. This is very relevant to Christ as will
be discussed below. Furthermore, the words spoken would be required of
man – man would be held accountable to obey.

Jesus was this one who would come and speak God’s Words (truth). Peter
acknowledged that Jesus was the one in saying: Acts 3:22-23, “For Moses
truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all
things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that
every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from
among the people.” The faithful martyr Stephen also acknowledged that
Jesus was this prophesied one (Acts 7:37-39). God in these last days
spoken unto us by His Son (Heb 1:2).

God the Father said of Jesus: Matthew 12:18-20, “Behold my servant,

whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will
put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He
shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the
streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not
quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Psalms 85:11, 13,
“Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down
from heaven. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the
way of his steps.” Jesus leads those who will “receive” God’s truth back to
“peace” with God.

When Jesus later came He was very emphatic that He only spoke the
Father’s Words. Jesus said: John 12:49-50, “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.” AND John 7:16, “Jesus answered them, and said,
My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” John the Baptist bore
witness in saying: “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God
(Jn 3:34).”

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The Lord said: “for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear
witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice (Jn
18:37).” The Word of God brought God’s Word or truth to man as a man.
Those who receive this truth are 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.”

The Word was made flesh to teach man the Word or truth of God, both by
Word and example (in the form of a servant, Php 2:7-8, Ps 119:160). All
of God’s commandments are truth (Ps 119:151). Jesus said: “I speak
those things I have heard of him (God the Father, Jn 8:26).” Christ also
said: “I must work the works of Him that sent Me (Jn 9:4).” John 6:45, “It
is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God.”

Jesus came and taught God’s Words (which were taught to Him of the
Father, Jn 8:28-29) and those who desire the truth and seek God must
come to Him. “Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of
the Father, cometh unto me.” Jesus further said: Matthew 11:29, “Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Jesus brought God’s truth to man to complete God’s path for

reconciliation: James 1:18, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of
truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” The Lord
“brings us into being (born again)” as sons of God with the Word of truth
and gives us the Spirit of truth (Jn 1:12-13, 17:17, Rm 8:14, Gal 4:6, Php
2:15, 1 Jn 3:1-2). God’s mercy is for those who desire (hunger and thirst
for) His truth – those who live byGod’s Word (Deut 8:3, Mt 4:4, Lk 4:4).

It is very important to understand that Jesus proceeded forth (was sent)

from God bringing “mercy” and “truth.” Jesus revealed this when He said:
John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” AND “the Son of
man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them (Lk 9:56,
19:10).” “He that is of God heareth God’s words (Jn 8:47).”

Jesus came the first time in great mercy bearing an offer of forgiveness.
When Jesus shall be sent from God the second time it will be in great
wrath and judgment (Is 13:9-11, 13, 34:1-6, Zeph 1:15, 2:2-3, Rev
6:16-17). Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the
fierceness of his anger (Nah 1:6)?

For those who receive Christ’s Word: “the word of God, which effectually
worketh also in you that believe (1 Thess 2:13).” The Word or truth of
God and the Spirit of truth work in you to achieve God’s purposes (Jn
14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 2 Jn 1:2). – “to stablish your hearts unblameable in

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holiness before God (1 Thess 3:13).” Psalms 33:4, “For the word of the
LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.” 1 Peter 1:25, “But the
word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the
gospel is preached unto you.” AND Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withereth, the
flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

When Jesus was with Peter, James and John (the pillars of His future
church) at the mount of transfiguration (Mk 9:1-6), the following
significant event occurred: Mark 9:7, “And there was a cloud that
overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is
my beloved Son: hear him (also Lk 9:34-35).” This brings us back to
when God appeared in a cloud at Mount Horeb and the people feared to
hear God. God again appears in a cloud and now directs us to listen to the
one He has raised up from among the brethren to speak His Words (Deut
18:17-18). Jesus was sent of God to speak God’s Word or truth. John
3:34, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God
giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” The Father’s message to
these men was “hear Him.” Jesus said on several occasions: “If any man
have ears to hear, let him hear (Mk 4:9, 23, 7:16). Lets repeat: “He that
is of God heareth God’s words (Jn 8:47).”

The Words spoken by Christ (given by the Father) will be required of man.
Jesus said: John 12:48, “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.” The judgment of God is according to truth
(Rm 2:1). Furthermore, Jesus said: Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth
shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (also Mk 13:31).” So,
if Christ’s Word shall never pass away and all of creation will be held
accountable to these Words, doesn’t it behoove us to take them very
seriously? Jesus said: Luke 10:24, “For I tell you, that many prophets and
kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen
them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
Jesus gives sight and hearing to know God’s will, which is the Lord’s truth.

Through Moses, God gave Israel the following commandment:

Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And
thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy might (also Deut 10:12-13).” Jesus reiterated this
commandment: Mark 12:29-30, “And Jesus answered him, The first of all
the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And
thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment.” These commandments speak of self sacrifice for the
benefit of others and encompass love and mercy.

You can be absolutely assured that man will be judged according to this
standard/Word/truth! Consider the denial of self (your lusts and desires)
that must be done to accomplish this commandment. You must “seek first

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(foremost)” the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt 6:33, Lk
12:31).

To summarize, God sent His Word as prophesied (Jn 5:37). The Word was
made flesh, as a man, to speak God’s Word or truth to man (Jn 1:14).
Jesusspecifically came to speak God the Father’s Word or truth unto man.
Christ was anointed to preach the gospel (Lk 4:18). The Lord was totally
devoted to do God’s will: John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing:
as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own
will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” AND “My meat is to do
the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (Jn 4:34).” AND John
6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will
of him that sent me.” AND “the living Father hath sent me, and I live by
the Father (Jn 6:57).” Jesus said: “whosoever shall receive me, receiveth
not me, but him that sent me (Mk 9:37).” God will hold man accountable
to obey and live His truth – count on it! Anyone who says otherwise is a
false prophet/teacher (2 Cor 11:13-15, Php 3:2, 18-19, Col 2:8).

Jesus not only “perfectly” matched the description of this coming prophet
who would bring the Word of God, but is also man’s “example” of God’s
expectations for man. Man is to be completely devoted to God as Jesus
the Son was to God the Father. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Deut 8:3, Mt 4:4, Lk
4:4).” Jesus is “the Word” that proceeded forth and was sent from God
(Jn 1:1-3). Man’s life is found in Christ (1 Jn 5:11-12). Man shall live by
Christ’s Words and shall be held accountable for such.

Christ said: John 6:33, “For the bread of God is he which cometh down
from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” The “bread of God” equates
to the “Word of God.” The Word came down from heaven and was made
flesh, and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). Jesus said: “John 6:48 I am that
bread of life.” Man lives by the Word of God which is Jesus whom God
sent. This is that prophet which was foretold to Moses. Jesus brings God’s
truth and man shall live by that truth.

Consider this prophesy concerning Christ: Isaiah 42:16, “And I will bring
the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that
they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked
things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them
(also Heb 13:5).”

Sent from God

Jesus was very emphatic that He was “SENT” from God (Jn 3:16-17, 4:34,
5:24, 30, 36, 38, 6:29, 38-40, 44, 51, 57, 7:16, 18, 33, 8:16, 18, 29,
9:4, 36, 12:44-45, 49, 13:16, 20, 15:21, 16:5, 28, 17:21, 23, 25). John
7:28-29, “Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both
know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself,

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but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am
from him, and he hath sent me.” AND “For I proceeded forth and came
from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me (Jn 8:42).”

God sent His Word to accomplish His purposes and prosper in that which
He pleases (Is 55:11). God’s Word shall return victorious. John 16:28, “I
came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave
the world, and go to the Father.” Those who “hear” and “live” this Word
shall be found in this victory. If you do not believe, Jesus said: “ye shall
die in your sins (Jn 8:24).”
The Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation

Now here is something very important to understand. The “gospel” is the

Word of God with power, and the “power” is the Holy Spirit – the
inseparable combination of the two – for His Word was with power (Lk
4:32). Jesus was anointed to preach (David had also been anointed of
God, 2 Sam 23:1-2 & 1 Sam 16:13). The anointing or power is the Holy
Ghost (Jn 1:12, Lk 24:49, Acts 1:8, Rm 1:16). Jesus’ disciples also receive
the anointing which teaches them all things (1 Jn 2:27). Unto us which are
saved it is the power of God (1 Cor 1:18). 2 Corinthians 6:7, “By the word
of truth, by the power of God…” It was noted above that Christ spoke the
Words of God and the Spirit was not given by measure unto Him (Jn
3:34). This reveals the indivisible blend of Word and power.

God’s Word goes forth with power because it always accomplishes that
which He pleases, and it always prospers in the thing whereto He sents it.
God has the ability to “enact” His Word and this is just what He does.
There is tremendous and unbelievable power behind the Word or truth of
God. Pharaoh found this out when he resisted and opposed God’s Word.
All creation will know this power at the great Judgment.

Jesus spoke God’s Word and this was followed by demonstration of power
(signs and wonders, miracles). It was said of Jesus: Luke 4:36, “And they
were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is
this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and
they come out (other examples: Mt 8:16, 24-27).” The people also said:
“Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works (Mt 13:54)?”
Words are just that without the power! – the demonstration. Without the
power, God’s truth is just so many words to the unbeliever or religious
Pharisee (and modern variation of).

The demonstration of power verified the Words Jesus spoke. Matthew 9:2-
8, “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a
bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be
of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the
scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing
their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is
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easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But
that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and
go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when
the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given
such power unto men.” Christ’s Words were undeniable due to the works
He did!

The Apostle Paul said: Ephesians 3:7, “Whereof I was made a minister,
according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power.” AND Romans 15:19, “Through mighty signs and
wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and
round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” As
previously discussed: God’s grace = Holy Spirit = power = God’s gift.
Hebrews 2:4, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and
wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according
to his own will?”

So now we understand another dimension to God’s provision. The Holy

Ghost is God’s gift to man. The Holy Ghost further gives additional gifts to
man to be used for God’s purposes. God’s Word is power and the Holy
Ghost equips those who speak this Word with power – bearing them
witness.

Paul also wrote: 1 Thessalonians 1:5, “For our gospel came not unto you
in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your
sake.” AND 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “And my speech and my preaching was
not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the
Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of
men, but in the power of God.” AND 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom
of God is not in word, but in power.” AND Romans 1:16, “For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth…” The Word and the power cannot
be separated in Christ’s gospel!

What about those who do separate the Word and power through unbelief?
2 Timothy 3:5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof: from such turn away.”

Prepare Me a House

The Lord told David (through Nathan the prophet): 1 Chronicles 17:11-14,
“And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to
be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be
of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house,
and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be
my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from

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 him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my
kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.” Jesus
fulfilled this prophecy exactly.

Many will consider that God was referring to Solomon. However,

Solomon’s wives turned his heart unto other gods and he built temples to
these gods which became a stumbling stone to Judah (1 Kg 11:1-10). 1
Kings 11:6, 9-10, “And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and
went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. And the LORD was
angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of
Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him
concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept
not that which the LORD commanded.” Because of this the Lord God split
the kingdom of Israel (Solomon’s throne) and only left one tribe to Judah
- and that only for David’s sake (1 Kg 11:12-13, 32-36). Finally, the
temple that Solomon built was later destroyed.

Let us consider how Jesus Christ fulfills this prophecy:

1) “I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons” - Jesus
came forth from the seed of David: John 7:42, “Hath not the scripture
said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of
Bethlehem, where David was?” AND Romans 1:3-4, “Concerning his Son
Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to
the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the
spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead (thus God did not
take away His mercy from Him, see below).”

2) “I will establish his kingdom” – Jesus talked extensively about the

kingdom of God. Christ spake: Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the
gospel.” The gospel was the truth of God that Christ brought and shall be
required of man. God’s Word is with power and establishes His purposes
(Is 55:11) – sifting the good and the bad (discussed below). God the
Father has appointed Jesus the Son an eternal kingdom (Lk 19:12, 22:29,
Jn 18:36). Isaiah 22:22, “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon
his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and
none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he
shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house (also Rev 3:7).”

3) “I will be his father, and he shall be my son” - God the Father said of
Jesus: Hebrews 1:5, “For unto which of the angels said he at any time,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to
him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” AND Acts 13:33, “God hath
fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus
again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day
have I begotten thee (also Ps 2:7, Heb 5:5).” God the Father said of
Jesus: Matthew 3:17, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my

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 beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (also Mt 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11,
Lk 3:22, 2 Pt 1:17).” Furthermore it was prophesied: Psalms 89:26-27,
“He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my
salvation. Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the
earth.”

4) “He shall build me an house” – Isaiah 45:13, “I have raised him up in

righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he
shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of
hosts.”

John the Baptist prophesied of Jesus: Luke 3:17, “Whose fan is in his
hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into
his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable (also Mt
3:12).” We discussed how Jesus was raised up from among the brethren
to speak God’s Word or truth to man (Word of God made flesh, Jn 1:1-
14). The Word that Jesus brought separates the good from the bad. Only
those of a humble and contrite heart will receive God’s Word and apply it
to their lives. Concerning these John said: Luke 3:16, “John answered,
saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier
than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire (also Mt 3:11, Mk 1:8,
Jn 1:33).”

Jesus builds an house for God to dwell in by baptizing with the Holy Ghost
those who receive God’s truth and are obedient to it (Jn 14:21, 23, Acts
5:32). Christ said: John 14:15-17, “If ye love me, keep my
commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another
Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither
knoweth him: but ye know him;for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you.” Furthermore: John 14:20, 23, “At that day ye shall know that I am
in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Jesus answered and said unto
him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Christ builds a church (Ekklesia – called out ones) which are called out of
the world unto God (Rm 1:6, 8:28, 30, 9:24, 26, 1 Cor 1:9, 24, 26, 7:17,
Gal 1:6, Eph 4:4, Col 3:15, 1 Thess 2:12, 2 Thess 2:14, 2 Tim 1:9, 1 Pt
1:15, 2:9, 3:9, 2 Pt 1:3, Jude 1:1). John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth
me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast
out.” AND John 6:44-45, “No man can come to me, except the Father
which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is
written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man
therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto
me.” Jesus baptizes each member of His body with the Holy Ghost and
dwells within them (Acts 2:33, Rm 8:9). One is “sealed” unto God by the
Spirit (2 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 4:30).

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5) “I will stablish his throne for ever” - God has given Christ an eternal
throne and everlasting kingdom (Mt 16:28, 25:31, Col 1:13, 1 Thess
2:12, 2 Tim 4:1, 2 Pt 1:11): Luke 1:32-33, “Luke 1:32 He shall be great,
and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give
unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house
of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (also Acts
2:30).” AND Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted
him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (also Acts 5:31).”

Jesus was exalted to sit at the right hand of the Father (Mt 22:44, 26:64,
Mk 12:36, 14:62, 16:19, Lk 20:42, Acts 2:33-34, 5:31, 7:55-56, Rm
8:34, Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, 13, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2). Luke 22:69,
“Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of
God.” AND 1 Peter 3:22, “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right
hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto
him.”

6) “I will not take my mercy away from him” - God the Father did not take
His mercy from Jesus the Son when He took our sins and suffered our
condemnation. It was prophesied of Jesus: Isaiah 54:7-10, “For a small
moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with
everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy
Redeemer. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn
that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I
sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the
mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall
not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,
saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”

7) “I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his
throne shall be established for evermore” - Jesus said of His body: 1
Peter 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ (also Eph 2:21-22).” Jesus is the chief corner stone of this spiritual
house (Mt 21:42, Mk 12:10, Lk 20:17, Acts 4:11, Eph 2:20, 1 Pt 2:6-7).

When Christ’s kingdom is fully realized on a new earth, the Lord says:
Revelation 21:1-3, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a
great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with
men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God

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himself shall be with them, and be their God (also Rev 7:15).” AND
Revelation 21:23, “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the
moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is
the light thereof.”

The Lord Jesus perfectly fulfills the prophecy in that He was born of the
seed of David and was called the Son of God (begotten of the Father, Jn
1:13, 18, 3:16, 18, Acts 13:33, Heb 1:5, 5:5, 11:17, 1 Jn 4:9, that holy
thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God, Lk 1:32,
35). Jesus absolutely obeyed the Father’s will and spoke God’s Word or
truth to man. This truth separates the righteous from the wicked.

Those who genuinely/sincerely receive God’s Word and walk in His ways
are baptized in the Holy Ghost. This is such an important point! Jesus
builds a sure house with a firm foundation and God dwells within each
member (Mt 7:24-27, Lk 6:47-49). Ephesians 2:20-22, “ And are built
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed
together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are
builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” The Father
raised Jesus from the dead (who bear the sin of the world) in great and
eternal mercy. Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and
by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil (also Ps 119:11, 105).”

Oh such a house the Lord Jesus has built: Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty
God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his
government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David,
and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and
with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts
will perform this.”

Additional Prophecies of the Coming of Christ

God had a plan whereby He would dwell among men bringing His eternal
truth. It was prophesied: Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall
give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
call his name Immanuel.” This was later confirmed when an angel told
Joseph (concerning Mary his espoused): Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin
shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

In the course of God’s timing, the Word was made flesh. John 1:10-11,
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” The
Lord came to His own people, yet was rejected by them. Thus the
prophecy concerning His suffering (death on the cross): Psalms 22:6-8,

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16, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of
the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip,
they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would
deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. For dogs have
compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they
pierced my hands and my feet.”

It was also prophesied of the coming of Christ: Psalms 2:1-3, “Why do the
heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth
set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD,
and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and
cast away their cords from us.” This prophecy clearly reveals the
rebellious and corrupt nature of man. Man does not desire to be under
God’s authority, but rather seeks self-will and to be as gods as per the
tenets of the devil’s lie (Gen 3:4-5).

How does God respond? Psalms 2:6-9, “Yet have I set my king upon my
holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto
me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I
shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts
of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel (also Rev 12:5,
19:15).” Jesus (the Son) later tells His followers: Revelation 2:26-27,
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will
I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron;
as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I
received of my Father.”

The Lord God knew in advance that His Word would be rejected of man.
Even so, God’s purposes were fulfilled in the midst of it. Isaiah 53:3-6,
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised,
and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried
our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and
afflicted. 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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned
every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of
us all.”

God made a way for “repentant” man to be forgiven of his past sins. Jesus
lived a perfect life of obedience to the will of God. He then offered up His
life in place of our sins (2 Cor 5:21) and suffered our condemnation of
“thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17).” - Who gave himself a ransom for all (1
Tim 2:6). Christ’s sacrifice assuaged God’s wrath by providing atonement
for remission of sins (Rm 5:11).

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Therefore, it can be said of Jesus: Isaiah 53:10-12, “Yet it pleased the
LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his
soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,
and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the
travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my
righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore
will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with
the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was
numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors.”

Jesus hung on a tree (meaning accursed of God, crucified, Deut 21:22-23,

Acts 5:30, Gal 3:13) as an offering for man’s transgressions against God.
1 Peter 2:24, “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.” God prophesied of Christ: Isaiah 54:7-8, “For a
small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather
thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with
everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy
Redeemer.”

The Word (Jesus) that was sent (proceedeth forth) from God did not
return void, but accomplished that which God pleased, and prospered in
the thing whereto He was sent (Is 55:11). Jesus finished the work! John
17:4, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which
thou gavest me to do.” Jesus brought God’s Word to those who have ears
to hear! Jesus walked in God’s truth as a perfect example for man to
follow. Jesus atoned for man’s past transgressions of God’s will. Jesus
procured the promise of the Holy Spirit and has shed forth such that man
is empowered to walk the narrow way (Acts 2:33, Mt 7:13-14, Jn 14:26,
15:26). All of this was done such that through faith a man can be saved or
have eternal life. Therefore, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the
way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Chapter 3, He That Hath Ears to Hear

When Jesus spoke God’s truth to the people He spake many things to
them in parables (Mt 13:3, Mk 4:1). Matthew 13:34-35, “All these things
spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake
he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things
which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

A parable is a simple story dealing with a very real circumstance

(situation, fact, event) in which the principal subject is described by
another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances. The
principal subject is thus kept out of view, and one is left to ponder the
intentions (meaning, objective, purpose) of the speaker. A parable will

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often say something the flesh does not want to hear (receive) in such a
way as to defuse (neutralize, disarm) personal objection (people tuning
out their attention or focusing on their objection), or prejudice and hold
the attention of the hearer and convey the message (which is pondered in
their hearts for an extended period).

So: Mark 4:33-34, “And with many such parables spake he the word unto
them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not
unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his
disciples.”

Christ spoke parables because man could not bear to hear the truth of
what God was revealing (Is 44:18). This is why Jesus said: Matthew
13:13-15, “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing
see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in
them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall
hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not
perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their
heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” The gospel of
Mark says: “Mark 4:12, “That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and
hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should
be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”

In other words, if the people could “receive” the truth that Christ brought,
then they could be “born again” or converted and be reconciled with God
(Rm 5:10). For those who truly walk in the light (truth), the blood of Jesus
Christ cleanseth from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). However, if Jesus had spoken
many of God’s truths openly then rebellious man probably would not have
suffered Him as long as they did.

The gospel of John adds: “He hath blinded their eyes,andhardened their
heart that they should see with their eyes nor understand with their heart
and be converted (Jn 12:40).” The hardness of the people’s hearts
(obstinate, stiffnecked, unyielding, stubborn, obdurate, inflexible) only
enraged them when they heard God’s truth and further blinded their eyes.
This seems to always be the effect on those walking in pride (self
exaltation, self-will).

Man’s heart is hardened and he becomes blind when he seeks his own
way. Your way is those stubborn (immovable) ideas that you place above
the truth and will not release. This is a refusal to let go of your ways and
submit to God and embrace and walk in the Lord’s ways. Hardness of
heart is to seek your inclinations and not God’s truth. This is “to be as a
god” and “deciding good and evil for yourself” rather than submit and
obey the one true God (Gen 3:5). This hard heart must be circumcised

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(stubbornness cut away) that thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all
thine heart, and with all thy soul (Deut 30:6, 10, Rm 2:29).

John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching repentance (Is
40:3, Mal 3:1, Mt 3:2-3, 11:10, Mk 1:2-4, 15, Lk 1:76, 3:3-4, 8, 7:27).
To repent is to acknowledge your transgressions before God, forsake your
evil, and fully turn to God. One must be humble and meek to repent. This
is self denial that focuses upon God. Only the meek can be taught of God
and only the meek will walk in the Lord’s ways (Mt 5:5). Psalms 25:9,
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his
way.” Jesus was meek and His disciples will learn from Him and follow in
his example (Mt 11:29, 21:5). Jesus was anointed to preach good
tidings unto the meek (Is 61:1) otherwise known as the poor in
heart/spirit (Mt 5:3, Lk 4:18, Is 29:19).

So, we must with meekness receive the Word or truth that Christ brought.
James 1:21-22, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of
naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.” This Word is found in the two great
commandments and these must guide your life’s actions (Mt 22:37-40,
Mk 12:29-31, Lk 10:27, Js 2:8).

The Lord’s truth would be revealed to or understood by those who are

humble and genuinely and sincerely seek to know it. The gospel tends to
be “esoteric” which means it is understood only by a particular and often
small group – he that hath ears to hear. John 9:39, “And Jesus said, For
judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see;
and that they which see might be made blind.” This is why Jesus always
said after most parables: Mark 4:23, “If any man have ears to hear, let
him hear.” This is a monumental statement of tremendous and eternal
importance. Jesus is the prophet raised up from among the brethren who
spoke only that which God commanded Him. What Jesus spoke will be
required of man. Acts 3:23, “And it shall come to pass, that every soul,
which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the
people.” Do you have ears to hear? Most people do not!

Jesus revealed the meaning of the parables to His disciples (i.e. Mt 13:36-
37, Mk 4:34). Christ told them: Matthew 13:16, “But blessed are your
eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Christ’s disciples were
chosen due to their humbleness and hearts toward God – they could bear
to receive the Words spoken. They were given additional explanation from
Jesus as to the meaning of the parables. Even so, Jesus also told them:
John 16:12, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now.” Christ further said: John 16:25, “These things have I spo

Chapter 4, The Word Made Flesh

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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.”

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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 bondageno 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

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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).”

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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).”

Bondage
We must come to the light! 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.” John 12:35, “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the
light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you:
for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” Ephesians
5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light.” 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.”
d
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

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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-

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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 manoeuvring) 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

39
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.

Chapter 5, Jesus Begins His Ministry

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).

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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,

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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, andbreathed 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

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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

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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?

Christ Preaches in a Synagogue

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

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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).

The Son of Man Speaks to Man

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

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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.

Rejection

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.”

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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.).

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The Miracles

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!

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Chapter 6, To Separate or Sift

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
thoroughly 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.

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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).

Violating God’s Will

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

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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

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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.

Misleading the People?

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.”

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Chapter 7, Blind Leading the Blind

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

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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.

Pride and Hypocrisy

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)?

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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).

Rebellious Man Condemns God to Death

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

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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.

Great Hope

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).

The Journey

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 meshould 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.

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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.

Conclusion

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

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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 berequired 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.”

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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?

The author has written several books and periodically writes other articles,
tracts and books as the Lord puts them on his heart.

These are offered (as CD) free of charge and may be obtained by writing:

David D. Neal,
209 Cedar Pond Dr.,
Madison, Al. 35757
USA

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