Bible Studies links

Here are the links to my Bible studies:

BIBLE Studies 1

http://cid-cccb698accd55c3a.office.live.com/browse.aspx/Bible%20Studys

BIBLE Studies 2

http://cid-cccb698accd55c3a.office.live.com/browse.aspx/Bible%20Studies%20II?sa=127363170

Pastor Winston

Christian Leadership!

There is just far to much leadership out there today and not enough “follow-ship“ that leads to true fellowship! We all should be flowerers of Christ. But, there are some who do not but call themselves Christian, anyway!
If you are starting a new church and want to add to your roster, just promise everyone leadership positions and you will have a full church in no time!
This is one of the tools mentioned in the do it yourself church books that you can find on the shelves of your local Christian book stores today! But the number one selling book of all times, the bible instructs us to preach the gospel and God will add to the church as He sees fit!
If you could stand and look out over a sea of Christians, they should be as a calm sea, level and standing shoulder to shoulder. But when one looks out at the sea of Christianity today, it is a raging, roaring sea of religion with all of its beliefs and doctrines with all of its denominations! With some up on their soapboxes and some standing in pits. It is so wild that one would have a problem seeing that it is supposed to be a church (or a level sea)!
Some on their soapboxes preaching “me” instead of “Him“ [Jesus]!
Some in pits, looking up, trying to find someone to feel sorry for them!
We are supposed to be a level sea so that if one starts to fall, he is braced by the one next to him.
But, if one starts to fall next to the one on his soapbox (false teaching), he will fall!
And if the one standing next to the one in the pit (the poor me, pity party) they will surely fall too!
You see God often uses the term sea to represent mankind and it talks about a time when a beast will come out of the sea in: (Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.) (The false church) This is the coming one-world government leader.
My friends this is the antichrist, pointing to the wide gate that leads to destruction, whereby many will go in there at! And there is another beast that will come, he will be the leader of the false one-world church.
And He will point to the fist beast, (the antichrist) in: (Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,) This is Satan’s usher pointing everyone to the wide gate!
Satan has a counterfeit for everything that is God.
Does he counterfeit the Trinity of God? Yes Satan (the little “g“ god of this world), the first beast (the anti-christ false savior of the world), and the second beast (the religious leader that points to anything than the true Christ).
What happened to Christmas? Supposed to be about the birth of Jesus, but has become a day that a fat little man in a red suit comes and gives gifts, but even he cannot out give God, who gave His Son! The biggest lie here is that Jesus was not even born in December)!
How about Easter? When we are supposed to celebrate the Resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, who do you supposed came up with the easter bunny and easter eggs?
The day of the Lord is at hand, but the day of Satan is every year on Halloween!
If you ask children all over the world who Santa Clause is or the easter bunny is, they can go into great detail about them. But if you ask the same children about Jesus, only a few will even begin to be able to tell you a little about Him. There is a very important message about leadership here! Shouldn’t leadership start at home? If we lie to our children then we will lie to a congregation!
Back to Satan’s counterfeits, his best and most laid out plan, the counterfeit church! With all of his counterfeit pastors and teachers (leadership) and members. It is called the new age movement or church.
Put it side by side with the true Christian church and it is hard to see much difference, listen to what they are saying, sounds pretty much the same, However their leaders are saying and preaching two different things, The true Christians are preaching Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness And you know what? It is still a stumbling block today! And it is still foolishness to the ones who refuse Christ! The false christian churches are preaching man, the things of this world and the answer to the biggest questions asked today in most churches, “what’s in it for me?” when they should be saying “I am in it for Him!”
If we are to be true leaders in the church today, we must first learn to become servants just as Jesus showed us in: (John 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.)
Jesus gave us a very good example of what leadership in the church should be and you surely do not see this in the Christian churches today!!
God has put watchmen on the walls of the church and given them discernment, to cry out when they see a fox in the hen house or a spirit not of God in the church. But what good are they if no one listens to their cry?
Leadership starts with a man of God, led by Gods Holy Spirit through his Faith in Jesus Christ on his knees before God, seeking His wisdom and righteousness and not his own!
You know if we would just follow Jesus and not men we would understand that He is in charge and really doesn’t need our help, we should be but tools in the Masters hand, not telling Him what we want to do but be ready able and willing to do as He instructs us. Some times we need to go out into the wilderness just you and the Lord and get away from the troubling noise and commotion of the world with all of it’s distractions so that we can hear the voice of the Lord. Just like Elijah was in: (1 Kings 19:10-13 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?) Elijah was jealous or zealous for the Lord, he wanted to be in His presence, he did not go into a town or city where all the noise was no, he went to the mountains (wilderness) and waited in a cave upon the Lord! We go to our churches today looking for the Lord, not with all the noise and commotion we couldn’t hear Him if He were to speak to us.
Now it says in verse 11 that a strong wind rent the mountain …….but the Lord was not in the wind (the wind of doctrine). And then a earthquake hit and the lord wasn’t in it (earthshaking new prophecies and men’s teachings) And then a fire, and again the Lord was not in it (the hell fire and damnation messages)! Then finally came a still small voice and Elijah went and stood before the Lord!
The main point of this, is that Elijah knew the voice of the Lord and what did Jesus teach us in: (John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.) Just like Elijah did not listen to the wind, the earthquake or the fire but knew the true voice of the Lord, so should we, the lambs of His flock know His voice, It is the same voice that Elijah heard!
So what is leadership in the church? A true leader will always point you to Jesus and will use new testament scriptures to lead lost souls to a much needed Savior and when this happens in reality, Jesus will take over and teach this lost soul by the Holy Spirit of God, which will lead to rebirth in the spirit and the knowledge and wisdom of God! So what is there for the leader to do? Well, A true leader will always point you to Jesus and will use new testament scriptures to lead lost souls to a much needed Savior. and then? A true leader will always point you to Jesus and will use new testament scriptures to lead lost souls to a much needed Savior!
A leader of men will lead you to the things of man. But the leader of God will always lead you to the things of God! In: (1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.) This is why we must be taught and listen to Gods Holy Spirit.
There are many, many people misrepresenting themselves as leaders from God, who do not know up from down, left from right, light from dark nor Jesus from man! (Isaiah 5:20-23 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!)
I can go and set in the garage and say that I am a car, but that just doesn’t make it so and I would be fooling no one but myself.
So to sum it all up “Leadership in the church begins with following Jesus!

Spiritual Wisdom

SPIRITUAL WISDOM / 1 Corinthians 2:4-16 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Plain Ole Preachin, Comes From the Plain Ole and Simple Truth!
The plain ole and simple truth is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ! My Bible says, “4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach;” (Romans 10:4-8) How can this be? It says that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” Does this mean that the law has been done away with! Absolutely not, without the law mankind would not know what sin is, (Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.) Jesus Christ came and fulfilled the law for each and every person that will receive Him as Lord and Savior. The reason a man points to the law instead of Jesus Christ is because man seeks his own righteousness through the law: (Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith) Paul asks a very important question in: (Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.)
The true preacher does not preach to the religious pious people of this world but to the lost, hurting, poor and mainly to the ones who do not have all of the answers, Just as Jesus did! Jesus told us in: (Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.) If we have the time or take the time to prayerfully read Matthew 23, you will find Jesus, not arguing with, not having a discussion with but rebuking and instructing a group of religious pious men known as Pharisees, scribes and hypocrites, who all had their own answers, and what did Jesus instruct you and me to do concerning these men? Do as they say, but not as they do!
So I have said all of this to say this, “a preacher is not called to preach to a religious man but once again to the lost, dying, hurt and those that are looking for the Truth and this Truth has a name, it’s Jesus Christ, Who is the true churches righteousness, by mercy and grace through faith in Jesus Christ!
So I ask you where are these hurting, lost, poor people supposed to get their answers, well let me introduce you to a old/new thought in: (Romans 10:14 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ) Even King David understood this in: (Psalm 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.)
And likewise King Solomon in: (Ecclesiastes 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.) and in: (Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Likewise Isaiah: (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;)
And can you believe it? Likewise Jesus: (Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.)
Could Paul the Apostle have the answer for why people do not want to hear plain ole preaching? (1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.) And in: (1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.) Saved by what? That’s right my friend, by ever day plain ole simple preachin! And in: (1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;) And last but not least in: (1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!)
So I agree with Paul, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Designing your own Christianity

Designing your own Christianity

By Pastor Steve Cornell
“I can’t accept a God who sends people to hell.” “I can’t believe in a God who requires the death of his son for me to be forgiven.” “I can’t accept a God who…” These are common protests against Christianity. Strangely, however, many who make them continue to attend Christian churches. Admittedly, these Churches tend to embrace mutated forms of Christianity which cater to the sensitivities of those who prefer to play God than to worship the true God. They accommodate those who prefer to stand in judgment over the bible and to ignore or change scriptures they find intolerable.
Usually, these people want pastors who only teach about God’s love and mercy. They want a God who fits their comfort-zone and adjusts to their crowded schedules. They don’t want a God who places demands on them or makes them feel guilty. And they don’t want a God who judges people (unless it’s the really bad people they read about in the newspapers).
What do they think of Jesus? He is reduced to a nice guy who did nice things for needy people. These people want a gentle Jesus—one the children can learn about in Sunday school. They don’t want too much emphasis placed on the miracles of Jesus and they would prefer not to focus on Jesus’ death for sinners. The miracles are often portrayed as merely stories made up about Jesus to help us learn about kindness to others.
The Jesus who said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28) is to be avoided as too judgmental. And, the Jesus who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6) is too exclusive for the demands of pluralistic civility. Finally, the Jesus who said, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38-39), is too demanding. The preferred teaching of Jesus is “judge not lest you should be judged.”
The Pastors of these churches face a number of challenges. First, it is mandatory that their sermons be brief (people start squirming after 15 minutes). Secondly, they must avoid large portions of scripture as they delicately prepare non-offensive messages. Finally, they must live with the shame of concealing the truth from those they lead. Of course, these pastors themselves usually don’t believe in the God revealed in scripture. They are wolves posing as shepherds.
The bible spoke in advance about these people and their pastors. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound teaching. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (II Timothy 4:3-4).
This “pick and choose” approach to scripture implies that we stand as judges over God. It contradicts the truth that scripture, “never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:22). Without exception, “all Scripture is God-breathed” (II Timothy 3:16).
Those who reject major themes of the bible have no reason to believe any of it. The God they believe in is a creation of their own imaginations. He is a custom designed deity to fulfill their own desires. But, why do such people feel compelled to hold to selective forms of Christianity? Why not reject it entirely and embrace something else? Perhaps they attend their designer Churches and listen to their appointed teachers to pacify their guilty consciences. How sad to pacify what God is willing forgive and cleanse. But such forgiveness would require a savior who saves sinners and this is just too much for proud of hearts to accept.

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS!

A HEART FOR THE LORD!

There is an old saying, “home is where the heart is,” maybe we should be saying, “the heart is where the home is!” According to the Bible, the heart is the center of all spiritual activity and the operations of human life.
Another term used for, “Heart” is “soul”. They are often used interchangeably in the Old Testament, in: (Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.); (Deuteronomy 26:16 This day the LORD your God commands you to observe these statutes and judgments; therefore you shall be careful to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. ). Then in the New Testament we have: (Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.) and in: (Mark 12:33  And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”) but this is not generally the case.
The heart is the “home of the personal life, and hence a man‘s personality, is according to his heart,
wise, in: (1 Kings 3:12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.),
pure, in: (Psalms 24:4-5 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.) and (Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.),
upright and righteous, in: (Genesis 20:1-6 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. 2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.) and (Psalms 11:2 For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.); (Psalms 78:72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.),
pious and good, in: (Luke 8:15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.).
The heart is also the seat of the conscience, in: (Romans 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.). The heart is also described as naturally wicked, in: (Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.), and hence it contaminates the whole life and character, Jesus said in: (Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.); and in: (Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.); compare these with: (Ecclesiast 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.) and (Psalms 73:7  Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.). Hence the heart must be changed, or regenerated in: (Ezekiel 36:26-27  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.); (Ezekiel 11:19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh,) and in: (Psalms 51:10-14 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.), This regeneration must take place before a man can willingly obey God.
If you ask medical professionals about the heart, all they will tell you is that it is a pump, that pumps blood throughout the rest of the body. That is the ones who are not true Christians and do not know the truth. It is so much more than just a pump. We are told that we are the temple of God in: (1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?) I believe since the heart is the control center of mankind, that this is where Gods thrown is and we all need to determine who or what sits on the thrown of our hearts. God is Spirit and He created man in His image, Spirit. However today we have a bad habit of trying to create God in our image, corruptible flesh (Romans 1:22-24 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.)!
If you draw a large circle, then draw a small circle in the center, you will have a good representation of man. Of course we must complete the drawing, draw an arrow to the outside circle and write Satan speaks to the mind! Then draw an arrow to the small circle and write God speaks to the heart!
The bible also speaks of the spirit of man in: (Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.); (Zechariah 12:1 The burden of the word of the LORD against Israel. Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him and in: (1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ) Now seeing that the heart is the hub of all spiritual activity, this is most likely the place for the spirit of man to be found!
Just as Jesus cleaned out the physical temple in: (Matthew 21:12-13 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.”) So must we as the spiritual temple of God be cleaned out of all the worldliness and become a house of prayer but in order for this to be accomplished, Jesus said in: (John 3:3 …………….., “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”)
Even though every man and woman born of the womb has a spirit in them, they do not automatically know God or the things of God. We are told in: (1 Corinthians 2:10-12 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.) We are clearly told that the spirit of man knows only the things of man but that the Spirit of God seek and searches the deep of God, this is why we must be born again. Just as we were born once in the flesh and needed human parents to raise and teach us, so we must be born of the spirit and taught by Gods Holy Spirit, this is only for those that intend to spend eternal life in heaven with their Creator God. However if this is not what you are looking for then the flesh birth is enough for you, but you will be spending eternity with the deceiver Satan the devil in hell. Everyone has their own free choice. God guarantees this right to choose!
But for the man or woman that would rather spend their time with God, the good news is that the process of salvation begins in the heart by the believing and receiving the testimony of God, as presented to us by the gospel of Jesus Christ and as taught by His Holy Spirit! God chose preaching in: (Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.) and in: (1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.)
But the rejection of that testimony hardens the heart: (Psalms 95:8 Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness,); (Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.) and in: (2 Chronicles 36:13 And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel.) And the new testament bears witness also in: (Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept“.) and in: (John 12:40 “ He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.”)
Hardness of heart can be very clearly seen in those who take sin lightly! Through partial acknowledgment and confession of sin; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word of God and ordinances of God; inattention to the preaching of the gospel that God chose to call a people to Himself; preaching or teaching false doctrine; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; making excuses for sin; presumption, and general ignorance of divine or Godly things.”
The eyes, ears and hearts are organs of the body used in conjunction with blindness, deafness and perception or understanding as in: (Isaiah 6:10 “ Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed.”); and Jesus said in: (Matthew 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’)
Of course this is not talking about physical sight, hearing or understanding, but spiritual blindness, deafness and understanding because people are not aware of what goes on in their heart as they are in their mind and once again who speaks to the mind? That’s right the devil, what, don’t believe me? In: (2 Corinthians 4:3-5 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.) Who do you suppose, is the god of this age? It is none other than the little “g” god of this world. How do we get rid of this blindness? We are told in verse 5, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.” Just as we are told in: (2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.) And where do you suppose this veil is applied? In: (2 Corinthians 3:15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.) And I ask you once again, where dose God speak to us? That’s right the heart!
So I close this study with, do we really have a heart for the Lord?

BE YE NOT DECEIVED!

Jesus told us in: (Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.) He also told us in: (John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.)
Deceiving and being deceived did not just start in the first or second century, no, it can be traced back to the garden of Eden to Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:12-13 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.) But this same deceivableness has continued down through the history of mankind. By the way, the word beguiled is described in the dictionary as:
1. To charm somebody: to win and hold somebody’s attention, interest, or devotion.
2. To deceive somebody: to mislead or deceive somebody (literary)!
3. To cheat somebody: to rob somebody of something, or cheat somebody out of something (literary)!
Lets break these meanings down one by one:
[Number 1.] “To charm somebody: to win and hold somebody’s attention, interest, or devotion“. This is exactly what Satan did to Eve and many of our churches today are doing the same thing! They play the old “pride” card, telling people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear! The Apostle Paul warned Timothy and us today about this very thing in: (2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.) and Peter also warned us in: (2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,). Flattery is a well used tool of the devil and Paul tells us in: (1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:) and Job had something to say about this too in: (Job 32:20-22 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.) I truly believe that in verse 22 Job was talking about having his name removed from the book of life! As King David tells us in: (Psalm 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:) and the truth about flattery is written in: (Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.)
[Number 2.] “To deceive somebody: to mislead or deceive somebody (literary)!” To me this is using ones ignorance against him. It is very easy to deceive the ones who do not read their bibles or read them with the wrong intentions. In this case it is very easy to twist scriptures around to say what ever one wants them to say. It is easy to deceive the unlearned and unstable, they can be led just like cattle to the slaughter, never questioning, never looking and never knowing the Truth (Jesus Christ)!
Some of these even try to lead others in their limited knowledge of the things of God and as Jesus said in: (Matthew 15:13-14 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.) These are the ones that not only deceive their followers but also deceive themselves! Ones that believe they have a call to ministry from God, but in all reality have only the call of man! And Paul tells us in: (1 Corinthians 2:10-12 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.)
The spirit of man always points to man and never to Jesus Christ. This spirit is a religious spirit and is also known as the spirit of the world, when in all reality it is the antichrist spirit. It will point you to anything or anyone other than our Blessed Savior Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit of God will only point you to Christ and no one or nothing else, because there is salvation in none other as we are told in: (Acts 4:11-13 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”) This does not say, “might be saved or could be saved“, no, it says, “must be saved“!
Men and women today search their bibles using the theology of man, trying to find salvation in the scriptures and there are some that preach and teach that they have found another way. But, be ye not deceived, Jesus taught that: (John 5:38-40 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.) Well, what is holding those back from coming to Jesus? We just talked about this, it is the deceiving spirit of man, with all of his power, knowledge and wisdom that he wants everyone else to see. Just as we are told in: (Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,) The Spirit of God wishes to please God where the spirit of man is self seeking looking for ways to please men!
[Number 3.] “To cheat somebody: to rob somebody of something, or cheat somebody out of something (literary)”! This is very easy to see, “Satan wants to steal your soul, out of eternal life!”
What other reason would someone have to deceive the masses, other than to cheat them out of eternal life, true salvation? Jesus’ prayer avails much in: (John 17:24-26 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.) The ones that Jesus is referring to here are not the ones who have been deceived, no, these are the ones that have overcome! (1 John 5:3-5 For this is the love of God, that we keep his command-ments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?)
The world and its deceivers are what we are warned about here. They come in nice looking wrappers and sound like angels with all of their fine words of human knowledge and they display their wisdom for all to see, all that is but God and why? (James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.) I don’t know how your dictionary describes enmity, but mine says, “hostility: the extreme ill will or hatred that exists between enemies.” Do I mean that the very world that God created is His enemy? Yes, but because mankind has made it that way. Man and his sin have made this world what it is today and God hates sin! The deceivers will tell you that God is a God of love but what they fail to tell you is that God hates sin and that any unforgiven sin in mankind will be dealt with.
So what is the fate of the deceiver and the ones that he deceived? (Revelation 20:14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.) What these deceivers will not tell you is that every person on earth is not only a carnal being but they are also a spiritual being and that this spiritual being is eternal, just as God is, in: (Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: ……………..) Far too many today try to recreate God in their own image, which is absolutely impossible!
So if this spirit is eternal, it has to reside somewhere, right? Well there are only two places where this is possible. We just spoke of one, “the lake of fire,” so what is the other? Jesus tells all that are His in: (John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.) and we are told in: (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 we know who we can expect to see in heaven, then who can the deceivers and the deceived expect to see in the lake of fire? (2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;); in: (Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.) and in: (Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.) Did that just say, “for ever and ever?” I rest my case!
So where do these deceivers come from? The Apostle Paul warned the church very sternly in: (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.) That’s right, not only is mankind still being deceived today, but he is still being deceived by the very same one that deceived Eve! He will use any man or woman that is willing to stray from the TRUTH (Jesus Christ)!
In conclusion: The bible warns us over and over about being deceived and yet millions are being deceived daily, even and especially in the so called-church. Mainly because they take mans word for everything instead of looking for themselves. Jesus defeated Satan three times with these words, “it is written,” in Matthew 4:4; 4:6 and 4:7. But we today try to overcome the devil with what we believe, what we think or what so and so said or thinks.
Jesus warned us and it is written, in: (Matthew 7:19-21 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.) and He tells us in: (John 10:2-4 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.) You cannot know the voice of our Savior if you do not read the bible, that’s a fact! Its not what someone else believes or says, no, it is what God says. So be ye not deceived and please do not be a deceiver!

A New Covenant!

There are two major covenants in the Bible. One is the Mosaic covenant which is a covenant of law, this was conditional. God said do this, obey and he will bless, failure to obey violated his conditions and punishment followed. the New Testaments covenant is one of blood but based on mercy and grace, it is unconditional. We receive the mercy and blessings of God not because of anything we do but because of what Christ did at on a cross at Calvary. As believers in the New Covenant we operate under grace by which good works are a result. Under the Law (Old covenant) good works were done to receive Gods favor yet there still had to be a sacrifice for sin. As it says that almost all things are cleansed by blood, in: (Jeremiah 31:31-34: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. As quoted in Hebrews 8:7-12. This is a permanent or eternal forgiveness of sin. (Hebrews 7:18: “For on one hand there was an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,”) and in: (Hebrews 8:7-8 “For if the first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.” 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: ) Hebrews 8:9-13 repeats what was said in Jeremiah 31:31-34 as we just read above!
The Mosaic Covenant, the law or as it is known as the torah was becoming old (by use or maybe we should say misuse, it was worn out) and vanishing away in Jeremiah’s time, this represents the flesh, It vanished away with the death of Christ. Read Hebrews 8. So it is distinct from the Old Covenant, this is carnal. What it couldn’t accomplish Christ accomplished, this is the spiritual.
The New Covenant is an arrangement of one party made for another. to either accept or reject. If accepted one is obligated to keep its terms. there is no altering or changing it since it is God who made it and keeps it. Entering into a covenant with God means that he is committed to you. (John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) He gives us eternal life, its a gift which lasts forever.
Once again: The Old Testament covenant is a revelation of the holiness of God in the righteous requirement and standard of the law. Which was a conditional covenant.
The New Testament covenant is a revelation of the holiness of God in a righteous Son Jesus Christ who empowers those who, believe and receive it to become adopted children of God. Once again, this was a unconditional Covenant The purpose of this new Covenant is to do what the Old Testament covenant could not.
The New Covenant is based on the shed blood which signed and sealed the covenant under the Mosaic covenant the shed blood of animals could only cover sins temporarily, in: (Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.). Under the New Covenant he did it once for all, we are fully and permanently forgiven in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;) and in: (Colossians 2:13 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.).
God gives the believer the power to live his standard by the new birth. he gives the Holy Spirit to indwell in every true believer. (Romans 8:2-4 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)
When Christ died the believer’s position from the New Covenant changed.
1. We were crucified with Christ, as told in: (Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.)
2. When he died the law died with him and so did we, in: (Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,)
3. We were buried with him, in: (Romans 6:4 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.)
4. We were made alive with him by His resurrection, in: (Ephesians 2:5 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:) and in: (Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.)
5. we were made joint heirs with Christ and will be glorified with him, in: (Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.)
The New covenant involves blood. It is enforced by the death of the testator and operated by grace.
1. Blood purchased us, in: (Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God) and in: (Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;)
2. Bought with his blood, in: (1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.); (1Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:); (Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:) and in: (Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.)
3. Jesus has become that New covenant, in: (Hebrews 9:15-16 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.); (Hebrews 9:12-12 “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”) and in: (Romans 5:9 “Much more then having now been justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him.”) He is our all in all, in: (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.)
It was to enable gentiles to also become partakers of the spiritual blessings, in: (Ephesians 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:)
In the new Covenant there is the law of Christ. While the Mosaic covenant had many commandments the law of Christ repeats them all except one (the Sabbath). There are also many changes. Example: Under the Mosaic Covenant some meats were unclean and could not be eaten, under the New covenant all meats are clean and are ok for consumption.
Many of the commandments in the New Testament are intensified. In the Mosaic: (Leviticus 19:8 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”) In the New covenant: (John l5:13 “Love your neighbor even as I have loved you.” ) This amplified the meaning of the law with Christ as the standard.
Today if one obeys “you shall not steal” It’s not because of the Mosaic but because Christ said it. We operate from a new law under Christ who is our instructor through and by the Holy Spirit of God..
When Christ died on the cross, the law of Moses which was temporary was done away with, in: (Romans 10:4 “Christ is the end of the law for all who believe.”); and in: (Collisions 2:14-17 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an Holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”)
(Ephesians 2:14-15 ” Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of the two one new man’ so making peace;”) It matters not whether you are a Jew or a gentile, Jesus died to take down the barriers’ that were once between each man and God! (Galatians 2:19-21 “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”) Paul says when he received salvation he died through the law, the law kills. He has now been spiritually raised to new life so he can live to God. He is given life by the law of the spirit that is superior to the law that could only bring death. (Romans 8:2-4 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)
We can’t reform our old nature. man does not have the ability only the Holy Spirit of God can perform this work. The Bible teaches that we must crucify the flesh the old nature and live and operate through the new nature. This comes from the inside out not from the outside, in: (Romans 6:6 it states that our old man was crucified with him that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”) and in: (Galatians 3:11-13 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us– for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”) In other words, If a man chooses to live by the law, he must not break it in any form or fashion. But no one has or ever will be able to do so, that is except for Jesus, He did it all. That’s why He is our righteousness!!
When Christ died there were a number of things that took place.
His death was a propitiation this means the wrath of God was satisfied God the father poured out his anger and punishment against sin on his son. In: (Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God,); (l John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.) and in: (l John 4: 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.)
We have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into light (Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:) and in: (Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.) it is the inheritance for those who have chosen Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
All of our sins were forgiven because when Christ died they were all in the future. The believers past, present, and future sins were totally forgiven so that there is no sin that can cause him to lose his salvation. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit of God is not done by anyone who truly believes so it is not so relevant to those who are in Christ.
All our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;): in: (Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:) and in: (Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;) This means eternal life is a present possession and future possession. If it was only for now it would not be eternal. if it was future than we would not possess it now which means we would not have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, who is present in every true believer. So:
1. We are adopted (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.) and in: (Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.)
2. We are regenerated or made new, in: (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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.) and in: (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;)
3. Put in the body (1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.) and in: (Romans 6:1-10 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.)
4. Indwelt by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?) and in: (1 Corinthians 6:19 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.)
5. Sealed till the day he comes for us (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.); (Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.); (Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.) and in: (Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;).
We are told in: Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.); (Hebrews 10: 17-18 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin..) and in: (Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.).
We were given a new nature. We’ve gone from the nature of Adam to the nature of Christ. We now have the power by the Holy Spirit to rule over the old nature that had us sin but the choice is still up to us with every decision we make, in: (Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.) and in: (Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:).
In Closing: Without Gods Holy Spirit guiding and leading you, there is no way that you can even understand the Old Testament anyway, in: (2 Corinthians 3:14-15 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.) and in: (Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.) That is why Jesus says in: (Matthew 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.)
This all because of the New covenant accomplishing something that the old covenant could never deliver. “True Salvation” or an individual like you and me being reunited with God.
AMEN!!!!!
Love you in <(Christ Jesus)>< pastor winston