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As we are brought along from elementary truths {birth truths} to the identification {growth truths}.  Today we are going to have a look at Romans chapter six and see what it has to say about identification.

The believer who knows God as his justification {meaning = to be declared or made righteous in the sight of God} may still have trouble with sin, not as to its end, but sin as to its ruling power.  It is not from the offence of sin that he/she seeks to be freed–for he/she sees that God has completely acquitted him from the charge and penalty of sin–but it is from sin as a powerful master.  

To know God’s way of deliverance from sin as a master, we must come to the truth contained  in the sixth chapter of Romans.  There we see what God has done–not with our sins, as that Paul has already dealt with in the preceding chapters of Romans, with ourselves the agents and slaves to sin.  He has taken our old man {Adamic nature}, the same place where He put our sins, Namely on the cross {stake} with Christ.  Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  The believer sees not only that Christ died for him/her–but that we also died with Christ.

Like Christ, the believer too has died to sin, he/she is one with Christ.  Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  So, the knowledge that Christ and we with him in the likeness of His death, are dead to sin, is indispensable to our sanctification {means to set apart for special use or purpose}.

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.  We should not look upon these truths–as applying only to a few people, they are the “birthright” of every child of God. 

We were connected to Adam, but in Christ we died to the old man and were crucified. Since we are in Christ, we share in His death unto sin and going forward we are to reckon ourselves in relation to sin in Christ, as one who is dead to sin, and alive in Christ.  Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The old man/woman “I” in you and me was crucified in Christ.  You died and your death dates from the death of Christ.  The old man, Adamic nature in God’s reckoning –was taken to the cross with His Son Jesus and crucified and taken into the tomb with Christ and buried.

Our sins were dealt with by the Blood, we ourselves are dealt with by the Cross of Christ. The Blood buys our pardon; the Cross procures deliverance from what we are in Adam.  The Blood can wash away sins, but it cannot wash away the old man {Adamic nature}.  I {we} need the Cross to crucify us–the sinner.  Jesus says to us Mathew 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.  

As believers in Christ, we were joined with Him at the Cross, united to Him in death and resurrection.  We died with Christ.  He died for us.  This is a wonderful truth, for all believers.

This is the distinctive mark of the Christian–the experience of the Cross.  Have we truly experienced the Cross?  Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

The believer has been united with Christ in His death. In this union with Christ, the flesh, this body of sin-sin-ruined being with its intelligence and its own will and desires–is judged and crucified.  This is important, by faith, the believer reckons {believes and acts} him/herself dead unto sin Romans 6:3-14.

If the difference between Christ dying for us, and our dying with Him, has not been recognized, acknowledged, and applied, it may be safe to say that the “SELF” is still the dominating factor in our lives, and as such we are under the law.  Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Who died on the Cross?  Of course, our Lord and Savior died on the Cross {stake}.  But who else died there?  Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

You believe the Lord Jesus died for your sins because God says so, now take to next step and accept by faith the further fact that you died with Him your old man {Adamic nature} was taken to the Cross with HIM.

Because He died, death has no more dominion over Him, and because of our union with Him, sin shall not have dominion over you, even though it is present in you.  Our reckoning ourselves dead to sin in Jesus Christ does not make it a fact–it is already a fact through our union with Him.  

Please think and pray on these things, and see if you can act on faith, to accept what God has given each one of us through Jesus Christ.

Your brother in Christ,

Ron

What do we think of when we think about hearing the voice of Christ?  Some say that Christ has talked to them and told them to do certain things, others say Christ has never spoken to them.  Even many who read Scriptures come away unfulfilled with no contact with Christ. 

  As saints of God, we are commanded to learn to hear the sure Word of God. Notice; 2 Timothy 3:16. All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; (A Faithful Version) The difficulty is in knowing for certain that the voice we are listening to is His voice. 2 Corinthians 11:3. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4. For indeed, if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different gospel, which you did not accept, you put up with it as something good. 14. And it is no marvel, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. (A Faithful Version) 

 Let’s go back to The Garden of Eden Genesis 3:2. And the woman said to the serpent, “We may freely eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, 3. But of the fruit of the tree, which is in the middle of the garden, God has indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”4. And the serpent said to the woman, “In dying, you shall not surely die! 5. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be like God, deciding to know— to ascertain by observing and experimenting good and evil.”6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasing to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.7 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.8. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. Then Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.9. And the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10. And he said, “I heard You walking in the garden, and I was afraid because I am naked, and so I hid myself.” (A Faithful Version)

 There are many didn’t things we could look at in these verses.  We want to focus on hearing God’s voice.  How Had the Lord God communicated with them?  Think about this.  Had they not heard His audible voice or Him walking before with them?  We are not told how long they were in the presence of the Lord God. 

 I believe originally, Lord God communicated with mankind directly through the union of spirit to spirit.  We will look at this more a little later.  I believe Adam and Eve had heard the Lord God’s Spirit as something new that they had not previously heard before.  What they heard was the voice of the Lord feeling they had never encountered before. It brought about a strange earthly feeling; they felt a fresh reaction.  They became afraid and aware that they were naked.  Adam and Eve became separated from the voice of God.   

The flesh sets its desire against the spirit; Galatians 5:16. Now this I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these things are opposed to each other, so that you cannot do those things you wish to do. (A Faithful Version) 

  Our task as Saints is to take every thought captive and make it subject to the Spirit of the Lord God. His voice is like Revelation 1:15. And His feet were like fine brass, as if they glowed in a furnace; and His voice was like the sound of many waters. (A Faithful Version) The future we Move away from the rushing waters of life, we begin to founder in the waves of life that come at us like the waves of the sea hitting the beach wave after wave and before we know it the voice of God is drowned out and cannot be heard. 

1 Kings 19:11. And He said, “Go forth and stand upon the mountain before the LORD.” And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12. And after the earthquake was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire was a still, small voice. 13. Then it came to pass when Elijah heard, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out, and stood at the cave entrance. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?  (A Faithful Version). 

  There is a spiritual lesson in the above Scriptures for us, we are so busy that we miss God’s voice and presence with us.  Be still and listen to that small voice that is speaking to us. 

Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. (A Faithful Version) When we are baptized into Christ, we are clothed with Him. We buy from Him without cost, while we were like Adam and Eve naked, we are now dressed in fine white linen. When we are dressed in the Holy Spirit, we are dressed from the inside out. 

 Remember back in Genesis chapter three, I believe that the Lord God communicated with them spirit to spirit.  God has longed for mankind to be on that intimate level with Him again.  

 Ezekiel 36:26. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My Ordinances and do them. (A Faithful Version) 

 We can’t achieve our goal if we do not have the spirit of God indwelling in His end time temple.  1 Corinthians 3:16. Don’t you understand that you are God’s temple, and that the Spirit of God is dwelling in you? 17. If anyone defiles the temple of God, God shall destroy him because the temple of God is holy, which temple you are (A Faithful Version) Do we hear that small still voice of Christ in our being?  Is the light dwelling within your temple? 

  Hebrews 10:16 ‘This is the covenant that I will establish with them after those days,’ says the Lord: ‘I will give My laws into their hearts, and I will inscribe them in their minds; (A Faithful Version)  If we have been baptized with hands laid upon us God has reestablished His intimate contact with us through His Spirit joined with our spirit  us.to form the image of Christ in 

 Hebrews 8: 8. But since He found fault with them, He says, “’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah; 9. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them,’ says the Lord. 10. ‘For this is the covenant that I will establish with the house of Israel after those days,’ says the Lord: ‘I will give My laws into their minds, and I will inscribe them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. (A Faithful Version) 

 God has reestablished that intimate contact with mankind that He initially had with Adam and Eve.  Just like He walked with them In Spirit, He also walks with us in Spirit. 

 Slow down and wait for that voice to come, when we were babes in Christ, He was ever there guiding our baby steps and as we grew and matured, He sometimes seems to be very quiet, this is, because in His loving care and mercy for us and of His great love for us, He is trying to get us to slow down, seek Him and listen for that small voice to lead us to Him. 

 DO we have that intimate relationship with Christ? Let that small still voice be heard within you. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

When God opens our eyes to see His work, it is a marvelous thing to behold. God is continually doing away with the wisdom of men/women but continues to give them His insight and power.

How do we explain this?

How does God destroy the wisdom of men/women in order to bring in His power?

These questions I have meditated on, and I have asked God to please share with me these truths so I can understand with His understanding and not my own. I believe in Him answering me, He made it very clear that in my own wisdom I couldn’t even come close to understanding it alone.

Our Father helped me come to understand in this manner, The Lord Jesus Christ Himself becomes our wisdom. Notice 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Notice the above, He is our righteousness, sanctification, redemption. These three words are included {in His wisdom}. It is only after our own wisdom has been destroyed–only then can we accept Christ as our wisdom. This is foolishness to the world; they can’t see it.

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. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 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.

The power of God is manifested in a threefold way.
1st. Christ is our righteousness
2nd. Christ is our sanctification
3rd. Christ is our redemption

In short, there is nothing but Christ!

We must have revelation, then all spiritual gifts and riches are exposed to us while we are in spiritual poverty. Seeing revelations–is foundational to our spiritual affairs.

We cannot touch righteousness directly, though we can receive revelation this way. We are to possess righteousness through revelation, for this is the way God grants us righteousness. Our wisdom is a person with a personality-Christ Jesus.

Perhaps this may explain why the Lord rejects our wisdom. Because when we are wise, the wisdom of the Lord has no entrance; therefore, there can be no revelation. As revelations cease, all spiritual blessings are cut off. Spiritual strength decreases as spiritual insight diminishes, but it is increased when spiritual folly is lessened. The two are closely knit.

No one can receive divine revelation of the Lord directly since all His works are placed in revelation. If any should try to accept the Lord’s work apart from revelation, he/she shall find it wholly ineffective. He/she may know they are sinners and acknowledge that Christ is the Savior, but his/her prayers are of no avail if there is no true spiritual revelation. ONE WHO TOUCHES REVELATION GAINS CHRIST. SIMILARLY, HE/SHE WHO HAS NOT TOUCHED REVELATION WILL NOT BE ABLE TO POSSESS CHRIST. So, the million-dollar question revolves around whether or not he/she has touched revelation?

When we come to understand this spiritual principle, we can readily understand THE OBJECTS OF THE WORD AND HOW THEY CAN AFFECT THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD. Whenever people consider themselves wise and prudent, God hides Himself from them.

Spiritual reality lies in the revelation of Christ Jesus. In touching revelation, you have touched reality. When we have Christ as our wisdom, we have righteousness, sanctification and redemption. However, if those called to the ministry are proud, self-serving-self-conceited, or the Spirit is closed, they are unable to receive revelation, nor will God give it to them. For this reason, we must learn to be humble, gentle, and simple before God. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

The prouder we are the farther we depart from God’s revelation. The minister of the Word cannot help us; but may instead be hindered by us. I shared in part 1 where I was challenged by the Spirit in giving a message by a spirit of opposition in attendance and shared how I have been told by others giving a message how something or someone hampered their spirit in delivering a message. When we release the Spirit, we release light our Adversary is present, yes even at Church services if allowed in and doesn’t want the light of Scripture delivered.

To the wise and understanding, God hides all things, but to the child-like He reveals Himself.
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.

How can there be repentance if there is no revelation? To seal up revelation is to seal up repentance; and to seal up repentance is to seal up forgiveness. Because those who have gone down this road have already sinned against the Holy Spirit, therefore no revelation or repentance was given to them. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Let’s break down Romans 11:8 Hearing they did not hear, seeing they did not see, nor did they understand. In other words, there were only words received, but no revelation.

God helps us not to hold on to our prejudices about Him. Let us be open to revelation, because he/she who desires light cannot afford to be arrogant. The Lord can easily enlighten him/her who are gentle and meek, and merciful. He will give to them both basic and advanced revelations, hence let us learn to open our hearts before God so that we may keep receiving revelation from Him, to bring forth light in a dark world.

I pray these two installments on the “objects of the Word” have been a blessing for you, and will get you motivated to search out more on the “objects of the Word.”

Feel free to reach out to me if you don’t understand something or disagree with something in the articles. I have had brethren reach out to me over some of the content in articles. Remember in Proverbs 27:7 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Let us therefore pray, “Oh Lord, never permit us to fall into such folly as to speak haughty words; never allow us to be so foolish as to resist light and revelation and never let us approach the point of going beyond repentance, we thank you for your love, mercy and grace”.

Your brother in Christ,

Ron

The church is not the building, but in the Greek {Ekklesia} means the “called out ones” or “an assembly”,they are the objects of the Word, they are the Church.  The Word {Bible} is written to us and for us, at a great price.  It goes without saying that we need to understand that our purpose as the objects of the Word are very important if we are going to be among His elect-His own possession.  We will look at an issue on how some responded. Were they open or closed to light?   Being able to recognize issues is foundational to overcoming and walking in the light as He is light.

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 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: 15 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. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men 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. 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside.

We see the Lord is speaking in parables because God cannot reveal Himself to the “wise and intelligent.”  Notice, Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Such people cannot expect revelation from God; therefore they are not able to receive understanding from the Word.  It is a two-fold directive to them.  They are not only incapable of receiving revelation directly from God, but they also are unable to receive revelation from the ministers of the Word.  Whenever there are the wise and intelligent among the audience, the Word of God is either weakened or totally obstructed from being released.  I have seen this in giving messages and have had others talk to me about the difficulty in giving messages when they have encountered this same thing.  The one giving the message is in a spiritual fight that the audience cannot feel or sense.

The more a person considers him/ herself to be wise, the harder it is for them to be enlightened.   The more they depend on themselves, the more tightly God’s Word is closed to them.

Let’s look at a couple Old Testament prophecies that frequently the words were shut up and sealed.  Isaiah 29:11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:   Daniel 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  This shows the Word may be released or be shut up after being released.  There is an important spiritual principle, man may hear God speaking and yet that Word can be shut up to him/her.  He/she may tough God’s Word nevertheless it is still sealed toward them.  The Lord Jesus gives us its cause-man’s own wisdom and understanding {Matthew 11:25}.  The Lord hides His Word from the wise and prudent so that they may not perceive.  Hence, whoever considers themselves wise and understanding, from him/her the Holy Spirit will hide the Word in accordance with God’s mind and will.

There is a basic principle in Scripture that goes back to the Garden of Eden.  The basic principle which is revealed in the Bible is that after man has eaten of the fruit of the tree of the Knowledge of good and evil, The Tree Of Life is closed to him/her.  Notice,  Genesis 3:.24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.  As soon as a man/woman possesses the knowledge that comes from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, he/she is incapacitated from touching life. Such a touch is then not only impossible to mankind, it is also forbidden by God.

This is a brief meaning of “shutting up.”  It means more than man’s inability; it is also God’s forbiddance.  How serious is this?  Whenever a person focuses on knowledge for the sake of knowledge, life will escape them.  Bear in mind that at the time we boast of our wisdom and understanding, considering ourselves superior, the Word of God is hidden from us.  This is God’s sealing.

Remember earlier in Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Perhaps in speaking to those who are newly begotten we do not need to exercise our spirit too strenuously, nor do we need to draw on much light or words, because they are yet babes in Christ.  And naturally as we tough upon those who have tasted the meat of the Word and higher revelation of God–we obviously need to use more of the spirit to push forth more light.

But suppose one comes who considers themselves wise and full of understanding, this one will God hide His pure revelation.  Not only will God not reveal them directly to them, even the minister of the Word is hampered by their presence. 

As one shares or delivers {the Word, your spirit and the Holy Spirit, as well as your words, are released}, But if there is one in the audience who thinks him/herself wise, then he/she is merely an observer and he/she automatically blocks the word from flowing purely.  

1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

The more tender the attitude of the Word, the stronger the Word comes forth.  Think on this, if the object of the Word is willing and readily obedient, the Word will be manifested in more light and revelation.  It is hard to help those who close their hearts and minds, but relatively easy to help those who come humbly and child-like.  This too is a basic spiritual principle.

In closing. We have barely scratched the surface on this topic. With anything I have shared I hope you will dig deeper into the topic and God will bless your efforts because everything on any given topic can not be covered thoroughly in one article or message.  Maybe a part 2 to follow.  Still much to cover on this topic.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Brethren, be humble and learn.  So may we ask God for mercy that He grants us the ability to learn something substantial and real.  May God give His ministry to the called-out ones, {objects of the word} and may we learn all that we should learn.

God be with you as you search for light.

Your brother in Christ,

Ron

Christ came down from the throne of God to identify with us as humans; He took on the garment of flesh, that we through His shed Blood might be able to identify in His life. 

He even identified with sin and actually became sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21. For He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (A Faithful Version)  

Christ said in John 17:21. That they all may be one, even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, in order that the world may believe that You did send Me. (A Faithful Version) Look at how much these Scriptures talk identity, how we are identified with the Father and Christ through His death. 

  The oneness that God is talking about here is only made possible through His atoning sacrifice. This is why it is so important to understand the dual aspect of the work of the cross. There is a twofold fact we must know: 

1. Not only that He died for us. 
2. That we also died with Him. Romans 6:1-6; Galatians 2:20. 

Most churches have not related and taught the second aspect of the cross. That we are identified with His death. Even the Protestant churches who preach grace still avoid or do not yet understand this 2nd aspect of our dying with Him, therefore self is still the ruling factor in their lives.   

And sadly, enough this is the state of many churches. Since the Adamic nature is still the ruling factor that drives their life. Christ is not free to manifest Himself as needed in the vessels of those who fail to understand the second aspect of the cross. 

Not finding our identification in Christ’s death is one reason we have so much spiritual poverty in the churches. Until we are able to see the dual aspect of Calvary, then we will reason that we must live a Christian life with His help. Self (Adamic nature) cannot produce what God is seeking for us. Only the NEW CREATION IN CHRIST.  And this NEW CREATION is manifested as we are able to do the two aspects of the Cross. 

As we learn and are able to practice the two aspects of the Cross, to partake of His suffering. Philippians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 4:10. Christ’s glory is progressively manifested within us. The more we learn of these identification truths the more we are able to embrace the Cross so that death might work in us so the life of Christ might be manifest within His dwelling place. 

As we come to see these truths are path to the Cross is open before us. With suffering and death; and growth will be made more evident in our life, because self will not be ruling our being. As we rest in Christ, we are progressively having Him be manifested within our being. 

This is the process that God uses to have us grow to maturity in Christ.  Too many Christians feel they are good people; they don’t see the need for the crucifixion of the flesh-the old man (Adamic nature) in their lives.  Most will not even want to study the two aspects of the cross (stake). So, the first part of the process we must go through is found in Romans 7:18. Because I fully understand that there is not dwelling within me—that is, within my fleshly being—any good. For the desire to do good is present within me; but how to work out that which is good, I do not find (A Faithful Version) 

It is then that the cross begins to become attractive to us. Before that we do not see the need for our interaction with the cross. Self does not want to suffer, and our old nature will certainly avoid the pathway of the cross. But when we learn to see self for what it is (our identify), then we began to long to be identified with the New Creation (His identity). It is only then that the cross becomes attractive. Because we know that in our old nature, we are led to death but as the grip of the old man is lessened and we are freed from the self-life to partake of the Divine (His identity). 

This is our pathway to growth.  As we learn to have the death of the cross work in us, we still are allowed to have our own identity. OUR IDENTITY IS IN THE NEW CREATION. Although the Cross must eliminate many things it does not annihilate our identity. As we are having Christ manifest within us our New Nature must also go forth. We begin to manifest the Spirit of God in an intimate way. 

This is a sight to behold. Think on this—The child of God has the Spirit of God manifest throughout their inner most being. We have the resurrected life of Christ manifested in us. WOW! 

Through this process a oneness with God is taken up. This must take place within our vessels before our transformation into the NEW MAN/WOMAN of God. We become so identified with Christ and the NEW LIFE—That we become God minded in Spirit and heart. The mind of Christ is being instilled within us. 

The characteristic of God is manifested throughout our own character. We begin intimate the nature of God in us through His Spirit. 

Brethren, we have the Spirit of God manifest in our vessels.  Put off this garment of flesh and put on the garment of the Most High God. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron

What comes to mind when we think about coming into His presence?  I’m sure everybody may have a different answer.  Do you remember your baptism and the zeal you had.  I was baptized at the Feast of Tabernacles down in Wagner, Oklahoma.  I was overwhelmed that there were over five hundred people there, and they didn’t even know me. But this was my immaturity as a baby in Christ.  They were welcoming another brother into the Body of Christ.  I can still remember that incredible moment in my life, Ministers laying hands on me and praying for a newly begotten child of God.  That was and still is a very special time in my life. 

Today I have this desire as never before in my own life to develop a deep passion for His presence.  As we draw closer to Him, the more we should reflect on Him in our life. We develop an increased sensitivity to His presence within us. Psalm 21:6. For You have made him (David) most blessed forever; You made him exceedingly joyful with Your presence (A Faithful Version) We know by looking at Davids spiritual life that he had his ups and downs. 

Have you ever lost your relationship or rhythm with God?  Over my spiritual journey I have had my ups and downs like everybody.  There have been times when you wonder what happened to that zeal for prayer and Bible-Study.  It just seemed like it vanished.  When we look back at these situations, we can see the cares of this world came crashing in and took our zeal away. 

We have to remember God’s promises.  Exodus 33:14. And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. (A Faithful Version) 

1 Samuel 7:12. And Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, (stone of help) saying, “The LORD has helped us until now (A Faithful Version) 

Look at your own spiritual battles and like me I’m sure you can see God’s intervention and He was the stone we leaned on to get through it. 

We all fight different physical and spiritual battles.  In the world today there seems to be a spirit of bitterness and unforgiveness.   

Matthew 6:14. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (A Faithful Version) 

The love of God cannot flow through a bitter or resentful unforgiving heart. Luke 23:34. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And as they divided His garments, they cast lots. (A Faithful Version) 

Christ wanted His heart to remain an open channel of love.  Why? 1 John 4:8. The one who does not love does not know God because God is love. (A Faithful Version) 

God is love. To represent the perfect expression of God’s character, Christ had to maintain His Father’s love. 

A powerful lesson here for us.  Christ forgave those who nailed Him to the cross.  Brethren, our destiny is to become like Christ, As Christ is, so we must also be.  Our journey should be one with a heart and mind filled with His love.  A heart that knows how to forgive and be forgiven. 

John 15:7. If you dwell in Me, and My words dwell in you, you shall ask whatever you desire, and it shall come to pass for you (A Faithful Version) His desires should become our desires.  

2 Corinthains 5:17. Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (A Faithful Version) 

The problem is that we don’t always feel like a new creation. Catching the Firey darts of our Adversary and the spirit of this world, our Adamic Nature {the old man} sometimes rears its ugly head. Sometimes feeling overcome our faith crumbles before us and making it difficult to believe the old man {Adamic Nature} has truly passed away and we are living by the New Man in Christ. 

Proverbs 23:7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he; “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. (A Faithful Version) 

The gate way to our closeness with Christ is the crucifixion.  You might be wondering how that is.  When we went under the waters of baptism, we put our old man (Adamic Nature) to death our old way of thinking was crucified with Christ.  When we rose out of the waters of baptism, we became as new being in Christ.  It is only through this that we have the ability to enter into the presence of God. 

Hebrews 4:16. Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (A Faithful Version) 

God desires for us to come into His presence.  Philippians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; 6. Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7. But emptied Himself, and was made in the likeness of men, and took the form of a servant;  8. And being found in the manner of man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  (A Faithful Version) 

Luke 9:23. Then He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and let him take up his cross daily, and let him follow Me (A Faithful Version) 

Our heart-cry should be, “Lord, help me to pick up my cross and to die to self! By the power of the Holy Spirit, put to death my (Adamic Nature) my old self.” 

1 Corinthians 15:31. I die daily by our boasting which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord (A Faithful Version) 

The apostle Paul came to understand that he had to put his (Adamic Nature) to death each day.  We can’t be afraid of dying to self—many find it hard to let the old man stay in the grave—If we would only let the New Man in Christ direct our life, we would see there is a better way of life to be enjoyed!  LIFE OVER DEATH. 

Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ, yet I live. Indeed, it is no longer I; but Christ lives in me. For the life that I am now living in the flesh, I live by faith—that very faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me (A Faithful Version) 

Our responsibility is to put the Old Man to death and surrender our spirit to the Spirit of God within us to create the New Man in Christ. 

It is by the gift of His Holy Spirit and Word of God that we develop an intimate oneness with God. 

Having come before the King of Kings clothed in the New Man Jesus Christ, and the love of God, He bids us to enter the throne room where we are in the very presence of the Most High God. This should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.  

There is a pattern in both the physical realm and the Spiritual realm that applies.  The most consistent pattern in a broken relationship is the lack of communication. The Spirit of the Living God is the device we use to come into the presence of God. 

Don’t let anything hold you back from coming into the presence of God and seeing His Glory.  Keep that intimate relationship alive. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron

We just came through Passover and reconfirmed our commitment we made with Him at baptism.

Romans 6:1. What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin, so that grace may abound?

2. MAY IT NEVER BE! We who died to sin, how shall we live any longer therein?

3. Or are you ignorant that we, as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus, were baptized into His death?

4. Therefore, we were buried with Him through the baptism into the death A literal translation from the Greek, meaning one’s covenant death with Christ and His death through the operation of baptism by full immersion in water; so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, in the same way, we also should walk in newness of life.

5. For if we have been conjoined together in the likeness of His death, so also shall we be in the likeness of His resurrection.

6. Knowing this, that our old man was co-crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be destroyed, so that we might no longer be enslaved to sin;

7. Because the one who has died to sin has been justified from sin.

8. Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him (A Faithful Version)

Now what? Is there anything we must do now that Passover-Lord’s Supper is over? Just as we came out of the waters of baptism cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb. It is not a time to let down. Don’t you feel clean and have a peace about you knowing that last year’s sins have been erased. I always try to put extra focus on the NEW MAN IN CHRIST, having put away the OLD MAN. Notice; 1 Corinthians 5:7. Therefore, purge out the old leaven, so that you may become a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. 8. For this reason, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (A Faithful Version)

We have gone through the Passover ceremony having our sins cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb.

2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Don’t you of your own selves know that Jesus Christ is in you? Otherwise, you are reprobates. (A Faithful Version)

G3985
Original: πειράζω
Transliteration: peirazō
Phonetic: pi-rad’-zo
Thayer Definition:
⦁ to try whether a thing can be done
⦁ to attempt, endeavor
⦁ to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

3.to try or test one’s faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin (A Faithful Version)

Are we ready to settle back into our normal comfortable life for another year. I pray we understand that we are just beginning again. Are we striving to obtain the above meaning (for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself). You might be thinking God knows who I am and I would say to you that is right.

Notice; Jeremiah 17:9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? 10. I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings (A Faithful Version)

Not only at Passover, but our examining of our hearts and minds should be a daily thing. You might be thinking this is a little excessive, isn’t it? Why did Paul say he had to DIE DAILY in the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians? He knew the power of the Adamic Nature—do we?

Brethren, are we keeping journals of our Spiritual journey? How is your walk in the faith any different than last year? Are we moving the needle as it were towards Christ? Do we find our new being putting on the mind of Christ, or still living in the old carnal Adamic nature.

Colossians 3:9. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man together with his deeds,

10. And have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him Who created him;

11. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian nor Scythian, slave nor free; but Christ is all things, and in all.

12. Put on then, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, deep inner affections, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering;

13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so also you should forgive.

14. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection (A Faithful Version)

The above Scripture is what this time of year is all about. Putting our old man to death—and putting on the new man in Christ.

Think about this how did Satan gain control of the kingdoms of this world? Through man’s sins. If we remember what happened in the Garden of Eden. It was Adam and Eve that God gave dominion over the world. Important point—it was through disobedience that God relinquished it to the one they obeyed.
Romans 6:16. Don’t you realize that to whom you yield yourselves as servants to obey, you are servants of the one you obey, whether it is of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness (A Faithful Version)

I can’t stress the importance of Passover—Lord’s Supper enough. Going through baptism and Passover have we relinquished the power of the old man and gave all things to the NEW CREATION IN CHRIST? To understand Satan, we must understand Scripture with the mind of the Spirit for, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:10. But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things—even the deep things of God.

11. For who among men understands the things of man except by the spirit of man which is in him? In the same way also, the things of God no one understands except by the Spirit of God.

12. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is of God, so that we might know the things graciously given to us by God;

13. Which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Holy Spirit in order to communicate spiritual things by spiritual means.

14. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

15. However, the one who is spiritual discerns all things, but he himself is discerned by no one.

16. For who has known the mind of the Lord? Who shall instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. (A Faithful Version)

Brethren, we have a target on our backs. Our Adversary is relentless. He is seeking an opportunity to bring our old man back to the surface to show who we truly follow. Satan relentlessly is searching for his next victim. Don’t become his next victim.

Every time we overcome the Adversary; we are made stronger by experience. And the presence of the NEW MAN CHRIST JESUS is manifested within our being.

But of course, we don’t do it by our own human strength. But by the BLOOD OF THE LAMB.

Keep the Blood of the Lamb on the doorposts of your heart.

Brethren when we reflect, it should be over the price that had to be paid as a penalty for our sins. And the trust is that God the Father accepted this offering as the payment for sin.

Don’t take this offering lightly as we start another year in our journey to the promised land.

Your brother in Christ,

Ron

In the first few chapters of the book of Proverbs, God instructs us many times to seek wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

So many are merely sifters of information rather than seekers of wisdom. Right here I am giving you a glimpse of my early calling. I was all about information–knowledge even though in my baby status I didn’t have any idea how to use it and share it with others.

You have to learn what information works in life. Just having a huge flow of information will not make you wise. A very good example of this is the mass of information that comes to us via the internet. People are suffering from information overload. It does not lead to better lives just to have access to an endless stream of information. People are not learning to be more loving and kind because of the current information explosion.

One must learn–through time and experience. EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER. What is misinformation and propaganda, from what information that can be used.  To be able to discern the difference is where wisdom comes in.  

Wisdom usually comes from years of learning. If one is truly seeking God, then wisdom will come to them through time and experience.

It is a contradiction to become a truly educated person while still young. Of course, the way the school system works is they set a pattern of teaching with giving tests to the students. And if the students can remember enough of the facts to pass through high school and college then they are given a piece of paper to say that they are an educated person. But our education can only begin in school, it will take a lifetime to learn the lessons we need to become a truly educated person.

This pattern of teaching has been part of the problem in the Churches over the years. A young person is sent to a Church college, then they are ordained a minister and sent to teach a congregation, a congregation that much of the time has members with more wisdom and experience than the young minister. But because of the pulpit type of format of teaching there is no interaction at services where the other members can share their life’s experiences and wisdom. This is why I like to open my messages up for interaction. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

If interaction were allowed it would help the minister with his task, “the whole body building itself up in love.”  That’s why God left us the 1 Corinthians 14; type format which each having an opportunity to speak: 1 Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  

Keep in mind that the word prophesy also means inspired speaking, not just the telling of future events. Each member can be inspired by God and can share what God is putting into their hearts and minds. Having experienced this open type of format for many years, I can share with you from the experience that it is really a blessing when handled in the right way. There is much more growth in these open type formats that allows everyone to participate. It is really a blessing to behold when the Spirit of God works at these meetings. His Spirit can flow from believer to believer to the edification of all.

If we will learn to keep an open mind you will learn from most interactions that you have in life. If you will allow God to teach you humility so that you can walk with Him, then He will teach you from all your surroundings. It can be a chat with a friend, a history book, or even a TV program. If you stay with God, He will see to it that you learn what He wants you to learn from each encounter. The whole world will become your training ground if we submit to God and follow the lead of His Spirit.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

I look back at my own life and the quest for material pursuits–it satisfied the physical lust within but did nothing in the cultivation of my mind.  It was only when I started to seek God and His wisdom first, I found it to be just like He promised. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Few people take the time to think and reason things out as they should to better their lives. May pay expensive consultants to study their problems when much of the time they could understand how to deal with the problems themselves if they took the time to reflect and examine the situation as they should.  I am not against seeking counsel, for God tells us to seek wise counsel, and some have been helped by these counselors. But what we need to understand as believers is how important it is to examine our lives so that we can have God’s wisdom to deal with the problems we encounter.

Most people don’t continue their education after high school or college years. Instead, they go to school to get enough education to get fitted for a job and get into the routine of the work and spend cycle. And rarely do some break out of this to seek the cultivation of the mind. But there is no way that we can truly live a full life without seeking the wisdom and mind of God.

Too many believers are caught up in seeking wealth and status, and there is little time left in their lives for seeking the wisdom of God. So, they continue in their frustration. God says in Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  

Brethren don’t get caught up in the rat race, most are.  Instead, learn to seek God out and let Him lead you to a full life He wants for you here and now. And at the end of the road–the wisdom that you have let Him instill inside of you—this education will step into eternity.

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron

As we approach this time of year our hearts and minds should begin to turn towards the Passover, and once again we are to 2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Don’t you of your own selves know that Jesus Christ is in you? Otherwise, you are reprobates (A Faithful Version) We examine ourselves in the light of our relationship with the Lord Jesus, our Messiah. 

As we study 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, we see there are 2 aspects of the Body of Christ That we should come to understand.  The first and foundational aspect is the personal experience of the physical body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

The Son of God sacrificed Himself allowing His physical body to be humiliated, shredded and ripped apart by the whip, the crown of thorns pounded into his scalp, and the nails thrust into His hands and feet.  Not to mention the mental anguish He had to go through, when He realized that His Father had completely removed Himself from His presence.  Matthew 27:46. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (A Faithful Version) I believe this had to be more painful than the physical beating He endured for us.   

The effect of all this was that His shed blood was enough, in the Father’s eyes, to satisfy all the claims of justice against us, and not only we believers but the whole world as well. 1 John 2:2. And He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (A Faithful Version) 

 This is why we are considered as justified in Christ Jesus, by the Father, and part of why we are to remember and proclaim His death every year by partaking of the symbols of the bread and wine. We can never-by-pass the blood of Jesus Christ. 

This brings us to the second aspect of the Body of Christ.  1 Corinthians 11: 28. But let a man examine himself, and let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup accordingly 29. Because the one who eats and drinks unworthily is eating and drinking judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. 30. For this very reason, many are weak and sickly among you, and many have fallen asleep. 31. Now if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged. 32. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, so that we will not be condemned with the world. (A Faithful Version)

Because there is little depth of understanding, the Body many among you are spiritually weak, and spiritually sick, and a number are as spiritually dead.   

 As we continue into the second aspect of the Body, that Paul shares with us in 1 Corinthians 12:1. Now brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant concerning the spiritual gifts. (A Faithful Version) 

So, Paul is revealing some deeper spiritual understanding for us in the rest of chapter 12. I would encourage you to take some time to read and meditate on the entire 12th chapter. Take special note of verses 12, 18, and 27 he writes, 12. For even as the body is one and has many members, yet all the members of the one body, though many, are one body; so also is Christ. 18. But now has God Himself placed each one of the members in the body according to His own will. 27. Now you are the body of Christ, and you are all individual members. (A Faithful Version)

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  How awesome is that. I assume that most of you are at least familiar with this chapter, but I wonder how many truly comprehend the depth of what is being revealed here. 

The effect of this resurrection on all believers in Jesus Christ is that we have direct access to the very throne of God in and through Jesus the Christ.  Hebrews 4:16. Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (A Faithful Version) And as we come to accept the reality of this privilege, it will prepare us for the Holy Spirit to build the very life of Christ into the dept of our being. 

Romans 8:34. Who is the one that condemns? It is Christ Who died, but rather, Who is raised again, Who is even now at the right hand of God, and Who is also making intercession for us. (A Faithful Version) 

The body whom we call Jesus is not on this earth, but the Father’s plan and work continue to move on the earth to this very day, through the body whom we call the Church of God—the called-out ones. 

The is why the Father wants us to have (Spiritual) things. Romans 8:32. He Who did not spare even His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also grant us all things together with Him? (A Faithful Version) “Now we are Christ’s body, and individual members of it.” 

WHY DOES THE FATHER CONSIDER US CHRIST’S BODY?  It is because our human bodies are the containers—vessels of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, whom we have from God, and that we are not our own.  Notice; 1 Corinthians 6:19. WHAT! Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, which you have within you from God, and you are not your own? 20. For you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (A Faithful Version) 

WE HAVE BEEN BOUGHT WITH A PRICE; THEREFORE, WE SHOULD GLORIFY GOD IN OUR DAILY LIVING. 

Paul had previously said to them 1 Corinthians 3:1. And, I, brethren, was not able to speak to you as to those who are spiritual, but as to those who are carnal—even as to babes in Christ. 2. I gave you milk to drink, and not meat; for you were not yet able to receive spiritual meat; and neither are you able now, 3. For you are still carnal. For since envy and contention and divisions are among you, are you not carnal? And are you not walking according to human ways? And when we read again in 1 Corinthians 11:30. For this very reason, many are weak and sickly among you, and many have fallen asleep. (A Faithful Version) 

Do we see how Paul was trying to get their attention in order to change their attitude and their approach to life. There seems to be a general theme of both letters to the Corinthian Church.  Paul was building them up (Spiritually) and not tearing them down.  2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Don’t you of your own selves know that Jesus Christ is in you? Otherwise, you are reprobates. (A Faithful Version) 

This test was not IF Christ dwells in them, because he had already told them this truth (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but the test was whether or not they understood and trusted in this fact and applied it to their lives. 

What a vision we can catch when we become God minded. Philippians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (A Faithful Version)  He knew God dwelled within Him and yielded Himself accordingly as an example for us. 

 As we examine ourselves this year, ask the Father to give us light and reveal to us the depth of this second aspect of the Body of Christ, and what it means to us personally.    

As He does this, then we should begin to see the connection we have with our Father more clearly, and the need we have for drawing near Him especially at the Passover Service, but also into the Days of Unleavened Bread. 

Your Brother in Christ, 

Ron