The Standard of Unity in the Body of Christ?

Diversity of the Body of Christ?

• 1 Corinthians 12:12 Living Bible (TLB) Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ.
• Revelation 7:9 (ESV) After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

THE STANDARD OF UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST - The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 

• NIV- In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
• NRSV- Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
• AMPLIFIED- Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

  

LOVE IS THE BINDING FORCE OF UNITY

Colossians 3:14 (NIV) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

THE PURPOSE OF UNITY

5. Ephesians 4:11-13 (MSG) He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.

THE MEANS OF UNITY

John 17:23 (NLT) I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

THE PROOF OF UNITY

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

VICTORY IS THE GOAL OF UNITY  

Philippians 1:27,28 (MSG) Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God.

Further Study...

www.gotquestions.org

1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV) “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess.

Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s (“Strategic”) plan in the world—to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation/Redemption for sinners. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It means we share Jesus’ perspective of humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8), compassion (Matthew 9:36), and prayerful dependence on God (Luke 5:16).

In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:

1) The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (verses 5-6).

2) The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (verse 7).

3) The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (verses 10-12).

4) The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (verse 14).

5) The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (verse 15).

In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Romans 12:1-2).   

Warning against Rejecting God’s Grace...

He is shaking all that can be shaken so that what remains is that which cannot be shaken

Hebrews 12:26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe.

Matthew 18:3

New Living Translation

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

English Standard Version

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Study Bible

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Literal Bible

and said, "Truly I say to you, if you are not converted and become as the little children, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens.

King James Bible

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven

The battle for our Attention?

WIKIPEDIA: Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought. Focalization, concentration, of consciousness are of its essence."^[1] Attention has also been described as the allocation of limited cognitive processing resources.^[2] 

Attention is manifested by an attentional bottleneck, in terms of the amount of data the brain can process each second

The weapon of spiritual warfare against attention is "distraction"...

Do you ever think about your thoughts? Have you ever wondered why you argue with yourself?

2 Cor. 10:3-5 MEV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 5 casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

IDEA - noun.  any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity.      a thought, conception, or notion:

Knowledge?

WIKIPEDIA... 

Knowledge is a familiarity or awareness, of someone or something, such as facts (descriptive knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects (acquaintance knowledge) contributing to ones understanding. By most accounts, knowledge can be acquired in many different ways and from many sources, including but not limited to perception, reason, memory, testimony, scientific inquiry, education, and practice. The philosophical study of knowledge is called.. epistemology? 

"the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion."

Justified belief?

Godliness? Holiness? Righteousness? All wrapped up in the word "Blameless"!

Godliness - “a proper response to the things of God, which produces obedience and righteous living.”

"Put simply, godliness is living a fruitful, obedient Christian life" Dr. David Jeremiah

The Oxford definition of righteousness is “the quality of being morally right or justifiable,”  So, righteousness is the condition of being proven or declared morally excellent, while holiness is the condition of being consecrated or dedicated to moral excellence.

Christ-followers should focus their effort on pursuing holiness in conduct, attitude, and thought.

Repentance for the Born again believer?

Re-engaging with God's perspective by aligning with His Heart and Mind.

In Prayer! In His Presence! I go to Him for the big things I think are important. They are! BUT, He speaks to me about the small steps. The little things that are weighty. Steps of obedience; essential to the transformation of my mind. And therefore, my actions.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. Recognize His guiding Voice in everything you are doing. And He will lead you in the way He created you to be!.

God's thoughts?

What if you only cared about what God thought of you, instead of what others thought about you?

What if you only cared about what God thought of others, instead of what you thought of others?

How would your life be different? 

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

battle fronts?

How many fronts are you engaging the enemy in?... Here's a better question. How many fronts is the enemy engaging you in?

https://www.gotquestions.org/suffering-for-Christ.html...

"To follow Christ means we die to our own way of doing things. We consider our will, our rights, our passions, and our goals to be crucified on the cross with Him. Our right to direct our own lives is dead to us (Philippians 3:7–8). Death involves suffering. The flesh does not want to die. Dying to self is painful and goes against our natural inclination to seek our own pleasure. But we cannot follow both Christ and the flesh (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24; Romans 8:8). Jesus said, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62)."

Unity in Diversity

 “Unity does not equal conformity or uniformity. Diversity of perspective, aligned with the Holy Spirit, provides needed perspectives for unforeseen opportunities.”

The way?

Jesus is the Way!?

He said I am the way the truth and the life.

The Way? Not just the path but also the door.

Exchange of Sovereignty?

Isaiah 46:8-11
“Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.

End of Days? Do not let yourself be deceived!

The time is coming quickly, in fact it is already here, that if we continue to trust our own understanding we will be led down a path of deception. Change is upon us, rapid change is overtaking the world. As evil aligns itself on a global scale, this change will decieve many.

Make right your relationship with the Father, make right your relationship with your spouse, make right your relationships with your children and grandchildren, make right the way that you are walking, everything will be shaken, strengthen what remains, seek the Lord while he may be found. Today is the time! How many tomorrows do you think you have? Are they enough?

Will you raise a Hallelujah in the middle of the storm?

Why God Hides Himself and 5 ways to Find Him - Joseph Mattera

OCTOBER 8, 2019/ https://josephmattera.org/god-hides-5-ways-find/

Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 45:15 that God hides Himself. This means that He does not reveal Himself to casual seekers – truly it is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out Proverbs 25:2, hence it is a royal and noble task to plumb the depths of the knowledge and glory of God!

Diamonds are usually not found on the surface of the earth – they have to be sought out and dug up out of the earth. If they were easily found they would be common and as worthless and common rock and dirt. So, how does a person find God and to whom does He disclose Himself?

For one, it says in Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find Him when we search for Him with our whole heart! He reveals Himself to those who search for Him as for hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:4-5

Secondly, we need to respond to Him when He initiates contact with us: when He prompts our heart to seek His face we need to immediately respond and seek Him Psalm 27:8. We are to seek the Lord while He may be found, Isaiah 55:6, which means there are God-ordained opportune times when He is specifically drawing us to Himself – to ignore this prompting is to take advantage of the grace of God since no one can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws Him John 6:44 another moment like this may never come!

Thirdly, we need to consider the fact that God never told us to “merely say prayers” but to hunger and thirst for Him and earnestly seek Him Matthew 5:6; Hebrews 11:6.

Fourthly, He expects believers to regularly carve out time and initiate contact with Him as He admonishes us to intentionally grow in the grace and knowledge of Him and draw near to God so He can draw near to us 2 Peter 3:18 and James 4:8.

Lastly, God doesn’t reveal Himself to the casual observer but to those who prioritize a worshipful relationship with Him above all else. This means carving out quality time pouring over His word, worship, and prayer on a daily basis that gives God the opportunity to reveal Himself and mature us in His Son. He said, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me” Proverbs 8:17.

It's Time!

Serious real honest genuine open pursuit heart mind trust obey change transformation

Corporate Revival begins with an individual Heart

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit.

QUOTE FROM R.A. TORREY 

“I have a theory…that there is not a church, chapel, or mission on earth where you cannot have revival, provided there is a little nucleus of faithful people who will hold onto God until He comes down.

First, Let a few Christians – there need not be many – get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest I am going to say will come to nothing.

Second, let them bind themselves together in prayer groups to pray for revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.

Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use them as He sees fit in the winning of others to Christ.

That is all. This is sure to bring revival to any church or any community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed, and it cannot fail.”

------------

Corporate Revival begins with the individual

Intimation? Inklings?

INTIMATION: the action of making something known, especially in an indirect way.

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him...

 
INKLINGS: a slight knowledge or suspicion; a hint.

Have you ever thought "I think God is trying to tell me something"? If so, understand it is the Holy Spirit's way of drawing out those who are serious about their relationship with Him from those who aren't.

where do you put your hope?

Where you put your hope really reveals where you put your trust.

Hope reveals your thoughts for the future. What you trust in is the foundation of your hope. Are your thoughts based in the reality of your situation. I mean a clear understanding. Or are they based in wishful thinking?

If the foundation of your hope is sinking sand and not the "Solid Rock", then your hope is based on lies and delusions of who you "think" you are.

Why the Cross.

“The New Hampshire Confession.” “We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.”

Psalm 89:14  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

"Righteousness is the moral standard of right and wrong based on God’s divine standard. Justice is the equitable and impartial application of God’s moral law in society. And God wants both." https://decisionmagazine.com/tony-evans-gods-kingdom-demands-righteousness-and-justice/

GENESIS 18:16–33

“For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice” (Gen. 18:19).

https://www.journal-advocate.com/2019/08/16/roberts-sin-and-the-fall-the-rebellion-of-humanity/amp

In The Presence of God - CORAM DEO

Integrity.  noun

1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

"he is known to be a man of integrity"

2. the state of being whole and undivided.

"upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty"

"The integrity of one's life needs to take place in Coram deo.  Learn to live/operate from and within your relationship with God in the Here and Now", as opposed to merely living/operating according to your understanding of the principles of God." Proverbs 3:5-6

Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated "in the presence of God" from Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-does-coram-deo-mean

Follow me as I follow Christ

To know Christ, and him crucified

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto death

Forsake not the gathering together of the brethren

When they gathered together they all had something to share about what God was doing in their lives

Paul a disciple of christ? 

Savior & Lord! By Grace, through Faith?

SAVIOR...

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 4:16 Because of this it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that which is of the law only, but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham,

1 Peter 1:5 They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

Romans 3:24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.


LORD...

Matthew 7:21  Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

James 1:22  Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

Luke 6:46  "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet don't do what I tell you?

Substitutionary Virtue?

If you're a fan of a sports team it's because you have some sort of connection with that team. You identify with the team by geography, or maybe you identify with the team by your participation in what the team represents ie. high School or a college you attended.

You identify with the team in some way. Like by sport; I'm a Packers fan, by school; I'm an Notre Dame fan. You cheer on your team and praise the virtues of particular athletes and their team. You feel good when your team wins. I might say you rejoice when they win, because they earned it. Hard work, teamwork, dedication and stick-to-itiveness. 

Commendable virtues applied and the victory gained. 

You rejoice and feel good? Because your team won. As though their victory was your victory? Isn't that weird?

Addictions 2

 Ad·dic·tion - noun: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

We are all addicts of something...

• Alcoholic: addicted to alcohol.
• Workaholic: addicted to work.
• Chocaholic: addicted chocolate.
• Spendaholic : addicted to spending money.
• Sportsaholic : lives to watch or play sport.
• Talkaholic : Incessant talking.
• Tweetaholic : Addicted to tweeting.

The one addiction that trumps them all is the “addiction to self-will”.

"I'm going to do what I want to do!"

It began in the garden of Eden and continues to this day. We are aware of Good and evil and seem to instinctively know when someone has trespassed against us. We don't pay heed to God's guidance and counsel and instead we "trust in our own understanding" as we respond/react to those who have done us wrong. Thus the cycle of self-will reaps ill-will in our hearts and our relationships. And we find all sorts of ways (other addictions) to ease our unhappiness for a moment!

A Relationship Addiction? You think, I need someone to love! 

You really mean "I need someone to love me." Well not really. What you mean is that you want someone to like you. To laugh at your jokes. To want to spend time in your presence. To agree with your perspective and to make you happy. (There's so much more that I could list.) Let's just say you have "Expectations".

God's Will

God's tactical, unique and specific will for you is unlike anyone else's. But His will for you is in the context of Psalm 33:11...

"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

God Strategic Will, His plan and purpose throughout history, are revealed "in Christ". The Strategic truths found in the bible are foundational to equip you to understand His tactical will for you and how He's called and equipped you to help Him with His Purpose & Mission; to Redeem all of Creation.

the bread and the wine

What is the bread? The thrashing floor.

What is the wine? The wine press.

The bread of life

Prayers of the intercessor

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” 1John 5:14-15.

JESUS OUR EXAMPLE...
Luke 22:42 says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Billy Graham answered the question about prayer this way: “Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. It is like a child’s conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs.”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,” Romans 12:1-2.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us how to apply God’s will to our lives: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As does Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
"For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND and PURPOSES OF THE LORD, SO AS TO INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]" 1 Cor. 2:16 Amplified Bible

https://www.gotquestions.org/intercessory-prayer.html

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!

 

There is Abundance of Grace in Christ

Romans 5:17  (NABRE)

For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

"Indwelt" by the Holy Spirit not "possessed' by Him. In fact Indwelt by the Holy Spirit means "I possess Him".

Romans 8:9: “You . . . are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU holyjoys.org/who-is-the-holy-spirit

"Understand that the Holy Spirit is a real Person, not just a force or a presence or a power. You must recognize Him as a Person. He can talk to you. He is praying for you, just as Christ is praying for you. He will teach you what you need to know. He will guide you in your decisions. He tells you that you are a child of God. He will personally clean up the “rooms” of your innermost being when you let Him. You can submit to His voice or reject His voice. If you disobey His voice, He will be grieved. If you persist in your disobedience, you will grieve Him out of your life. Respecting the Holy Spirit as a person is necessary for your relationship with Him."

Read More

Jesus says I see you!

We all want to be noticed, recognized, and known. 

 There is overwhelming joy in knowing that Jesus sees me and knows me. Because I know He loves me despite my failings. A sovereign joy because I believe His promises to me. They are a sure foundation for my future. This is why I delight in His corrective chastisement as He guides me in the call and plan He created me to fulfill. 

John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.

There is no Joy outside of God's sovereign Will.

https://www.randolphbrown.com/2014/11/known.html

A father's Heart?

 How do we describe it?

Why seek God?

For His heart and mind, what He thinks and how He feels about you and the situation you are "currently in".

For His presence! For peace and rest.

For His power! To overcome.

For His Authority. To walk in His ways.

Truth Separated from God Becomes Deception

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life (Light). No one comes to the Father, except through me.

John 1:4  In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Ephesians 2:18  For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Truth is like a "lit" candle. It burns in the darkness and Lights our way. Without oxygen, the flame goes out. But you still have a candle in your hand. You may think you are walking down the path because you possess a candle. But without oxygen, you are bound to stumble, fall and, eventually die.

Like oxygen to a lit candle, the Holy Spirit is to Biblical truth. Biblical principles separated from the Holy Spirit become deception.

The promise attained?

Remember when you gave your life to Christ? All the promises find their yes in Him. The promise of God motivates obedience. Obedience is a path of discovery and growth. Then you obtain what was promised. Your motivation fades. You rely on what you know. You trust in your own understanding. And God waits patiently.

You’ve “attained”. Gone is the need to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” Your love for God becomes gratefulness and dependence fades away. You are thankful but your seeking heart subsides. Self-will dominates your thoughts. You have yet to learn God’s love for you is revealed in not what he can give you but in His desire to be with you. For you to know Him, and for Him to know you.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 

Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Paul said...

Phil. 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.

A promise to restore what was lost? The enemy can fulfill such a promise.

The promise of eternal life is fulfilled only "In Christ."

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and

Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Free Will

"Free Will" is made possible by choice. This not that... 

The ability to make a choice is "FREEDOM."

The choice to stay "FREE" is to accept responsibility for the consequence of your choices. You can say "No, thank you" to those who would limit your potential because of their expectation for you.

"FREEDOM, RESPONSIBILITY, CONSEQUENCE?"

Be free. And don't blame anyone else for the choices you've made in the past and the consequences that resulted. Seek the one who knows exactly who He created you to be. His plan for you, it's like no one else's. You can't imagine His hope for your future. Get to know Him. Trust His guidance and follow it.

A Word from the Lord 02-15-2011

02-15-2011   This great adventure I have had the privilege to participate in is about to go through a time of unexpected hardship. As it will be for every small enterprise that has set out to be successful.

Foundations will be shaken and the outcome is not guaranteed. But it will be a time also of exceptional opportunity for those who saw it coming and for those who get prepared. Time is short, but in a multitude of counselors, we can circle round and build the bulwark that will give us a chance to weather the storm. If we survive we will be in a position to take advantage of new opportunities that we had not conceived of before.

We need to look around us and understand who it is that have parts to play. The ones of like mind, not only committed but energized by their personal convictions. 

In the economy of God's Kingdom, there is no leadership but that of the Holy Spirit.

We are called to go and make disciples. A disciple is fundamentally a follower. In the kingdom of God, they are a follower of Jesus Christ.

https://rickhowerton.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/you-are-my-disciple-if-the-five-ifs-of-a-disciple/

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

In the world, leadership is highly valued. But in the kingdom of God, it is servanthood that is the path to greatness. So what is a true Disciple of Christ?

Rick Howerton Sums it up very well...

"IF someone exhibits love toward others, learns and lives the expectations unearthed in Scripture, denies self in all situations, has as their first relational allegiance Jesus Christ, and will die for the cause of Christ, then they can rest assured, they are a disciple of Jesus Christ."

---------------------------------------------------

All that are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God.

The greatest among you will be servant of all 

PROVOKE!

Where is it used in the Bible? 

This will help you make sense of my March 7th posts...

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
6 Remember (Recognize) the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Oh, and this...

 Romans 8:14
New International Version
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

New Living Translation
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

English Standard Version
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Berean Study Bible
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

New American Standard Bible
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.

NASB 1995
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

NASB 1977
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Amplified Bible
For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Christian Standard Bible
For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons.

Contemporary English Version
Only those people who are led by God's Spirit are his children.

Good News Translation
Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children.

International Standard Version
For all who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

NET Bible
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.

Modern Translations

Gosh, and this one!

Hebrews 11:6 

Modern Translations

New International Version

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

New Living Translation

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

English Standard Version

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Berean Study Bible

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

New American Standard Bible

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

NASB 1995

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

NASB 1977

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Amplified Bible

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Christian Standard Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Contemporary English Version

But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.

Good News Translation

No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

International Standard Version

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

NET Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

And this Scriptural truth...

Romans 14:23

Modern Translations

New International Version

But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

New Living Translation

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

English Standard Version

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Berean Study Bible

But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.

New American Standard Bible

But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

NASB 1995

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

NASB 1977

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Amplified Bible

But he who is uncertain [about eating a particular thing] is condemned if he eats, because he is not acting from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful].

Christian Standard Bible

But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from a conviction, and everything that is not from a conviction is sin.

Contemporary English Version

But if you do have doubts about what you eat, you are going against your beliefs. And you know that is wrong, because anything you do against your beliefs is sin.

Good News Translation

But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

But if a person has doubts and still eats, he is condemned because he didn't act in faith. Anything that is not done in faith is sin.

International Standard Version

But the person who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not act in faith; and anything that is not done in faith is sin.

NET Bible

But the man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not do so from faith, and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Let's consider this Scriptural truth...

James 4:17

Modern Translations

New International Version

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.

New Living Translation

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

English Standard Version

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Berean Study Bible

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

New American Standard Bible

So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.

NASB 1995

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

NASB 1977

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Amplified Bible

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.

Christian Standard Bible

So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn't do it.

Contemporary English Version

If you don't do what you know is right, you have sinned.

Good News Translation

So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

Whoever knows what is right but doesn't do it is sinning.

International Standard Version

Therefore, anyone who knows what is right but fails to do it is guilty of sin.

NET Bible

So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.

Go and sin no more! A call to be "Blameless"

Where are your accusers? Neither do I condemn you. Now go, and sin no more.

Need to go "ALL IN".

Not go all in... "BE" All in! 

In All your getting, get Understanding.

The Nature of our Existence and the Reality of our Perspective? 

The Veracity of Scripture

Continuity and Consistency bear witness to the Veracity of Scripture. 

The difference between "Just in case" and "Just in Time" Education

 When I think of the Word of God there are two types of education.

We all need to study the scriptures. This is "Just in case" education. This Word is called "Logos" It is used to refer to the written word of God, the Bible. We are told to; "And ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes." Deuteronomy 11:18.  As we do this, it is much easier to recognize the other Word of God in our lives.

Then there is "Just in Time" Education. This is the Word God speaks to us directly, through the Holy Spirit, in the moment we find ourselves. This is called "Rhema". It’s by the "Voice of God" in our thoughts that we can know God subjectively and experientially. This "Voice of God" is heard within our conscience. "All that are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God" Romans 8:14

You would do well to search the Bible for the word conscience. You'll begin to understand how much God has been speaking to you. Then you'll begin to understand Prov. 3:5-6...

New International Version
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

New Living Translation
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

King James Version
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.  6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Contemporary English Version
With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. 6. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.

Good News Translation
Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

KEY Words

Perspective, insight, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and ability; all through the Guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Authority, Power, truth, believe, Know, understand, backup, holy

"What" is Salvation?

It is...

Redeemed- made a Saint by Christ's sacrifice.

Justified- given the Righteousness of Christ in God's view.

Sanctification- being made Holy by the Lordship of Christ

Jesus Christ.

God is "Love". But He is also "Just". Jesus was born for one purpose. So that God could reconcile those two attributes with "Mercy". The Kingdom of God has upheld Justice through the sacrifice Jesus provided. Peace is what the Angels proclaimed to the Shepards the night Jesus was born. Reconciliation is what Jesus accomplished when he died on the cross. 

Colossians 2:13-15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians2:13-15&version=AMP

Foibles? The foundation of good comedy.

A nice way to say we all have flaws...

Inconsistencies. 

Contradictions...

blemish, defect

failing, fault, 

flaw,

frailty, 

imperfection,

inadequacy,

infirmity,

limitation,

shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness.

The truth separated from God becomes deception

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge

The truth sets you free if you believe it.

In all your getting get understanding Proverbs 4:7

Don't trust in your own understanding

The truth separated from God becomes deception

Proverbs 29:18 CEV Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law.

The Mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit

The Mind of Christ?

Perspective, insight, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and ability, all through the Guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Present Moment?: I call it the Here and Now.

The present moment is "where" and "when" we exist and have our being. Our understanding resides with our thoughts in the present moment. Our understanding is informed by our “perspective", which is derived from a combination of our five senses, our memory of the past that validates the present moment, and our ability to reason, which anticipates the future. Because of this, each individual has a “unique” and limited perspective.

Our perspective is limited by the laws of physics and the nature of our inertial frame, which is our physical body. This is why the truth of Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 is so important to understand. And why being Spirit-led is an essential aspect of every believer’s walk.

If we are born again, we are conscious of the Holy Spirit’s presence. According to His will, the Holy Spirit “informs” our perspective and therefore increases our understanding so, if we trust and obey, we can participate in what He is doing in the present moment (Revealing the Kingdom).

The present moment, the here and now, is the only place where a child of God is led by the Spirit of God. It's where the Holy Spirit reminds us of His leading in the past: John 14:26. It is where He speaks prophetically to us about the future.  John 16:13

The present moment is the only place where we can exercise Biblical Faith as we trust and obey the Holy Spirit's leading in the here and now!

Jesus said, "I assure you: The Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees (present-tense), the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does these things in the same way. Jn 5:19

Jesus also said, “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Jn 14:10

I Corinthians 12:4-7. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” 

Romans 12: 6-8. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
1 Peter 4:10-11. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

The ability to anticipate.

The problem is we think we can.verb: anticipate; 3rd person present: anticipates; past tense: anticipated; past participle: anticipated; gerund or present participle: anticipating

1. regard as probable; expect or predict. "she anticipated scorn on her return to the theater"

Similar: expect, foresee, predict, think likely, forecast, prophesy

Much of what we do is with an expectation of an anticipated response. Rarely are we satisfied with the response? Why? Maybe our expectation is flawed... I hear."be humble, let Me (GOD) add to your perspective."

Perspective? How do you "See" and "Hear"?

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know, your own perspective, and understanding. In all your ways acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Luke 8:18
So pay attention to “how” you hear. To those who listen to my guidance, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.

Thinking the thoughts of God. Growing up in Christ.

Whatever "situation" you find yourself in, seek God's "heart and mind" for you and the ones in the situation. His thoughts are of "Redemptive Soulutions" His heart is full of hope. He knows our full potential. He knows who He created you to be. Be that!

Do you ever think about your thoughts? Have you ever wondered why you argue with yourself?

2 Cor. 10:3-5 MEV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 5 casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

IDEA - noun. Any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity. a thought, conception, or notion:

 

What does the Bible say about Thoughts And The Mind?

"Now" & "Eternity"

God's "Presence" is "present" only in the present moment of the "here and now"! The here and now is where we invest in "Eternity" because "now" is where we abide in Christ. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. In Christ we abide in Eternity because He is Eternal.

My relationship with God exists in the here and now. There is no other "time or place"  to "Walk with God" 

time.

Have you noticed that no matter where you go, when you get there it's always now. Maybe that's why they call it the present moment. 

Servanthood?

Revelation 1:1

New Living Translation: This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to His servant John,

Berean Literal Bible: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants what things it behooves to take place in quickness. And He signified it through having sent His angel to His servant, John,

King James Bible: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John:

Contemporary English Version: This is what God showed to Jesus Christ, so that He could tell His servants what must happen soon. Christ then sent His angel with the message to His servant John.

Young's Literal Translation: A revelation of Jesus Christ, that God gave to Him, to shew to His servants what things it behoveth to come to pass quickly; and He did signify it, having sent through His messenger to His servant John,

Matthew 23:11

New International Version: The greatest among you will be your servant.

New Living Translation: The greatest among you must be a servant.

English Standard Version: The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Berean Study Bible: The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Berean Literal Bible: But the greatest among you will be your servant.

New American Standard Bible: "But the greatest among you shall be your servant.

King James Bible: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

I did not come to be served, but to serve.

Time and Place

Each is directly connected. 

"When and where?" we ask a friend when we plan to meet for coffee in the future. Reason gives us the ability to plan the future.

When we ask, "remember when", we are referencing a time and a place from our past. Memory gives us the ability to remember the past.

Time and place, when and where...

We exist, and live our life, and have our being, in the "HERE AND NOW".  

God's presence is revealed in the praises of his people!

Psalm 22:3.  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Blameless? God's ultimate call to Righteousness.

Definition of Blameless: innocent of wrongdoing.

Proverbs 15:9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.

"The quality of blamelessness is both a positional benefit of salvation and a moral character to be achieved."  William E. Brown (Bakers Evangelical Dictionary) 

The Righteousness of God Through Faith: Has 2 forms. The word “Believe” is essential for both.

 Gen. 15:6 "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him Righteousness.

1. Imputed Righteousness called Justification: by Grace
Righteousness as a “status”, not a quality of religious/moral perfection.

This righteousness “is a righteousness that we receive from God.” it means we are in a right relationship with God when we simply receive the imputed obedience of Christ and the forgiveness of sins through faith.

Romans 5:18-19 “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

2. Applied Righteousness called Sanctification: by Faith
Righteousness as an “Act of Faith” (Trust and Obey).

This righteousness is an act of trust and obedience that, by faith (See Faith Session), is put forth in our day-to-day relationship with the Holy Spirit. To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life being aware of the presence of God, submitting to His guidance, all for the glory of God and His Kingdom…

2 Thessalonians 2:13 “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work* of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” *present, future continuous tense

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” –

Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” –

Phil. 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

These two forms of Righteousness are reflected in the “Complete Gospel” by the words “Savior” and “Lord”.

The Gospel of “Salvation” and the Gospel of the "Kingdom", which Jesus preached and demonstrated, make up the Complete Gospel. Gospel means "Good News".

“You are saved (2Timothy 1:9). You are being Saved (1Corinthians 1:18). You will be saved (Romans 5:9-10)”*