THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE (Part 1)
Down through the years I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing with numerous groups of Christians.
It has been my observation, that a large percentage of them are not sure of their relationship with the Lord.
In most organizations there are set rules one must adhere to, in order to be accepted as a Christian. Of course most have the full intent to make you a better human being. And I must admit if you are able to follow all of their rules, They might consider you a better human, but you can be sure you are not free, but in bondage to a bunch of rules that have nothing to do with your relationship with the Lord.
I know from experience, it is difficult to lay aside all the teachings we were subjected to in our past experiences with Church. However most of us must do just that, in order to find our true relationship with the Father.
One of the things we must get straight in our thinking is God had not ordained a group of organization to be the way to Him. He has His own Church, Jesus Christ is the head, and the Holy Spirit is the guide to direct your path. You need not go through a set of rituals in order to have Jesus in your heart. Stop trying to find Jesus outside of yourself, He dwells in you. Not only Jesus, but the Father and Holy Spirit as well.
I would like to insert a Scripture here to help us realize Jesus Christ came to save all men not just a few. 1corinthians 15: 20-27 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23. But every man in his own order; Christ the first fruits. After ward they that are Christ’s as his coming. 24. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God. Even the Father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he said all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him. 28. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
As we meditate upon this set of Scriptures’ we can easily see all men in Adam die. Now lets look at the Scripture in 2nd Corinthians 5: 14-20 For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15. And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him mo more. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. 18. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. 19. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ’s stead be ye reconciled to God.
Ephesians 2: 15-22 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body, by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21. In whom all the building fitly framed together growth into an holy temple in the Lord: 22. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
It is clear Jesus Christ went to the cross of all men. The reason being is to bring man back to God.
What I want to impress upon you the reader is God’s love for you is unconditional. (without condition) He loves you no matter what.
We often hear of doom and gloom coming upon the earth. I am here to tell you this is a wonderful day of the Lord. He is going to bring the world into unity. In so doing the systems of men will fall. Therein is the doom and gloom. The Kingdom of God is coming forth from you. All things that are of the flesh realm will pass away. In other words you will have a battle not with your neighbor, but with yourself. This is called dieing to self and coming alive in God. Of course we are going to see conflict between nations, but the leadership of man is coming to an end and the Kingdom of God is going to rule.
I wont to relay to the reader your importance to God, and the days ahead. The childish condemning and fighting among the different groups is ending. It is as if we are in a new day completely. Maybe it would be better to express it as the dawn of a new day.
We must often remember the Scriptures in Ephesians 4th chapter. Explaining there is one body. And one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. He reminds us to put away our old ways which are corrupt, we are to be renewed in our minds. We are to put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. He reminds us we are members one of another.
We each are a member of the body of Christ, Therefore we are to see the Christ in one another. I know it is hard to see God in some folks like the ones who cut you off on the freeway. Or just happen to be doing things you don’t approve of. Don’t you know God’s love is unconditional. There actions as a man/woman is not going to change the love of God for them. We often think of God as being an emotional God, having good days and bad days. Loving you one day and ready to cast you in hell the next. No He is a God of unchangeable love. We change, not God. You can be sure we are all going to change.
John 10:10 I have come that they may have life and may have it abundantly
Ephesians 2:22 In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.
Abundant life is yours, It is a gift. You are experiencing life in this flesh to learn what your are not, in so doing you will find your true identity in Christ. You are being cleansed as if by fire, none the less it is the Father working in you to do His will. You are His dwelling place in the Spirit. Don’t you know your body is the temple of God? I would encourage you to read 1Corinthians 12th chapter. It is very clear we are members of Christ Body, each of us being connected, joined together as members of His body. Each serving its part to the body. Jesus Christ the head. One member is no greater than the other. Each of us is a supply for one another. Just as our blood flows through our body, giving life to each member. So the Spirit is flowing through us one to the other. It is important we acknowledge each other as an important part of our self.
Jesus stated “in Self He could do nothing” This applies to us also. In our self we can do nothing, but through Christ we can do all things.
Isn’t it wonderful to realize that your thoughts and ways are not God’s. He has His own plan and your are a part of it regardless of what you think. This is why a change of mind is necessary. Our carnal mind fights against the Spirit of God. We have been taught we are separated from God, that He is in heaven and you are down here on earth. So in your mind He is separate and you are here on your own. Your mind tells you, you have a will and can chose if you want to serve God or not. Bible teaches us we are not are own, we belong to Jesus. After all He gave His Blood and paid the price. He purchased you. You are not your own. And you know what, you are right where God wants you. No matter what condition you find yourself in, God has you there for a reason. Just maybe he is teaching you something through what you are experiencing. I cannot express enough the love God has for you. He is your keeper, he will direct your paths. All you need do is acknowledge he is in you. Just close your eyes for a moment and feel His presence in the very breath you take. Don’t be nervous just tell Jesus how you feel. Tell Him in your own words. Don’t try and be something you are not simply be yourself. After all He loves you just as you are, and His word will change you. Visit with the Lord he hears you. And he will work out every detail of your problems. Don’t hold back a thing, if you are angry tell him so. If you feel unloved tell him so. If you want your life to change tell him so. If you have something in your heart against some one tell him about it. As you communicate with him He will begin to work in your behalf, You will be surprised to find he is working out every thing you talked to him about. Now it is time to acknowledge, and praise him. Give thanks to the Lord for he is worthy to be praised. If you are bound by a habit and you feel like it is a hindering your relationship with the Lord. Don’t condemn yourself and think you are not pleasing to God. Realize this is the reason Jesus gave himself on the cross. He knew the weakness of our flesh. And he knew the struggles we have with habits, anger, fear, and all other things that we struggle with. He knows and He cares. He will listen if you will talk to Him. Often times we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our ability to know what action we should take. Even in the most trying circumstance, if you will talk to the Lord and tell Him about it. He will make a way for you.
In the midst of our turmoil, in the midst of our bondage, in the midst of our imprisonments, there is a window of opportunity. Opened by the Spirit of the Lord, It is seen through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, it reveals the way out of our bondage. While being lead by the Spirit, when in these tight places. He will cause us to see, and use every tool necessary to bring us out of these places. Ask the Lord to direct all your ways, to see what is available to better equip yourself with knowledge, training, and understanding. Sometimes we go through life feeling we failed in one way or another. We wonder why is this happening to me, what have I done to deserve this. Thank God for the people who pray. Some one is praying for you. The Holy Spirit is working in you, not to depress you, but to show you the love of God. You wonder how this or that could happen, and why don’t God do something about it. Sometimes, I should say most of the time, we busy ourselves looking at the bad, and fail to see the workings of God in the midst of it. Of course it hurts when we know our ways are not God’s ways. We have always been taught to achieve, and be somebody. We work hard at trying to do just that. Can you hear the voice of the Lord in the depth of your being; Saying follow me. He is the way the truth, and the life. There is no other way for you to go. You can turn it all over to the Lord, and know He will work it all out. Or you can continue to struggle with your flesh, and come in the hard way. I chose to follow the Lord.
Speak sparingly, listen intently, love unconditionally.
Love you
Bill
