Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery
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God does not give victory to the flesh. All victory is in Jesus Christ; all victory is in Who He Is and What He accomplished for us at Calvary. Those who are proclaiming Jesus, but forsaking the Cross are wrestling with God. They are trying to bring about victory other than the "Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus-God's prescribed order of victory over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil (Rom. 8:2)." This is why God (Jehovah, i.e., "a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ") touched the hollow of Jacob thigh (type of the flesh). We learn form this, "Jacob the heel catcher," went from wrestling to clinging, (the flesh is now crippled) depending on God's blessing(s). The sentence of death must be written on the flesh-the power of the Cross must be entered into before we can steadily walk with God.
Remember, if you leave the Cross, you walk away from God! Most Christians have left their First Love. They are proclaiming Jesus, but forsaking the Cross (lukewarm). This is called "Spiritual Adultery." If it continues, the scripture says the light is removed! Revelation 2:1-7; Revelation 3:14-19
The only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)...the only way to Jesus Christ is by the Means of the Cross (Luke 14:27). The only way to the Cross is a denial of self (Luke 9:23). If any person tries to come any other way, Jesus says, "they are a thief and a robber" (John 10:1).
Remember, if you leave the Cross, you walk away from God! Most Christians have left their First Love. They are proclaiming Jesus, but forsaking the Cross (lukewarm). This is called "Spiritual Adultery." If it continues, the scripture says the light is removed! Revelation 2:1-7; Revelation 3:14-19
The only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)...the only way to Jesus Christ is by the Means of the Cross (Luke 14:27). The only way to the Cross is a denial of self (Luke 9:23). If any person tries to come any other way, Jesus says, "they are a thief and a robber" (John 10:1).
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On what evidence do you make the claim that most Christians have left their first love? Do you know most Christians personally and intimately, that you have firsthand insight to make such an assertion?
What exactly does "leaving the cross" look like? You seem very confident in your assertions, yet you provide nothing of value for your reader; just condemnation.
Where in Scripture is "forsaking the cross" connected with being "lukewarm"?
What exactly does "leaving the cross" look like? You seem very confident in your assertions, yet you provide nothing of value for your reader; just condemnation.
Where in Scripture is "forsaking the cross" connected with being "lukewarm"?
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What did Jesus mean when He said in Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV, "Enter in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in there: Because narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it."
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Prisoners Of War
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” —Isaiah 61:14
Most people do not think they are at war with Satan, but Satan is at war with everyone, especially Christians.
In Genesis 3:15, God says there will be enmity (war or hatred) between Satan and the woman, and between Satan’s followers and Christ, which includes believers, since they are in Christ. Satan also comes trying to steal, kill, and destroy from everyone (Jn. 10:10). As a result, most people are defeated and are his prisoners of war since they do not know how to have victory over sin and Satan.
The following are examples of the numbers per year in the United States of those who are defeated and are Satan’s prisoners of war in the following categories:
• 38 million who are in bondage to alcohol
• 22 million drug addicts.
• 1.3 million who attempt suicide, and 40,000 who take their own lives
• 28,000 viewers of Internet porn every second
• Those who sexually abuse one out of three girls and one out of five boys before they reach the age of 18
• Those who sexually, physically, or verbally abuse or neglect 1 million children annually
• Those who cause 4.7 million women to be victims of domestic violence annually
• 3 million addicted to gambling
• 33.8 million adults who smoke or chew tobacco and 440,000 who die annually as a result.
• 17 percent of children and 37 percent of adults who are obese
These are some pretty obvious examples, and some of them are Christians who are struggling to overcome sin. But there are many who are struggling and losing to less obvious sins such as fear, anger, depression, unforgiveness, and selfishness. When the Assyrians would capture prisoners of war, they would put a ring or hook through the lower lips of the defeated soldiers so they could lead them around. The Babylonians put a ring or hook through the noses of prisoners of war. After prisoners of war were shown off in the triumph of a victorious Roman general (see last month’s article), half of them were killed and the other half became slaves. All of this is similar to how Satan uses and abuses his prisoners of war.
The reason Christians have become prisoners of the war with Satan is because they are fighting the wrong war, and they are trying to fight Satan and sin the wrong way. Christians are not to fight against sin because the power of sin is greater than their greatest strength. God told Paul that the power of Christ could only help him when he realized how weak he himself was, and that he had to totally depend on Christ so God’s power could work in and through him (II Cor. 12:9).
In realizing their helplessness and understanding that they do not have to turn to hopelessness, Christians can say yes to the hope that is only available in Christ. Besides that, the power of sin was already broken on the Cross, so believers do not have to keep fighting that battle.
Therefore, their weapons are not carnal (II Cor. 10:4), or something they can produce themselves and use to accomplish their victory. Their battle is not against acts of sin, but the fight is to keep their faith in who Christ is and what He did on the Cross, so they stay in His death, burial, and resurrection and are, therefore, victorious. That is the only way they are triumphant in Christ (II Cor. 2:14). And that is the only way He can work in them both to will (change their desires), and to do (give them the power of the Holy Spirit) (Phil. 2:13), so they can overcome sin. This is the only way believers can yield themselves as God’s servants (slaves) of obedience instead of being slaves to sin unto death (Rom. 6:16).
A believer can know he is a prisoner of war if he is repeatedly committing sins, such as works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), or he is missing some of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Pastor Dave Smith - JSM
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” —Isaiah 61:14
Most people do not think they are at war with Satan, but Satan is at war with everyone, especially Christians.
In Genesis 3:15, God says there will be enmity (war or hatred) between Satan and the woman, and between Satan’s followers and Christ, which includes believers, since they are in Christ. Satan also comes trying to steal, kill, and destroy from everyone (Jn. 10:10). As a result, most people are defeated and are his prisoners of war since they do not know how to have victory over sin and Satan.
The following are examples of the numbers per year in the United States of those who are defeated and are Satan’s prisoners of war in the following categories:
• 38 million who are in bondage to alcohol
• 22 million drug addicts.
• 1.3 million who attempt suicide, and 40,000 who take their own lives
• 28,000 viewers of Internet porn every second
• Those who sexually abuse one out of three girls and one out of five boys before they reach the age of 18
• Those who sexually, physically, or verbally abuse or neglect 1 million children annually
• Those who cause 4.7 million women to be victims of domestic violence annually
• 3 million addicted to gambling
• 33.8 million adults who smoke or chew tobacco and 440,000 who die annually as a result.
• 17 percent of children and 37 percent of adults who are obese
These are some pretty obvious examples, and some of them are Christians who are struggling to overcome sin. But there are many who are struggling and losing to less obvious sins such as fear, anger, depression, unforgiveness, and selfishness. When the Assyrians would capture prisoners of war, they would put a ring or hook through the lower lips of the defeated soldiers so they could lead them around. The Babylonians put a ring or hook through the noses of prisoners of war. After prisoners of war were shown off in the triumph of a victorious Roman general (see last month’s article), half of them were killed and the other half became slaves. All of this is similar to how Satan uses and abuses his prisoners of war.
The reason Christians have become prisoners of the war with Satan is because they are fighting the wrong war, and they are trying to fight Satan and sin the wrong way. Christians are not to fight against sin because the power of sin is greater than their greatest strength. God told Paul that the power of Christ could only help him when he realized how weak he himself was, and that he had to totally depend on Christ so God’s power could work in and through him (II Cor. 12:9).
In realizing their helplessness and understanding that they do not have to turn to hopelessness, Christians can say yes to the hope that is only available in Christ. Besides that, the power of sin was already broken on the Cross, so believers do not have to keep fighting that battle.
Therefore, their weapons are not carnal (II Cor. 10:4), or something they can produce themselves and use to accomplish their victory. Their battle is not against acts of sin, but the fight is to keep their faith in who Christ is and what He did on the Cross, so they stay in His death, burial, and resurrection and are, therefore, victorious. That is the only way they are triumphant in Christ (II Cor. 2:14). And that is the only way He can work in them both to will (change their desires), and to do (give them the power of the Holy Spirit) (Phil. 2:13), so they can overcome sin. This is the only way believers can yield themselves as God’s servants (slaves) of obedience instead of being slaves to sin unto death (Rom. 6:16).
A believer can know he is a prisoner of war if he is repeatedly committing sins, such as works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), or he is missing some of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Pastor Dave Smith - JSM
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How is one's mind renewed under God?
God has chosen to operate His work from the basis of faith. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2) is God's prescribed order of victory for the Believer over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil. This means that the Believer must place and maintain proper Faith the size of a mustard seed exclusively in Christ (who He is) and His Finished Work (what He has done), i.e., The Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus. Why? Because whatsoever that is not faith is sin. By doing so this enters the Believer into justification and progressive sanctification that gives the Holy Spirit the legal means to keep all commandments and all laws that is impossible for us to do. The Holy Spirit renews the mind when Faith is placed and maintained in Christ and Him Crucified. Why? Because we are now operating in the spirit. The presenting of your body as a living sacrifice and the renewing of the mind is not a Christian discipline nor a work of labor, but an act of Faith to believe only - daily. No Believer can fix the flesh with the flesh. All fruits that are added to the leaves of the Believer most be done by the Holy Spirit or you enter the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).
The Holy Spirit, He Works strictly within the parameters of the "Finished Work" i.e., "the Cross of Christ", which demands that our Faith be exclusively in the Cross of Christ. The reason is simple, that's were the price was paid, and the victory was forever won (Romans 6:1-14; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 5; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15).
For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)
The Law Of The Spirit Of Life In Christ Jesus gives the Believer victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
Victory over the world: Galatians 6:14 ; 1 John 5:4
Victory over the flesh: Galatians 5:24
Victory over the Devil: Hebrews 2:14 ; Colossians 2:15
How does a Believer maintain faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross? By just believing in Jesus (who He is) and what He accomplished at Calvary Cross. Romans 4:5 - Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NKJV - Colossians 2:11-15 NKJV
God has chosen to operate His work from the basis of faith. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2) is God's prescribed order of victory for the Believer over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil. This means that the Believer must place and maintain proper Faith the size of a mustard seed exclusively in Christ (who He is) and His Finished Work (what He has done), i.e., The Cross, i.e., The Blood of Jesus. Why? Because whatsoever that is not faith is sin. By doing so this enters the Believer into justification and progressive sanctification that gives the Holy Spirit the legal means to keep all commandments and all laws that is impossible for us to do. The Holy Spirit renews the mind when Faith is placed and maintained in Christ and Him Crucified. Why? Because we are now operating in the spirit. The presenting of your body as a living sacrifice and the renewing of the mind is not a Christian discipline nor a work of labor, but an act of Faith to believe only - daily. No Believer can fix the flesh with the flesh. All fruits that are added to the leaves of the Believer most be done by the Holy Spirit or you enter the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).
The Holy Spirit, He Works strictly within the parameters of the "Finished Work" i.e., "the Cross of Christ", which demands that our Faith be exclusively in the Cross of Christ. The reason is simple, that's were the price was paid, and the victory was forever won (Romans 6:1-14; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 5; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15).
For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)
The Law Of The Spirit Of Life In Christ Jesus gives the Believer victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
Victory over the world: Galatians 6:14 ; 1 John 5:4
Victory over the flesh: Galatians 5:24
Victory over the Devil: Hebrews 2:14 ; Colossians 2:15
How does a Believer maintain faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross? By just believing in Jesus (who He is) and what He accomplished at Calvary Cross. Romans 4:5 - Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NKJV - Colossians 2:11-15 NKJV
There remains very much land (sin) yet to be possessed. We can't coexist with sin.
We aren't what we ought to be. We aren't what we're going to be. We aren't what we want to be. But, thank God, we aren't what we were.
Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed...Joshua 13:1-12 NKJV
Nevertheless the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maachathites, but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day (Gal. 5:19-21). Joshua 13:13 NKJV
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. (the works of the flesh must go, or else we will find that they will cause us tremendous problems [2 Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1]). 56 Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. (sin in the Believer, if left unaddressed, can be condoned by the Lord no more than sin in the unbeliever - even less). Numbers 33:55-56
God's prescribed order of victory over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil is to place your Faith exclusively in who Jesus is, and what Jesus has done. By doing so this glorifies Christ that gives the Holy Spirit the legal means to drive out the enemy. The Holy Spirit, He Works strictly within the parameters of the "Finished Work" i.e., "the Cross of Christ", which demands that our Faith be exclusively in the Cross of Christ. The reason is simple, that's were the price was paid, and the victory was forever won (Romans 6:1-14; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 5; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15). The Holy Spirit is the sanctifier for the Christian; we cannot sanctify ourselves.
And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee (Deuteronomy 7:22). The beasts of the field represent pride and self righteousness.
We learn from Deuteronomy 7:21-23, Exodus 23:30 (Type and Shadow), little by little will He remove the sin nature that is made dormant in our lives. Isaiah 28:10 says, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
How does a Believer maintain Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross? By just believing in Jesus (who He is) and what He accomplished at Calvary Cross. Romans 4:5 - Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NKJV - Colossians 2:11-15 NKJV
Romans 8:13 says, "If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live." Paul warns the Believer, he said, "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, (the) sin (nature) revived, and I died (failed God by sinning, using the flesh) (Romans 7:9)." Zechariah 4:6
The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit mortifies the deed of the flesh by changing my condition into my position which is perfect and Holy because God has declared us justified (not guilt and innocent).
As a Christian we were "set free" the moment we are saved - "made free" speaks of a process. "Set Free," i.e., instantaneous - "Made Free, " i.e., You should know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32, John 14:6). "Made Free" = sanctification.
Two kinds of peace
1. Justifying Peace - This is Peace with God, a legal standing. Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:14-15
2. Sanctifying Peace - This is the Peace of God in the heart. Rom. 8:6; 14:19; 15:13; Gal. 1:3
The first is the result of a legal standing. The second is the result of the Work of the Holy Spirit. The first is static, never fluctuates, the second changes almost from hour to hour. The first, every Christian has, the second, every Christian may have.
JSM
We aren't what we ought to be. We aren't what we're going to be. We aren't what we want to be. But, thank God, we aren't what we were.
Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed...Joshua 13:1-12 NKJV
Nevertheless the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maachathites, but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day (Gal. 5:19-21). Joshua 13:13 NKJV
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. (the works of the flesh must go, or else we will find that they will cause us tremendous problems [2 Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1]). 56 Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. (sin in the Believer, if left unaddressed, can be condoned by the Lord no more than sin in the unbeliever - even less). Numbers 33:55-56
God's prescribed order of victory over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil is to place your Faith exclusively in who Jesus is, and what Jesus has done. By doing so this glorifies Christ that gives the Holy Spirit the legal means to drive out the enemy. The Holy Spirit, He Works strictly within the parameters of the "Finished Work" i.e., "the Cross of Christ", which demands that our Faith be exclusively in the Cross of Christ. The reason is simple, that's were the price was paid, and the victory was forever won (Romans 6:1-14; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 5; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15). The Holy Spirit is the sanctifier for the Christian; we cannot sanctify ourselves.
And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee (Deuteronomy 7:22). The beasts of the field represent pride and self righteousness.
We learn from Deuteronomy 7:21-23, Exodus 23:30 (Type and Shadow), little by little will He remove the sin nature that is made dormant in our lives. Isaiah 28:10 says, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
How does a Believer maintain Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross? By just believing in Jesus (who He is) and what He accomplished at Calvary Cross. Romans 4:5 - Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NKJV - Colossians 2:11-15 NKJV
Romans 8:13 says, "If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live." Paul warns the Believer, he said, "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, (the) sin (nature) revived, and I died (failed God by sinning, using the flesh) (Romans 7:9)." Zechariah 4:6
The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit mortifies the deed of the flesh by changing my condition into my position which is perfect and Holy because God has declared us justified (not guilt and innocent).
As a Christian we were "set free" the moment we are saved - "made free" speaks of a process. "Set Free," i.e., instantaneous - "Made Free, " i.e., You should know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32, John 14:6). "Made Free" = sanctification.
Two kinds of peace
1. Justifying Peace - This is Peace with God, a legal standing. Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:14-15
2. Sanctifying Peace - This is the Peace of God in the heart. Rom. 8:6; 14:19; 15:13; Gal. 1:3
The first is the result of a legal standing. The second is the result of the Work of the Holy Spirit. The first is static, never fluctuates, the second changes almost from hour to hour. The first, every Christian has, the second, every Christian may have.
JSM
The "Tree of Life" (Psalm 1:3)
The Way Of The Spirit
Focus: The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Object Of Faith: The Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
Power Source: The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-2, 11)
Results: Victory (Romans 6:14)
The "Tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:17)
Man's Way
Focus: Works.
Object Of Faith: Performance.
Power Source: Self.
Results: Defeat!
Everything that mans does dies; everything Jesus does lives forever and is blessed. Psalm 1:3
JSM
The Way Of The Spirit
Focus: The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Object Of Faith: The Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
Power Source: The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-2, 11)
Results: Victory (Romans 6:14)
The "Tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:17)
Man's Way
Focus: Works.
Object Of Faith: Performance.
Power Source: Self.
Results: Defeat!
Everything that mans does dies; everything Jesus does lives forever and is blessed. Psalm 1:3
JSM
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his Commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the Earth (Deuteronomy 28:1)
In this tremendous Chapter, we have a promise of Blessings which are absolutely unparalleled. Some may argue that the Lord did these things for Israel under the Old Covenant, but will not do them for modern Christians under the New Covenant. There is nothing in the Word of God that even remotely lends credence to such an idea. We presently have, in fact, a much better Covenant, based on better Promises than anything in the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
In this panoply of Promises, five great things are said.
They are:
1. "And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you": This literally means that the blessings of the Lord will literally chase down the individual. What a promise! (Deuteronomy 28:2).
2. "The LORD shall command the Blessing upon you": At this moment, if we will only believe it, the Lord is commanding blessing upon us. We must believe it, expect it, and receive it (Deuteronomy 28:8).
3. "And the LORD shall make you plenteous in goods": "Plenty" is what the Lord here promises. The word "goods" means everything that we need, whatever it might be (Deuteronomy 28:11).
4. "The LORD shall open unto you His good treasure": The Lord here tells us that we Believers literally have access to the treasure house of Heaven. Again, what a Promise! (Deuteronomy 28:12)
5. "And the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail": To use an earthly vernacular, someone, regarding an Alaskan dog-sled team, has well said, "if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes." To continue to use the earthly vernacular, the Lord intends for His People to be the "lead dog" (Deuteronomy 28:13).
All of this is made possible by the Cross!
A Daily Devotional by Jimmy Swaggart
In this tremendous Chapter, we have a promise of Blessings which are absolutely unparalleled. Some may argue that the Lord did these things for Israel under the Old Covenant, but will not do them for modern Christians under the New Covenant. There is nothing in the Word of God that even remotely lends credence to such an idea. We presently have, in fact, a much better Covenant, based on better Promises than anything in the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
In this panoply of Promises, five great things are said.
They are:
1. "And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you": This literally means that the blessings of the Lord will literally chase down the individual. What a promise! (Deuteronomy 28:2).
2. "The LORD shall command the Blessing upon you": At this moment, if we will only believe it, the Lord is commanding blessing upon us. We must believe it, expect it, and receive it (Deuteronomy 28:8).
3. "And the LORD shall make you plenteous in goods": "Plenty" is what the Lord here promises. The word "goods" means everything that we need, whatever it might be (Deuteronomy 28:11).
4. "The LORD shall open unto you His good treasure": The Lord here tells us that we Believers literally have access to the treasure house of Heaven. Again, what a Promise! (Deuteronomy 28:12)
5. "And the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail": To use an earthly vernacular, someone, regarding an Alaskan dog-sled team, has well said, "if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes." To continue to use the earthly vernacular, the Lord intends for His People to be the "lead dog" (Deuteronomy 28:13).
All of this is made possible by the Cross!
A Daily Devotional by Jimmy Swaggart
All and every commandment is kept by the Holy Spirit if the Believer is operating and understand "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus!" (Romans 8:2)
Majority of Christians are living under the "Law of Sin and Death." Very few Christians live in "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus."
There are seven great Laws outlined in the New Testament, all devised and created by God. They are:
1. The Law of God (Romans 7:22)
2. The Law of Sin and Death (Romans 7:23)
3. The Law of the Mind (Romans 7:23)
4. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2)
5. The Law of Faith (Romans 3:27)
6. The Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2); and,
7. The Law of Liberty (James 1:25)
Romans 8:13 says, "If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live" (i.e., all Laws of God and commandments of Jesus can only be kept by the Holy Spirit when the Believer place his Faith exclusively in Christ and His Finished Work, i.e., the Cross, i.e., the Blood of Jesus).
Paul warns the Believer, he said, "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, (the) sin (nature) revived, and I died (failed God by sinning, using the flesh) (Romans 7:9)."
The Way Of The Spirit
Focus: The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Object Of Faith: The Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
Power Source: The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-2, 11)
Results: Victory (Romans 6:14)
Man's Way
Focus: Works.
Object Of Faith: Performance.
Power Source: Self.
Results: Defeat!
JSM
Majority of Christians are living under the "Law of Sin and Death." Very few Christians live in "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus."
There are seven great Laws outlined in the New Testament, all devised and created by God. They are:
1. The Law of God (Romans 7:22)
2. The Law of Sin and Death (Romans 7:23)
3. The Law of the Mind (Romans 7:23)
4. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2)
5. The Law of Faith (Romans 3:27)
6. The Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2); and,
7. The Law of Liberty (James 1:25)
Romans 8:13 says, "If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live" (i.e., all Laws of God and commandments of Jesus can only be kept by the Holy Spirit when the Believer place his Faith exclusively in Christ and His Finished Work, i.e., the Cross, i.e., the Blood of Jesus).
Paul warns the Believer, he said, "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, (the) sin (nature) revived, and I died (failed God by sinning, using the flesh) (Romans 7:9)."
The Way Of The Spirit
Focus: The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Object Of Faith: The Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
Power Source: The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-2, 11)
Results: Victory (Romans 6:14)
Man's Way
Focus: Works.
Object Of Faith: Performance.
Power Source: Self.
Results: Defeat!
JSM
Do Christians change themselves to be more like Jesus?
Paul also makes it very clear in Romans 8:10 that the physical body, mind / intellect, and the heart (which is evil - Jeremiah 17:9) has been rendered helpless because of the original sin; consequently, the Believer trying to overcome by willpower presents a fruitless task. Only the Holy Spirit can mortify the deeds of the flesh and make us what we ought to be (Romans 8:13). This means we cannot do it ourselves. Once again, He performs all that He does within the confines of the Finished Work of Christ (Romans 8:2).
If a Christian will and their efforts to live for God is in anything except Christ and the Cross, i.e., Finished Work, The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2), Satan can override your will and force you to do things you don't want to do and trying not to do (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus said deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow me (Luke 9:23).
Remember our bodies are dead and useless to God. The heart is prone to wander away from God's love and eat from "The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil." The reason why the body is dead is because of the effects of the fall has made us totally incapable of yielding spiritual obedience on a regular basis (Jeremiah 13:23). So there must be a source outside of myself that helps me to enter into sanctification which is the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13).
Paul also makes it very clear in Romans 8:10 that the physical body, mind / intellect, and the heart (which is evil - Jeremiah 17:9) has been rendered helpless because of the original sin; consequently, the Believer trying to overcome by willpower presents a fruitless task. Only the Holy Spirit can mortify the deeds of the flesh and make us what we ought to be (Romans 8:13). This means we cannot do it ourselves. Once again, He performs all that He does within the confines of the Finished Work of Christ (Romans 8:2).
If a Christian will and their efforts to live for God is in anything except Christ and the Cross, i.e., Finished Work, The Blood of Jesus (Romans 8:2), Satan can override your will and force you to do things you don't want to do and trying not to do (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus said deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow me (Luke 9:23).
Remember our bodies are dead and useless to God. The heart is prone to wander away from God's love and eat from "The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil." The reason why the body is dead is because of the effects of the fall has made us totally incapable of yielding spiritual obedience on a regular basis (Jeremiah 13:23). So there must be a source outside of myself that helps me to enter into sanctification which is the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13).
What is the truth that makes me free?
Every Christian trusts the Lord and believes Him in some capacity. The trouble is, most do not trust Him or believe Him correctly.
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:82
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
The Truth that the Believer must have, is that the Cross and the Resurrection, which speak of the Finished Work of Christ, pertains not only to our initial Salvation experience, but as well to our everyday Victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Believer must understand the Truth that he was in Christ when Christ died on the Cross, was in Christ when He was buried, was in Christ when he was raised from the dead, and continues to be in Christ as He is now exalted at the Right Hand of the Father (Roman 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:6). Consequently, if Christ defeated Satan, that means the Christian has defeated Satan. If Christ atoned for all sin, then no sin can attach itself to the Believer, that is, if the Believer keeps trusting Christ (John 14:20). If Christ is a Law-keeper, than the Believer is a Law-keeper. If Christ is victorious, then the Believer is victorious.
The Believer must understand this, trust in this, believe this, and act upon it, even on a daily basis. This is what Jesus meant by us taking up the Cross daily and following Him (Luke 9:23).
This is the "Truth" which we must learn, act upon, and continue to act upon, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit.
If the Believer does not know and understand this "Truth" to simply tell him to "trust Jesus," will really not help him that much. It is the same as telling him that he must "get in the Altars." Without knowing this Truth, he won't really know why he is in the Altars.
In fact, he will be attempting to trust the Lord to do something for him, which in fact, has already been done. He will be attempting to have Faith in God for something, that's actually already taking place. He will be attempting to ask the Lord for something, which in reality has already been brought about.
From Jimmy Swaggart Bible Commentary
1. How can we renew our minds to truth and summit ourselves to fight the fight of faith to trust and believe?
2. How can the Believers will be swallowed up so that the Lord's will be done in us?
Every Christian trusts the Lord and believes Him in some capacity. The trouble is, most do not trust Him or believe Him correctly.
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:82
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
The Truth that the Believer must have, is that the Cross and the Resurrection, which speak of the Finished Work of Christ, pertains not only to our initial Salvation experience, but as well to our everyday Victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Believer must understand the Truth that he was in Christ when Christ died on the Cross, was in Christ when He was buried, was in Christ when he was raised from the dead, and continues to be in Christ as He is now exalted at the Right Hand of the Father (Roman 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:6). Consequently, if Christ defeated Satan, that means the Christian has defeated Satan. If Christ atoned for all sin, then no sin can attach itself to the Believer, that is, if the Believer keeps trusting Christ (John 14:20). If Christ is a Law-keeper, than the Believer is a Law-keeper. If Christ is victorious, then the Believer is victorious.
The Believer must understand this, trust in this, believe this, and act upon it, even on a daily basis. This is what Jesus meant by us taking up the Cross daily and following Him (Luke 9:23).
This is the "Truth" which we must learn, act upon, and continue to act upon, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit.
If the Believer does not know and understand this "Truth" to simply tell him to "trust Jesus," will really not help him that much. It is the same as telling him that he must "get in the Altars." Without knowing this Truth, he won't really know why he is in the Altars.
In fact, he will be attempting to trust the Lord to do something for him, which in fact, has already been done. He will be attempting to have Faith in God for something, that's actually already taking place. He will be attempting to ask the Lord for something, which in reality has already been brought about.
From Jimmy Swaggart Bible Commentary
1. How can we renew our minds to truth and summit ourselves to fight the fight of faith to trust and believe?
2. How can the Believers will be swallowed up so that the Lord's will be done in us?
The conference that is held in Heaven
Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. 20 And the Lord said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ 22 The Lord said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ 23 Therefore look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you.” 1 Kings 22 NKJV
It may come as a surprise to many Christians that Satan still has access to Heaven, with the account given to us in Job, Chapters 1 and 2 and, as well, we see from this Text that there are evil spirits present there.
As to exactly what they are allowed to do we aren't told. This is a demon spirit that is addressed here. So, if there is one evil spirit in Heaven, no doubt, there are many others.
The Scripture tells us that one day soon, actually at about the midpoint of the Great Tribulation, that Satan and all of his evil hosts will be cast out of Heaven, there having no more access.
The account says, "And there was war in Heaven (pertains to the 'Mystery of God' being finished [Revelation 10:7]): Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his Angels (this pertains to Satan and all the Angels who followed him being cast out of Heaven, which will take place, as stated, at the midpoint of the Great Tribulation; why the Lord has allowed Satan and his minions to remain in Heaven all of this time, we aren't told; it is a 'Mystery,' but it will now be finished).
Pastor Jimmy Swaggart Bible Commentary
There is much to be revealed in these scriptures...your thoughts.
By the Power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus saw into the future, observing Satan as he will be cast out of Heaven at the approximate midpoint of the coming Great Tribulation Period. This is called a "mystery," and is referred to in Revelation 10:7.
This is the Seventh Trumpet Judgement, and serves as the announcement for the casting out of Satan. Revelation 10:6 tells us that this has long been delayed, but will ultimately be brought to pass. This is necessary, the casting out of Satan, before the kingdoms of this world can become those of God and Christ, as announced in Revelation 11:15
Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. 20 And the Lord said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ 22 The Lord said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ 23 Therefore look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you.” 1 Kings 22 NKJV
It may come as a surprise to many Christians that Satan still has access to Heaven, with the account given to us in Job, Chapters 1 and 2 and, as well, we see from this Text that there are evil spirits present there.
As to exactly what they are allowed to do we aren't told. This is a demon spirit that is addressed here. So, if there is one evil spirit in Heaven, no doubt, there are many others.
The Scripture tells us that one day soon, actually at about the midpoint of the Great Tribulation, that Satan and all of his evil hosts will be cast out of Heaven, there having no more access.
The account says, "And there was war in Heaven (pertains to the 'Mystery of God' being finished [Revelation 10:7]): Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his Angels (this pertains to Satan and all the Angels who followed him being cast out of Heaven, which will take place, as stated, at the midpoint of the Great Tribulation; why the Lord has allowed Satan and his minions to remain in Heaven all of this time, we aren't told; it is a 'Mystery,' but it will now be finished).
Pastor Jimmy Swaggart Bible Commentary
There is much to be revealed in these scriptures...your thoughts.
By the Power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus saw into the future, observing Satan as he will be cast out of Heaven at the approximate midpoint of the coming Great Tribulation Period. This is called a "mystery," and is referred to in Revelation 10:7.
This is the Seventh Trumpet Judgement, and serves as the announcement for the casting out of Satan. Revelation 10:6 tells us that this has long been delayed, but will ultimately be brought to pass. This is necessary, the casting out of Satan, before the kingdoms of this world can become those of God and Christ, as announced in Revelation 11:15
The sad fact remains that there are precious few that will choose this road. Are you one? Which road are you on?!
Works of iniquity
“21 Not every one who says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (the repetition of the word “Lord” expresses astonishment, as if to say: “Are we to be disowned?”); but he who does the Will of My Father which is in Heaven (what is the Will of the Father? Verse 23 tells us).
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not Prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works? (These things are not the criteria, but rather Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross [Eph. 2:8-9, 13-18]. The Word of God alone is to be the judge of doctrine.)
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (again we say, the criteria alone is Christ and Him Crucified [I Cor. 1:23]): depart from Me, you who work iniquity (we have access to God only through Christ, and access to Christ only through the Cross, and access to the Cross only through a denial of self [Lk. 9:23]; any other Message is Judged by God as “iniquity,” and cannot be a part of Christ [I Cor. 1:17]).” Matthew 7:21-23
JSM
Works of iniquity
“21 Not every one who says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (the repetition of the word “Lord” expresses astonishment, as if to say: “Are we to be disowned?”); but he who does the Will of My Father which is in Heaven (what is the Will of the Father? Verse 23 tells us).
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not Prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works? (These things are not the criteria, but rather Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross [Eph. 2:8-9, 13-18]. The Word of God alone is to be the judge of doctrine.)
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (again we say, the criteria alone is Christ and Him Crucified [I Cor. 1:23]): depart from Me, you who work iniquity (we have access to God only through Christ, and access to Christ only through the Cross, and access to the Cross only through a denial of self [Lk. 9:23]; any other Message is Judged by God as “iniquity,” and cannot be a part of Christ [I Cor. 1:17]).” Matthew 7:21-23
JSM
The Cross of Christ is as necessary for sanctification as it is for salvation (1 Cor. 1:18).
There are some who teach the Cross, while necessary for Salvation, has no further meaning for the Believer. They refer to themselves as going beyond the Cross. The truth is if you leave the Cross, you walk away from God! Grace is made available only when Faith is applied to Christ’s Work on the Cross. No Cross would mean no daily deliverance from sin in any aspect, both from the sin nature or the acts of sin. Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace.”
Not only does the event of the Cross carried out by Christ bring us freedom from sin, its penalty, power, and one day, its presence, but it also plays a pivotal role in our ability to be healed. “By His Stripes (wounds inflicted at Calvary) we were healed.” No Cross – no Healing physically or spiritually. No Cross – no Resurrection Power. No Cross – no Baptism with the Holy Spirit. No Cross – no Provision. God has promised that we “should not want” (Psalms 23:1). Therefore, He became Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides. What did He provide for us? The same thing that He provided for Abraham when he was about to sacrifice his only son Isaac. He provided a sacrifice. In that sacrifice every need we would ever have Spiritually, physically, emotionally, temporal, or eternal was met. Thank God for the event of the Cross!
John 6:53 - "Except you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood (i.e., the Cross, i.e., The Finished Work), you have no life in you," (presents the demand that caused "many of His Disciples to go back, and walk no more with Him" (John 6:66). It does the same presently! This Verse tells us the degree of believing that is required; it refers to the Cross being the total Object of one's belief; failing that, there is no Life in you.)
John 6:66 - From that time many of His Disciples went back, and walk no more with Him.
Pastor Lorean Larson - JSM
There are some who teach the Cross, while necessary for Salvation, has no further meaning for the Believer. They refer to themselves as going beyond the Cross. The truth is if you leave the Cross, you walk away from God! Grace is made available only when Faith is applied to Christ’s Work on the Cross. No Cross would mean no daily deliverance from sin in any aspect, both from the sin nature or the acts of sin. Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace.”
Not only does the event of the Cross carried out by Christ bring us freedom from sin, its penalty, power, and one day, its presence, but it also plays a pivotal role in our ability to be healed. “By His Stripes (wounds inflicted at Calvary) we were healed.” No Cross – no Healing physically or spiritually. No Cross – no Resurrection Power. No Cross – no Baptism with the Holy Spirit. No Cross – no Provision. God has promised that we “should not want” (Psalms 23:1). Therefore, He became Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides. What did He provide for us? The same thing that He provided for Abraham when he was about to sacrifice his only son Isaac. He provided a sacrifice. In that sacrifice every need we would ever have Spiritually, physically, emotionally, temporal, or eternal was met. Thank God for the event of the Cross!
John 6:53 - "Except you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood (i.e., the Cross, i.e., The Finished Work), you have no life in you," (presents the demand that caused "many of His Disciples to go back, and walk no more with Him" (John 6:66). It does the same presently! This Verse tells us the degree of believing that is required; it refers to the Cross being the total Object of one's belief; failing that, there is no Life in you.)
John 6:66 - From that time many of His Disciples went back, and walk no more with Him.
Pastor Lorean Larson - JSM