Firstly I rightfully do not endorse Christians trying to make money of the gospel, asking for money or any of the supposedly Christian adds, for the Bibles, books, tapes listed here for sale too.. Jesus said as you freely received so freely give. Greedy Hirelings do not do this. http://groups.msn.com/AFOLLOWEROFCHRIST/advrt.msnw
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(2 Tim 3:16 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Index1: Bible verse for the week(Luke 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.2: Bible study for the weekSINS GOD STILL HATES AND PUNISHES TODAY(Luke 16:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.(Prov 8:13 KJV) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.(Prov 14:2 KJV) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.(Dan 4:5 KJV) I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.Because sentence against sin is not carried out immediately most persons tend to continue, even increase their sin, and THEIR sinful ways BUT they are still not getting away with it.The values and customs of the heathens, the ungodly, the world are vanities, and they are still unacceptable to God and to his people.(Prov 6:16 KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.(Mal 2:17 KJV) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? (Prov 11:21 KJV) Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. (Eccl 8:12 KJV) Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.(Psa 18:26 KJV) With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward. (Psa 18:27 KJV) For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. (Prov 16:18 KJV) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov 29:23 KJV) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Prov 11:2 KJV) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.It is STILL AN unacceptable sin for a believer to marry an unbeliever or for two believers to divorce.(Mal 2:11 KJV) Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. 12 The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts.13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.(1 Cor 7:10 KJV) And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.(1 Cor 7:12 KJV) If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?It is unacceptable to God for anyone to participate in false, misleading TRADE, business practises.(Deu 25:13 KJV) Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.14 Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small.15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 16 For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.(Deu 17:1 KJV) Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evil favouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.(Prov 29:24 KJV) Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.(Prov 12:2 KJV) A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.Prostitution is totally to god as well as living off the income of prostitution, drugs.(Deu 23:18 KJV) Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.Gays and homosexual lifestyles are unacceptable still to God as well.(Deu 22:5 KJV) The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.(Deu 24:1 KJV) When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.God also cares about our attitudes towards others,(Deu 24:21 KJV) When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. (Deu 25:4 KJV) Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.(Gal 3:28 KJV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.YOU SHALL NOT SHOW FALSE PARTIALITIES TOWARDS OTHERS, EVEN IN JUSTICE.(Prov 29:25 KJV) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.(Prov 29:26 KJV) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.(Isa 26:10 KJV) Let favour be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.(Prov 21:10 KJV) The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.Astrology, occult practise, idol worshiping for anyone are also all forbidden by God , unacceptable to God(Deu 18:10 KJV) There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD:(Deu 7:25 KJV) The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God. 26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.(Deu 12:30 KJV) Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.(Deu 16:22 KJV) Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.(Deu 18:14 KJV) For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. 15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;(Deu 13:4 KJV) Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.(Acts 3:19 KJV) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
(Dan 4:3 KJV) How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation... (Dan 4:34 KJV) And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Dan 4:37 KJV) Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.(Isa 23:9 KJV) The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.(Dan 4:27 KJV) let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.(Prov 11:3 KJV) The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.(Prov 11:4 KJV) Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. (Psa 101:3 KJV) I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD3: Tips on praying for the week.MOST PEOPLE ALSO DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO PRAY..Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Pray that God's will will be done now on earth in all places, and in all persons life too as it is done in Heaven. Pray that God alone will be glorified, exalted and not any mere men or women, even in the churches. Pray that the spirit of God would be allowed now to move and work freely, even in your own church and in all the others. Pray that more people would desire and would pray as well, and that they would desire to become more Christ like. Pray also as well that they would all also personally, daily read and apply their Bibles.
Pray for wisdom in ruling for the President, leaders and for all government officials, pray all those who are in authority (civil, spiritual, and domestic) even pray that they may be also now saved, for God desires all men to come to repentance and be saved, the secular governmental leaders and their families as well. Pray as well for peace and stability as well for this is God's will too.
Pray next for the salvation of more souls, for their infilling of the Holy Spirit, and for sins to be exposed to the unrepentant sinners and their wrongs to be made right starting with those persons in your own church now, today, and in all of the other ones too. Pray as well as repentance for all of the individuals as well in all of the local churches. Pray also for the Spirit of Revelation and understanding to rest upon all the members God's church concerning their own and the Churches guidance daily as well.Pray for any individuals that God also lays on your heart who have special needs of some kind, the poor, the sick, the unemployed, the depressed, the hurting, the lost and particularly those of the Household of faith too.Pray that Godliness, the spiritual blessing and wisdom of the Lord, the Baptism of the Holy spirit, the filling of the Holy Spirit will be also upon all the persons in leadership involved in ministering in the churches and elsewhere, as well as in their members of their respective flocks. Pray for God to begin to speak to the hearts of all those persons who are a part of His Church. Pray for their obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Bind and also dissolve the strength, power, works all of the enemy, all of the evil spirits that would try to hinder them even in hearing or in being obedient to the voice of God. (including the Spirits of oppressions, confusion, strife, infirmity, weariness, negative thinking, doubt, fear, etc.) Pray also that God will bring forth even the right, faithful, dedicated workers for all of God's ministries around the world grow; workers walking continually close to God who can, and do hear Him speak and who obey His directions.Pray for any of other godly ministries you are aware of even that a spirit of revelation and a powerful anointing would be present always for them all to hear, to preach, as well as to apply the Word of God. Pray also for their daily, ongoing protection, guidance, their good health and their full submission to God. Pray that he God would change or replace all of those persons in Christian leadership who are presently not walking with, in God."YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE SAVED or to Pray" is one of Satan's biggest lies.
I was once having lunch with a small group of friends, and before we started to eat someone asked a member of our group to say a prayer over the food. She looked up a little confounded and said "OH NO, I can't do it. I'm not good enough to pray, let someone else say it."
After some coaxing she still refused, using the same reason, that she wasn't "good enough" to pray ( This attitude doesn't get you anywhere with GOD, in fact it goes against GOD'S WORD). Finally, someone else said the prayer, and we went on to a delicious dinner.
I mention this to break that "I'm not good enough for God thinking" that keeps thousands upon thousands of people from making any attempt to learn about God and come to him.
They somehow think they're not good enough or did something so terrible they can't come to God. This is 100% wrong thinking, and goes against everything the Bible teaches. It would be like your children not wanting to talk to you because they don't live up to your expectations.
Jesus tells us to ask and it shall be given, and to "Pray without ceasing" and "Come unto me" and we reply with "I'm not good enough". Could it be some people think that God will honor them more because they're so humble. Do we obey God or go by what we think and feel?
Don't Put Trust in Your Feelings, Put Your Trust and Faith in the God's Word
God says that there are none of us that are good, no not one. That's why he sent his Son Jesus to die for our us. We have all sin and will continue to, and this includes Popes, bishops, ministers, Priest, Presidents, Senators, Kings, bums, world leaders, and the disciples.
If being "good enough" was a qualification needed to come to God and get into Heaven, we would all wind up miles beneath the earth's crust burning in hell. We can thank God that being saved has nothing whatsoever to do with our being good. Jesus took our place and was good for us. So forget the thought that you can or need to be perfect to come to him. That's like telling God he sent his only son to suffer and die for nothing, and we can be perfect without him.
Jesus is our Righteousness,, we were bought with a Price. We are not our own, but His. The redeemed of the LORD. This is so important to know and keep in mind, that I can't stress it enough. Remember, we don't have to fight and wrestle with trying to be good, the only fight we are asked to fight is "THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH".
Even Paul, the disciple said, "I do the things that I would not, and the things that I would I do not."
Paul knew he couldn't be good, no matter how hard he tried. Not only did he confess that, but said he was the "CHIEF OF SINNERS". (see 1st Timothy). If Paul was "CHIEF OF SINNERS" and made it to Heaven, you can too.
The Disciple Peter denied he knew Jesus 3 times, the Psalmist David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered. Move forward with God, don't ever let Satan get you convinced your not good enough. Your future is so bright you need sunglasses to Look at It.
Don't ever let Satan put you down. No matter if you are a dishwasher or the president of a Corporation, it's just a temp job Amen. If you live in a tent or a mansion it's just temp housing. You are the redeemed of the Lord, a Kings Kid. Never let Satan rob your joy or peace."
4: Christian testimony for the week"One of the commandments says that have no other Gods before me ... if people would realize that most of the time the other God tend to be their own family members...I LOVE THAT PASSAGE MAT 12:46 .. REMINDS ME OF THE PASSAGE IN LUKE 14:25 I PREACHED ONE NIGHT FROM THIS AND I GOT SUCH A BLESSING FROM IT NOT ONLY PREACHING FROM IT BUT WHAT I WAS TAUGHT MYSELF...Lu:14:25: And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Lu:14:27: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Lu:14:28: For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29: Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30: Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31: Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32: Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33: So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Lu:14:34: Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35: It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."How true. Yes there has to be clearly a responsibility to follow after God first and always, even above our families as adults, and even Abraham had to learn this lesson when he was asked to leave his home land, his kinfolk, and was also asked to offer as a sacrifice his only Son. God even gave up his own son for the good of us as well.I really do find it surprising that I have never generally seen this in writing or preached by others, truths that Jesus also shared..(Mat 12:46 KJV) While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.SOME PEOPLE EVEN WHEN MARRIED WRONGFULLY NEVER LEAVE THEIR PAST FAMILY BEHIND(Mat 19:5 KJV) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?And this is a very wrong approach, when we are not right with God, we tend to next look to our past family for our support, fulfillment and they tend to welcome this new attention temporarily, but they next tend to get easily bored, they go on with new thrills, pleasures.. and we are left empty inside again. I have often seen that kind of behavior and reactions in many persons and their next bitter disappointments as well, spouses included.God also tends to teach the preacher first what he needs to learn and practice so he can also next share it with the others. Many people say God first, family next.. but they do not have time for God, and others even wrongfully have no time for their own family responsibility too. Yes I too rightfully would rather see a sermon practiced first than just to hear it. Some people also go to another extreme they want to be missionaries but they hate their parents, cannot show love to their own brothers and sisters at home, in their own house and in their own church too. (1 Tim 5:8 KJV) But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.(John 13:35 KJV) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.(1 John 4:20 KJV) If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?5: Recommended Christian computer software Internet sites
Marriage and Divorce Learn what the Bible (and the Spirit) really says about marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
6: Difficult Bible Question answered for the
week.
What about a rest for
God's people
(Heb 4:6 KJV) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
(FOUR LAWS OF REST)
Our Father God has been showing different ones that some of the primary spirits troubling His own children are spirits of discontent and impatience.
Discontent and impatience are the seed form of mal-content. Mal-content is the first stage of rebellion. Rebellion, especially against the established order of God.
The spirits of discontent and impatience manifest themselves in one or more of the following symptoms: boredom, restlessness, frustration, depression, irritability, anger (especially anger against God), resentment, bitterness, being unhappy, dissatisfied, thankless with who you are, where you are, or what you have.
The door that makes one vulnerable to the spirits of discontent and impatience is expectation. When ones expectations are not realized, those expectations, if one is not careful, will allow the spirits of discontent and impatience to take over, revealing their presence in one or more of these symptoms.
Expectations in the soulish realm are nearly always unrealistic and gives place to the devil in ones life. While expectations in the realm of the spirit are not unrealistic, in that they are in harmony with God, they, too, give place to the devil, allowing the spirits of discontent and impatience to devil one, IF that person is not RESTING IN GOD.
Now the answer to keeping oneself from being vulnerable to the spirits of discontent and impatience is not ka seda seda (whatever will be, will be). God, our Father places expectations in our hearts and tells us to believe that we have them.Where there is no expectation, hopelessness and despair set in
Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.Mark 11:24, Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision (hope in the soul, anchor for the soul), the people perish (are loose, out of hand, undisciplined). . .No, the answer to discontent and impatience is not, whatever will be, will be, because this will bring on a state of hopelessness.Once again, God gives His children expectations and hope and tells them to believe that they have them. Amen?
Therefore, the answer or cure for discontent and impatience is to REST IN GOD. Resting in God is to trust absolutely in God's absolute faithfulness to bring about the expectations which He gives.
At no time in the history of man has it been more important to ". . . labor . . . to enter into that rest," than right now. As the time of our Lord's return draws near, expectations increase, which then will make one even more vulnerable to these spirits of discontent and impatience.
Since the answer or cure for discontent and impatience is Resting in God, I would like to share with you four practical ways in which you may labor to enter into that rest.
These laws of rest are seen in Matthew 11:28-29. FOUR LAWS OF REST
Matthew 11:28-29, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Matthew 11:28 says: THE FIRST LAW OF REST IS THE REST OF GOD'S COVERING AND OVERSIGHT
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."First let us see from this passage that when we come unto Jesus, that we come under God's covering and oversight. Secondly, let us see that when we come under God's covering and oversight, we enter into and have the Rest of God's Protection.Psalm 91:1-11
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.Question: When are we under God's covering and oversight and therefore resting in God's protection? When we are under and submitted to the oversight/bishopministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 2:25, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Another question: When are we under and submitted to the oversight/bishop ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ? When we are a part of a local Church and in submission to the Pastor and Elders of that local Church. Jesus exercises His oversight/bishop ministry in the local Church, which is His Body through the Pastor and Elders of the local churches.Psalms 92:13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.Acts 20:17,28, And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.The need for this covering and oversight is seen in the picture of the church as a flock of sheep and believers as sheep.Luke 12:32, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.John 10:27, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:1 Peter 2:25, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.Sheep are one of the most helpless and vulnerable of all the animals which God created. Unless sheep are watched over and cared for, they will scatter and become prey to the beasts of the field. Sheep must be led to food and water. Left to themselves, they would soon perish.Like sheep, believers are helpless and vulnerable. If left to themselves, to do their own thing they would soon scatter from the fold and perish at the hands of the enemy.
2 Corinthians 13:4, For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.Our Father God in His wisdom has established for the protection of those in the local flock, that is the local Church, the shepherd/oversight ministry. And, according to 1 Peter 2:25 this oversight/ bishop ministry is the ministry of Jesus who is the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Jesus desires to complete the good work which He began in you. Amen?1 Peter 2:25, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:This oversight/bishop ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is bi-directional (from with-in and from with-out), since the Spirit of Jesus is in the believer and the believer is in Jesus as part of His Body the local Church..Romans 8:9, . . . Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine your- selves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?Galatians 4:5-6, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Ephesians 5:30-32, For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.Ephesians 1:22-23, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Let us now take a look at these two areas of the bishop ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.FIRST, there is the BISHOP MINISTRY OF JESUS FROM WITH-IN BELIEVERS BY MEANS OF THE IN-DWELLING SPIRIT OF JESUS, ministering through the spirit of the believer giving them wisdom, grace and strength.
1 Corinthians 2:16, . . . But we have the mind of Christ.Colossians 3:10, And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:1 John 2:20,27, But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.2 Corinthians 12:, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.The Spirit of Jesus, through the regenerated spirit of the believer gives the believer wisdom, grace and strength to take oversight of his soul which does NOT WANT oversight, but rather desires to be independent of God.Jesus in the believer, in this phase of His oversight ministry, is giving direction, restoring, and completing that work in the soul of the believer which he began. Amen! Thank you Jesus!!
SECONDLY, there is the BISHOP MINISTRY OF JESUS FROM WITHOUT ( from outside of the believer's person) BY MEANS OF HIS BODY, THE CHURCH through the oversight/bishop ministry invested in the Elders of the local Church
Through His Body, the local Church (the physical, visible manifestation of Jesus in the world) Jesus is carrying on His bishop/oversight ministry of believers, specifically, through those whom He has called, anointed and ordained as Elders and therefore, overseers of the local flock.
This oversight/bishop ministry of Jesus which is invested in the Elders of the local Church is necessary because the oversight/bishop ministry of Jesus through the believer's spirit is not yet complete.
Ephesians 1:22-23, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Acts 14:23, And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.Speaking to the Elders at Ephesus Paul says in:
Acts 20:28, Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he bath purchased with His own blood.Elders are the established order of authority and oversight in the local church - and the Word says,Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."The OVERSIGHT/BISHOP MINISTRY OF JESUS THROUGH THE ELDERS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH is the ministry of the WORD for the saving of the souls of those under that ministry.That is why the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 13:17 says "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your- selves: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS."
There is not a single believer who of themselves can and will all the time make the right decisions, judgement, or do the right thing. Every believer needs help with the oversight of his soul. The soul is not competent to rule, or oversee itself.
Jeremiah 10:23, O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.God in His infinite wisdom, grace and mercy has established the oversight/bishop ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ within the local Church and through the Elders of the local Church because He loves Us and desires to bless us.3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.God has chosen to bless those who obey Him, who will do whatsoever He tells them to do.Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 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: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.Psalm 81:8-16, Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; 9 There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god. 10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. 12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. 13 Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! 14 I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. 15 The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. 16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.NOTE: Point of clarification - I am not saying that God only speaks to those whom He has placed in positions of authority in the Church and that the flock (members) must be completely and solely dependent on them for God's direction and therefore blindly follow them.Acts 17:11, These (Berean believers) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.1 John 2:27, But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.Every born-again child of God has the ability and right to enter into the presence of God and receive from Him directly without a go-between.God does not need someone to speak for Him.
The REASON believers need the oversight ministry of the church is because they do not always LISTEN TO GOD (hear him nor do they always do what He tells them to do. neither,nor are they always sure what God is saying).
Beloved of the Lord, if you are planted in a local Church and in submission to the Spirit of Jesus in you and in submission to the oversight/bishop ministry of Jesus in and through that local Church you have entered into the REST OF GOD'S PROTECTION.
This Law of Rest is found in Matthew 11:29a. THE SECOND LAW OF REST IS THE REST OF COMMITMENT.
Matthew 11:29a, Jesus says "Take my yoke upon you . . .""Take my yoke upon you . . ." speaks of commitment. The Lord Jesus Christ is calling out to those who are laboring and are laden down by the cares of this life; who are struggling under the burden of discontent and impatience to take upon themselves the yoke to which He, Himself is committed and "ye shall find rest unto your souls."The yoke of the Lord Jesus Christ is seen in the following Scriptures.
John 4:38, Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.John 5:19,30, Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.John 6:38, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.John 8:28-29, Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Psalm 40:8, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.The Lord Jesus Christ had yoked Himself to the Father. His yoke was a commitment to always do the will of the Father and to never follow the will/desires of His own heart. The will of the Father had absolute priority in the Life of Jesus.In Luke 22:41-46 The Lord Jesus demonstrates what it means to be committed, and thereby gives an example for all to follow when commitments are put to the test.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.Jesus had made a commitment to always do the will of His Father.John 4:34, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me ...Now, here in the Garden of Gethsemane we see Jesus' commitment, to always do the will of the Father, being tested. Notice the struggle going on in the soul of Jesus, Luke 22:44,And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.- in agony, sweat as bloodHebrews 5:7, "Who in the days of His flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that He feared;- Strong crying and tearsJesus did not want to die the accursed death which was before him. At this point if He would have had His way, His mission would have been aborted.
BUT praise God, Jesus had made a commitment to do His Father's will regardless of personal cost. Therefore, He says, "Not my will, but thine be done." The issue was settled.
Jesus had totally entrusted His welfare to the Father's absolute faithfulness.
Paul could say, Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)
Commitment and faithfulness to that commitment brings rest; it gives direction; it settles the issue, whatever the issue may be.
"Not my will but thine be done . . ."When we make a commitment we are giving up, (denying self-will), the right/privilege of having our way in that relationship which is established by that commitment. We become a slave to the terms of that commitment.Now, even as Jesus' commitment was to the Father, so our commitment is to the Father; a commitment to do the Father's will.
Psalms 37:5, Commit thy way unto the LORD trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.Proverbs 16:a, Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.Psalms 40:8, I delight to do thy will, 0 my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.YES, commitments , taking Jesus' yoke upon you brings rest to your soul. However, let us take careful note: WE ARE NOT TO TAKE COMMITMENTS LIGHTLY.Hebrew 10:38-39, Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.Luke 9:62, And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.Does this, then, mean that we should not make commitments?NO! Not to make commitments is to let the moment, circumstances or situation rule our lives producing what is called situation ethics. Which simply means there are no absolutes and thus the situation governs what we are to do.
However, we are to be careful and not make commitments which are not according to God's will.
Commitment and the determination to be faithful to that commitment regardless of personal cost will bring rest to your soul. May God give you the grace to make firm commitments according to His will and likewise, grace to be faithful to those commitments.
The third Law of Rest is in Matthew 11:29b, where Jesus says, THE THIRD LAW OF REST IS THE REST OF KNOWING HIM.
". . . LEARN OF ME . . ."When you come to "know Jesus" as to: Who He is, and What He does, this will bring ". . . Rest to your souls."WHO JESUS IS!!
Matthew 16:15-16, He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.WHO IS JESUS? The answer is found in Peter's response to Jesus' question, ". . . who say ye that I am?" "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God."The first thing we see from Peter's response is that Jesus IS THE CHRIST.
By his statement, Thou art the Christ, Peter was affirming the fact that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the one whom God had promised would come and set His people free - the one who would make it possible, provide salvation and deliverance from the curse of sin brought upon mankind by the sin of Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.The promise of the Messiah was repeated and clarified throughout the Old Testament.
Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 53:3-12, He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Romans, Chapter 5 clearly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the suffering servant, who through His death on Calvary's Cross brings salvation and eternal life.
Romans 5:1-21, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 ¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.The second part of Peter's answer to Jesus' question, ". . . whom do you say that I am?, identifies the Christ, the Messiah as , ". . . the Son of the Living God."Jesus is not only the Christ, but He is the Son of the Living God. Not A son, But THE SON of the Living God (Emmanuel, God with us), Who, Himself is God.
John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.Hebrews 1:8, But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Jesus says, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOUL."WHAT JESUS DOES!!
What Jesus does is seen in the Seven Covenants of Calvary and find their expression in the Compound Names of Jehovah in the Old Testament.According to Isaiah, chapter 12, What Jesus Does are wells of salvation which we, with joy, are to drink.
(1) The first Covenant of Calvary is Justification. On the cross of Calvary, all of our sins were imputed, placed on Jesus. He who had no sin became a sinner in Our place, receiving in His body and soul the punishment and condemnation of God against the sinner. Now, when we, through faith, receive Jesus as Savior, God declares us to be innocent of all charges brought against us and then He imputes to us Jesus' Righteousness. We then, who were sinners, are now righteous, having the righteousness of Christ. We are justified, found to be righteous.
The compound name of God which expresses this wonderful truth is Jehovah-Tsidkenu - The Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6).
Jeremiah 23:6, In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.Psalms 103a, Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;Acts 13:39, And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.Romans 8:1-5, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.(2) The Second Calvary Covenant is that of Sanctification. This Covenant says that on Calvary, we through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior were perfected once and for all time. This truth finds it's expression in God's name as Jehovah-M'Kaddesh, "The Lord Our Sanctifier." (Leviticus 20:8)Leviticus 20:8, And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.Psalms 103:3a, Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;Hebrews 10:10, By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10 (AV)Romans 8:6-10, For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 ¶ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.That work of sanctification which God in Christ began in you through your spiritual re-birth is expressed in the Calvary Covenants 3-6.
(3) The Third Calvary Covenant is that of Divine Healing. This Covenant of Calvary finds its expression in Jesus as Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord our Healer. (Exodus 15:26)
Exodus 15:26, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.Psalm 103:3a, who healeth all thy diseases;Romans 8:11-12, But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.Matthew 8:17, That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.(4) The Fourth Covenant of Calvary is that of Divine Health and Prosperity. This Calvary Covenant finds its expression in Jesus as our Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. (Genesis 22:15) This covenant says that as we prosper (grow) in our soul, that we also will prosper in health and finances (3 John 2). He, Jesus, is our source and provider.Genesis 22:14, And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.Psalm 103:4, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;Romans 8:13-15, For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.Proverbs 3:7-8, Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Proverbs 4:20-22, My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.(5) The Fifth Covenant of Calvary is a Covenant of Rest and Peace. In the midst of trouble, turmoil or whatever, we can rest in the completed work of Calvary because Jesus has reconciled us to God - peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God's wrath, and anger has been turned away by the blood of the cross. We see this truth expressed as we learn to know Jesus as Jehovah-Rohi and Jehovah-Shalom - the Lord is our Shepherd; the Lord, is our Peace. (Psalm 23:1; Judges 6:23-24)Psalm 23:1, The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.Judges 6:23-24, And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. 24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.Ephesians 2:14, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Luke 8:24, And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.Zechariah 9:11, As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.Romans 8:16-18, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.(6) The Six Covenant of Calvary is a Covenant of Resurrection Life. The fulfillment/expression of this Covenant is seen in Jesus as Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord our Victory Banner. (Exodus 17:15-16). As we look to the Cross, keeping our eyes on the Cross, we are fighting our enemies from the place of victory, for Resurrection Life flows into and out of us from the Cross.
Exodus 17:15-16, And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-Nissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.Revelation 12:11, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.Hebrews 13:20, Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,2 Corinthians 1:9, But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but God which raiseth the dead:Psalms 103:5, Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's inRomans 8:19-25, For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.Note: In all these Covenants we see them accomplished already. We do not need to pray for them. We need to receive them by faith, confess them as truth and walk in the their reality.
(7) The Seventh Covenant of Calvary is the Covenant of Glorification. This Covenant finds its expression in the compound name of Jesus as Jehovah-Shammah, "The Lord is There." (Ezekiel 48:35) The Lord is there, wherever you are because when you were born-again, He, God, entered the Tabernacle of your body with all His Glory, even as He did in the wilderness Tabernacle.
Ezekiel 48:35, It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.1 Peter 4:14, If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.Exodus 40:34, Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.Psalms 103:6, The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.Romans 8:26-30, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Jesus says, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find Rest unto your Souls."THE FOURTH LAW OF REST IS THE REST OF GOD'S PRESENCE.
Matthew 11:29c, ". . . ye shall find rest unto your souls."The Fourth Law of Rest is seeking after Jesus with the sure, positive hope and expectation of finding Him. This seeking brings rest for we will find Him. This is the Rest of His Presence. When our soul becomes depressed as we deny it the privilege of indulgence and control (I assure you that your soul will become depressed when you begin to say, "No," to it) we need to seek the Presence of God, for as we seek His presence, we are lifted up into His presence and we find rest and joy for our soul.What is the sure and unfailing way of seeking, finding and enjoying God's presence?
Praising God, Thanking God and Repentance
Psalms 22:3, But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel..Psalms 135:3, Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.Ephesians 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;1 Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Acts 3:19, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Seek the Presence of God and you will find REST FOR YOUR SOUL THE REST OF HIS PRESENCE ENJOYED.
(Isa 1:18 KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
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