You are Dead to Sin, So Live For Righteousness

As new creations in Christ, the Bible says that we were baptized into the death of Christ (the death He died to sin once for all); then we were buried with Him through baptism into death, “that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.” (see Romans 6:3-4). Hence we are dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ. (see Romans 6:11). Because we died to sin (with Christ), we can no longer live in sin. (see Romans 6:2). We have been raised with Christ to walk in love, to walk in the light, to walk in good works, to walk in the newness of life. Jesus Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, so that we, having died to sins, might LIVE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (see 1 Peter 2:24). "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." (Colossians 3:5 NASB). If in this life, we call ourselves believers and desire to be vessels for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, then we have to depart from iniquity and live a life that brings glory to God our Father. Paul in his second letter to Timothy said, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF CHRIST DEPART FROM INIQUITY.” But in a great house there are NOT only vessels of gold and silver, BUT also of wood and clay, some FOR HONOR and some FOR DISHONOR. Therefore IF ANYONE CLEANSES HIMSELF from the latter (that is, dishonor), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and USEFUL for the Master, PREPARED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. Flee also youthful lusts; but PURSUE righteousness, faith, LOVE, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:19-22). When we walk in love, we will not walk in selfishness, envy and pride; we will not sin, and we will flee youthful lusts — we will depart from iniquity, and make ourselves useful for the Master as vessels for honor, prepared for every good work. The Bible says, "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." (James 3:16). This means that self-seeking, together with envy is the opposite of everything love stands for. Hence, the Bible says, “Owe no one anything EXCEPT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER, for HE WHO LOVES ANOTHER HAS FULFILLED THE LAW. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, ARE ALL SUMMED UP in this saying, namely, “You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore LOVE IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS, and LET US PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT. Let us WALK PROPERLY, as IN THE DAY, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and MAKE NO PROVISION for THE FLESH, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:8-14).

Beloved, you cannot walk worthy of your calling in Christ or walk in the newness of life without first putting on the Lord Jesus Christ or knowing and being conscious of who you are in Christ, without first knowing that you are the light of the world, without first knowing that you are a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) created in true holiness and righteousness (see Ephesians 4:24), created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. (see Ephesians 2:10). Throughout the New Testament epistles, we are exhorted to rest in the reality of our NEW NATURE in Christ and to “die daily” and allow Christ to live in us. (see Galatians 2:20). We don’t have to struggle to be like Jesus, because we are already as Jesus is in this world (see 1 John 4:17) — He is the Vine and we are the branches (see John 15:5); He is the Head and we are the Body. (see Colossians 1:18). All we need to do then is to remain in Him and allow His life to flow in us and through us. This is our true calling, and this is true Christianity! We are to walk worthy of our calling (see Ephesians 4:1) — walk in love as Christ has loved us (see Ephesians 5:2); walk as children of light (see Ephesians 5:8-14); walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise (see Ephesians 5:15); walk in newness of life (see Romans 6:4); walk in good works (see Ephesians 2:10); etc. Unfortunately believers who don’t have a full revelation of who they are in Christ would approach every one of these instructions as a law or work to be accomplished by self-effort. But for the New Covenant believer, these are all good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to walk in them, through the power of the Holy Spirit that is in us.

In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul tells believers: “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should NO LONGER WALK as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, BECAUSE OF THE IGNORANCE THAT IS IN THEM, because of the BLINDNESS OF THEIR HEART; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. BUT YOU have NOT so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you PUT OFF, concerning your former conduct, THE OLD MAN which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, and that you PUT ON THE NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:17-24). The legalistic or carnal Christian, or believers who walk “in the flesh” will read these verses and say, “You see, we must behave as Christians; we must work hard not to be lewd, unclean and greedy. This is what God requires of a Christian. We must keep the Law to be righteous and holy. If you do all of these in obedience to God, you will be blessed.” Have you encountered that kind of thinking? That kind of approach would be similar to a baby trying to walk before learning how to sit!

When read in its context, however, it becomes clear from the verses that unbelievers walk in lewdness, uncleanness and greed because they DO NOT have the revelation of the gospel. Their MINDS have been DARKENED. You, however, HAVE the revelation of the gospel. When you believed in Jesus Christ you became a new creation. You received a new nature in Christ — the new man. This new man is created in true righteousness and holiness (in the same nature as God). Your sinful self — called the old man has been crucified on the cross and no longer exists. Because you have this revelation, you have learned how to sit. Hence, these verses are not about a Christian trying to keep the law to try to be righteous and holy. Rather, it is about what Christ has already done — He has made you righteous and holy so that you can live a life of holiness, and practice righteousness. Therefore, your part is to know and believe (or rest in) this truth and be perpetually conscious of your holy and righteous identity. When you are conscious of your new identity in Christ, it means you have put on the NEW MAN. And the Holy Spirit (who is at work in you with the full power of God — see Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 3:20) will cause you to walk in your new nature — in true righteousness and holiness. This is what it means to walk in the Spirit and be “led by the Spirit.” Those who keep the law to be righteous are walking “in the flesh” (or self-effort) and are not led by the Spirit. The Bible says that all of us who are led by the Spirit are not under the law (see Galatians 5:18). And because the Spirit leads us, we walk in the Spirit, and do not walk in the lusts of the flesh. (see Galatians 5:16). Galatians 5:24 emphasizes that, “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Thus, because we’re led by the Spirit, we do not fulfill the desires and passions of the body; we walk in the fruit of the Spirit, which is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (see Galatians 5:22-23). And the Bible says against the fruit of the Spirit, there is no law. In other words, the fruit is greater than the law. For example, the law says, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” but it does not empower you to obey it. Nor does it empower you love your spouse. Only the Spirit can empower you to both stay away from adultery and love your spouse at the same time, as you get a revelation of how much Christ has loved you, and allow His love (which is the fruit of the Spirit) to flow through you to your spouse and to others.

As believers in Christ, our understanding is now enlightened so that we can walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise. (see Ephesians 5:15). We cannot be friends with the world  (its lusts and pleasures) anymore, because we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God. (see 1 Corinthians 2:12). The Bible says that friendship with the world is enmity with God; and so whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (see James 4:4). As believers, we are in the world but not of the world (see John 15:19; John 17:16); we are of God. (see 1 John 4:4). God has put His Spirit in our hearts (see 2 Corinthians 1:22), so we have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to open the eyes of our understanding. When we walk in the wisdom that the Spirit gives, it will reflect in our conduct. James asks, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show BY GOOD CONDUCT that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13). Many Christians, rather than walk in the wisdom and understanding of God, try to walk in their own wisdom and understanding (that comes from self) — be it from their education, or years of life experiences. But the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and LEAN NOT on your OWN UNDERSTANDING; In all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him, AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS. Do NOT be wise in your OWN eyes; Fear the Lord and DEPART FROM EVIL.” (Proverbs 3:5-7). A person who trusts in his own wisdom will naturally reject the wisdom of God when God gives a new revelation or direction. Needless to say, that is a dangerous way to live. In all the wisdom of the learned Pharisees, they did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah (or the Christ). In all the wisdom of Saul (Paul), he persecuted the church of God, and he did it in all good conscience. (see Acts 22-23:1).

Before we can walk circumspectly as wise, we need to rest (or trust) in the fact that Wisdom is a person, that Jesus is our wisdom. Paul says, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us WISDOM from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30 NASB). Jesus is our wisdom, and since Jesus lives in us, wisdom lives in us. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation is at work in us, and the Bible declares that we have the mind of Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). So when we rest in the reality of Christ living in us, when we depend on the Holy Spirit who is in us, we will begin to walk in true wisdom which is of God. And when we walk in the wisdom of God, we will not behave as fools by living in sin. We will walk as children of light, which we truly are. (see Ephesians 5:8-9). Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

Harness The Law of Faith

Beloved, catch this important revelation, and come to understand how things work in the spiritual realm. There are spiritual laws in place in this world, just as there are natural (or physical) laws. There is the law of sin and death, and there is the law of the Spirit of life or the Law of the Holy Spirit -- (see Romans 8:2). As believers, the Bible says we have been delivered or made free from the law of sin and death, and are now under the law of the Spirit of life (the Spirit of life being the Holy Spirit). We are led by the Spirit (see Romans 8:14). Today, all believers are to live and walk by faith and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, there is such a thing as THE LAW OF FAITH. (see Romans 3:27). The Bible says,

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. BY WHAT LAW? Of works? No, but by THE LAW OF FAITH." (Romans 3:27 NKJV).

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, IN YOUR MOUTH and IN YOUR HEART ” (that is, the WORD OF FAITH which we preach):" (Romans 10:8 NKJV).

"And since we have THE SAME SPIRIT OF FAITH, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED AND THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK" (2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 NKJV).

All of these verses quoted above concern the LAW OF FAITH. The LAW OF FAITH says, “BELIEVE in your heart, and then SPEAK.” (see 2 Corinthians 4:13). And whatever it is you're speaking will manifest or come into physical existence. That is how God created the world—"God, who gives life to the dead and CALLS THOSE THINGS WHICH DO NOT EXIST AS THOUGH THEY DID” (see Romans 4:17 NKJV). God created the world by the Law of Faith. In the same token, you can create your own world or chart the course of your life by harnessing the Law of Faith.

The LAW OF FAITH is always at work, whether we recognize it or not, whether we believe it or not. Indeed, THE LAW OF FAITH is at work right now whether you are aware of it or not, whether you believe it or not, just like any other law, such as THE LAW OF GRAVITY. Whether you believe in the existence and operation of the law of gravity or not doesn't change the truth that it is there and at work. If you doubt the law of gravity and thus jump off a tall building or a cliff right now (in the natural sense), you won't even arrive shattering on the ground to your death before you're convinced about the law of gravity. And so, in the natural sense, if you believe in the existence of the Law of Gravity, you will cooperate with it, and it will work for your benefit. But if you don’t believe it, then it will work against you. There are some people who say (when it comes to spiritual laws), that if you don't believe it, it won't work for you. But that is not the entire truth. If you don't believe it, IT WILL WORK AGAINST YOU. Now, that's just the truth.

Beloved, you will live a miraculous life if you harness the law of faith. Your “normal or natural” will become somebody's “supernatural.” You can command things to happen, and they will, as you walk by the Law of Faith.

Indeed, for a miracle to come forth by your command (or your word), your heart must work in agreement with the Word spoken from your mouth. For instance, "Be healed" or “Get up and walk” will have no impact on the sick or the paralytic, unless it springs forth from faith that is in your heart. It has to be a heartfelt and faith-filled command. The mouth and the heart must work in agreement in faith. This is what the Bible means when it says, “the word is near you, IN YOUR MOUTH and IN YOUR HEART” (see Romans 10:8). It is also what the Bible means when it says, “we also BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK" (see 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 NKJV). It is again what the Bible means when it says, “WITH THE HEART ONE BELIEVES unto righteousness, and WITH THE MOUTH confession is made UNTO SALVATION.” (see Romans 10:10 NKJV). Salvation in this context is an all-encompassing word that includes every positive thing you want to see happen in your life. If you can believe anything in your heart (based on the Word of God) and speak it with your mouth, it will happen just as you believed and spoke it. (see also Mark 9:23; Matthew 17:20). When you believe in your heart and utter a command (with no doubting), you will have the desired results.

Some people think if they say something over and over long enough, they will come to believe it, and then it will produce the desired results. But the truth is that, you have to believe it to say it. You say it because the Word of God (which is not a lie) says so, and you believe the Word. And so you don't stop confessing or saying it because you don't see a manifestation of it in the physical realm. You keep saying it (whether it manifests in the physical or not), because as far as you are concerned, what you are saying is the truth (or the reality), because the Word of God says so and you believe the Word, as opposed to whatever it is you are seeing or hearing. This is how you get the desired results in the spiritual realm.  But unfortunately, many people are like Thomas -- they want to see it first before they believe it, before they say it. Jesus said the blessed ones (or the ones who always get the desired results) are the ones who have not seen and yet have believed. (see John 20:29). The same law of faith applies in prayer. "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, BELIEVE THAT YOU RECEIVE them, AND YOU WILL HAVE them." (Mark 11:24 NKJV). "...ask in FAITH, with NO DOUBTING, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6‭-‬7 NKJV). Whatever it is you want, you have to believe in your heart first that you have it (because all things are yours -- see 1 Corinthians 3:21), then speak it or call it into (physical) existence, and believe you have received the desired results; and you will see it manifest. That is the secret, if it is a secret at all. The Bible says, “The secret of the Lord  is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14 NKJV).

Beloved, when it comes to healing, for example, don't say you are healed just because you think by saying it over and over you will be healed. Believe first that you are healed, and then keep saying it based on the truth of the Word of God. The Bible says, "By His stripes we are healed" (see Isaiah 53:5), and that settles it. Believe it. I believe it. And so it doesn't matter if, for instance, my head aches with the strongest ache ever recorded or experienced by man, it doesn't matter if the doctor tells me I have cancer, I am not going to change my confession to say that I am sick.  No. I'm an inhabitant of Mount Zion (see Hebrews 12:22). The Bible says, “And no inhabitant [of Zion] will say, “I am sick”; The people who dwell there will be forgiven their wickedness [their sin, their injustice, their wrongdoing]. (Isaiah 33:24 AMP). And so I won't say I am sick. I will talk to the condition or the pain, and say, "You pain, you don't belong in my body. Be gone now in Jesus' name. By His stripes I am healed." Then I will keep saying I am healed, no matter how the pain intensifies. I will confess my healing (and not the pain or sickness, if you may), because I believe the Word of God which says I am healed. I don't confess it in order that, perchance, I may believe it for it to come to pass; I confess it because I believe it has come to pass. My healing already occurred in the past. Thus Peter said,”...by whose stripes YOU WERE HEALED.” (see 1 Peter 2:24 NKJV). I was healed, and I am still healed. I own the healing. It is mine. How can I try to get what is already mine. I just have to lay hold of it or possess it, by believing and confessing it is mine. Then the Supreme Justice of the universe who enforces all spiritual laws -- the Lord God Almighty -- will enforce my healing and bring my healing into its physical manifestation, just as I have believed and confessed. Indeed when I know and believe any promise or blessing of God that is mine, and I confess it, no one can take it from me. Hallelujah! The Bible says, “all the promises of God in Him are YES, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God THROUGH US.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV). Begin to harness the law of faith, and lay hold of all the promises of God. Begin to possess your possessions. The Bible says, “See, I HAVE GIVEN YOU this land. GO IN AND TAKE POSSESSION of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” (Deuteronomy 1:8 NIV). What are you waiting for, beloved? God has spoken; just do whatever He’s telling you to do. “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (see Galatians 3:29 NKJV). God has already given you every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. (see Ephesians 1:3). Your responsibility is to just possess them or lay hold of them by faith. May you assume that responsibility today. Jesus said, “IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE to him who believes.” (see Mark 9:23 NKJV). You are the one who believes. Remain blessed.

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

Faith is at the Core of Our Christian Walk

Clearly, spiritual things can only be perceived by our re-created spirit (through faith). Our physical senses can't discern spiritual things. Therefore, faith is at the core of our Christian walk. Throughout Jesus' ministry on earth before and after His resurrection, His emphasis was always on faith, and not on sight. Even the nature of His birth takes faith to accept: He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin, and a lowly virgin at that. Although Jesus was the “Mighty God” (see Isaiah 9:6) who had come into the world incognito, He chose not to arrive on earth in some grandiose style. The world He Himself had created even made no room for Him when He arrived in Bethlehem; all the inns were full, so that He was born in a manger. The Lord of the whole universe was born in a manger. Then His birth was announced not to the kings of the world, but to lowly shepherds. When He came of age and started His Ministry on earth, Jesus was referred to as the "carpenter's son" by those who sought to deride Him by his humble background. Thus, when one considered the physical background and circumstances of Jesus, it took faith to recognize that He was God. Those who were looking to accept Him by sight were obviously disappointed. And it was in such manner that Jesus conducted His entire earthly ministry.

Let's consider a few instances where Jesus emphasized Faith as superior to Sight. John the Baptist had introduced Jesus twice as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (see John 1:29; John 1:36). Yet, when John was imprisoned, he started to harbor doubts about Jesus as the Messiah. So John sent messengers to Jesus to ask Him if He was indeed the Messiah that was to come. (see Matthew 11:1-3). Jesus could have satisfied John's quest for a confirmation by just saying “Yes” to his question. But that was not Jesus' style. He sent back the messengers to John with a message pointing John to the prophecies in the Scriptures about the works of the Messiah (as recorded in Isaiah 35:5-6) and the fulfillment of those prophecies in Him. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” (Matthew 11:4-6 KJV).

Again, when Jesus rose from the dead, He never showed Himself to a single person who wasn’t already one of His disciples. We would think it would've been great for Him to have walked the streets of Jerusalem and into Pilate's palace so that the multitudes that had witnessed His crucifixion would see Him in His resurrected body and believe that He was indeed the Christ. But that’s not the nature of our God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Even when Jesus appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus (on the day of His resurrection), He prevented them from seeing Him as the risen Christ. Instead, He opened their eyes to Scriptures that pointed to His death and resurrection. (See Luke 24:15-16; Mark 16:12). And upon hearing those Scriptural teachings about Christ, their hearts burned within them. (see Luke 24:32). “Is not My Word like a fire?” says the Lord.” (see Jeremiah 23:29). No wonder the Bible says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. (see Romans 10:17). Jesus would later appear to all His disciples and declare to Thomas (who had previously doubted the other disciples' account of an earlier visitation by the resurrected Christ) that "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (see John 20:29). Indeed, in the eyes of God, faith is truly superior to sight.

My dear reader, the Christian walk is a walk of faith. Every benefit of the finished work of Jesus is received by faith, because it is only by faith that we access grace (the undeserved, unmerited favor of God). And without faith it is impossible to please God. (see Hebrews 11:6). Thus, Romans 5:2 says, “We have access BY FAITH into this GRACE in which we stand.” Hence, we're saved by grace through FAITH in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8-9). We're made righteous by FAITH in Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:17; Romans 3:22). We're healed by FAITH in Jesus Christ. (see Mark 10:52; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). We inherit the blessings of Abraham by FAITH in Jesus Christ. (see Galatians 3:14-15; Romans 4:13-16). We move the mountains (of our problems) by FAITH in Jesus Christ. (see Matthew 17:20). We overcome the devil by FAITH in the blood of Jesus. (see Revelation 12:11). We fight the good fight of Faith (see 1 Timothy 6:12). Paul admonishes us in Colossians 2:6-7, "AS you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, SO WALK IN Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in THE FAITH, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Since we received Christ by GRACE through FAITH, and not by the law or through the works of the law, Paul is basically saying we should walk the Christian walk in the same way we got saved and received the Spirit of God —  that is, by GRACE through FAITH (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Hence, Paul was angry with the Church in Galatia when they started moving away from Faith to the works of the Law. And he said to them, “This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the WORKS OF THE LAW, or by the hearing of FAITH? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2-3). Like the Church of Galatia, there are many believers today who just can’t bring themselves to accept the truth that righteousness is a gift that must be accepted by faith in Christ Jesus. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:20-22; Romans 5:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30). Many believers insist on being under the Law and working for their own righteousness rather than accepting (by faith) that they are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, it appears that faith is more difficult for many people than works of the law. But Paul said, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:21). Beloved, we cannot walk the Christian walk by the flesh (or self efforts at keeping the Law of Moses); we are to walk by faith in Jesus our Savior. We are to grow in our dependence on Him — from faith to faith. We're also not to respond to our natural circumstances and situations with human effort, but with faith in the finished work of Christ. God is pleased when we live our lives by faith in Him, in spite of the circumstances in which we may find ourselves. It is only by believing everything the Bible says about who we are in Christ that our lifestyle or conduct will reflect that reality. If we believe right, we will certainly live right. Faith is how we walk in the Spirit. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “The just shall live by faith.” (see Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38; Habakkuk 2:4). May you live and walk by faith. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

What Type of Follower Are You Among the Great Multitude of People Following Jesus Today?

“Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. And A GREAT MULTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE FOLLOWED Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.  For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’  Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’  For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” (Luke 23:26‭-‬31 NKJV, emphasis mine).

The Scriptures quoted above show that A GREAT MULTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE FOLLOWED JESUS as He was led away to Golgotha to be crucified, even though, as we can glean from their behavior at the scene of the crucifixion, not all of the multitude of the people followed Jesus for the right reasons. Some only followed Him to mock Him (see Mark 15:29; Matthew 27:39-40) — they didn’t follow Him because they believed in Him. Others followed just to look on. (Luke 23:35). Similarly, there are many people today that only follow Jesus to mock Him; many false believers and false prophets are following Jesus — mocking Him. Others are following Him just out of curiosity, looking on. And yet, there are many true followers too who genuinely love the Lord. And so we are told that among the multitude that followed Jesus were WOMEN WHO ALSO MOURNED and LAMENTED Him. But Jesus told them not to weep for Him, but to weep for themselves and their children. (see Luke 23:28). Indeed, we (mankind in general) cannot read or listen to the account of Jesus’ crucifixion and weep for Him. No, we should rather weep for ourselves and for our children, because we are the ones that are pitiful, not Him. We are the ones that have sinned and are bound for hell. We are the dry wood — alienated from the life of God. (see Ephesians 4:18). Jesus is the Green Wood — sinless and full of life (see John 5:26) — who stepped in on His own volition to save us. (see John 10:18). He laid down His life out of His own free will — out of His great love, having come into the world for this very purpose; so there is no weeping for Him. But we should weep for ourselves and for our children, especially those who hear the good news of Christ and the eternal life He offers, and yet refuse to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Jesus asked, “for if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” (see Luke 23:31). In other words, if they treated Jesus the Green Wood this way; if they subjected the sinless one in whom is life to such cruel punishment and suffering, imagine what would be done to the dry wood — the sinners who have no life in them. Indeed, such sinners would cry and beg for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them, than for them to face the fiery wrath of God that would be revealed in the last day. In the Book of Revelation, we are told that when the sixth seal was opened, “the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17).

May you be counted among those of us who have genuinely repented of our sins and follow Jesus because we sincerely believe in Him as our Lord and Savior. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

The Word of God Endures Forever

Beloved, God’s Word is truth, and it does not change. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35). God’s Word will never change nor pass away. God does not change. (see Malachi 3:6). Whatever He is, He is permanently. He is the same yesterday, and today and forevermore. (see Hebrews 13:8). So whatever He said yesterday is true today, tomorrow, and forevermore. In the beginning, He was the Word, and He is still the Word. He (the Word) became flesh (a Man), and He is still a Man in Heaven today. (see John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16, with 1 Timothy 2:5). He is a Spirit, and He is still a Spirit today. (see John 4:24). And He is forever a triune God. Godliness is a mystery. (see 1 Timothy 3:16). God is unchanging. He is His Word. Hence, His Word is unchanging; it endures forever. (see Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:25). The Psalmist says God has exalted or magnified His Word above His name (see Psalm 138:2), and it's all because He is His Word. God and His Word are one. Believing in His Word (which you can see and read or hear) is how you believe in God (whom you cannot see). This is why you should always believe that you are what God's Word says you are; you have what God's Word says you have; and you can do what God’s Word says you can do. Believing the Word and doing the Word is how you walk in the truth; it is how you walk in the Spirit. The Bible says God’s Word is alive and active (see Hebrews 4:12). That is why we call it the living Word. It is always alive. And whenever we lift a Word from the pages of the Bible and place it on our lips, that Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts through every darkness — every problem, every difficulty, every hopelessness, and it sheds its light abroad. This is why the Bible is also called Good News. When words from the Bible are spoken in faith and with love, news begins to happen — sinners get saved, the sick get healed, the lame leap onto their feet, the dead come to life; and news is made: good news! And this is all because, God watches over His Word to perform it. (see Jeremiah 1:12). The Bible says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11).

Beloved, trust God's word, because it does exactly what it promises, when mixed with faith. God's word happens when believers act on it in faith; it is always a “Now” Word; it accomplishes whatever it is meant to accomplish, "For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37 NIV). God's word is always potent; It is always alive, and it always causes the thing for which it is sent to happen. It prospers in the thing for which God sent it. For example, if it is a word for healing, the healing happens once the word is received or acted upon in faith. Therefore, make the Bible your closest companion and your final authority on all matters: read it, believe it, meditate on it, and act on it. Know the Scriptures and speak its promises over your life; be a doer of the Word. Let your zeal for the things of God be according to knowledge, so that you will not err. Walk in the truth.

The Bible says that on a certain occasion, Jesus was responding to a question raised by the Sadducees. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" (Mark 12:24 KJV). Jesus spoke these words to the Sadducees — men who felt in their own estimation that they were learned men and gatekeepers of the Law — and yet, how accurately it applies to us today. How accurately it applies especially to many of these man-ordained, self-proclaimed gatekeepers of the doctrines of the Church. And how relevant and timeless it is as a caution to everyone of us against not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. We err or go wrong and wander from the truth when we don't know the Scriptures. And when we don't know the Scriptures, then we also are not able to get a deep revelation and an experiential knowledge of the power of God. The apostle Paul also made such an observation of Israel and said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that THEY HAVE A ZEAL FOR GOD, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE. For they being IGNORANT OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS, and SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, have NOT SUBMITTED to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:1-3). Clearly, zeal for God without right believing based on knowledge of the truth of God’s Word, cannot save anyone. But unfortunately this is also the problem we have among professed Christians today. I bear many professed Christians witness that they have a zeal for God and for the things of God, but not according to knowledge, and so they err. This same doctrine of righteousness by faith that Paul preached about is being rejected by many professed Christians today who seek to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to or accepting the righteousness of God which is being offered as a gift to all who believe in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:21 with Romans 5:17). And this is just one of many areas where otherwise zealous Christians are erring because of a lack of knowledge of the Scriptures and of the power of God. Today there are so many false doctrines and teachings that have been wrapped around a thin layer of truth — I call it the false doctrine burrito — and are being fed to believers who know no better, because they themselves are not reading the Scriptures and verifying things for themselves. These so-called believers are so unlike the Berean Jews in the early Church, whose zeal for God was according to knowledge. These Berean Jews were more fair-minded and would not buy into just any doctrine without going into the Scriptures and verifying things for themselves. The Bible says, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO  FIND OUT WHETHER THESE THINGS WERE SO." (Acts 17:11). You see, the Bible describes people who receive the Word with all readiness and search the Scriptures to verify things for themselves as more fair-minded or noble people. I wonder what the opposite of that is.

Beloved, don't just accept my teaching because it's coming from me. Make sure you verify everything I say by searching the Scriptures for yourself. This is also the reason why I provide a Biblical reference for everything I say. In fact, I cannot emphasize this enough. Don't just accept any teaching you hear (as truth) without verifying the Scriptures for yourself. And don't allow anybody to convince you that they have their own private interpretation of the Scriptures, and that they are the only people who have the credentials and the right to tell you what the Scriptures mean. Learn from Elihu when he says, “I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice.” (Job 32:7-9). The Scriptures mean one and the same thing even when read by a child. The Bible says, we all should know "this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (II Peter 1:20-21). Read the Scriptures for yourself. It is the Holy Spirit who inspired the writers of the Scriptures, and you also have the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Scriptures. The apostle John, assuring believers that we have the promise of eternal life, said, "These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing (that is, the Holy Spirit) which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." (I John 2:26-27). Don't allow yourself to be deceived, beloved, and do not be self-deceived either, because you will err if you don't study the Scriptures yourself and come to know the power of God. The blame is squarely on you if you allow anyone to deceive you and lead you to hell with false doctrines and philosophies of men. From my experience, those who clamor for the biggest religious titles are often the ones who have no revelation knowledge of the Scriptures; they are often the ones who try to comprehend the Scriptures by human reasoning, and they often preach or teach sense knowledge, and not revelation knowledge. Nothing is true or makes sense to them (spiritually), unless they can logically explain it. One time Jesus asked a group of such people — who were called the Pharisees — some questions about what the parentage of the Christ is according to the Scriptures, but they couldn't answer Him. (see Matthew 22:41-46). The Bible says, “And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.” (Matthew 22:46). Ironically these men saw themselves as the learned men and teachers of Israel. Prior to this, they even had the nerve to ask Jesus by what authority He was teaching and conducting His ministry. (see Matthew 21:23). On another occasion Jesus also questioned another Pharisee whose name was Nicodemus; He asked, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (see John 3:10). Indeed, it is baffling!

If I could only tell you one thing in conclusion, I would echo the inspired words of the apostle Paul, that "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..." (Colossians 3:16). And I can promise you that the Word will build your faith (see Romans 10:17), reveal and multiply grace to you (see 2 Peter 1:2), and give you an assurance of salvation (see 1 John 5:13). Indeed, the Word will “build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32).

But how can God's Word dwell in you richly in all wisdom? Paul again gives us the answer in his second letter to a young pastor named Timothy. He said, “STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). This is right in line with what God told Joshua in the Old Testament. He said, “This Book of the Law SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH, but you shall MEDITATE IN IT DAY AND NIGHT, that you may OBSERVE TO DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT IS WRITTEN IN IT. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). In other words, Joshua was being asked to study the Word of God and meditate on it until the Word becomes his consciousness, until everything he spoke and did was right in line with the Word of God. Joshua was to make his home in the Word of God. God is telling all of us the same thing. In fact, Jesus said to His disciples that we are to abide or make our home in Him (and of course, He is the Word, just as John 1:1, 14 says, and Revelation 19:13 affirms); we are also to allow His words to abide or make their home in us. (see John 15:7). We are all to STUDY the Word of truth or the Word of God to understand it so that we can rightly divide it in a way that is approved by God. We are never to speak anything that is not in agreement with the Word of God, but are to meditate on God’s Word day and night, that we may be doers of the Word. (see Joshua 1:8, with James 1:22). And we have the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish this. Thus, if you truly desire to walk in truth, you need to STUDY the Word of God with the help of your Teacher — the Anointing or the Holy Spirit — who abides or remains in you. You have to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.

When the Word of Christ dwells in you richly in all wisdom, it will show in your speech and your actions: you will be a transformed man; you will not speak like the rest of the world do; your speech and actions will not conform to the speech and actions of unbelievers or those who are of the world. (see  Romans 12:1-2). You will be unique and distinct from the world, because you will be a man sanctified (or set apart) by the truth, which is the Word of God. (see John 17:17). You will have the mindset of the righteous. You will be as separated from the world as light is separated from darkness. (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Your light will so shine before men, that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (see Matthew 5:16). This is the reason Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14). You will SHINE in this world and STAND OUT as a city on a hill, when you walk according to the truth of God's Word. When Jesus walked on this earth, He stood out as Light in this dark world, because not only was He the truth, He also walked in the truth. To the Jews who did not believe in Jesus and sought to kill Him, Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and DOES NOT STAND IN THE TRUTH, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44). Here, Jesus gave us a very important revelation about Satan (the devil), and the revelation is that the devil DOES NOT STAND IN THE TRUTH. This means that when you stand in the truth (of God’s Word), Satan will not stand with you. When you walk in the truth (of God's Word), Satan will not walk with you. In other words, Satan is afraid of the truth. This is why every believer must stand and walk in the truth. The only safe ground in this world is the truth, and the Truth is Jesus Christ (see John 14:6); the Truth is the Word of God (see John 17:17). James says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). Submit to the truth.

Many people often quote the last part of James 4:7 and ignore the first part. But the point is that you cannot resist the devil without first submitting to God, without first submitting to the Truth. To resist anything, you must first be leaning on something stronger. For instance, in order for you to successfully resist a strong wind, you must be holding on to and allowing yourself to be held by a rock or an object which cannot be moved by the wind. Similarly, God and for that matter, our Lord Jesus Christ, is our Rock (see 1 Peter 2:6-8; Isaiah 26:4), He is the truth (see John 14:6), and we have to submit to and lean on Him in order to successfully resist the devil. Submitting to God and to the Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ is accomplished by submitting to the Word of God, which is the Truth. We have to submit to or agree with and walk according to what God’s Word says about who we are in Christ, what we have in Christ, and what we can do through Christ and with the power and authority that we have in Christ. When we believe God's Word and do (or act on) God's Word, then have we submitted to God, then are we leaning on the immovable Rock, then are we walking in the truth or standing in the truth; and Satan will not stand with us, because he does not stand in the truth. Satan flees when we resist him with the truth of God's Word. When we walk in the truth, we can successfully resist the devil, we can successfully resist every attack and every temptation of the devil. Indeed we know we have truly submitted to God when we have full assurance in our heart that the Bible is in truth the Word of God, and thus renew our minds with what the Bible says. We have to make God’s thoughts our thoughts and His opinions our opinions. After all, the Bible says we (i.e in our spirit) have the mind of Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). We should make this truth manifest in our body through the renewal of the mind of our body with the Word of God. When Jesus walked here on earth, He was able to resist the devil by leaning on the truth of God's Word when the devil tempted Him in the wilderness. (see Luke 4:1-13). Because the devil does not stand in the truth, he fled when Jesus continually confessed and did what the Word of Truth says, as opposed to what Satan wanted Him to do. Confessing and doing the truth (which is God's Word) is how we resist the devil. Satan may also know the written Word of God and may even quote it sometimes, but the truth is that he does not have the revelation and an understanding of the Word, so he cannot rightly divide the Word of truth; nor does he stand in the truth or do the Word. This is why the ministers of Satan who have infiltrated Christian churches today are not able to preach the truth and do the Word. Yes, they can quote the Scriptures alright, but because they themselves don't understand it and cannot rightly divide it, they deceive their followers with their teachings. On a certain occasion, when the disciples of Jesus asked Him why He spoke the way He did (and in that particular context, why He spoke in parables) to the people, “He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, BUT TO THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, NOR DO THEY UNDERSTAND.” (Matthew 13:11, 13). Indeed it has been given to every believer to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God and  to understand the Word of God, and by submitting to it, resist the devil, and he will flee from us. May you submit to the truth of God’s Word, for the Word of God endures forever. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

How to Grow and Strengthen Your Faith

Beloved, God does many things for us, but He has also given us the ability and the responsibility to do certain things for ourselves, and exercising, strengthening, and growing our faith is one of them. As a believer, you don't need to struggle to have faith; the Bible says that you already have the measure of faith. (see Romans 12:3). Every Word from God is filled or loaded with FAITH. This faith cannot be invented or manufactured by man. It is a gift (see Ephesians 2:8) that can only come from God through the hearing of His Word. Therefore, one can receive FAITH only as it is imparted to the heart by God Himself through the hearing of His Word. (see Romans 10:17). And the good news is that God is always giving or imparting the gift of faith as we hear His Word preached, and as we read the Bible for ourselves. It is ultimately up to us to receive or accept and lay hold on the faith God gives us through His Word. Right now as you read or hear the message in this piece, faith is being imparted to you. Thus, it is important what you allow yourself to read or hear on a regular basis. Are you continually hearing the Word of God which will build or grow your faith? Or are you hearing the philosophies of men that will plant doubts in your heart?

Indeed, as a believer you were saved by grace through FAITH. (see Ephesians 2:8-9). This FAITH was gifted to you when you heard the Word of God. Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him...” (see John 6:44). So God drew you to Jesus by giving you faith through the hearing of the gospel of Christ. God opened your heart to heed the message of the gospel. You couldn't have been saved without faith. Therefore you should know that you have faith. God didn't take the faith away from you after you got saved. No, God’s gifts and His calling are irrevocable. (see Romans 11:29). This is why Romans 12:3 says God has given to each believer the measure of faith. We all begin our Christian walk with the (same) measure or amount of faith. And that faith is enough to move a mountain if we would simply exercise it. (see Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6). Nothing will be impossible for us if we would just put that faith to use. Just as that faith came to us when we heard the Word of God, continually hearing the Word of God is how we can GROW that faith. Also, exercising our faith or putting our faith into practice is how we STRENGTHEN our faith. Begin to do everything the Bible says you can do. Begin to lay hands on the sick in the name of Jesus for them to recover. Begin to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. Begin to speak in new tongues in the name of Jesus, if you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said these signs will follow those who believe. (see Mark 16:17-18). Ask yourself if these signs are following you, and if they’re not, are you really one of those who believe? If you are in Christ, you are among those who believe. You don't need to struggle with faith; neither should you focus on your faith; just do what the Bible says you can do. When you study and focus on the Word of God, the Word will build your faith. (see Romans 10:17). When you act on the Word of God, the Word will strengthen your faith. Take the Word of God for what it is — accept God's Word as true, and act on it. That is faith.

Beloved, you are what God's Word says you are. You have what God's Word says you have. And you can do what God's Word says you can do. Just believe God’s Word and act on it. Faith is simply believing that God’s Word is truth, and then acting on God's Word. Be a doer of the Word. Never pray for faith or for God to increase your faith — that is sheer unbelief; and it is unacceptable under the New Covenant. On a certain occasion when Jesus’ disciples asked Him to increase their faith (see Luke 17:5), Jesus essentially pointed out to them that it wasn’t an increase in faith they needed, but that they just needed faith, period! I mean, how can you increase what you don’t have? And so Jesus said, “IF  you HAVE FAITH as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (see Luke 17:6). On another occasion Jesus also called his disciples “FAITHLESS and perverse generation.” (see Matthew 17:17).  But under the new Covenant, we have received the measure of faith, so we are not “faithless generation,” and we cannot ask the Lord for faith or to increase our faith. Asking God to increase your faith is just like asking your natural father to help you to believe or trust in his word or help you trust in him more. Every father will take that as an insult, and yet many believers do it to God without seeing anything wrong with it. As believers, we have been born into God’s family. Faith should be as normal and natural to us as it is in any beautiful family. We don’t have to be faith-conscious; we just have to be love-conscious. We have to know that our dear Father (God) loves us deeply and cares for us greatly. His love should give us confidence in His promises. His love should make us rest and trust that He will provide for us whatever we ask in the name of Jesus. (see John 16:23). We have to become as trusting of God as children are of their natural parents. I don't know of any child who struggles to find faith to receive anything from their father. Children don’t even think about faith when asking for something from their father; they just think about their father’s love for them. So why should believers struggle for faith when we need something from our Father? Oh what a difference it would make if we would just think about the Father's love instead of thinking about our faith! What a difference it would make if we were just as convinced as Paul that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (see Romans 8:38-39).

Indeed, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (see Romans 10:17). So just as you go to the gym to strengthen and grow your muscles, reading the Bible, meditating on it, and being a doer of the Word is how you grow and strengthen your faith. Nothing else will do. You cannot pray to God to give you muscles, because He has already given you muscles. Neither can you pray to God to give you faith because He has already given you the measure of faith. (see Romans 12:3). You cannot pray to God to increase your muscles because you can increase it yourself by exercising it. Similarly, no amount of prayer and fasting can increase your faith. Only the Word of God can, because “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (see Romans 10:17). The Word of God is God; the Word of God is Jesus Himself (see John 1:1, 14). Revelation 19:13 says, “His name is called The Word of God.” And He is the author and finisher of our faith. (see Hebrews 12:2). Get into the Word today and see your faith grow. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

Faith Overcomes the World

Beloved in Christ, we all need to walk by faith and learn, like Paul, to be content no matter the circumstances we face, and thus praise God through it all, knowing that there is a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory awaiting us. We need to have a deeper and complete understanding of what happened in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus triumphed over the devil and his cohorts (see Colossians 2:15) on our behalf. He won victory eternally for us; He delivered us from this present evil world (see Galatians 1:4) and seated us with Christ in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (see Ephesians 2:4-6 ). So every Christian begins the Christian life already seated in victory. We begin by sitting (or resting) in a position of victory, and then we walk in that victory by accessing (by faith) all the spoils (or benefits) of that victory (some of which are listed in Psalm 103:5-12). As long us we believe the Word of God, we can appropriate all the benefits that are wrought in Jesus’ redemptive work. It is by believing and claiming the promises of God that are in His Word that we become partakers of the divine nature. (see 2 Peter 1:4). This is why Satan’s utmost strategy (which he perfected in the garden of Eden) has always been to shift man’s focus away from the Word of God. The Bible says the Word of God is the sword of the spirit (see Ephesians 6:17), so without the Word, the believer basically has no offensive weapon with which to attack Satan the adversary. And that is exactly what Satan desires. Satan’s strategy is to disarm Christians by replacing the Word of God with the philosophies and traditions of men, so that our faith will be in the wisdom of men and not in the power of God. And so Paul warns believers to “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8). And when Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, he again emphasized the need for our faith to be in the Word of God, and not in the wisdom of men by saying: “And my speech and my preaching were NOT with persuasive words of HUMAN WISDOM, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, THAT YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT BE IN THE WISDOM OF MEN but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Many believers today lack the knowledge of the pure Word of God, because many churches have replaced the pure Word of God with the traditions and philosophies of men and the doctrines of demons. And so there is no demonstration of the Spirit and of power in many churches today. Indeed many believers don't even know about the victory and blessings they have in Christ, let alone claim them. No wonder the Bible says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (see Hosea 4:6). It is disastrous indeed for a believer to lack the knowledge of the Word of God. It is equally disastrous for a believer to doubt the Word of God, because the Bible says that it is through faith that we overcome the world. “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (see 1 John 5:4). Noah also overcame or condemned the world by his FAITH. (see Hebrews 11:7).

The story of Israel entering the promised-land illustrates the utmost necessity and importance of faith, of knowing and believing/trusting the Word of God, or walking by faith. We can read the story in Numbers 13:17–14:9. Israel had received the Word of God. They had the Word that promised them that the land had been given to them. It was theirs for the taking. All they had to do was to consider it done, to go in and possess or lay hold on the land. But when Moses sent the twelve (12) spies to survey the land, ten of them came back with a bad report that caused Israel to be defeated in faith. They focused on how big the giants that occupied the land were, and how they themselves were like grasshoppers in their own sight. And by so doing, they started to doubt God's Word or God’s promise that He had given them the land. They underestimated God by overrating the giants who occupied the land; they failed to magnify God, and magnified the giants instead.

The Bible says that as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he" (see Proverbs 23:7). What this means is that if the devil can make you feel defeated in the thoughts of your heart, then, for him, the battle is already won. Thus, the key to seeing the blessings of God and the solutions to your problems manifest in your life is to begin changing the way you think in your heart. Begin to align the thoughts of your heart with the Word of God. Begin to anchor your thoughts on the unshakable Word of God and His precious promises to you, so that your thoughts will line up with God's thoughts of peace and not of evil, of hope and a bright future (see Jeremiah 29:11). The Bible says that “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (see Philippians 4:8 NIV). You need to keep your thoughts on Jesus and begin seeing yourself in possession of all His blessings, just like two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, who were full of faith. Unlike the other ten spies, Joshua and Caleb saw by faith how big their God is, and they saw the "giants" that occupied the land as their “bread.” And because of their faith, they entered the promised-land, whereas the other ten didn't. The Bible says Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit (see Numbers 14:24). They had a spirit of faith and focused on the promises and goodness of God while the others cowered in fear, because they walked by sight, and walked in unbelief.

Beloved, spiritual warfare basically takes place in the mind (or in our thoughts), as Satan and his demons try to cause us to doubt what the Word of God says about us, and to believe what we see, feel, and hear in the natural realm. (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-6). We fall into the trap of the enemy when we move away from the truth of God's Word. So the good fight of faith spoken of in the Bible (see 1 Timothy 6:12) is the fight to walk according to what God's Word says, regardless of what our circumstances say, or what other people say. It is a fight to walk by faith, and not by sight. Indeed, it is Satan’s wish that believers would walk by sight, and not by faith. But the Bible admonishes us above all, to take “the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (see Ephesians 6:16). Satan often throws fiery darts by causing us to look at the physical mountain or storm and away from the Savior. He did this to Peter when he was walking on the water to meet Jesus. As long as Peter kept his eye on Jesus, he was able to walk on water (see Matthew 14:29). But the moment he looked away from Jesus to look at the storm, and saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid and started to sink (see Matthew 14:30). Satan's strategy is to get you to look away from Jesus so that you will become afraid. His utmost weapon is to lie and sow thoughts of doubt in your heart. These thoughts can rob you of your faith and ultimately make you respond just like Peter and those ten spies of Israel. But if you hold on to the shield of faith (if you put your faith in Jesus’ finished work), if you saturate your mind with thoughts about our beautiful Savior and His goodness, none of Satan's negative thoughts can shake you. Like Joshua and Caleb, you will reject every negative thought and confess your faith in Jesus. You will not give place to the devil. (see Ephesians 4:27). Indeed you will submit to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you. (see James 4:7). And when you do so, the fiery darts will be quenched and you will stand in victory.

Joshua and Caleb entered the promised-land by faith. Jesus said we should come to Him, all of us who labor and are heavy laden, and He will give us rest. (see Matthew 11:28). The only way to enter into the rest offered by Jesus' finished work is by faith. Hebrews 4:3 says, “For we who have believed do enter that rest.” Just like the other ten spies of Israel, it is unbelief that will prevent us from entering into the rest offered by Jesus' finished work. Hence the Bible says, "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (see Hebrews 4:11 KJV). Our only labor then is to believe that Jesus meant it when He said, "It is finished.” (see John 19:30). Thus, to rest is not only to enter into faith; it is also to demonstrate proof of that faith by ceasing from the works of the law. This is why Hebrews 4:10 says, "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS, as God did from His.” (KJV). The Bible also says, “The law is not of faith.” (see Galatians 3:12). So when we try to keep the law to be righteous, we do not believe in Christ for His righteousness. Walking under the law presumes that we are unrighteous, for "the law is not made for a righteous man." (see 1 Timothy 1:9). Therefore, walking by the law is the opposite of walking by faith; it is the opposite of walking in the Spirit. Under the New Covenant, Jesus has fulfilled the law for us. Our part therefore is simply to believe in Christ, and as we believe that we’re righteous in Christ, we will produce the fruits of righteousness, because the fruits of righteousness are by Jesus Christ (see Philippians 1:11) and not by our self-efforts. We don’t have to labor under the law anymore. When we believe in the finished work of Jesus, we honor Jesus, and it pleases God the Father.

Indeed we all as believers experience the promises and blessings of God in proportion to our level of faith. The Centurion who needed healing for his servant (see Matthew 8:5-13) and the woman who needed deliverance for her demon-possessed daughter (see Matthew 15:21-28) experienced their miracles because they had great faith. Conversely, Jesus could not heal many in His hometown because He was limited by their unbelief (see Matthew 13:58). Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Faith is always the first step, and the only step. The Bible says, “These signs shall follow those who believe…” (see Mark 16:17). Strive or Labor to be among those who believe. Mark 11:24 says when we pray, we are to believe that we have received; then we shall have it. Yet, many people want to see first before they believe. That certainly isn't faith, and it isn't how we walk in the Spirit. May you always walk by faith and not by sight. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

Understand What Faith Is

"Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). A simple glance in any dictionary would reveal that Faith is a noun; it is not a verb. Faith is, therefore, not something you do; it is something you have, and when you have it, you confess it; it moves you into action, because faith is action-oriented. We all respond to faith. Our faith determines our words, and our words reflect our faith. Everything we do as human beings is based on faith, whether we realize it or not. Indeed, in the sense realm we may not call anything “faith.” Regardless, it is faith that makes one accept and confess the existence or nonexistence of God. The atheist has faith that God does not exist, and so he confesses that faith and acts according to that faith, defending his position with everything he’s got. The Christian has faith that God exists, that Jesus is the Son of God who came and died for our sins to redeem humankind and was raised from the dead for our justification, and so the Christian confesses that faith and acts according to that faith, defending his position with everything he’s got.

Thus, faith determines our confession and our action. Practically, our faith becomes our confession and the force behind our action; and ultimately our faith becomes our reality. This is why the Bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for.” It means that faith is tangible; faith is real. If you look in a dictionary right now for the definition of “substance,” you will notice that the definition points to a real physical matter, or something which has a tangible solid presence. When you have faith for something, it is equivalent to having that “thing” physically in your hand right now. Faith calls things that are not as though they were (see Romans 4:17), and they come into manifestation. Whatever it is we need, FAITH considers or imagines it done. In fact, we can only live up to the standard of our faith and our confession. For example, if I have faith for a big church-building for my ministry, it is equivalent to having that church-building right now. And so that faith, which I have, should trigger a corresponding action of confessing that I have a big church-building, celebrating and thanking God for the building, and then moving according to the leading of the Holy Spirit to claim that building. I should also expect that people who are in the flesh or “sense realm” will not understand why I am confessing and celebrating a building they cannot see; they may even think I’m crazy. But if the faith I have is really alive, then I have to hold fast my confession (see Hebrews 4:14) in spite of the sense evidence that points to the contrary. And when people ask for the evidence of the building, all I have to do is point them to my faith, because the Bible says “faith is the EVIDENCE of things not seen.” (see Hebrews 11:1). And let’s just say that, as I continue to patiently and actively have faith for the building in question, the Holy Spirit leads me to raise a million dollars in donations, and then leads me to construct this church-building with that money. Then, I can rightly say that the building that has been constructed as a result of my faith is no more real or tangible than the faith that brought it into its physical manifestation or existence. And so now, I may not even feel a need or an urge to celebrate the physical building, because I already celebrated when I received the building by faith.

Beloved, all this may seem foolish in the fleshly or sense realm, but guess what, faith doesn't exist in the sense realm. This is why the Bible says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). Sight is in the sense realm (it is one of the five senses); faith is not in the sense realm; faith is spiritual. As believers we do not walk according to our flesh or our senses. We walk by faith; we walk in the Spirit.

Now, since Faith is a noun, we can also personify it to bring out more of its distinct characteristics. And, mind you, Faith, as used in this context, DOES NOT refer to a person's religious beliefs or doctrines. If you closely followed the earlier explanation and example that I gave of Faith, or if you yourself are in Faith, you probably already know this: Faith is self-assured. Faith is narrow-minded. Faith only sees one version of the story — the Bible’s version, the positive version. Faith does not reason. Faith doesn’t consider contrary opinions or circumstances. Faith is stubbornly certain, unyielding, and does not entertain opposing views. Faith leaves no room for options or alternatives. Faith doesn't know any such thing as "maybe." Faith knows no failure. Faith doesn't know it didn't work. Faith considers it done. Faith knows that it always works. Faith always receives. Faith doesn’t look for proof or evidence that it received whatever it asked for. Faith is the evidence. Faith doesn't wait for the substance (of whatever is being hoped for) to manifest before the celebration begins. Faith celebrates now, because Faith is the substance. When Faith becomes broad-minded, and begins to consider other versions of the story other than the Bible’s version, begins to leave room for options, and starts to consider that "maybe" it is true, “maybe” it isn’t, or “maybe” it will work, "maybe" it won't; when Faith starts to waver, and begins to wonder why it didn't receive, or why it didn't work, it immediately ceases to be Faith, because, you see, Faith doesn’t know failure; Faith is consistent. Faith doesn't know it didn't work. So far as Faith is concerned, it always works. Faith always wins. Faith doesn't look for evidence of victory; Faith is the evidence. Faith doesn't look for the substance; Faith is the substance. Now, tell me, does this look anything like your faith? It should.

Beloved, genuine faith is what shields the believer in times of trials and tribulations. It is a normal part of the Christian life to be faced sometimes with adverse circumstances (trials and tribulations, or afflictions). The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:19-20). The Bible also says in Acts 14:22 that “we MUST through MANY TRIBULATIONS enter the Kingdom of God.” And so every believer is promised afflictions, trials and tribulations by the Word of God, even though we are additionally promised that God will deliver us out of them all. Indeed it is for good reason that we go through trials. The Bible says we (believers) are grieved by various trials for a little while WHEN NEEDED, as a means of TESTING THE GENUINENESS of our (precious) FAITH to see if, when tested, our faith will be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom we love even though we have not seen. (see 1 Peter 1:6-8). And so Jesus forewarned us that in this world we WILL have tribulations. (see John 16:33). But He added that we should be of good cheer and not let our hearts be troubled, because He has overcome the world. We who believe in Jesus Christ have also overcome the world with Him. (see 1 John 5:4-5; 1 John 4:4). Hence, we need to have an overcomer's attitude whenever we encounter trials or adverse circumstances. It is only by faith in Jesus' finished work that we can keep our hearts from being troubled. Paul, walking in faith, said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (see Philippians 4:11). Then he added, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV). And that secret is to set your mind on things above, set your mind on Jesus Christ who is your strength and your life, and know that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (see Philippians 4:13, with Colossians 3:2-4). On another occasion Paul again said that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (see 2 Corinthians 4:17). Hallelujah! May you wax strong in faith. Remain blessed.

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

The Gospel of Christ is an Everlasting Gospel, and It Saves

John records in the Book of Revelation: "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL to preach to those who dwell on the earth— to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—" (Revelation 14:6). Here, John calls the gospel of Christ the everlasting gospel. The gospel of Christ is EVERLASTING indeed. God's revelation of Himself to the world has been progressive, culminating in the manifestation of Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the compilation of the complete Scriptures that we have today. At every stage in history the people of God had a certain amount of revelation, but it was the same gospel — the everlasting gospel of Christ. It is the same gospel that has been revealed progressively and preached throughout the generations, beginning with Adam — the gospel that offers man a choice between LIFE and DEATH, the Kingdom of God (Jesus) and the kingdom of Satan (see Genesis 2:9, 16-17; John 3:16-18), the gospel by which those who believe are saved. (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-2). The gospel is the same yesterday, and today and forever. It has never changed, and it will never change. The same gospel was preached to Abraham (see Galatians 3:8), preached to the children of Israel (see Hebrews 4:2), and is being preached to us today. (see Hebrews 4:2). Indeed, it is an everlasting Gospel, and it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (see Romans 1:16). All the people in the Old Testament who believed the gospel (including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Job, Moses, David, Elijah, and Isaiah) were saved, just as we have also believed the gospel today and are saved. The only difference between us and the Old Testament saints is that we have the full revelation of the gospel, or the substance, which is of Christ; we understand the things they did which they themselves didn't even understand. For instance, they didn't know that the Rock that gave the children of Israel water in the wilderness was Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 10:4). They did not know that they were bitten by serpents and destroyed because THEY TEMPTED CHRIST. (see Numbers 21:4-6, with 1 Corinthians 10:9). They also didn't know that the Passover Lamb (without spot or blemish) that was slain to redeem the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt was Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 5:7). They didn't know that the Sabbath rest is entered or attained when one believes the gospel of Christ. (see Hebrews 4:3; Matthew 11:28). And so they only had a shadow of the things that were to come — they didn't have the substance, which is of Christ. (See Colossians 2:17). Today we have the substance — Christ Himself was manifested in the flesh. We have the full revelation and we understand the things the Old Testament saints did not understand. And, of course, with more revelation or knowledge and understanding comes more victory in this life, for the Bible says that “through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.” (see Proverbs 11:9). This is the main difference between us and them. We have the glories that were to follow the sufferings of Christ. (see 1 Peter 1:11). Hallelujah! Thank God that the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world (see Revelation 13:8) was manifested in the flesh to us. (see 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:1-2).

Beloved, the truth that Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world is what allowed the God of Justice to justify (by faith) or declare as righteous such great men of faith as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot, etc — see Hebrews 11:4-10). And it is also what allowed God to send these men to Heaven, where the souls of all the righteous go immediately after death. (see 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). Even some of these Old Testament men of faith — specifically, Enoch and Elijah — did not taste death at all, but were taken by God to Heaven; they were taken bodily or translated right into God’s Holy presence. (see Genesis 5:24, with Hebrews 11:5; 2 Kings 2:1, 11). So the question is, if (supposedly) no one could go to Heaven until Jesus physically came to the world to be slain for our sins, then how come Elijah, for instance, was taken alive to Heaven? (see 2 Kings 2:1, 11). This just completely tears apart this false doctrine that no one could go to Heaven until Jesus physically came to the world to die for our sins; it completely debunks the false belief that Abraham, or any Old Testament believer for that matter, was kept in a compartment of Hades (or Hell) until the physical death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It refutes and invalidates the doctrine that the Old Testament believers (or saints) were the prisoners or captives that Jesus set free or took with Him when He arose or ascended on high, as reported in Ephesians 4:8. What many people don’t seem to realize is that all men were (formerly) the captives of Satan; and all believers were freed by Christ and taken with Christ when He ascended (see Ephesians 2:4-6), and not just the Old Testament saints. Having been created in Christ (see Ephesians 2:10), we were IN Christ before the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:4-5), we were IN Christ when He ascended into Heaven, and we are still IN Him today. Thus, speaking of all believers, the Bible says: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and RAISED US UP TOGETHER, and MADE US SIT TOGETHER in the HEAVENLY PLACES IN Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6). Indeed this statement is true and has been true from the foundation of the world for all who believe, because Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world. (see Revelation 13:8).

Many people today are confused and find it contradictory also (especially in the light of the prophet Elijah’s ascension to Heaven in a chariot of fire),  that the Lord Jesus Christ stated during His earth walk that: “NO ONE has ASCENDED TO HEAVEN but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” (John 3:13). But this statement by Jesus is neither confusing nor contradictory at all. In fact, Jesus did not say anything new here as He was only echoing what was written in the Book of Proverbs, where it says: “I neither learned wisdom Nor have knowledge of the Holy One. WHO HAS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, OR DESCENDED? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know? Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:3-6). The revelation many people haven’t caught yet is that no one can ascend to Heaven unless they go THROUGH or IN Jesus Christ the glorious Son of God. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER except THROUGH Me.” (John 14:6). Of course, we know that the Father is in Heaven. (see Matthew 6:9; Isaiah 66:1). So no one ascends or goes to Heaven except through Jesus Christ. You have to be IN the Lord Jesus Christ to be able to get to Heaven. And you can't be IN Jesus unless you believe in Him, unless you believe the gospel. All those who believe in Jesus Christ are created IN Him (see Ephesians 2:10) and are new creations (see 2 Corinthians 5:17); they are born again, and can therefore enter the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God. (see John 3:3). Therefore, all those who ever went to Heaven (including Enoch and Elijah) went IN Jesus Christ; they didn’t ascend to Heaven on their own or apart from Christ; they were IN Christ and went as members or parts of the Body of Christ — of His flesh and of His bones — Jesus Himself being the Head. (see Colossians 1:18, with Ephesians 5:30). Thus in Heaven, Christ is all and in all, just as Colossians 3:11 says He is, in the Church. Jesus is and will forever remain the only one who has ascended to Heaven, or descended, and we (believers) are all in Him, being members of His Body — of His flesh and of His bones. Yes, we are all citizens in Heaven (see Philippians 3:20), but we don't ascend to Heaven on our own; we ascend to Heaven IN Jesus Christ our Savior, “He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” He is the only one who has ascended to Heaven, carrying all of us IN Him. Thus Speaking of believers, the Book of Hebrews says: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and CHURCH of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, TO JESUS the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24). When you come to Jesus Christ, you have come to Heaven, you have come to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Indeed, when you are in Christ, you are in Heaven. Hallelujah! All the Old Testament saints went to Heaven because they were IN Christ. Jesus Christ is the only Ladder between Heaven and Earth; He has to carry you to Heaven, and bring you down from Heaven or you can do neither on your own. Even the angels of God cannot descend from Heaven and ascend to Heaven unless they do so ON or UPON Jesus Christ the Ladder. Genesis 28:12 records a dream Jacob had about this truth. The Bible says, "Then he dreamed, and behold, A LADDER was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there THE ANGELS OF GOD were ascending and descending on it." (Genesis 28:12). Echoing the truth that He is this Ladder, the Lord Jesus Christ also said to Nathanael during His earth ministry: “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and THE ANGELS OF GOD ascending and descending UPON the Son of Man.” (John 1:51). Praise God!

Again, all the old Testament saints (including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Elijah, Moses, etc) believed in Christ when they believed and acted on the Word of God, because the Word of God is Jesus Christ.  (see John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13). This is why God declared them as righteous. Their righteousness was by faith, just like ours. And so they are called saints just like us. Like the Old Testament saints, we believers of today didn't come into Christ by seeing Him on the street somewhere and saying to Him, "Hey Jesus, here you are, I believe in you!” No. We just heard the Word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and we believed it; and by believing the Word of God, we were born again, we were saved and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (see Ephesians 1:13). So we are in Christ, we are new creations. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, Beloved, I will be the first to admit that I am not in Christ because I have seen Him with my natural eyes, but that I am in Christ only because I believed the Word of God and acted on it. That Word of God is Jesus Christ. (see John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13). The Old Testament saints were also in Christ only because they believed the Word of God or the gospel and acted on it. Again, that Word of God is Jesus Christ. This is how we are born again: By faith in the Word of God, which is Jesus Christ. This has always been true since the foundation of the world, and will forever remain true. Paul said, “For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15). Salvation has everything to do with hearing the Word of God or the gospel, which is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

The Bible even cites Abraham’s faith and obedience as an example for all of us (believers) today, and calls Abraham the father of all believers. (see Hebrews 11:8-10; Romans 4:3-5, 16; Galatians 3:5-9). The Bible also says, as we have noted repeatedly, that the same gospel you and I have believed unto salvation today, was preached to Abraham beforehand, and he believed it. (see Galatians 3:8-9). Abraham heard the gospel of Christ and believed it before you and I heard it. The same gospel was also preached to the children of Israel who rebelled in the wilderness, who did not believe it. (see Hebrews 4:2). And so ask yourself, how could the gospel of Christ have existed in Abraham’s day if Jesus wasn’t slain from the foundation of the world? And how could Abraham who believed the gospel of Christ go to (a compartment of) hell after his death? Doesn’t this even insult the very foundation of Christianity? Sadly, many of us have been falsely taught the Word of God for so long that we have become rebellious against the truth. False teachings abound because there have been and still are too many sense-knowledge men preaching or teaching the Word of God — men who have limited revelation of the heart of God or the theme of the Bible, men who have neither yielded to the teachings of the Holy Spirit nor  heeded to Paul’s advice to Timothy to “Be DILIGENT to present yourself APPROVED to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.” (2 Timothy 2:15). In fact, I was once a victim of these false teachings myself, and I have often wondered how we all came to believe these false teachings without asking questions. Obviously, those who maintain that no one could go into Heaven until Jesus physically came to the world to die for our sins can't explain why the Bible says Enoch and Elijah went into Heaven, or at least, they can't explain it without twisting God’s Word.

I truly thank God for the Holy Spirit, the greatest Teacher on earth today! I commend all believers to the Holy Spirit to be taught directly by Him. Indeed, we can still find more evidence in the Bible to refute the erroneous belief and teaching that Abraham’s bosom was a compartment of Hades (Hell) and a prison from which the Old Testament saints were set free when Jesus ascended on high. From what we’ve learned so far, it is even puzzling and baffling that someone could come up with such a doctrine or teaching that has no Scriptural basis whatsoever — that even contradicts the Scriptures — and still manage to get so many sincere believers to accept it and believe it. I see the fingerprints of Satan the deceiver all over this. Now, you will remember that in the account of the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on the mountain (see Mark 9:1-4; Matthew 17:1-3; Luke 9:28-36), we are told that two Old Testament saints — Moses and Elijah — appeared IN GLORY with Jesus and talked with Him about His death which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem. (see Luke 9:31). And so the question is: “If Moses and Elijah were in Abraham’s bosom, and if Abraham’s bosom were a compartment of hell so that Moses and Elijah were supposedly captives or prisoners who were to be set free by Jesus in His resurrection or ascension on high, then how come they were able to appear IN GLORY with Jesus here in His transfiguration? Who freed them from prison or captivity and glorified them to join Jesus in His glory there on the mount (of transfiguration) and to have this glorious conversation with Jesus?” Beloved, that Moses and Elijah appeared IN GLORY with Jesus should tell you that they had been living in glory (in Heaven) ever since Elijah was taken away into Heaven in that chariot of fire (see 2 Kings 2:1, 11), and ever since Moses died at the age of 120 in the land of Moab, on Mount Nebo, on top of Pisgah and was buried by God Himself — through His archangel Michael. (see Deuteronomy 34:1, 5-7, with Jude 1:9). We are also told in Jude 1:9 that Michael the archangel had to contend with the devil, when he (the devil) disputed about the body of Moses. Please note here that the devil did not contend for the soul or spirit of Moses, just his BODY — his spirit/soul indisputably belonged to God and was with God, because he believed in God and was a faithful servant of God. His body, on the other hand, belonged to God not in its corrupted state but in its transformed and glorified state, which would occur at the resurrection of the dead when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Thus, Satan had the right to contend for Moses’ body (of corruption) although he didn't win custody of it, as the Lord (through His archangel Michael buried Moses). I mention this here because many people misunderstand and misrepresent this verse also.

Thus far, we have proven beyond every doubt that Abraham’s bosom is just a descriptive phrase in reference to Heaven where all believers will rest in the bosom of our father Abraham when we fall asleep in Christ or leave this earthly tent (or body). Yet another word which means the same thing as Heaven and Abraham’s bosom is “Paradise.” The first time we see this word used in the Bible is in Luke 23:43 where Jesus promised the thief on the cross who expressed faith in Him that he would be with Him in Paradise. The second time we see the word Paradise used is in the epistles, specifically, Second Corinthians 12:4 where Paul, speaking of his visions, narrates “how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:4). Then in its third and final appearance or usage in the Bible, we are promised in the Book of Revelation, that to him who overcomes, Jesus “will give to eat from the tree of life, which is IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD.” (see Revelation 2:7). And so, clearly, Paradise is just another name for Heaven, just like Abraham’s bosom. Thus, the three names — Abraham’s bosom, Paradise, and Heaven — all refer to the same place, which is the presence of God. The Bible also tells us that Heaven as it is today is a temporary place which will pass away just like the earth as it is today, and that there will be a new Heaven and a New Earth which will be the permanent place of dwelling for the righteous. (see Matthew 24:35; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:1-2; Isaiah 65:17-19; Isaiah 66:22-24). Hallelujah! Let God be true, but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4). Believe the everlasting gospel of Christ, for it saves! Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"