It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

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The Soul and Spirit of Mankind-Made by God  for God! 

Mankind is a tri-part being, body, soul and spirit. The body came out of the earth, the soul and spirit are from God.  Our soul is the essence of who we are, it is what gives us our individuality and uniqueness as a person. The soul is where our will, conscience, intellect, thoughts, feelings and emotions are held, the soul is the very core of our being. The spirit of man came from God when He breathed His life-giving breath into mankind and we became a living soul. The spirit is what attached the soul to its source (God). The soul/will is what governs and directs the body, be it through the living spirit that is within us, or in death without the spirit. 

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. KJV

The body came out of the earth and mankind was given rule and dominion over the earth, as he was created from the dust of the earth. The soul and spirit of mankind came from God and weremade for God, so that humanity could navigate in the spirit and earthly realm. God’s Spirit, was breathed into mankind and he became a living soul and spirit. The body returns to the earth when it is dead, just as the soul and spirit of mankind returns to its source when it dies, where it will give account and/or be rewarded according to the life it lived in fulfilling its created purpose. 

 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

There is a spiritual realm where God, angels and all other spiritual beings exist in the heavens. God created a natural dominion, the earth, that consists of physical things. Mankind was created to exist in both the spirit and earthly realms and they are very real places with different principles and laws that govern their territory. We need to understand these principles in order to navigate, negotiate and live in both of these spheres. God created mankind to co-exist in both realms.

Genesis 28:12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. NKJ

Humanity’s natural life is attached to the earth, because the body was formed from the ground, created in God’s likeness and it is fed and nurtured by the living sustenance of the earth, the ground, from where he was taken. Without these life-giving nutrients the body would die, because it would lack the source it needs to continue. 

 

Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” NKJ

 

The spirit and soul of mankind came from God, and they had the Shekinah Glory of God upon them and God’s Spirit within. When God blew His breath of life into mankind, they became a living soul. The soul and spirit of mankind was alive and in full connection with its source, the Spirit of God, just as their natural bodies were connected to its source, the earth.Mankind’s body, soul and spirit was living in completeness with its purpose, his body fully connected to the earth and his soul and spirit fully connected with God. The body, soul and the spirit all were living attached to their source, earth and God, to fulfill their purpose, which is to replenish the earth with living souls that would be connected to God, the Creator and King. 

 

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of a person is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. NAS

 

The very day mankind rebelled against their life-giving source, God, their God-like spirit left, because light and darkness cannot occupy the same space.  The spirit of mankind died, when the Shekinah-Glory of God left them, because its spiritwas no longer attached to its source. Therefore, the created God-like man no longer existed. As when a plant is uprooted from the soil or a fish is taken out of the water, they die. The God-Spirit in man surely died that day, and their souls were no longer attached to their life-giving source. 

 

Genesis 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” NKJ

 

Genesis 3:23-24 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.  So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. NKJ

 

Mankind was then driven out the garden of Eden and were no longer in that close relationship with their Creator-God. God had to drive them out of the garden, because of the evil state of fallen mankind. Had they eaten from the tree of life, to live forever in a life full of sin and depravity, it would be even moreof a horrifying state for this world to be in. 

God’s mercy He did not allow fallen mankind with all of itsdestruction and devastation to have the ability to live forever in the earth. God’s love and mercy would not allow that to be.  Instead, He provided a way for mankind to be delivered, through faith in Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with theirSource, their God, Creator and King. 

 

Romans 6:17-19   But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness

 

Fallen mankind lost their God given Shekinah glory, after obeying Satan, and they were transformed, mutated and transfigured into the likeness of their new master, Satan and sin. In their obedience to Satan, they gave all their God given authority and dominion over to Satan and the world fell into chaos, death and destruction.  

 

God did not create this world of confusion, death and ruin, it was the result of the choice of mankind and their disobedience to God’s instructions. With the death of mankind’s God-like spirit, man became the living dead, because its spirit and soul were no longer attached to its source. The death of the spirit and lost soul is the dead that Jesus was speaking of when he told the man, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” In this fallen state mankind’s spirit is dead and his soul is lost. 

 

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?  

Luke 9:59-60 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” NKJ

Mankind’s “will” is part of their soul, it is their ability to choose, and it is their God given right, characteristic and attribute. Satan cannot take humanity’s ability to choose, though he may lie to deceive them to make the wrong choices. God will not take away their ability to choose, even though their choices may be wrong, toxic or fatal. In the beginning it was in their God given power to choose, whether to obey God or Satan. Humanity’s ability to choose, “their will” is at the very core of who they are, their being. The will of mankind is atthe very heart of their soul and spirit. The body was made to function on the earth, but the soul was made to commune with their God through the spirit to fulfill its purpose, but the spiritof mankind died at the fall. 

 

Ephesians 2:4-5, 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), 

 

The soul is constantly looking for a connection and is trying to find purpose and meaning for life, because it became lost and unattached to its Source, God’s Spirit. The soul is looking for love, value and purpose in all the wrong places. Humanity will not find true love, purpose and value until their spirit is revived by the Holy Spirit, through faith in the completed work of Christ.    Once again God sends His life-giving Holy Spirit into mankind, and they become a living soul, re-connected to theirlife-giving source (God) and his created purpose, to reveal the love and life of God upon the earth. 

 

We often hear the terms, the lost soul, the wandering soul, or no peace for the soul, that is because God’s plan and purpose for mankind did not change. Because of the fall, God’s original purpose for mankind took an alternate course in following Satan, but God’s purpose did not change. Humanity still has a will and their God given right to choose, again whether to return to God or to continue in a life of chaos and destruction. 

 

It was God’s mercy and a Father’s love for His creation and His children that caused Him to send Yeshua, Jesus as our Rescuer and Savior, so that we could be restored back to a relationship and into the family of God as His children. God provided a wayfor His children to be set free from Satan’s mutated, distorted and perverse state of being.

 

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

There is nothing we can do to make God love us more, no work we can perform to make us holy, righteous, or saved on our own. We are saved and made holy and righteous because of what Christ has already done. No one can stand before God according to their work or performance, our best efforts are filthy in His sight. We all stand on the same ground, at the foot of the cross of Christ in need of a Savior. It is because we are love by God and have been saved through faith that we now go and serve a lost world. We are not trying to earn God’s love, we already have it, but it is our love for God and His Son Jesus that we now go out to show that love to a lost and deprived world. 

 

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

 

The renewed Holy Spirit of God lives in us through faith in Jesus Christ.  We can show His mercy, grace, forgiveness and love to others because this is what we have received from God. We do not work to obtain God’s love, it is His gift, we cannot earn it.  It is because we have received God’s love that we now show His love, mercy and grace to a lost and dying world. 

 

1 Corinthians 15:45 So it is written [in Scripture], “The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL (an individual);” the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving spirit [restoring the dead to life]. AMP

 

The first Adam, became living with the Spirit of God and his will/soul was connected to God. Adam rebelled against God and the Spirit of God left and his soul was disconnected from its source. Jesus, the last Adam became the life-giving spirit, reviving the dead spirit of mankind and reconnecting his soul/will to its Creator and restoring God’s original purpose, for humanity to be the image bearer of God and replenishing the earth with His likeness. 

 

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Kingdom of Heaven and Earth to Co-Exist Within You

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth there was a continuous flow or gateway between heaven and earth where God and mankind had open access to one another. God’s original plan for humanity was for mankind to rule and reign in the physical realm of earth as God rules and reign in the spiritual realm in the heavens. All authority and dominion were given to mankind for the purpose of transforming the earth into a place where God’s presence and likeness would be seen throughout the whole earth. 

Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” NKJ

God took man out of the dust of the ground, (earth) and formed him into the image of God’s likeness. God breathed into mankind His breath of life,who was given a will and the ability to rule and reign over the earth he also had the capacity to make choices and decisions regarding his life.   Wherever God reigns and God rules is called the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom spanned from the heavens to earth, as God ruled in heaven and the Godlike-man ruled in earth, both were part of the Kingdom of God. God’s kingdom territory, like most kingdoms, is wherever the King has dominion and rules.  

Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. NKJ

In God’s original creation, God, mankind and nature were in perfect harmony with one another.  God’s living spirit resided within mankind and His presence was in fellowship with both mankind and nature, until the rebellion of mankind against their God and King. That was the day the Godlike mankind spirit died. The spirit of God that was breathed intomankind ceased to be and was separated from the body. Then the soul of mankind lost it perfect unity and connection with their Creator. 

Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space, with their disobedience to God and obedience to Satan, then came the fall into sin and thereby the transference of the dominion and rule from the Godlike man into the hands of Satan. The earth which was the kingdom of God fell into darkness andinto the hands of Satan the prince of darkness.  

Romans 6:16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. NLT

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” NKJ

Jesus came to earth, being fully God and the Son of Man, bringing both the kingdom heaven and God’s rule back to earth through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told them that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and that it was near because He had come. Wherever the Spirit of God lives in the earth, that becomes part of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told them to repent, which means to change the way, the direction you are going or to change the way you think about what you are doing.  To repent is to turn from your old ways of doing things and to agree with God’s word and His direction. It is not just about feeling sad or it regretful it is about changing one’s heart and mindset.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” NKJ

Through faith in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection we can receive the Holy Spirit of God to be born again in the likeness of God through His Spirit. Then we are now in fellowship with God and have entered into the kingdom of heaven. God’s kingdom is where God’s presence and earth join. Just as it was in the original state when God created the earth, His presence was in the earth and He would walk with mankind in the garden in the cool of the day. God’s presence was in the earth and His kingdom reigned upon the earth. 

1 Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Genesis 3:8-9 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

God has always desired fellowship with His creation and He knewbeforehand that mankind would rebel and turn away. It was because of the love God had for us, that He would not leave us in our fallen state. He sent Yeshua, Jesus our Rescuer and Redeemer He provided a way for all humanity to return to Him. God provided a way for mankind to revert back to their created purpose, which is to resemble, reflect and reveal the love of God in the earth. By God’s grace we are saved, through faith in the completed work that Jesus did on our behalf. Jesus lived a perfect life, that we could not. He died a death that we deserved. He paid the cost for our rebellion and sin, that we owed.  Through faith in Jesus, we can now again be in fellowship with God and receive the Holy Spirit of God to live within us.

Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The kingdom of heaven is not something you can observe or see with the naked eye. It is not demonstrated by what you eat or wear, nor any self-righteous acts that we may try to do to obtain access to God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God is within us when the Holy Spirit is living in us. Then the presence of God is in these earthen vessels, God’s presence and dominion and kingdom has come once again into the earth. And because His kingdom and dominion we now have the power and are able to live a life God had ordained in the beginning through the Holy Spirit. We have the power to forgive, to love, to show mercy and to have peace and joy in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.  

Romans 14:17-18 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

1 Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

God and earth are joined together in our earthly bodies and thereby, the kingdom of God is now living within us. How that kingdom is displayed,will be seen through the degree we allow His kingdom ways and His Spirit to have preeminence in our lives.  

Matthews 13:23But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” NKJ

 

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1Peter Chapter 5

Shepherd the Flock: 

Those in leadership, teachers and pastors are told to serve them that they have been entrusted. Elders are to serve all God’s people with a willingness out of love for God and not out of a duty that must be performed. It should not be for the prestige or the status of being a minister over the people, nor for dishonest gain, or just for the paycheckwhich we have seen in many situations.  

1 Peter5:1-4 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;  nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;   and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. NKJ

Jesus as the Chief Shepherd and God as our Father and King, is the spiritual awareness and likeness that we must rise. Jesus’ example muststand above our natural sympathies or kinships, it is by His standard thatGod will be exalted and His kingdom ways and principles will be elevated above all else. It is an ambassador’s lifestyle that speaks to others about their country, and it is how they live out their nation or kingdom laws that makes them different.  Our actions are the loudest and best representation as ambassadors of God, especially to those who are still being taught in this fallen world system.

Our words do not have to be loud or boisterous but the way we live and walk before our families and friends can quietly portray to our communities a godly lifestyle, as a representative of the kingdom of God that we are demonstrating and embodying. 

Submit to God – Resist the Devil: 

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but give grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, NKJ

The name Christian is a label the world gave to the followers of Christ in the early church but now the world has used this label to skew, twist or change the image of how the true followers of Christ are viewed. Many people label themselves as Christians but choose to live like the world. They are self-centered and self-focus living in fear. Their only concern is about themselves, while refusing to help or assist others. Unlike the true followers of Christ who are willing to share with others believing in God’s provision.

God has called us children who are born-again into the family of God. He is the Almighty God, El Shaddai, the Inexhaustible One, the One who pours out boundlessly and whose source is unlimited and everlasting. God gave us a position not a label. We are children of the Most-High King and we are in His family and we are to look like our Father. Though labels may change but God as our Father and our being born-again and part ofHis family will not change. Just as children in the natural take some resemblance or likeness of their parents, so do we as we grow more knowledgeable through the Spirit, into the image of Christ, the Son of God.

1 Peter 5:7-9   Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (KJV)

The enemy is looking for someone who will give him permission to come into their lives and to devour them. We give him permission by the choices we make in disobedience to God. The lion’s roar is so loud and intimidating that its prey may become fearful. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but His Spirit of power, love and a sound mind. God tells us how to resist the devil, by submitting to the truth of His word. It is a one-step process when we submit to God we also are resisting the devil and he will flee. Most of us do not take the time to know God’s word, so we do not know how to submit to it. This is how the devil gets permission to come into our lives because of our lack of knowledge concerning God’s word. When the enemy roars like a lion, some become afraid, panic and can be paralyzed by fear. Instead, we should trust and have faith in God’s word and casting those fears, concerns and anxieties on God in prayer.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. NKJ

Unfortunately, we are living in a fallen world system with an enemy who hates the true and living God and all who are created in His image. The Bible says Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Satan is the enemy, it is not our neighbor, coworker, boss or those of a different race or culture. It is Satan who plants seeds of hate, pride and tempts us to forsake the care of a person’s souls for the sake of money or material things, he is our enemy. Satan comes and plants lies and deceptions to cause disunity and cultivate hate among the brethren. He wants to destroy the very thing we are created to be, an image bearer of God’s love.

1 Peter 5:10 -11  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Many may say they want to know Jesus, to walk like Him and be in fellowship with Him, but may not realization what that really means. As true followers of Christ we must be willing to take on the hardships of life and endure these situations, as we display God’s love toward others. This is part of the fellowship of His suffering.  As Christ followers we must change our perspective, the way we evaluate the things that are happening to us and around us. We must change the way we view life and our expectations in life in light of God’s love for us and others. 

Every child is born with a pure heart but it can be twisted by life experiences and by the things they are taught. The most important responsibility of every parent and adult is to train and teach children that are entrusted to them, who they are in Christ, as an Image bearer of God. Their purpose is to be the love of God in the earth and to show His love to a lost and deprived world.

It is easier to destroy a young life of royalty before he has matured into a crown prince, than it is to destroy the one who knows his purpose and is committed to his true destiny. For this purpose, Satan has attacked the lives and minds of children and those responsible for their instruction. To have people preoccupied with the things of this world rather than the training and protection of their children.

Satan is not all knowing, but he has been observing mankind from the beginning. The enemy has seen the whole human race tendencies, bents, propensities and appetite, so he tries to use those things to lure and tempthumanity into his snares. That is why we must control our bodies so as not to give the enemy an avenue to come, trap or entangle us into evil and depravity. 

It is our adversary who comes to wreak havoc over our lives, causing death and destruction but God has provided a way of escape through us living according to His word. The world has cultivated a pattern of over indulgences, which seeks to fulfill every whim or desire without restraint. This leads to an undisciplined life that seldom tells the body, no to its extravagances and excesses. But God tells us to seek first His kingdom and righteous living and all our needs will be met. 

As followers of Christ, we should exercise our will and minds and say no to our body’s cravings and appetites. We do this so that we may run this race and win against the temptations of this world.  No one can run a marathon on the first try. It takes discipline, training and continued practice to run this race. Just as living a life under control is a practiced skill, it is not achieved overnight. 

Humility is simply recognizing that we were created by God for His purpose and by allowing God to be all sufficient in all we do. Jesus displayed this when He became the Son of Man, being in submission to God the Father by taking on the body of a man, giving God honor and the glory that was due Him through obedience.

The constant and relentless theme of Jesus’ teaching was that His life’s work was to do the will of the Father. The Almighty God and Creator could use Him and work through Him to redeem mankind. Jesus emptied Himself and resigned Himself of His own will and power, so that God could do all He wanted to do in and through Him. Jesus lived a life relinquished of self in absolute submission and dependence on The Father to do His will and not His own.

Jesus understood He had lost nothing by submitting all to God and by humbling Himself before men. Jesus knew His Father and that God would highly exalt those who humble themselves before Him. This is a spiritual principle, those who will exalt themselves God will bring down and those who humble themselves God will exalt. Jesus submitted Himself to every railing, beating and even the death of the cross all while trusting God to be faithful to His promise. Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God on high. God honors those who trust Him.

Proverb11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Proverb 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. NKJ

The humility Jesus displayed is a state of mind and a disposition of the soul. It is one that deliberately denies self and dies to prideful exaltation, while knowing that The Almighty God Jehovah is engineering and orchestrating every detail of our lives. This humility does not question the Creator or ask, “What have You done? Why am I here? Why have You made me this way? Humility recognizes the Potter’s authority to fashion the clay into whatever is needful and without question.

Isaiah 53:4- Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. NKJ

Some things we experience are for the glory of God. Our ability to walk through the hard challenges of life in love and in meekness may be the very thing God uses to help someone else to make it through life challenges. Just as Jesus experienced, railing and ridicule against Himself, it was not because of anything He did, but for our benefit. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and we can have peace because of His chastisement. This is humility, Jesus is our standard and not our experiences or the sayings of this world.

1 Peter5:12-14 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. She who is in Babylon, elect` together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Peter closes with a reminder that we should greet one another in the spirit of God’s love for us. And to all who are in Christ, walk in peace, with yourself and others. 

 

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Christ Is The Example For Us to Follow: 1 Peter Chapter 4

Christ came and lived on the earth in the body of a man, He laid aside His Godly glory and restricted Himself as man, to the same power and authority as mankind, which is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Some people sneer at the command for us to live like Christ, saying course He could live righteous, because He is God. But Jesus lived and suffered as a man and only operated through the same power of the Holy Spirit that humanity have accessed to. This is the same power we have access to through faith and obedience to the Holy Spirit of God. 

1 Peter 4:1-6 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

We are told to ready ourselves with the same mind as Jesus, that we will no longer go after the things of this world, the lust of the flesh or the pride of man. We are to stop doing the things we use to do before we came to faith in Christ. Our old friends will think us strange or may even call us fools because we no longer live like them. We are to let God judge them and defend us as we live according to God’s Holy Spirit living in us. 

We must understand when the Spirit of Christ is in us, the world is in opposition to the God that lives in us. When the world attacks us, they are attacking the Christ in us. We are to be considered blessed when we are criticized because of the glory of God is so upon us. That is why the world begins to attack us as they did Jesus because the spirit of God being reflected in the earth through us.

When Christ followers go through fiery ordeals we are not to set up a pity party for ourselves, thinking we are the only ones experiencing such hardship.  Our focus should not be on ourselves and all that we are going through. Instead, our focus should be outward toward the betterment of others and to the bringing glory to God in that situation, and to not let self be the main focus.

Our perspective is everything, it is the bedrock of who we are and will determine how we view ourselves, and the people and things around us. Thereby our perspective will dictate our actions, thoughts, responses and feelings in every situation. The natural fleshly perspective is fear and to see everything as it relates to self, or to have our focus only on self. The problems we go through, be it a loss of a job, home or loved one, most people’s attention is on themselves as though something strange was happening to them.  

Serving for God’s Glory:

1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.  And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 We are to live this life with eternity in mind, being prayerful and watchfulknowing that the time of Jesus’ return is near. We are told to be eager and enthusiastic in loving others who may not look like us or talk like us or believe like us. We are to show love, and it is with the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to love those who have offended us. The Holy Spirit will give us the love of God and enable us to showlove, so that we may forgive many sins and not find fault. 

 God has given us gifts and we are to use these gifts to bless others. Many people think their gifts are only for themselves, to make a name or earn wealth for themselves. But we are told we have received these gifts to minister to others as good stewards of God’s grace. We are to do all things with the light of the glory of God in mind that others may glorify Jesus because of our faithful work.     

When we begin to understand that we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of men, then we can begin to operate in purpose. We are able to become a servant to those who should be serving us. We can be at peace though we are going through trials, hardships or troubles because we understand our purpose and the eternal ending to this voyage and expedition we call life.   We realize these attacks, sufferings and distresses are aimed at us, but the battle is really for the souls of those who are persecuting and abusing us. Our afflictions, tribulations and persecutions are considered light, in comparison to the purpose of saving another person’s soul from eternal destruction. 

Suffering for God’s Glory:

1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now “if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. NKJ

We are told not to think it a strange thing when there is a testing of our faith, because our faith is only validated when it is tested. Some people will say they are children of God and believers of Christ but when the truth is tested in their lives then we will see what they truly believe in their hearts through their actions. Some will say they love God and His people, but when tested to do what is righteous by the marginalized and destitute some will forfeit their beliefs for what will benefit themselves and their finances. It is then that their true beliefs are revealed. They will allow the cares of this world to choke the word of God from their lives because they do not really trust God to provide.  Some may give up saying there is no use in trying and they will choose the immediate satisfaction of the moment over the promises and eternal peace of God.

Some people will go through their hardships and trials, thinking that they will be blessed in the end. But actually, the blessings are byproducts of us accomplishing God’s goal. Which is for us to show His love in the middle of the trial, being patient and being His light in dark places. Thereby they will be showing God’s mercy and forgiveness in those difficult situations. God’s purpose and plan for our lives is to show His compassion and love in these hard and difficult times. It is in these situations that we demonstrate our faith and trust in God by showing the likeness of Christ in the face of adversity. 

Some people when they have hard times respond in a way that says God has failed, that He did not come through to protect or provide. But the spiritual perspective of faith is to understand life is chaotic, that Satan is an enemy and that sin is in this world. These problems and suffering are part of the fallen life we live, but we can use these things to bring God glory when we persevere and become victoriousthrough faith believing that God would provide in every situation.

 Our perspective and outlook on a situation will often dictate our response to what we are going through. Life is more about how we view what we are going through, than what we are actually experiencing. When we view life’s problems through the lens of God’s word we realize that what is actually happening to us is nothing strange, but how we respond to the matter is of the utmost importance!

With every new truth God reveals to a believer it could start a new spiritual cycle of validating His truth. It is when we hear the word of God that the seed of that truth and life is planted into our hearts. The enemy or life’s struggles will come to test our belief in that truth.  We are able to stand when we continue to speak God’s word over the situation and know His truth on the matter. The Bible says, though we be troubled on every side, we are not to be distressed; though we are persecuted, but we have not been forsaken. These afflictions are but for a time and a season. Once we persevere through this cycle, the experience and faith that we gain will work in us and through us as an exceeding and eternal weight of triumph.

We cannot speak what we do not know. The Holy Spirit is in us constantly bringing new truth to us in different areas of our lives and these truths will be tested, but we can stand by the power of God’s word. The spiritual cycle of life is when a truth of God’s word is planted into our spirit.  Then we must choose to die to the old self and persevere through the testing of His truth. When we stand on these truths, the world will see God’s glory manifested in our lives and thereby giving hope to those in the earth. This is a continuous cycle that will begin when a new truth is given by the Holy Spirit and as we are being transformed into the image of Christ.

No matter the situation, we can trust God to bring us out and be victorious. To be content in our circumstances is to say we trust God and His faithfulness to meet our needs exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think. It is our contentment that confirms our trust in God. When we seek God’s kingdom work first and not the fame of the world, we will show that we trust God with our lives and for our provisions.

To seek God’s kingdom is to look for God in every situation, in every trial, in every test. God has a kingdom purpose in everything that is done. God is transforming us into the image of His Son and He is showing that Imageand that light, to a dark world through us. If we faint in unbelief or fear when we go through trials, we respond no differently than the world and God’s glory is not revealed. When we have peace during trials with contentment, people will know there is something different, a different Spirit, a Kingdom Spirit that is in us. This is not a natural thing, as we all can attest. To have peace in trials and to be content happens by the God in us and the power of the Holy Spirit.

God does not create the evil that is in our lives. There is evil that is in the world because of sin. We may go through this process, but we are to show the light of God that is in us to a dark world, because we respond differently, by faith in God. He will not allow evil to overtake us beyond what we are able to endure, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God has promised to provide a way of escape from every difficult situation and temptation but the decision remains ours, to seek God and to take the wayHe has provided.

 

 

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God Is a God of Order. 1 Peter 3

God is a God of order and we see it when we look at how the various parts of the universe operates. From rain falling to grow life, to the evaporation of the rain back into the atmosphere, or to the process that governs the different seasons and cycles that are predetermined according to the natural order of things.   God did not create this world with such great detail and precision, only to leave mankind, His greatest creation, without a process of order. The problem is that most people do not want to submit to God’s divine order and rather lean to their own ways. 

 

Proverb 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; NKJ

 

Submission of the Wife and Husbands to one another:

 

God’s order of things is that man and women should live in unity and there is an order with one head. So naturally, anything with two heads is a mutant or is malformed and cannot function properly. God has given the husband the position of head of the wife just as God is the head overChrist. There is only mutual respect and love and nothing condescending or humiliating in their relationship and it should be the same with husband and wife.  Every wife would be willing to submit to a loving, protecting caring husband, because she knows he has her best interest in mind. The selfish, prideful and self-centered person is the one that is hard to submit to and trust. 

 

1 Peter 3:1-2, 7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. … Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

 

God is the head of Christ, and Christ is the head of every man, and man is the head of woman. Some people see this as a putdown to women but that is only because we view it in the light of fallen mankind where the pride of life, and the lust of the eye and flesh has ruled over relationship rather than the word of God. It is because of sins of pride and selfishness that mankind is no longer operating according to God’s order. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit living in us to give us the ability to not be lifted in pride, and to live in submission to one another. 

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11: 7b -9 … but woman is the glory of man For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.

1 Corinthians 11: 11-12Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.  For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.

The world would say we would be belittling ourselves when he submits to others and that it is condescending for women to submit to a man. Which is totally opposite of what God’s word says. God is the head of Christ, so women are in the same position as Christ. There is nothing disrespectful or demeaning in Christ’s relationship with God or with Christ being the head of man. Submission, is two equals giving one’s consent to yield, or is an agreement between equals to respect and submit to one another. God the Son being equal with God did not think it was robbery to acquiesce or consent to being in submission to God the Father. 

Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross

 

It is because of sin, selfishness and pride that mankind no longer obeyed God and failed to cherish his wife as one to provide and protect, as his own body. He became abusive, neglectful and careless with his relationship with his wife. A woman, or any person for that matter, who feels cared for, protected and cherished will submit to the instruction andauthority to those they trust to love, appreciate and respect them. As it was in the beginning with Adam who called Eve, bone of his bone and he was told to place this relationship above all others, even in leaving father and mother.

 

Genesis 2:23-24 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 

 

It is the dysfunction and the disunity of the husband-and-wife relationship that causes division and we see this in the beginning when Adam blame God and blame Eve, saying “that woman You gave me…” Rather than taking care and protecting his wife when she was approached by the serpent, he allowed her to be beguiled and lured by the enemy.  God had given to Adam the command to not eat of tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam as the head, instead of becoming Eve’s savior and intercessorbefore God, as Christ did for mankind, he took part in her disobedienceand then blamed God and her for his failure.  That same blame and disunity has entered the relationship of men and women that affect their unity and obedience to God.

 

Genesis 3:12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

Living in Unity:

1 Peter 3:8-12 For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.  Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him see peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

The natural connections that we are born into and have through our culture, race and nation should be just as apparent in God’s kingdom and our spiritual connections by the way we live our lives. Our spiritual likeness and awareness of God, as our Father and King must rise above our natural affinities and sympathies. So that God will be exalted and His kingdom ways and principles will be elevated above all else. It is an ambassador’s lifestyle and quiet way of living out their kingdom’s laws and statutes that speaks and communes with others without a word.  Our actions are the loudest and best representation, as ambassadors of God, to those who were taught in this worldly system.

1 Peter 3:10-12a Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you are called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and purse it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers… NKJ

Suffering for Right and Wrong:

When we suffer for doing the right thing, we should consider ourselves blessed, because it is God’s will for us at that particular point or phase in life. We are told not to be afraid or troubled by threats of others but have faith in God, believing in our hearts that He is able and will vindicate us. When people ask why do we forgive others or do not lash out, we should be ready to tell them about the love God has for us, in forgiving our sins and wrong doings. Therefore, we can now, with the power of the Holy Spirit, forgive others and trust God to recompence the good and the evil.  

God, in His love, mercy, grace and great compassion has provided us a payment for sin. Jesus has taken the wrath and has made atonement for sin for all mankind and has satisfied God’s fury and taken the judgement against sin from those who by faith, believe in the completed work of Christ. 

1 Peter 3:13-17 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. NKJ

Christ’s Suffering and Ours:

In the Old Testament God gave mankind the blood of animals to cover their sins for a season and this had to be done repeatedly because the blood of the animals does not completely atone for mankind. God dealt with mankind as a Holy God and a Righteous Judge.  That is why when their sins were more than the animal’s blood could cover and The RighteousGod could tolerate, God’s judgement and punishment fail on the people.   

Prior to the life, death and resurrection of Christ, God dealt with mankind as Creator and as a Holy and Righteous Judge. But now, Jesus has paid the sin debt owed by all mankind, and God has provided an opportunity for everyone to choose whether or not they will be adopted into the family of God. By the choice of their actions, all will stand before God and He will be their Abba Father, or stand before Him as a Holy and Righteous Judge. 

1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Jesus suffered for our sins, the Just for the unjust, leaving us an example to follow, to forgive others as He has forgiven us. Everyone will make their choice, by their actions, and that will determine their eternal future.

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God’s Kingdom Laws: Submit to Others, Do Not Retaliate and Do Justly   1 Peter 2:13-25

There are natural laws and spiritual laws that are in place that dictate natural and spiritual outcomes. There are the laws of the various nations and countries that the citizens must abide by or they could be, in danger of paying the penalty for their failure to obey. We are more familiar with the natural laws that govern this world, such as the law of gravity. As followers of Christ,we are called to humble ourselves, submit to others and to do the right things.  

1 Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.   For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.   Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 

Most people do not have a good understanding of God’s spiritual laws that govern the spiritual realm such as the act of submitting to those in authority, because it is the will of God for His people. When we are doing the right thing even when others are offending us we are showing the world we trust in God’s faithfulness to provide and protect. We are to give honor to all people because they are image bearers of God. Jesus told the people to render unto Cesar the things that belong to Cesar which was respect, that is due all who are in authority but we are to fear(obey) God. If it is not illegal, immoral, against our health and safety, or God’s laws, we are to submit to those in authority. 

1 Peter 2: 18-22 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

We often see people who want to seek revenge or demand an eye for an eye when it comes to their injuries or injustices. Some people feel they are justified in wanting harsh penalties of others because of what they experienced,or because of the unequal treatment done by others.  They want just as much, if not more, punishment to be given to       the perpetrator or violator, but God tells us that He will be the vindicator and judge. 

Some people are punished more harshly because of their class, culture or socioeconomic background and they feel cheated.  But this is all part of the pride of life, in that we want to be esteemed just as great as others, or at least be vindicated to the same extent. God has told His people to trust Him to vindicate us and to love mercy in whatever form it may arise, knowing God is the ultimate judge who will judge justly in the end. 

1 Peter2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. NKJ

God has shown us His way and that is for us to do justly, just do the right thing. We are to give everyone, unbiased and unprejudiced treatment, doing the right thing for the right reasons. This is how we are to walk truthfully and in integrity, without looking for anything in return, not even right treatment in return. This is the requirement that the true followers of Christ should set for themselves. We are to love mercy; we should be devoted to showing forgiveness and celebrate it with passionate, open-hearted gladness when it is shown to others. We should not seek out punishment toward others, but should always look to show mercy and forgiveness no matter the situation, as God has forgiven us. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Jesus showed us how-to walk-in mercy and forgiveness. On the night Jesus was betrayed He washed the feet of His disciples including the one who betrayed Him, to be put to death. Jesus gave broken bread to those who were with Him as a symbol of His body that would be broken for them and He poured the wine as a representation of His blood that would be poured out for humanity.  We are told to remember Christ every time we take part in the act of communion, the one who gave His life for many. For this reason, God requires mercy of His children. We also can follow His examples of being broken bread and poured out wine by forgiving others and loving others in spite of what they do to us.

The world is living life in fear of lack, in scarcity and in self-focus, while the true followers of Christ are giving out of their hardship, and sharing their resources and loving those that were unlike themselves. Christ is the One who gave Himself for others, the One who became poor that others may be rich, the One who died that others might have abundant and eternal life and the One who forgave and loved those that abused and reviled Him. 

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. NKJ

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. NIV

Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, God has called them kings and priests on the earth. These are God given earthly positions that have certain roles, functions and responsibilities upon the earth. As kings we hold the position of royalty as in the family of God and should conduct ourselves accordingly. As priests we offer prayers and petitions for the people that are in our sphere of influence.  

 We see these roles displayed in the life of Christ, the One in whom we are to get our identity and should also mimic, impersonate and imitate while we live on this earth. As image bearers of God and Christ followers our purpose is to display the love, mercy and the forgiveness of God which brings glory to His name on the earth.  

 1 Peter 2:24-25 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.   For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

We are now part of a new family, citizens of a new country and our allegiance is to our Sovereign King, Jesus. Many get stuck in their own ideas about their rights and ethnicity in the flesh that they fail to be transformed in their minds into the image of Christ and to make Jesus the Lord over all. There is so much division in the church, in the body of Christ because many refuse to let go of the old nature, old life and its priorities. When Jesus is King over our lives He will reign in every area of our life regardless of our past, affinities or affections.

For all who by faith believe in Jesus as their Lord and King, God has given them the Holy Spirit to help them in their weaknesses. God knows our heart and mind and the Spirit of God intercedes for us that we may walk according to His will. Though our life choices may not be perfect, God knows how to take our bad choices, and what the enemy meant to be evil against us, and turn it around and to work it for our good. It will then become as a testament of God’s goodness, mercy and His glory. 

When we have knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, then we are able to see more clearly the Godly nature and workings of God in the earth and in the spiritual realm. Satan’s major attack is against the people of God, while trying to tempt them into rebelling against God. But God in His Sovereignty and purpose will use the very things the enemy has brought against His people to transform them and develop them into the image of His dear Son.  

God has always had representatives in the earth to show His way, His word and His righteousness. From the beginning with Abel, to the laws of the Jewish nation, to the prophets and now through the word of Christ, God has always provided an example to the world and to show them the way of salvation.  It has always been the choice of every person to us their will to choose whether they will remain in their fallen mind set or to let go and choose to obey the light of God’s word. 

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain but He washed me clean as snow.

 

 

 

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1 Peter 2:1-12

The act of salvation is an instant transaction in time that gives birth to a living spirit in Christ. Conversion is a process that is done over a life time. The soul may be saved and yet the mind has not been renewed, trained or converted to the things of God and His way of living and thinking. This is why we see some people who say they are saved, and very well maybe, and yet they live their lives the same way as the world, without any adherence or loyalty to God, His kingdom ways and principles.

Salvation is a regeneration, an act, a fact that transpires in a moment in time like the birth of a child. Once the child is born the process of learning and training of life begins. A new born baby is a person, yet the mind and body is underdeveloped and needs to be fed, taught and trained to live a responsible and productive life and the same goes for the life in Christ. We are all born into this fallen world system and have been taught according to a system that was established with the fall of mankind, and that was when Satan became the prince of this fallen world.  

Salvation is a gift from God given instantly to those who by faith receive Christ as their Savior. It is being born spiritually as infant in a childlike state, unlearned and untaught regarding the things of God and His kingdom on earth.   We are to feed on the sincere milk of the Word that we may grow in Him.

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye  may grow thereby: KJV

Conversion is to change from one thought or belief; to turn around completely; to alter the nature of or to change from one form of functioning and thinking to another. Therefore conversion, for a true follower of Christ, continues to be a lifelong process of renewing the way we think and transform our minds from the fallen ways that we were taught. We have been schooled and educated in this life to the fallen ways and now our minds need to know and be taught how to operate in God’s kingdom principles and ways. Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Him. Jesus came and brought a new way of living and thinking to those who are born into the kingdom of God on earth.

John 14:6   Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” NKJV    

Conversion alters one’s heredity and changes their nature, their ideology, their family ties and their social and economicpositions. To be born of God is to have a change in your bloodline, old things are passed away and all things become new. True followers of Christ are no longer led by theirfallen human nature and character that is rooted in the old way of thinking and in the lies they were taught that cultivates division, hatred, conceit and self-importance.   

True followersare converted through the knowledge of Christ which alters the mainspring of a person’s heart and soul which, will not only change their actions but their motives also. They will no longer be ruled by their natural affinities but to being led by the spiritual and supernatural nature of God. They will begin to desire to know their God, His principles, His kingdom ways and to do the will of the Father. 

As the Spirit of God gave life to Jesus, this same Spirit, when we are born again, enters into our lives. We become a living spirit born into the family of God by Christ Jesus. Most people who are born again do not realize their purpose or why they were born again. The enemy tries to keep God’s people in darkness as to their purpose. To be born again is a means to an end, and that end is becoming God’s image bearers. We are to learn how to operate in God’s authority and cultivate His kingdom on earth. The end is being part of a royal family andwe have a new culture, and are new citizens of the kingdom of God. This is the eternal life that we should know, the true and living God and we should reflect the glory of God in the earth by doing His will.

God has adopted us as His children and now we are children of The Most-High God.  Now God is our heavenly Father and King, so we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus was fully God and was born as the Son of Man and He gave His life so that we may live abundantly on earth. 

We are no longer part of this fallen world system. Though we live in this world we have a new home, a new family and a new citizenship in heaven. 

1 Peter 2:7-8 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

Many people are living in anxiety and stress because they have allowed the offenses of this world to be their steady diet and their daily sustenance, which feeds them and keeps them in a constant cycle of distrust and hate.  They are stumbling because they refuse to operate in forgiveness, love and the truth according to His Word. 

Great is the peace of them that love the word of God and live according to His kingdom principles and ways because they will not allow the offenses of this world to take root in their hearts or cause them to live in resentment and bitterness. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? NKJ

We were once strangers to God and His kingdom ways, but Christ came so that we may become children of God and joint heirs with Christ in His kingdom on earth. That is why we are called strange, because we are different from those who live their lives on earth only to satisfy themselves. We are not of this world but of the family of God and our real home is to be onewith God.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. NKJV

We were chosen by God to be royal priests to God, His own special people who will proclaim Him in this dark and perverted world and intercede for those who are lost. That is the office of priesthood, to represent and intercede for the people before God.  Through faith in the completed work of Jesus, people from every tongue, tribe and nation are able to come to God, to know and worship Him and to reflect His image on the earth. 

 Humanity went astray doing what they wanted and turning their backs on God.  God called Abraham and made a nation of people, the Jews, to represent Him on the earth.  God promised to send the Righteous Lamb of God, Jesus, who would one day come to take away the sin of the world.  Jesus, our High Priest would become the sacrifice to God and represent the people before God and to pay the price so that God would forgive their trespasses and sins.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for His people

1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 Our hearts will develop idols that will compete with our allegiance and commitment to the love of God.  When we allow ourselves to be distracted and continuously focus our gaze at the things of this world, these things will become our priority, our heart idols and the center of our affection. The world has so many attractions that will try to lure the eyes of Christians from the word of Christ. We are told to let our eyes be focused on what is good and that is the light of Christ. If people allow this world to become their main focus, they will eventually find themselves living in darkness. 

 Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. NKJ

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The Enduring Word 1Peter 1:19-24

God’s purpose for humanity is for us to be in a close personal relationship with God as our Father, Jesus as our Lord and Savior and with one another in love. Because Christ died for all, we are called to be His ambassadors to bring other into salvation and become His disciples.

God’s truths are revealed to us by His word and through the life of Jesus. By faith we believe Jesus is the Son of the Most-High God and accept and trust His truths until they are established in our hearts and minds. Then comes the testing of our faith, to show if we really and truly believe God’s word, whether we will obey it or not.  Truth that is not tested is only a theory, but a truth that is tried and has been tested and proven trustworthy, will be established in our hearts and becomes fact. Standing in faith under pressure is like metal being refined with fire, it removes the impurities but leaves a genuineness of faith to the praise and glory of God. 

Jehovah, is the Almighty God and He is Sovereign over heaven and earth and yet Satan is called the prince of this fallen world. Satan is most responsible for the evil, hate and problems in this world.  These truths sound as though they are conflicting statements or an oxymoron. God is ultimately the Sovereign King over the world and as a just and holy God He has limited Himself to His word. God in His Preeminence and excellent love for mankind created them in His image and gave them dominion over all He created. At the same time God gave them a free will, the ability to choose their allegiance and loyalties, and thereby allowing mankind the power to determine their own destiny. God in His Righteousness and Holiness had to respect the will and choice of mankind, as they turned over their dominion to Satan when they disobeyed him.

1 Peter1:19-21 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Philippians 1:20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. NIV

God in His Omniscient, all-seeing and all-knowing power knew mankind would be seduced by Satan into rebellion and disobedience against their God and King. But God made provision to redeem this fallen world system and mankind before the world was formed. Though sin, Satan and the fleshly cravings of mankind created a fallen world system that is geared to destroying and ensnaring humanity, God had made provision that the Son of Man, Jesus, would redeem this world with His precious blood. 

1 peter 1:18-20 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you  NKJ

God’s word will forever stand and there are no “take-backs” with God. Even though Satan became prince of darkness, God was bound by His word and His truth. It was man that relinquished dominion of this natural world to Satan and it would take a man, Jesus The Son of Man, to redeem their authority and dominance back to the former natural and spiritual world. Now there are two kingdom powers operating in the earth, the fallen world with darkness, principalities and powers of Satan, and also the Kingdom of God, which functions in both the natural and spiritual realm. 

God’s kingdom on the earth is both natural and spiritual. Many people are confused or blinded to the spiritual aspect of God’s kingdom and how His spiritual operation functions through faith in the earthly realm. 

Many people lose hope, lose sight, lose faith and lose confidence in God when they go through hard, horrendous or catastrophic experiences. This is because their perspective is only on their natural view or stance regarding their situation, such as the death of a love one, or a terminal illness or the loss of finances. Their attention is self-focused and overly concerned on what they have lost, and their belief that God did not intervene or stop those things from happening to them. These are very natural thoughts and as human beings our first response is in the natural, but the Holy Spirit of God is there to help the spirit of man to navigate through these life crises according to God’s word with a supernatural perspective. 

This old-world system has lost sight of mankind’s created purpose and has been taught to live a lie as to why they exist. People are naturally self-seeking, self-serving and full of pride. Many people are blinded by the lies of this world and are living as though this is the only life they have. Many spend themselves on these fleeting moments that are like passing vapors and they build their lives as castles on sand that will soon be washed away. We are to pass our time here as foreigners and sojourners, people who are passing through this space and time to do the will of God who created us to fulfill His purpose, to show God’s love and reflect His Glory.  

Luke 6:47-49 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that our souls are purified and it is through the truth of God’s word that we can love one another enthusiastically, eagerly and energetically. The heart is deceitfully wicked, full of greed, selfishness and hate, and only God can purify the heart through His Spirit and His Word. 

Jeremiah17:9-10 “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; Who can know it? The Lord, search the heart, /test the mind even to give every man according to his way. KJV

 How would we live if we truly understood that this time on earth is but a moment and only the trial run for eternity. So many people live this life as though they will live on earth forever, making homes and legacies thinking they will last, while neglecting the true eternal destiny of the soul. 

What do you spend your time on? Where is your time invested? Will impact your eternal future?  

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1 Peter Chapter 1:1-21

I. A Heavenly Inheritance 1 Peter 1:3-12

II. Living Before God Our Father Chapter 1:13-21

Jesus came and showed us how to live a life of obedience to God through humility and humbleness of spirit. Jesus was willing to suffer personally for the ultimate will and glory of God. Even though He was The Son of God, He was also the Son of Man and He learned obedience through the things He suffered. 

May we too display our faith in God through obedience, even in our pain, in our suffering and in our loss, so that a dying world may see and know the Hope we have in Christ. 

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

For followers of Christ, our hope is grounded and built on the foundation of the life of Christ. He is the person in which our Hope is anchored, He is the embodiment of our Hope. It is with a fixed and determined belief and confidence, that what He has promised He is able to perform.  This is unlike the wild fancies that are conjured up by trickeries, lies and deceits of this fallen world, that all societies are exposed to through social norms or mass media. This often causes people to lose heart when their unrealistic dreams or wishes fail.   

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, NIV

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, NKJ

This principle of testing and the trying of one’s faith was shown at the beginning in the garden. God’s abundant love for mankind had already been displayed when He gave them of every tree in the garden to eat, created them in His image and gave them authority over all His creation. The only exception was the tree of knowledge of good and evil and that was the test of their faith and obedience to God. Faith that is not tested it’s just a theory. It is not until our faith has been tried and proven that it becomes our reality.

Living Before God Our Father 1 Peter 1:13-21

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear. WEB

Matthew 7:26-27​“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Jesus told us to take His yoke and learn of Him. Jesus was humble and trusted God to be faithful to His word. We are to be as a good soldier, one who is about the business of their leader’s mission and not their own selfish desires. 

Before the foundation of the world was laid, we were chosen by God to be in the family of God.  Jesus paid the price for our sins and the treason we committed against God. Jesus brought us back into the family of God and brought His kingdom to earth. That is the Good News of Christ; the kingdom of heaven is now available to us on earth. The kingdom of heaven is mentioned more than any other subject in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus preached, the good news of the kingdom of heaven is at hand and is now available to all humanity. This is the gospel of Jesus that the kingdom of God has arrived on earth.

I Peter 1: 17-21 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Jesus preached, “Repent,” which means, to turn or to change the way you think. Jesus is saying, because God’s kingdom has returned to mankind on the earth we can change the way we think about life, ourselves and how we conduct ourselves. Jesus tells us what the kingdom of God is like and how we are to operate in this new kingdom. Jesus taught in parables that most people did not understand and many still do not. But, for His disciples, those who sought and asked for the meaning of the parables, it was revealed to them. It is the same today. Jesus tells us to ask, seek and knock and when we ask for wisdom God will give it to us. God is ready to answer our prayers and the word tells us we have not because we do not ask God or we ask with the wrong motive.

Luke 11:9-10 So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

 

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We Must Change the Way We Think To Be Transformed 

Life is a period of time that God has given each of us to develop our character and personalities through the choices we make based on our ownwill. God gives every living person a free will, that is the ability to choose. It is our choice to make, as to how we will spend our lives, but our choices will impact and determine where we will spend their eternity.

We are all travelers going through this thing we call life. It is a journey or an expedition to explore this gift called life which is from God. We have every right to make decisions and choices that will affect our body, soul, spirit and eventually our eternal state of being. 

Some people may give very little thought to the decisions they make in life, not realizing every choice made has a corresponding result. Many fail to understand that they are free to choose their actions but are not free to choose the consequences of that action. Many may not realize that their decisions may affect not only their future but possibly the future of their family and future generations. To keep people in darkness and ignorance as to the true purpose of their lives is just a tactic of the enemy, to keep them from knowing they were created to reflect the character, love and integrity of God on the earth. 

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;   that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” NKJ

We are to be transformed from our fallen state in which we were born,taught through our experiences and nurtured in through our families andculture. We all bring the baggage of life to the table, this is what makes us who we are, good, bad, or indifferent. God is telling us not to stay stuck on past hurts or the bad things we may have experienced, but to change the way we view and think about our past, by renewing our minds to see God’s perspective through the light of His Word. 

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Before we can be transformed we must first agree that the Bible is the true and living word of God, and it rises above all things, culture, experience, family and even self. God’s Word alone reigns supreme and is preeminent above all else. Only when we choose to let go of the lesser, are we able to grab hold of the greater that God has promised us. 

God’s Word must rise above all of our experiences, all of our pain and all of our past. Whether we want to except it or not, God’s word is the touchstone, the standard, the benchmark that we should rise up and lineour lives up against.

We sit on the throne of our hearts, lives and minds by allowing our emotions, our pain and past rule our lives. When we do not obey God’s word to forgive, but refuse to release and let go of the things in our past, then we are allowing our feelings and emotions to dictate our lives. But, it is when we line our will up with God’s word and we decide to ask Jesus to be Lord of our life and to sit on the throne of our hearts, that we are able to have freedom, His peace and be liberated from our past.   

It is when we ask Jesus to be Lord, not just Savior and allow Him sovereignty and authority to sit on the throne of our emotions, pain, hurts and desires that we are able to navigate this life in the way God had ordained and planned for His people. By this we are more than conquerors, we have a peace that surpasses understanding and we are to be kings, priest and to be a light in the midst of darkness. 

Romans 8:37-39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. NKJ

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Yes we can live this life with joy, peace and abundance through the power of the Holy Spirit and are able to walk out God’s word in the flesh. When our will and choices, line up with the Holy Spirit we learn to live in love, in humility and in a meek way, as God has ordained for us to live from the beginning. The Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity of God plays a vital part in our lives as followers of Christ. With anyone, if He is ignored, overlooked or disregarded and if we refuse to engage Him, it would be difficult for the Holy Spirit to have an impactful role in our life and development. 

It is the Holy Spirit who guides us so that we may live a super-natural life on earth. A super-natural life is one that rises above its natural life experiences, culture, pain, emotions and even hatred, and is able to forgiveothers when we have been wronged. It the followers of Christ who willpray for those that hate them and then choose to show the love of God to those who are hurtful and unlovely. 

What we give our time and attention to is what shapes us and defines who we are. It is when we give time and attention to Christ, the Word of God and develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit, that we are able to be changed. This change will help us to fulfill our God given purpose, which is to reflect, resemble and reveal the love of God.  

Galatians 5:19 But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. AMP

Just as we ask Jesus into our lives to save us and to be our Lord and Savior, we should take time to acknowledge the Holy Spirit and ask Him to come within and upon us to give us the power we need to live this life in a way that represents God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior well. 

When we hear the word of God and then say “Yes But!”  we are allowing our emotions and past experiences to sit on the throne of our hearts. We cannot grab hold of truth when our hands are tightly gripped on our past which is part of this fallen world system.  The apostle Paul beseeched and begged us in Romans 12:1, with the mercy of God extended to us, that he is asking that we release our old way of thinking and present our situation to God. We are to ask Him to transform and renew our way of thinking that we may be in line with God’s word. 

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJ

We are to pray the prayer of faith in all we do. Just as it was by the prayer of faith that we received salvation. We confessed that Jesus is Lord of all, we believed in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, giving Him all power and authority. We can now submit our problems, pain and past to Him. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was raise from the dead, and that same power will give us the ability to forgive, transform our minds and give us life eternal.  

Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.   For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The prayer of faith is believing in your heart that God’s word is true, and then confessing that truth that you believe with your mouth. It is the same with every prayer of faith that we make, it must be based on the truth of the word of God, we must believe it in our hearts, and then confess that truth with the conviction of our words from our mouth. It is not just a head knowledge but a heart knowing that the promises of God are Yes and Amen! It is not a hidden secret, but a public profession of faith. 

2Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

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