I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one

Enemy:

 

            Keeps us from the evil one:

           

John 17:15

15 “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.

 

            Some versions of the Bible translate this as keep us from evil. He didn’t promise a rose garden. There will be evil in our paths. However, this should have been translated as to keep us from the evil one … the devil. He would have had to taken us out of the world in order for us to be kept entirely from evil. If we just don’t have to face the devil, we’ll be all right. It may not be easy, but we will overcome. As I mentioned in an earlier volume, the André Crouch song says, “If I’d never had a problem, I’d never know that God could solve them.” Now don’t blame God for the problems, but do thank Him for the solutions. It is through Him that we can prevail.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "There is nothing to fear, My children. Nothing and no one can harm you as long as you stay in My Word. You cannot be overcome; rather, you are overcomers. There is nothing that can overpower you when you walk in My power. My power consists of doing what I have commanded you. You will overcome as you walk in My Spirit in My Word. There is nothing that can persuade you to fall if you trust in Me and My Word. You will never fall. You will never fail if you trust Me to control your life. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is Life in no one else. There is success in no one else; for I am the only Way to eternal Life. There is nothing and no one who can prevent you from inheriting My eternal Life. You are in control of your destiny. Obey My commandments and you will succeed in life.”

 

            96. The Father keeps me from the evil one by placing a hedge about me. No evil can trespass His boundaries.

For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

 

Chapter 11

Various

 

             Here are more verses concerning our destiny. These are things that are destined to take place in our lives. They cover different areas, but they are all important. By now we should be catching hold of the fact that we are special and that we have a special destiny ahead. We should live like it and not like the people of the world who have a bad destiny.

 

 Light:

 

            Sons of light:

 

1 Thessalonians 5:5

5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

           

            Jesus was called the light of the world. We are His brothers and sisters and have the same Father, so why shouldn’t we be called sons of light and sons of day? Because we are of the light and of the day, we should walk as children of the light and day. We should not be ashamed of our thoughts or actions. They should be a light to those around us to bring them to Christ.

            Those who are of the darkness do not want their deeds exposed. This is happening a lot today in politics. Politicians said or did things in secret that are now being revealed. Unfortunately, it’s also happening to a lot of people who were leaders of Christianity. When people do wrong things and they are not immediately caught, they tend to get bolder and bolder in their wrong doings. What might have been a minor offence will sooner or later turn into a major one.

            We should live our lives as if we expected the entire world to see and hear our every word and deed. Then we would have nothing to be ashamed of.

           

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "There is no darkness in you, My children; for you are the light of the world. The world is in darkness, but you are in the light. Walk as children of the light; of the day; not of the night. For there is a great darkness coming upon the world, but fear not; for you have overcome the world and it lies in the power of the evil one. But you are not of the evil one; for you are of Me and therefore are of the light. This is the light that will guide all men unto Me, if they will allow it to. But you are to not hide your light under the bushel basket; but are to place it in the window of your soul so that others may see and come in unto Me.”

 

            95. I am a child of the light and of the day. I will walk as if all my actions were being viewed by the entire world. I will say, do, and think only those things that bring glory to my Lord and Savior.

There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

 No longer any curse:

 

Revelation 22:3-5

3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

 

            The earth was cursed because of Adam. Those who didn’t obey the Law were under a curse. Jesus became a curse for us that we no longer would have to be under a curse. We’re going to be in the presence of the Father and His Son, the Lamb. We will see His face and have His name on our foreheads. We are most definitely His. It is our destiny. God Himself will be our light. We will never have to walk in darkness again, but will walk in the newness of His Light.

            What does that last line say … they will reign forever and ever? That’s a long time and a great destiny. Isn’t that worth walking in the light of His Word according to His Spirit who indwells us for a comparatively short time?

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are Mine, little Ones. You have My name stamped upon you. I have sealed you in My Spirit, and you are Mine. The world will know that you are Mine, and the enemy will know that you are Mine. I did not do this carelessly. I desired to make you Mine, and I made sure that you would become My own. You know Me, because My Spirit is within you. You shall know of Me that what I say will be; for I take what the Father gives Me, and I give it unto you. You are Mine, if you do what I tell you. There is peace in no one else. Abide in My love, and you will overcome the world.”

 

            94. I am no longer under a curse. One day I will be with the Father and the Son and will reign with them forever.

 

            There is no doubt about it. Jesus is coming again and we will be with Him forever. It is our destiny. It’s not our goal. We are definitely going to be with Him. It’s a done deal. It’s just a matter of when. We are to occupy until He comes. We are not supposed to get complacent. We should be a light to those around us so that they too can come into His Kingdom.

            Remember that the Bible says that mockers will come saying, “Where is His coming? Ever since the fathers died people have been saying Jesus is coming again, and He still hasn’t. Why do you still insist He is coming?” Why, because He said He would and Jesus would never lie.

Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

 Springs of the water of life:

 

Revelation 21:6

6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

 

            Are you thirsty? I’m not talking about physical thirst. This is the same water that Jesus talked about to the Samaritan woman. It is the Living Water that flows from within. People are big on bottled water. If people twenty years ago were told that one day people would pay as much as they do for bottled water, they would have rolled on the floor laughing. It was unheard of to have to pay anything for water. People carrying bottles of it wherever they go - no way man? But it’s true.

            We have Living Water “bottled up” inside of us. We’re to share that Water with the world so that they too might have life everlasting. This water doesn’t cost us anything, but it cost Him everything.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "There is no one else but Me. I AM the I AM. Walk in Me, and you will overcome the world. I was from the beginning, and I will be at the end. There is comfort in no one else. In Me, you have peace. In Me, you have joy. In Me, you shall overcome. Drink of the Water of Life that I give you. There is life in no one else. In Me you have life everlasting and shall endure to the end with Me.”

 

            93. I am drinking from the water of life without cost to me. I will share that water with others that they too may drink and live.

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

 Results:

 

            Behold His glory:

 

John 17:24

24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

 

            Jesus wants us to be with Him where He is. Why? He wants us to see His glory which the Father gave to Him. The priests were not able to stand and minister in the temple because of the glory of God. This is the same glory that we will see in Him. Of course we won’t have this mortal body that would perish in the presence of Almighty God. If Jesus wants us to see His glory, His glory we shall see. It’s a done deal. It is our destiny. Some Christians are not sure they’re going to Heaven. Jesus says we are. There is no doubt about it. It is our destiny!  

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are Mine, little ones. You are My crown and My glory. As I have received from the Father, so I give unto you. You shall know My glory, as I have know My Father’s glory. There is no other glory outside of Him. He is My glory, and He will be your glory. Therein is My glory fulfilled in that you walk in My glory. There is glory in no one else. Abide in My glory, and you shall have your desires met. Mine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory. These are yours too, when you  walk in My Word.”

 

            92. One day I will be with Jesus where He is and will behold His glory which the Father gave to Him.

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.

 Dead will be raised imperishable:

 

1 Corinthians 15:51-53

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.

 

            All of us have experience buying fruit and then having it spoil. That’s why fruit is in the category called perishables. Our bodies are the same way. They will eventually perish; not so our Heavenly ones. They are imperishable. They have an (eternal) Lifetime Guarantee backed by the Maker.

            Some of us will sleep, but others will remain alive until Jesus returns. Then we all will be changed from this perishable body to the immortal one. That is great news, and we’re all looking forward to that Day. However, some Christians are too strongly longing for that Day and are ignoring the here and now. We are to occupy until He returns; whether in our lifetime or not.

            It won’t be a long process. The caterpillar will become a butterfly instantaneously. There will be a trumpet sound. Then the dead will be raised. Lastly, the living will be changed. They’ll drop off this earth suit and put on the imperishable Heavenly one. Then … we’re outta here.

           

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "It is almost time, My children. Soon you will hear the trumpet blow. It is your signal to come be with Me. You are victorious in Me. There is no way around it. You are champions when you are in Me. Then will be the time of the end of all things on earth. Then will be the time of the Kingdom of God on earth. There shall be neither night nor day; for My light shall shine forth in My Kingdom on earth. There is no way around it. The end is near for all things that are not of God. The time is near for the end of all things carnal. It is the time for all things ungodly. It is the time for you to shine forth as lights to the world. They will come to the light as a moth does. You are to be lights to the world, so that they will come unto Me and avoid the end of the things of the world.”

 

            91. One day, at the last trumpet, I will be changed. My mortality will drop off and my immortality will be put on. Then I will rise to meet Jesus in the air to be with Him forever.

Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

 Will bear the image of the heavenly:

 

1 Corinthians 15:49

49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

 

            Well, for some of us, this earthy is getting kind of yucky. It’s certainly not getting any younger no matter how much goop we put on it or in it. We may not look as old as we are, but it doesn’t matter how many “paint jobs” we put on this old car, it’s still not getting any newer.

            The good news is that when we leave this place we won’t have to take it with us! We get a brand new model that will never get old or wear out. We will bear the image of the Heavenly … just like Jesus. Remember that when He returns, we will be just like Him! That is something to look forward to.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You shall be like Me, My children; for I have chosen you for this purpose. People shall see Me when they see you. You are to be My image, as I am the Father’s image. You will show forth My glory, as I have shown forth His glory. You are the light of the world, and I have not chosen you to put you under a peck measure but to put you on a lamp stand that all may see My light in you. You are to shine forth My glory and My holiness unto the world that it may know that I have come unto them.”

 

            90. When He returns, I will bear the image of the Heavenly … never to grow old or wear out again.

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

 Our Bodies:

 

            Many dwelling places:

 

John 14:2-3

2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

 

            Are these dwelling places the mansions of the King James, or perhaps our glorified bodies? We won’t need any mansions then; but that’s o.k. if this is what it means. What’s important is that Jesus went there to prepare a place for us. If He said it, we can count on it. He also said He would come again to receive us to Himself. Why … so that we could be with Him where He is forever.

            At the moment I am writing this, there is a crisis in the housing market. Homes have shot way up in price. People are having trouble buying a home … any home; not just their dream home. But we don’t have to worry about not having a place to live when we leave this place. We have one reserved in Heaven with our names on it!

            Lift up your eyes! Your redemption is nearer than when you started reading this book. How long? It’s not for us to worry. Stay ready to go at a moment’s notice; but be prepared to occupy till He does come.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "I have not left you alone, My children. I have not forgotten you. I have made it My priority to keep you in My power … that I may demonstrate My glory in My people. You are My special ones, and I delight in your presence. I have hand selected your dwelling place for all eternity. It is not a one size fits all kind of dwelling place. It is one especially made with you as an individual in mind. You are My special ones, and I have a special place for you. You are the light of the world, and that light comes through My glory in you. You are to light the path for those around you; so that they too will come unto Me. You are My special ones, and I delight in you.”

 

            89. Jesus will return to take me to my final dwelling place which He has prepared just for me!

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. ... Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord

 Will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep:

 

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

 

            Paul was writing to the Thessalonians to comfort them. They were concerned that if there loved ones died before Jesus returned that there would be no resurrection hope for them … that they would be dead forever. Paul was assuring them that indeed there was great hope for them. They would rise again. In fact, the dead would go before the living.

            It seems in verse 17 as if Paul was expecting to be one of those still alive when Jesus returns. Whether we are still alive or not, there will be no one left behind of His people. Remember, we’re not debating exactly when in reference to the Tribulation that this will occur. We just know that it will; and we will.

            What a Great Promise and what a Great Hope we that are Christians have. We do not yet see it happening, but one day it will. We will hear His shout, whether alive or dead and we will rise to meet Him in the air.

            Got your ears on, good buddy?

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You need not fear, My children. I will not leave you alone. I will not leave you stranded. You are not going to have to face the world alone. I will come back for you. I will come back for all My children, whether they are alive or dead. There is no other way for Me but to bring back My own when I come. I will bring you into My Kingdom at the end. You will be with Me in My Kingdom. We will reign together in My Kingdom. We are victorious together. You are My special people, and we will rule and reign together.”

 

            88. When Jesus returns, I will hear His shout whether I’m alive or dead and will rise to meet Him in the air.

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live

Chapter 10

Second Coming

 

            There are many people in the world that do not know that Jesus the Christ has already come the first time. They are still looking for a savior. But Jesus is coming a second time. For the Christian, that is great news, but for the rest of the world it will be a time for great tribulation.

            Jesus is coming to bring judgment to the unbelievers, but to take His own to be with Him forever. It is our destiny. Heaven is not our goal. It is our destiny. But we should not take that destiny for granted. We should become the best we can be and do the most we can do to bring others into His Kingdom.

 

Process:

 

            Dead shall live:

 

John 5:25

25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

 

            He who has ears to hear among the dead will hear the Son when He shouts. They will then come to life again. Jesus said that if we die, we shall live again. That is a physical death. We won’t ever die spiritually though. We will never experience the second death which is eternal separation from God. Tune up your hearing. The Son will soon be shouting in triumph.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "I am coming, My children. Do not despair! At the right time; the right moment I will come, and I will bring judgment upon the unbeliever. I will bring judgment upon those that do not recognize Me as being their God. I will bring swift vengeance upon those that disparage My name and that say things about Me that are not true. You will not be among those that are judged, when you walk in My Word. My Word is true, and My Spirit is Truth. There is no other way to get to Heaven outside of Me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to avoid judgment outside of coming to the Father through Me. I am the way into His Kingdom. There is no other way outside of Me. I have brought you into that Kingdom, and you shall shine brightly before all men. Do not despair. I am coming quickly. Do not lose patience at My delay. I will come at just the right time for you, My little children.”

 

            87. If I die before He returns, I will hear the voice of the Son of God from the grave when He does return and will live again.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household

 Other:

 

            Fellow-citizens of God’s household:

 

Ephesians 2:19

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,

 

            We are fellow citizens with all the other believers. We are not alone, and we are not excluded. We are together. We are also of God’s household. We are family. We are one. Do not look down on other believers just because they belong to a different local church. They are a part of us, and we are a part of them - so that others may believe in Him.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "There is no other family but Mine. That is the family to which you belong. It is a glorious family and shall prevail in this life and in the next. You are of this family and shall overcome together. You are not of the family of this world, but are of Mine. It is My pleasure to make you members of My family. It is My pleasure to give you the Kingdom. You have the keys to My Kingdom in your hands. Look to them to overcome the world. What is of Mine, overcomes the world. You are of Mine, and you shall overcome the world.”

 

            86. I am a fellow citizen with all the saints and am a member of God’s household.

 

            Yes, it is our destiny to be one with other believers. Most Christians, though, live in a divided community. If others do not believe exactly like we do, we exclude them from our fellowship. We are destined to be one that those around us will desire to come into the Kingdom of God. Then we will all experience the true destiny He has for us.

Thy glory I’ve given them that they may be one: 

 

John 17:22

22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;           

 

            It’s also the glory. This is another key ingredient to help make us one. We need this to help overcome our human frailties. We want to be the chief. The others can be with us, but we should be in control. God wants the unity of the Holy Spirit to be maintained. It takes the glory to achieve that. In the presence of His glory, nothing of a sinful nature may exist. He removes it far from us in the midst of His glory. Again, this is to bring others into His Kingdom.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are in My glory, My children. You are experiencing it even now in this life. You shall overcome through My glory; for My glory is in you and you shall overcome through it. You are not of this world, My children. You are of the world and the age that is to come. Nothing shall overcome it, and nothing shall overcome you as you walk in My Word and rely on My Spirit. You are of My household and shall show forth My glory as My Son did.”

 

            85. I have received of His glory that I may be one with my fellow believers.

I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

 Unity:

            Keep them in Thy name

 

John 17:11

11 “I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.

 

John 17:21

21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

 

            What a powerful Name … the Name of Jesus! It is powerful enough to keep (guard) us. Because we are in the world (but not of it), we need to be kept. We cannot venture out alone unprotected. The reason Jesus said to keep us is so that we may be one even as the Father and the Son are One. It wasn’t just for the disciples. It was for us too. Jesus said in another verse that it was for all who heard their word and believed on Him.

            And why would He want us to be one? It is so that the world would believe that the Father sent Him to die for their sins. Unity is such a powerful thing that it will bring people to God. We think it’s our great preaching. But it is the love for one another and our unity that will bring people to Him. Those things are so rare that people will come from miles around to experience it in a local church.

            We will also be in Them (Father and Son). How this can possibly happen is a mystery; however, it is true. We are in Them and they are in us. Because we have God Almighty dwelling within us, what kind of people should we be in our behavior? What kinds of things should we expect to accomplish for God because of this?

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "Again, you are safe, My children. There is nothing of the devil that can harm you. There is nothing in this creation that can overcome you; for you have My name, and everything that has My name has My power and nothing can overcome My name or My power. You are safe in Me and in My name. We are one, and nothing can overcome us together.”

 

            84. The Father is keeping me in Jesus’ Name so that I may be in Him and in the Father and that the world may believe in Him.

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect

 The Church:

 

            Church of the first-born:

 

Hebrews 12:23

23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

 

            We are members of the Church of the first-born. There is only one Church; not many like we have today. Jesus was the first to be born from the dead. We will follow in the future. That is our destiny. We’re not destined to fly with the vultures. We’re destined to fly with the eagles.

            Notice the reference about the spirits of the righteous made perfect. When we die, that isn’t it. Our spirits still live in Him and with Him. It also says made perfect. We shall be made perfect in Him. We may not look like it now, but we will be one day.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are ever in My thoughts. You are ever in My heart. I want only the best for you. I have planned only the best for you; but you cannot experience it without surrendering yourself to Me. That is the only way to overcome in this life. You will succeed. You will rise to the top. You will be better than those around you, as you allow Me to operate in your life; to control the circumstances that face you. If you try to control them, you will not succeed in the end. You may prevail for a while, but in the end, you will fail. You are not alone in this fight. There are many here and there that will come to your aid as you walk in My Word. That is the reason I allow things to come upon you … is so that you can prevail in My strength; in My guidance; with the help of all those that are Mine.”

 

            83. I am one of those who is a member of the church of the firstborn. One day I will be made perfect.

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

 What happens to one happens to all:

               

1 Corinthians 12:26

26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

 

            Too many times if someone gets blessed, others get jealous. And if something bad happens to that person, they “secretly” rejoice. God says, “That’s not My way. My way is just the opposite. Remember that the other Christian is one with you. So, when that person gets blessed, it’s like you’re getting blessed. When that person gets hurt, it is like you’re getting hurt.” They are family to us. We’re supposed to be very supportive of our family. We’re to rejoice at their blessings and cry at their pain.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "Do not rejoice when your brother or sister has problems. Do not turn your back on them; for they are precious in My sight and so should be in yours. You are all one people, and what happens to one of you is what happens to all of you. If one is hurt, you all are hurt. If one is ill, you all are ill. If one is dying, you all are dying; for you are one in My Spirit. What one feels the other feels. What one experiences, the other experiences. There is not one body of one kind and another body of another kind. You are all alike in Me. Rejoice with your brother and sister when they rejoice, and weep with them when they weep. Thus, all will know that you are Mine when you rejoice and weep together.”

 

            82. When you suffer, I hurt. When you are blessed, I rejoice.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

                                                                           Chapter 9

 

All Together

 

             We are not alone in this life. We have each other. We are to show to the world that God is in this Christianity thing by the fact that we are united. We show that by our love for one another.

            In one Interlinear Greek New Testament that I have, it translates the Greek of Acts 2:1 as … they were all together together (King James … all together with one accord in one place). In other words … they had it all together. They stayed “all together” for a while before humanity slipped into the Church. Of course by “staying together”, they didn’t go into all the world. God wanted both. He wanted them to be united, but He didn’t want them to get “satisfied” with the status quo. He wanted them to disperse and bring people outside of Jerusalem and Israel into His Kingdom.

 

Body:

 

            One of everything:

 

Ephesians 4:4-6

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

 

            One is the theme of these verses. We came into the Kingdom in only one way through the one God, and we’re to stay that way. God didn’t make a bunch of little bodies (man did). He made us all to be one. If someone is different or believes differently than we do, we tend to exclude them from our group. Christians can be just as vicious with their tongues as animals can with their teeth to those not their own. Being one with each other is so unusual to the world that Christians being that way will attract people into the Kingdom.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are one, My children. There is not one of this kind and another of that kind. There is only one kind … My children. You are to love one another as brothers and sisters; for you are one body … one people … one kindred. You shall not look down on your brother or sister as not being worthy to be your brother or sister. You are to look upon them with favor; for they are just as much Mine as you are. You are not to treat them differently because they are different from you. Who said you were better than they; who said you were more favored. You are all alike in My Book. You shall all be judged alike. You are one and we are one together.”

 

            81. I am one with you and with the One Father in one way forever.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life

 Passed out of death into life:

               

John 5:24

24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

 

            We have heard the Word and have believed the Father who sent Jesus. Therefore, we have eternal life and do not come into judgment. This is the final Judgment. Believers are judged daily, but unbelievers are judged one time at the End. It won’t be pleasant and it will be permanent. We, however, will never face that Judgment. We began our eternal life the moment we believed. We experience it here and now; not just when we get to Heaven.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are free from the power of sin and death as you walk in My Word. This is My Kingdom … that you walk in the power of My Word. Then you are free from the power of sin and death; and nothing shall harm you if you are diligent to walk in My Word. The Kingdom consists of this … that you walk in My Word and so prove to be My disciples. You are My disciples if you walk in My Word. Then are you truly free indeed. You shall overcome all obstacles if you walk in My Word. There is power in My Word, and you shall walk in power as you walk in My Word. The Kingdom of God truly is righteousness peace, and joy in My Holy Spirit.”

 

            80. I have heard His Word and believed in Him. Therefore, I have eternal life now and will not come into judgment. I have passed out of death into life.

 

 

            It may not be pleasant to think about, but we are accountable to God for what we do and think. We may be able to get away with things in our jobs, but not with Him. He’s not going to let us off the hook. It’s our destiny. It may not be the kind you’d like to think is yours, but it is. However, it’s for our own good, as all discipline is for good. This is to show forth to the world what God expects from His people. He wants only the best for the best … and that’s us.

Will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

 Resurrection according to deeds:

 

John 5:29

29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

 

            I don’t know about you, but life beats judgment for me. Now these good deeds are not just doing good works by helping others (though it should include them). It’s obeying the Holy Spirit in whatever He directs us to do. Obeying Him is the kind of deed that God wants us to do. We can never do anything to earn our salvation or resurrection of life. However, we should be leading the way by doing good to other believers and those around us to bring them into the Kingdom.

            We all have done wrong things, but evil deeds are birthed in the kingdom of darkness. We don’t want to be convicted of doing those kinds of deeds. They bring judgment at the End.

            I am confident in you that you haven’t done things that will bring you into judgment. Maybe your “old man” did, but your new one hasn’t.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "There is nothing to fear, if you walk in My Word. There is nothing to fear, if you obey Me; for I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You shall have peace in no other way. You shall have freedom in no other way; for this is the judgment of the world … that they cannot walk in peace as long as they do not walk in My Word. You are the light of the world, and they shall walk in darkness unless you shine your light upon them. This is My light; that you walk in My Word. Then you shall light their paths unto Me. They shall see your light; and just like a moth is attracted to light, so they shall be attracted to your light as you walk in My Word.”

 

            79. I have done the good deeds that will bring about a resurrection of life for me.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

 Judgment:

 

            Judgment begins with the household of God:

 

1 Peter 4:17

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

 

            I thought this was a free ride. You mean we have to be judged? That’s what this says; and it starts with us now … not in the future. Actually, being under judgment now prevents the Judgment to come. If we are true children of God, then we are under discipline. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we are to repent immediately and ask forgiveness. That’s part of our judgment. If we don’t repent within a short amount of time, then we open ourselves up to other kinds of judgment. That doesn’t mean that we go to the bad place; but it could open us up to problems here on earth. It’s not that God is trying to zap us. It’s that we open ourselves up to being zapped. Let’s not get into an argument over exactly what kind of zapping. We don’t want to get zapped in any way whatsoever. Whatever it is, it’s definitely not like the unbeliever will have on Judgment Day.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are judged, My children, by My Word. You are judged by whether or not you obey its commandments. You are judged by your actions and by your attitudes. You shall be holy for I am holy. There is no other way to walk in My Kingdom than to walk in holiness. You shall not be judged in the end, if you are judged by My Word now. As you obey My Word, you shall free yourself from further judgment. You are free from sin and free from judgment when you walk in My Word. You are free to walk in My liberty when you walk in My commandments. You will not face the judgments of the world, if you walk in the judgments of My Word; for they will set you free from sin and death. This is My commandment … that you obey My Word and not come into the judgment at the end of the age.”

 

            78. I will so live my life according to the Holy Spirit that I will not come under judgment for my behavior.

I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away

 What You Say or Do:

            Have – more be given. Don’t have – taken away:

           

Luke 19:26

26 “I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

 

            Remember that it is our destiny to be accountable in all areas. If God gives us something, we are accountable for what we do with it. This is not just in the physical sense, nor just in the spiritual one. It is in both. What God blesses us with financially, we are accountable for how we use. What He blesses us with in the spiritual realm, we are also accountable for. He doesn’t give us things to be buried. He wants us to put them to work for others and His Kingdom. This is our destiny.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You shall walk in My perfection giving others a desire to be like Me. I have shown you much, but there is much more to come. You shall walk in the light that you have, and I will give you much more to shine before men. As you are faithful to walk in the light that you have, I will give you more light to draw men after Me. You shall see much fruit as you allow Me to shine My light more and more upon you. Then you will truly reap a reward greater than you could ever imagine.”

 

            77. What God has blessed me with, I will make proper use of to bless others in His Kingdom.

But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known

                                                                         Chapter 8

 

Accountability

 

             Is it our destiny to do whatever we please?  Today there is a push for politicians, educators, and others to be accountable. We as Christians are to be accountable to our destiny to be like our Creator. We are destined to be like Him, so we should be accountable to the Word to behave as He does. We walk in the light of His Word, and that Word sheds light on our actions. Be faithful to your destiny! God will hold us accountable for all our actions.

 

Can’t Hide Things:

 

            Nothing hidden:

 

Luke 12:2-3

2 “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

3 “Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.

 

            Today many politicians are confessing their prior “indiscretions”. But are these revelations because their conscience is “pricking” them or because it’s better that you say it than the news media? We have seen too many times when politicians, entertainers, or sports figures tried to hide wrong doings that eventually were revealed to the public. Then they go into “rehab” and come out squeaky clean … right!

            No one can hide their sins in the dark. God will reveal them if you don’t repent. Just when you think you got away with it, someone will discover and proclaim the truth. Can anyone say lawsuit coming?

            We need to especially be careful when we say … “did you hear about what happened to so-and-so? You know we need to pray for him/her.” Too many times this is a “Christian” cover up. It’s really gossiping. Do you want others to gossip about you … of course not? Then don’t gossip about them.

           

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are a light to My people. Therefore, I will shine My light on you. You must therefore be sure to be pure before Me; for I will shine My light on you, and all your imperfections will be revealed to the world. But fear not … for I will bring you into perfection as you wait on Me; as you allow Me to work My work in you. You will bring others unto Me; for when they see your perfection in Me, they will also want to come unto perfection; and they will seek Me diligently because of your light. You are to walk in My light and thus draw all men unto Me.”

 

            76. I will only do and proclaim what is worthy of a child of God and that I would not mind being shouted from the housetops.

He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.

 Bathed …need only wash feet:           

John 13:10

10 Jesus *said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

 

            We talked about this incident earlier. When we come to Jesus and are “bathed” in pure water, we don’t need another bath when we sin. We need only wash our “feet” … that is, be sprinkled with the “water” of forgiveness. We confess our sins, and He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. When we do this on a continuous basis, we stay “pure” before the Lord. This is what He expects from us. This is the maturity that He desires in us. We are to keep “short” accounts and not let them pile up. Just like with financial debts, we get into trouble when we have too many not “paid off”.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You have touched the world; so you need to cleanse your feet … for that is the part of you that has come into contact with the world. You were made pure and clean when you came into My Kingdom. You are purified daily through the washing of My Word. As you walk in My holiness, you will stay clean. But your feet will come into contact with the ways of the world; so you need to cleanse yourself daily. You are My special project started from before the beginning of the universe. You are made complete in Me and shall walk in My holiness; for I am holy.”

 

            75. I have bathed in His water of purification and only need to wash my “feet” when I sin.

            It is our destiny to walk in sanctification. Too many times Christians don’t want to do that. They want to “have it their way”. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do, with the result that they live a miserable life somewhere between God and the world. This is not acceptable. You are being lukewarm and God will spew you out of His mouth. It is not some horrible thing to walk in sanctification. It is a very good thing. We should embrace it and be willing to do whatever the Holy Spirit directs us to do to see it fulfilled in our lives. Walk in your destiny and be like the Lord.

Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

 Bodies washed with pure water:

 

Hebrews 10:22

22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

 

            A sincere heart is one that is empty of deceit. We know we can’t fool God, and we don’t try to fool our fellow man. It is also one that believes what God says is true. We trust completely in Him. He’s never failed us and never will. The reason we can draw near is that our hearts of full of faith; for without faith it is impossible to please Him. Our hearts were sprinkled clean from an evil conscience when we came to Christ. If someone in the Old Testament touched a dead body, he/she had to have his/her body sprinkled with the water of purification. Our old man is dead. If we “touch” him; that is, go back to our old way of life, we need to repent and be sprinkled with the water of purification through repentance. Then we can come boldly into the throne room to receive His grace.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You can come before Me, My children. The people in Moses’ day could not come before Me, but you can. You can come with assurance that your prayers will be heard. I will not turn My back to you. I will not turn My face from you. I will turn My attention to your pleas because I have loved you with an everlasting love; and I have longed to have you in My presence. You cannot get away from My love. You cannot find any place that I am not there to receive you unto Myself. I am yours, and you are Mine forever. You can come boldly because you were washed clean by the blood of My Son. He paid the price for you to come boldly into My presence as pure as He is.”

 

            74. I can draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, because my heart has been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and my body washed with pure water.

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

 If don’t practice righteousness … not of God:

 

1 John 3:10

10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

 

            His makes it pretty clear who is of God and who is of the devil. Do you practice righteousness? Then you’re a child of God. If you don’t, then you’re not. Now this doesn’t mean that you never do anything that is not righteous. It means that as a general rule, you are doing things that are pleasing to God. If generally, you’re not doing things that are according to the Word of God, then you’re not of God. You are a child of the devil.

            It also says the one who does not love his brother is not of God. It’s one thing to say that those who do bad things are not of God, but to say that simply not loving your fellow Christian means you’re not of God … that’s quite another story. You may say that you’re not under the Law, and you would be right. However, we’re under even stricter rules of conduct. We get into trouble for just wanting to do the wrong thing. This love that it talks about is not an emotional kind of love. It’s a love in spite of, not because of like the world has. It doesn’t say that you have to like your brother … but you do have to love him/her.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You are of Me, My little children; for you have been born of Me. My children know Me and My voice. They know when I call to them and they rejoice in My delight of them. If you are Mine, then you will behave as I do. You shall follow in My footsteps as you allow Me to control your lives. Wait for Me, and I will show you how to overcome in all instances. You shall not be controlled by anything if you wait on Me. We shall overcome together as you walk in My Spirit.”

 

            73. I am a child of God and therefore I will practice righteousness and love my brother or sister.

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

 Results:

 

            Escaped defilements of the world:

 

2 Peter 2:20

20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

 

            When we walk in the world, it “stains” us. We cannot help it, unless we constantly allow the Holy Spirit to control our actions. The world is defiled, and everyone who comes into contact with it runs the risk of being defiled also. This defilement is usually deceptive. The person being defiled isn’t even aware of the defilement until it’s too late. That’s because it looks o.k. As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus through His Word, we can escape these defilements. It’s like a vine with many tendrils. We don’t see them, and our feet get entangled in them. We then stumble and fall. Jesus told Peter He only needed to wash his hands and feet. Figuratively, that’s the parts of us that come into contact with the world. When we’re born again, our spirits cannot be influence by the world, but our soul can. Our “hands” and “feet” are what “touch” the things of the world.

            This verse tells us that if we do get entangled in the affairs of the world, the last state will be worse than never having experienced salvation at all.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You will not be like the world if you walk in the truth of My Word. You will not be overcome by anything if you stay in My Word. There is peace in no other source. There is truth in no other source. You are complete in My Word and will overcome all obstacles to your growth. You will not succeed unless you walk in the power of My holiness. There is success in no other way than in Me. You are overcomers in Me and shall show many people the way to Me. You will never stumble and fall in Me as long as you allow My Spirit to control your actions. You are complete in Me as long as you allow Me to guide your ways and actions.”

 

            72. I have escaped the defilements of the world and will never be entangled by them again.