But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 What He Became to Us:

 

            Wisdom of God:

 

1 Corinthians 1:24

24     but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

     

1 Corinthians 1:30

30     But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

  

            If you look at the entire passage, you will see that Paul is talking about how the world tried to find God through its own wisdom. He says that God’s plan for Jesus to die on the cross in order for mankind to come to Him, is foolishness to those in the world … whether Jew or Gentile. Christ dying on the cross, though foolishness to the world, became the wisdom of God to us. He also became our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption through His death on the cross. Through that one act of obedience, He became everything to us. How foolish God’s plan … how perfect!

 

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

            "Many people today think that My way is foolishness, but it’s not. My way is the way of truth and life. If you walk in My way, you will have true happiness. The world gives a form of happiness that is based on circumstances, but My happiness is based on having peace with Me. Whatever you need, I will supply. If you desire anything, ask of Me, and I will give it unto you; for when you’re life is committed to Me, you will not ask anything amiss.”

 

            39. Though the death of Jesus on the cross seems foolish to the world, to me it was God’s wisdom. Through it I was redeemed, and declared righteous and sanctified.

In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

 Baptism:

 

            Buried with Him in baptism:

 

Colossians 2:11-12

11     and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;

     12     having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

      

            Our old man died and that body of the flesh was cut off and buried with Christ when we were baptized in Him. It no longer has any control over us since it is dead and buried. We can, however, choose to act like it does. We can still obey the strong desires (which the Bible calls lusts – though it doesn’t have to be sexual in nature) that compelled us to do wrong things. However, we can also choose to not do them. We were also raised up with Christ through that experience of baptism. Therefore, sin no longer has any authority over us. So, we should act like it!

 

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

            "The part of you that desires to do the works of the devil has died. It no longer has power over you unless you let it. You are no longer the slave of sin, but its master. You shall not follow its ways, but My ways. Do no let your old way of life dictate how you act now. You are no longer under its control, but under Mine. I am not a hard taskmaster like sin is. I only require what is good for you, not your hurt.”

 

            38. When I was baptized, my old man was buried with Christ. My body of the flesh was circumcised and removed, and it has no power over me. I have also been raised up with Christ.

 

 Die to sin, and live to righteousness:

 

1 Peter 2:24

24     and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

     

            Even though we legally became the righteousness of God, we can still sin. However, sin no longer rules over us. When Jesus died, we died to sin’s power and persuasion over us. If we are “dead” to sin, it can’t entice us. We can turn our backs and ignore it. Our living is to be unto His righteousness. We can choose to sin, but it is no longer master over us. Therefore, decide to do His will … become His righteousness.

 

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

            "When you were in the world, before you knew Me, you had your own way. You did what you wanted and cared little for others. Now that you are My child, your desire is to fulfill My righteousness in your every day life. You are to shine forth in this world of darkness as a beacon to draw others to Me. Sin has no power over you unless you let it. You are free from its curse and from its domination. You are to walk in My righteousness, and you cannot do that unless you let Me have full control over your life.”

 

            37. When Jesus hung on the cross, He bore all my sins in His body. I am dead to sin … it has no power over me. I will live unto righteousness through Him.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Chapter 3

Jesus

            Next we want to look at how our destiny is intertwined with the death and life of Jesus. How did the things He accomplished on the cross achieve our salvation and help us in our daily walk with God? What would our lives be like if He hadn’t gone to the cross and been raised from the dead? We will see that through Him and only through Him can we have the life style that is pleasing to God.

 

What His death accomplished:

 

             Become the righteousness of God:

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

21     He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

            When Jesus died on the cross, sin itself died; that is, the power it has over us died when He died. The reason He became sin was so that we through Him might become the very righteousness of God. What a marvelous trade - our sin for God’s righteousness! In God’s eyes, we are just as righteous as Jesus … not because of anything on our part. It is all because of what Jesus accomplished when He died on the cross for us. Legally we are righteous in God’s eyes. Experientially we have a ways to go. We have to rely on God and His working in our lives to bring it about.

 

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

            "My child, My desire for you is true holiness. When My Son died on the tree, He did so that you might walk in My righteousness. You are to be a light to the world through My righteousness that they may see what I expect from My people. If they cannot see what I want through you, then they make up their own righteousness in their heads, and that is what they strive for. I will show them through you what I desire in My people.”

 

            36. Because God made Jesus to be sin on the cross, then I have become the righteousness of God in Him. I am no longer a sinner. I am righteous in His sight.

Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

 Everything pertaining to life and godliness:

 

2 Peter 1:3

3     seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

            This is an additional verse that confirms what He will do in our lives. He has given us everything we will ever need in life. He will also bring about godliness in our lives. This comes about by a true knowledge of Him. Moses asked that God teach him His ways that he might know Him. As we learn the ways of God through the Bible, experiences, and other people’s instruction, we come to know Him. This gives us the things that we will need for our lives and to bring about that holiness that He wishes.

 

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

            "Is there anything that you need in your life? Just ask Me, and I will bring it about. Do you desire to walk in My holiness? Just ask, and it is yours. Do not despair that you haven’t seen it come about yet. Patience, My child. I will do what I have said I will do, and I will do it in such a way that will bring glory to Me. I desire that you walk in the same manner as My Son walked when He was on the earth. Don’t you think I am able to do that? Ask, and I shall give it unto you; but you must have patience for such a thing takes time and effort on your part.” 

            35. Whatever I need in life to bring me about godliness, He will supply through a true knowledge of Him. As I learn about Him, I realize how my life should be, and I strive to bring that about through Him.

So we can see that we in fact have a relationship with God the Father. It is not some distant one, but an extraordinary caring one. He is concerned about us very much and keeps watch over us continually. He is not some reprehensible tyrant way up in the sky forcing everyone toe the line. He knows that it is paramount that we follow His will through His Word by His Spirit. It is a magnificent, everlasting bond.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

 Perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish:

 

1 Peter 5:10

10     After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

     

 

            Do you feel like you’ll never make it as a Christian … that you’re doomed to fail? This verse says just the opposite. He didn’t call you to leave you sitting in the dust to make it on your own. He will Himself, not you in your own strength, perfect you, confirm you, strength you, and establish you. You have available through Him all that you will ever need to succeed. He wants us to be the type of Christian that will give nonbelievers a “thirst” to become a true believer. When we are like what this verse says we are, others can’t help but want to be like us. You can’t fail!

 

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

            "There is no time to wonder how or if you’re going to make it. I have decreed that you shall make it. I will bring about your completion if you will allow Me to do so. Do not resist My efforts to bring you into My perfection. It is not something that you can do in your own power. You must have My help to obtain what I have planned for all My children. But you shall obtain it if you will only let Me have My way in your life.”

 

            34. I can trust God to continue to work in me and supply everything that I need to continually bring me closer to the point of perfection in my life.

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power

 Fulfill every desire for goodness:

 

2 Thessalonians 1:11

11     To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,

     

           

            Do you have a desire for some goodness to become part of your life? Are you wondering if it truly is God’s will that you have that goodness working in your life? And even if you believe it is His will, do you doubt that it will ever be manifested in your life? It’s not the devil giving you that desire. He wants only wrong things to come from your life. This verse let’s you know that desire for goodness is His will, and that He will fulfill it. Also, God will fulfill your works of faith with power.

 

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

            "I love it when you desire to do good for others. I will bring those things to pass as you trust in Me. I have many things for you to do. You can come to know them if you wait before Me in the quiet hour of the night. I will show you the way to operate in My power. It is not so that you can rule over others, but so that you can bring about those things in their lives that I desire for them. I could do it Myself without you, but it is My desire that you experience the same joy that I have when My children are blessed.”

 

            33. Whenever I have a desire for something that is good for me or in me, God will fulfill that desire. Whatever power I need to fulfill that desire, He will supply abundantly.

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

 Will of God – good, acceptable, and perfect:

 

Romans 12:2

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

 

            In the context of the passage, our not being conformed to the world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds shows (proves) to the world that God’s will for our lives as Christians is something which is good and acceptable and perfect. That transformed being is His will for us, and it is nothing short of perfect. I believe, though, that we can apply this to God’s will in general. That is … if it’s not good, or not acceptable, or not perfect, then it is not God’s will.

            Something being one’s will implies a desire that it happen. That’s why I don’t like the term “permissive will of God”. I understand what they mean by it. Sometimes things happen that are not His will. True, they couldn’t happen if He didn’t permit them, but they are not His will.

 

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

            "I only desire what is good for you. My will for you is the perfect thing for your life. I will not settle for less than the best, so don’t you. You cannot hide from My will. It follows you wherever you go. It will bring you into the most glorious life possible. Do not resist it. When people stray from My will, they get into trouble. Walk in My will which is My Word, and you will walk in blessings daily.”

 

 

            32. God’s will for me is good, acceptable, and perfect. Therefore, I can trust Him that He would never do anything harmful to me, nor ask me to do anything that was not in my best interest.

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you

 Cast anxiety on Him:

 

1 Peter 5:7

7     casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

            Of course, in Philippians, we are told to be anxious for nothing. How hard is that for the average person? If we can’t see the solution coming quickly, we get anxious. We are saying, in a sense, that we don’t trust God to take care of us like He should … or rather, like we want Him to and in the time that we would like for Him to do it in. He says here to cast those anxieties on Him. His shoulders are big enough to carry them.

            There is the story of the little old lady in London during World War II. She would go to the nearby air raid shelter when the sirens blew. One day she stopped coming. Her friends thought that she had been killed or went somewhere else to stay with relatives. Days later, one of them saw her on the street and asked, “Where have you been? We’ve missed you.” “I haven’t been anywhere”, she replied. “When we didn’t see you at the air raid shelter, we thought maybe you had gone to the country to stay with relatives.” “No”, she said, “I’ve been home all this time.” “What do you do when the air raid sirens blow?” her friend asked. “I just stay at home and go to bed.” “Aren’t you afraid?” “No. I read in the Bible that God neither slumbers nor sleeps. I figured there was no sense in both of us staying awake at night!”

            My friend, there’s no sense in Him and us staying awake at night worrying about what may happen! Sure, many times He will want us to do something ourselves in the situation, but He most of all wants us to trust Him to take care of it for us. We can’t hear His instructions when our mind is filled with anxiety about the problem.

 

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

            "Trust in Me, My child. Don’t allow anxiety to take hold of your mind. You cannot walk in My blessings when your thoughts are centered on your problems. You must allow Me to work My way and My will in your life. I will finish the work I’ve started and won’t leave you stranded. I will help you in time of need; in the time of great storm. You are in preparation for the great tribulation that is coming upon the world. You cannot take a stand against great conflict until you are able to trust in Me to stand in the times of lesser ones. Do not be anxious for any thing, but let your mind stay focused on Me, and I will show you the solutions to your problems.”

 

            31. Whenever I am anxious, I can cast that anxiety on my Father because He truly cares for me. Then He bears the burden instead of me.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

 More things about our relationship with the Father:

 

            Comforts in afflictions:

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

3     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

     4     who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

     5     For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

     

            Whenever His children go through some sort of distressful situation (it doesn’t have to be as horrible as Hurricane Katrina), God is there to comfort them. It is His comfort, so it has to be the best. Once we have recovered (and that is His plan … not for us to stay down), we can then comfort those around us with that same kind of comfort which He gave to us. He can understand our sufferings because His Son suffered far more than we ever will!

 

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

            "My heart hears the cries of your heart. Your heaviness is burdensome to you. That is not at all what I desire. My desire is that you be free within your heart and mind. My desire is to take away the pain within you and to replace it with My joy and comfort. Rest your mind and your soul in My peace. Allow Me to comfort you in My own way. Then you will be free to comfort others that are hurting. Sometimes people cannot or will not hear My voice comforting them, but they will listen to you when you do so. Allow Me to work in you and through you to help others.”

 

            30. God, the Father, comforts me in all my afflictions. He does this so that I may be able to comfort others in their afflictions with that same comfort with which He comforted me.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

 He is at work in us:

 

            Perfect till the day of Jesus:

 

Philippians 1:6

6     For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

     

            God didn’t start something in us and then quit. What He began in us was a good thing. Someone has said that God doesn’t make junk. We are a work in progress … a good work in progress. That means that sometimes we won’t do exactly what we should. But we should be getting better at doing what He wants us to do. He’s not going to stop without finishing the job. He will bring us closer and closer to perfection as we allow Him to. We will become more and more like Jesus.

 

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

            "My child … My desire for you is only the best. What I have started in you, I will finish. When I do something, I do not do it half-way. I will complete My work in you unto perfection. You will be complete. There will be nothing lacking in your life. Trust in Me to do what I said I would do in your life.”

 

            29. God began a good work in me, and He will perfect it till the day Jesus returns.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

 Not tempted beyond what we are able:

 

James 1:13

13     Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

     

1 Corinthians 10:13

13     No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

     

            When temptation comes, and it will, we can know for sure that God didn’t bring it. There is nothing in Him that could possibly yield to temptation. Likewise, He would never tempt us to do wrong. It comes from another source. Yes, sometimes it can come from the devil, but usually there is something inside us that wants what we don’t have. We have a strong desire to obtain it. That desire is kindled or strengthened by the temptation. If we yield, we sin. If we successfully resist, we grow stronger and are able to easier resist the same temptation should it come again. God will always provide a way for us to resist the temptation and to overcome.

 

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

            "When you walk in your own way, you enter into the realm of the enemy. Temptation has a free reign when you walk outside My Word. I will never tempt you. When you look to the things of the world, you open yourself up to temptation. The enemy loves to make use of your weaknesses. He will bring situations upon you that will tempt you to not follow My Word. I will show you the way to resist his temptations if you will only follow My commands. I will show you how to avoid them and to conquer them. My grace is sufficient to overcome all obstacles and all temptations. Do not give in to them. Resist the enemy and his false values. He will not be able to stand against you, and you will come out victorious.”

 

            28. God does not tempt me. He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to resist, and will provide the means of escape whenever I am faced with temptation.

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

 Protect us from the evil one:

 

2 Thessalonians 3:3

3     But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

     

            The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Even to someone who has been a Christian a long time that can be frightening. We are afraid we won’t have the strength to resist him. Not to worry … The Lion of the Tribe of Judah Himself will strengthen and protect us from that evil lion. He cannot and will not ever fail us.

 

 

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

            "There is no one nor any thing that can harm you. You need not fear the devil or his helpers. They cannot harm you. I will protect you from the power of the enemy. He cannot harm you while you walk in My protection. Do not stray to the side. Do not get distracted with the things of the world. I am there to protect you and to guide you. Trust in My grace to be all sufficient for your every need.”

 

            27. He is faithful and will never fail me. He will strengthen me and protect me from the evil one.

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

 Delivered from darkness:

 

Colossians 1:13

13     For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

     

            When we were born, we were trapped in the domain of darkness. We had no hope of escape. In fact, many of us did not want to escape, because we thought that was the best there was. It was the enemy’s big lie. It was like someone being born in an underground sewer system and growing up not knowing there was an outside world. Then one day someone comes along and discovers them. They are told of the beautiful world above. They are asked to follow, and they see for themselves what glorious things are above. They are now in the kingdom of the sun and don’t ever want to go back to the kingdom of darkness. So it was with us. When we were in the domain of darkness, we knew nothing of the kingdom of the Son. Then someone told us of it and asked us to enter into it. We now no longer desire the dark kingdom. We have experienced the light One!

 

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

            "When you were conceived, there was darkness in your life. When I breathed upon you and set My Spirit inside you, you came to life and entered My Kingdom. My Kingdom is filled with light. Darkness cannot abide in My light. Stay in the light of My Word, and darkness will never overtake you. My Kingdom is one of righteousness and light. Walk in My light as you walk in My Kingdom.”

 

            26. God has delivered me from the authority of darkness. The devil has no authority over me. God has also transferred me to the Kingdom of His dear Son.

So that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

 God watches, listens, and protects:

 

            What can man do to us?

 

Hebrews 13:6

6     so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.

What will man do to me?”

     

            We like to help ourselves whenever something bad comes against us. We don’t want to sit still and trust Him to make things work out for our good. When we do, we become like the disciples in the boat during the storm. We begin to fear … because our trust is in our abilities instead of in His. Nothing that man could ever conceive should make us fear. Even if man killed our bodies, the real us inside will live forever. We are not alone in our efforts to live a Godly life. He will help us. He will also protect us from harm. The three Hebrew children said that God would take care of them in the midst of the fiery furnace; but even if He didn’t they weren’t going to bow their knees to the idol. Like Job, "Though He slays me, yet will I praise Him.”

 

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

            "I am your strong right hand. You need not be afraid of anyone or anything. There is nothing in Heaven above or earth beneath that can harm those of Mine. Trust in My guidance, and I will direct your path into the glory of My love. You would not harm your child, would you? You would not allow anything of a hurtful nature to come upon your child. Why do you think that I would do less than you? I will strengthen and encourage you in all things.”

 

            25. The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 God works for us:

 

            All things work together for good:

 

Romans 8:28

28     And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

     

            He called us according to His purpose. It wasn’t some random choice. Since we know that He called us, we can be sure that He will take care of us. Thus, whatever comes our way, we know that He will cause it to work together for our good. That is not to say that everything that happens to us is good, but that He causes it turn out for our good as we walk according to His instructions. If we fight Him, there is no guarantee of a fruitful outcome. It is hard for us to trust Him to take care of the situation so that it becomes beneficial. We want to try to figure out what is best on our own, if He doesn’t make things turn out good right away.

 

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

            "My children, know that I only want good for you. I will never do anything harmful to you. When something bad happens, it is not My desire for you to be harmed by it. You can walk through the fire and the water when you trust in Me. I will never let you down. I will use the bad things that have happened to you for your good if you let Me. Trust in Me, and I will make it happen. It may not seem like it at the time, but one day you will see that what I desire for you is only good. You can depend on Me to work together with you to make all things come out for your good.”

 

            24. No matter what has happened to me, God will cause it to work together for my good.

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

 Heirs of God:

 

Titus 3:7

     7     so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

     

Romans 8:16-17

16     The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

     17     and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

     

            Since we are children of the Most High, we are heirs. We are fellow heirs with Jesus. We don’t have to become good enough or do enough good works to inherit the promises. We have them naturally as children of God. We are not just hoping that we are children of God. His Spirit inside of us witnesses with our spirits that we are His children. We can truly know that we are His. Some Christians live a life hoping to go to Heaven one day. They don’t care if they “barely” make it. We can have a confident expectation that one day we will be with Him forever.

 

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

            "You are My child, and as such there is a wealth of glory for you. It is yours for the asking. I count you as a fellow-heir with My Son. I do not have hand-me-downs or cast-off items for you. My inheritance is rich and glorious.”

 

            23. I have not only been made an heir of God, I have also been made a joint-heir with Christ. Therefore, what Christ will inherit so will I.

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 Heirs of the Father:

 

            Living hope: 

 

1 Peter 1:3-5

3     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

     4     to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

     5     who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

     

            Our hope is not in some dead man and his words, but in a risen, living Christ – inside us. This hope is not just wishful thinking. We know that we are His, and that He will one day come to gather us together. We can rest assured on that hope. No matter how bad things look for us in this world, we will have a place with Him forever. We have an inheritance as God’s children. It is not an inheritance like that of earthly children. Our inheritance will never pass away, and it will not be taken away from us. It is forever and has our name on it … reserved in Heaven for us.

 

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

            "My children do not understand all that I have for them. They have an inheritance not only in Heaven, but also on earth. It is a rich heritage that I have for them. Many of them are not walking in this inheritance for lack of knowledge. They do not know what is theirs and how to obtain it. I will not take it back. It is for you, My children forever. Learn what is yours and how to obtain it that your life may be a beacon unto others to come unto Me.”

 

            22. I have a living hope, an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled, which is reserved in Heaven for me, and I am protected by the power of God.

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

 Love of God controls:  

 

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

14     For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;

     15     and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

     

1 Corinthians 8:6

6     yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

     

            What motivates us in our Christian life is that love of God that is in us. We no longer do things for Him to gain His approval, but because of His love which fills our hearts. How much better is that? Our lives are no longer our own, but His. Therefore, what we do is for Him because He first loved us. There is no greater thing than to live our lives for Him. We died when He died … we should act like it. We should seek to do things for Him and for His Kingdom.

 

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

            "My love for you and in you is so powerful that nothing can stop it. You will want to show it to others. You will want to do things that are pleasing unto Me, just like I desire to do things that are pleasing unto you. This is love … that you give yourself completely to making the one you love pleased with your actions. Whether it is your love for Me or for your brethren, you will want to please the one you love. It will drive your thoughts and actions in your every day life.”

 

            21. The love of God controls me. Therefore, I exist and live for Him.

We love, because He first loved us.

 He first loved us:

 

1 John 4:19

19     We love, because He first loved us.

     

            Of course, we can have human love without Him. But to have the kind of love He has … the kind that would lay down His life for us - that kind of love could only come because He first loved us. Most of the time, we love someone because there is a mutual feeling between us. Our love for someone can grow cold. Sometimes when the ones we love do us wrong, we turn our backs on them. He loved us before we even knew Him. He loved us even though He knew that we would do things that were wrong. That doesn’t mean that He doesn’t expect us to do the right things … just that He loves us anyway.

 

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

            "When My love fills your heart, it will overflow to others. You will want to show your love towards them in the same way that I show My love towards you. You cannot help but feel this love for others. It is a part of Me, and now it is a part of you.”

 

            20. I can love others because God first loved me.

For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.

 Love of the Father:

 

            Nothing will separate us:

 

John 16:27

27     for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.

     

Romans 8:38-39

     38     For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

     39     nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

            Because we loved Jesus, the Father loves us, and there is nothing in Heaven or on earth that can separate us from that love. That is what true love means. With man, there is always the possibility that something could happen to cause us to doubt or even lose the love a human has for us. Just look at all the divorces in this country. But there is nothing whatsoever that can remove us from His all encompassing love.

 

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

            "My love for you is so great that nothing in Heaven or on earth can separate you from it. My love will be with you for all eternity. My love will comfort you in the time of grief. My love will strengthen you in time of weakness. My love will guide you through paths of darkness. My love will always be.”

 

            19. The Father loves me, and nothing will separate me from His love.

And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.

 God’s sons and daughters:

 

2 Corinthians 6:18

18     “And I will be a father to you,

And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”

Says the Lord Almighty.

 

            This is another verse that confirms that He wants to be a Father to us. He doesn’t just want to be our God. Being a Father is means much more than that. He cares about our past and wants to heal any wounds that we may have. He cares about our present and wants us to have what is best for us. He cares about our future and will guide us into His perfect choice for us if we let Him.

 

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

            "I could have chosen to make you My servant, but that is not what I desired. I wanted a child to love and be loved by. You are special to Me. Everyone who comes unto Me is a special treasure waiting to be opened and enjoyed by all.”

 

            18. He is my Father, and I am His (son/daughter).

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

 Become His child:

 

John 1:12

12     But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

     

            When we believed in the name of Jesus as our Savior, and received Him into our lives, we were given the right to become God’s child. Just like the verse prior to this one, we are told that God is our Father. He didn’t choose us to become His servants … He chose us to become His children. Yes, we still need to obey Him, but as a child obeys his parents not as a slave his master.

 

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

            "When you received My Son into your life, you became My child. I delighted to have you as Mine. It was not a burdensome chore; it was a special pleasure to have you as My child.”

 

            17. I have received Jesus, and so I was given the right to become a child of God.

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

 We are Sons and Daughters:

 

            Predestined to adoption:

 

Ephesians 1:5-6

5     He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

     6     to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

     

            Just like I said before, we could have a big discussion over what this means by being predestined. God decided before time began that we, the ones who would believe on Jesus Christ as our Savior, would most certainly become His adopted sons and daughters. It was His will … He wanted it to happen. It is not something that we earn. He chose us. For some of us, our parents may not have chosen us. In fact, for some of us we were not even wanted at all and were told so. Today too many times we read or hear in the news about the horrible way children are treated because they did something that any child would do in that situation. It’s not that way with God. He knew how you would behave. He knew your personality. He knew how you would fail at times. He still loved you enough to choose you and to draw you to Himself.

 

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

            "I have desired to have communion with you from before the beginning of time. I set things in motion that would bring you unto Me. You could not refuse it because your desire was to be Mine. Your heart longed to be with Me, and I provided the way to make it a reality. There was no turning back. Once it was set into motion, it was a certainty.”

 

            16. Before the beginning of time, God said my destiny was to become His adopted child.

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.

 Personal relationship with the Father:

 

            Fellowship with Father and Son:

 

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.

 

John 14:23

23     Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.

     

1 John 1:3

3     what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

     

            We have the God of the universe and His Son abiding in us! It’s not just a casual acquaintance, but them actually living inside of us. How totally amazing is that? We can have fellowship with them just like they have fellowship with each other. We can talk with them and even at times sense their presence and their love. The earthly fathers of some of us failed miserably, and we wouldn’t want to have a relationship like that with God. But that is exactly how some people see their relationship with Him. They cannot conceive of a loving, caring Heavenly Father. He is all that and more. He made his home inside you … make Him welcome in it.

 

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

            "My child I have greatly desired to have fellowship with you. That is why I called you unto Me. I drew you unto Me that we might be one … you, My Son, and Myself. When we have fellowship with each other, people will know that there is something different about you. They will want what you have and will come to you seeking the answer to the void that is inside them. They desire to have fellowship with God. They do not know how to obtain it, and you will show them the way. As you keep My Word, they will know that what you have is real and will want to know how to obtain it.”

 

            15. The Father and the Son are in me, and I have fellowship with them.

All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him

 Know the Father:

 

Luke 10:22 (NASB95)

22     “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

     

            This says that we will know who the Father is. Isn’t that breathtaking? In Jesus’ day, people didn’t know God. They were afraid of Him. They reverenced Him. But they did not know Him. They didn’t realize that you could know God. This knowing comes because Jesus chooses to reveal Him to us. We will know Him in an intimate, loving relationship … not just as God of the universe. This concept was totally alien to the people living under the Law.

 

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

            "You could not know Me unless I had wanted you to know Me. I want you to know Me and My Son. I want you to fellowship with us daily wherever you go. I will reveal Myself to you as you wait upon Me. I will also show you the Son in a way you’ve never known.”

 

            14. The Father has been revealed to me by the Son, and I know the Father.

 

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

 All come to Jesus:

 

John 6:37

37     “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

     

            We did not need to fear that Jesus would reject us when we came to Him. We were given to Jesus by the Father, and He accepted us. And He won’t cast us out. All that the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him. Since He gave us to Jesus, we were destined to come to Him.

 

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

            "I have given you to My Son, and it is He who brings you unto Me. He paved the way for you. When you come unto Me, I will gladly receive you into My Kingdom. I will not turn away from you. You do not have to become good enough for Me to love and desire to be with you. Rest in My love and do not struggle against your circumstances. I have called you unto Me, and I most assuredly will not reject you as others have.”

 

            13. The Father gave me to Jesus, and I am not cast out.

 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

 By the Son:

 

John 14:6

6     Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

 

            There is no other way to come to the Father but through Jesus. There is a movement in the world to make all religions acceptable to Christians; that is, there is more than one way to come to the Father. But Jesus said there is no other way but through Him. If you try to come some other way, you won’t make it. It may sound cruel or narrow-minded to others to say that you must come through Jesus, but that is what God has said. He sent His Son to provide the only way to come to Him. If there was another way, then all that Jesus did would be to no avail. Also, we could pat ourselves on the back if salvation involved our doing something to come to the Father. Jesus is the truth. Everything else that says it is the way to God is falsehood. Jesus is also the life. Without Him, you have no life. You may be alive, but you have no life in yourself. It is only through Him that one can truly live.

 

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

            "My children you have come to Me through My Son. It is He who made it possible for you to come unto Me. I delighted in His being willing to sacrifice Himself for you. He came that you might have life abundantly. He gave Himself that you might experience what He has known from before the beginning of time. He is the only way to come unto Me. All others are imposters and frauds. He is the only way to Me. I decided upon that long ago … that it would not be through man’s wisdom or abilities, but through My Son.”

 

            12. I have come to the Father through Jesus, for He is the only way to God.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.

 

Chapter 2

 

Relationship with the Father

 

             So, we were destined for a life that is eternal the moment we asked Jesus to come into our hearts. But what kind of life is it? Just to have one that lasts forever might not be all that great. Is there a quality that goes with the quantity? The answer is yes. First, there is a relationship with God, the Father. He isn’t just some uncaring potentate that lives in Heaven indiscriminately making decisions that affect our lives. He is our loving Heavenly Father. He cares so much for us that He only wants the best for us. It may not always be what we ask for, though. Also, He sometimes wants something for us but is unable to bring it about for reasons that we do not always know or understand. So let’s look at some of these aspects of God being our Father.

 

How we come to the Father:

 

            Draws:

 

John 6:44-45

44     “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

     45     “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.

    

         God did not hit us over the head and make us come to Jesus. He doesn’t want robots. He wants a people that desire to be in fellowship with Him. He wants us to do right because we love Him, not because we’re afraid of what He’s going to do to us if we do wrong. Jesus said that the Father draws us unto Himself. He woos us. He is in no hurry. Jesus also said that He would raise us up on the last day. This is an assurance that our relationship with the Father is not just for here on the earth. It is an eternal one.

 

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

         "I have desired to be with you, My children. I have longed for your fellowship. That is why I called you unto Me. That is why I drew you unto Me like a lover for his loved one. Come unto Me and taste and see that I am good. That is how I called you, My precious one.”

 

            11. God loved me so much that He drew me unto Himself … He did not force me to come.

So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

 Justification:

 

            Justified:

 

Romans 5:18

18     So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

     

Romans 8:30

30     … and these whom He called, He also justified …

 

1 Corinthians 6:11

11     Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

 

            Adam sinned, and that brought condemnation to all of us … we have all sinned in his likeness. Through the death of Jesus on the cross (not because of anything we’ve done), all those that receive Him have been justified in God’s sight. Not only did He call us, He also justified us. It is more than being pardoned. When you’re pardoned, it says that you were guilty, but you were set free in spite of your guilt. With justification, the sins we committed before coming to Jesus are no longer in the record books. We are justified in His sight. Of course you’ve heard the easy way to remember what justified means … just as if I’d never sinned.

 

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

            "When you came to Me, you were unclean and walking in your sins. But now, you have been washed clean. To Me it is like you have never sinned. Do not keep bringing up past sins to Me. They are forgiven and forgotten, for I have cast them into the sea. You have been set apart for Me to walk in My holy ways.”

            10. I have been justified in the sight of God through the death of Jesus Christ. It is just as though I had never sinned, and I have right standing before Him.

God knew who would receive Jesus long before there even was a world for man to live on. He provided everything necessary for us to come to Him … everything necessary for our salvation. Even though God did all the work, we still must repent, believe in Jesus’ name, and ask Him to come in and take control of our lives. The slate is wiped clean, and we start off brand new in God’s sight. If we fail, we can ask for and receive forgiveness. This salvation is eternal. We are destined to be with Him forever. It is your destiny … live like it.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

 Enter the Kingdom:

 

            Born of water and Spirit:

 

John 3:5

5     Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

     

            When we were born again (or, from above), we were born of the Spirit. We weren’t created; we were born. We are now in the Kingdom of God. We are no longer in the kingdom of the world system. Therefore, we should act like we’re in God’s Kingdom. We should behave differently than before we made Jesus Lord of our lives. The devil wants us to think and act like we used to. He doesn’t want us to realize how much power we have as members of God’s Kingdom.

 

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

            "You are not just born physically; you are born from above by My Spirit. You are a member of My kingdom and are honored as such. Do not think that you are nothing or nobody. You are special to Me and shall do great exploits.”

 

            9. I have been born of water and the Spirit, and therefore I have entered the Kingdom of God. I can now partake of the privileges and fulfill the responsibilities of a member of the Kingdom.