So many people in this world are searching for a sense of identity in their lives. Is there a God? Is there a purpose for my living? If, so they ask, “What IS God’s purpose in my life?”

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This video is truly inspirational! It focuses on our wonderful triune God and exalts our wonderful saviour, being a ” beholding HIS glory bible study.”

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The power of the word of God.   It’s awesome!  We can learn to overcome by The Word.   Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, (Rom 10:17). 

 It’s so important to read, believe and receive the word of God. We need to spend much time meditating on the scriptures. It’s a great practice to “ pray “ God’s word. That way it gets into your heart.

How To Change Circumstances

Whenever you receive, take and believe the Word of God, something not being comes into being. You can prove how to change circumstances.  This is wonderful. Do not say that you are weak, for the more you say that you are weak, the weaker you become, simply because you say that you are weak. However if, by taking the Word, you say, “I am strong,” strength comes into being.
Do not say, “I have no power.” The more you say you have no power, the more powerless you become. However, if you say, “Praise the Lord that I have power through the living Word, Jesus,” you will have power, the power that things not being will come into being through the Word.

If you are afflicted with a certain illness, do not think very much about it, ….
Say, “Through the Word I am a healthy person.” If you say this, health, which had no being, comes into being.

The more you say that you lack wisdom, the less wisdom you have. Nevertheless, it is a lie that you lack wisdom. Do you not have the Word?  As long as you have the Word you must declare, “I have wisdom through the Word.” If you claim this, you will have wisdom. We have nothing in ourselves, but we have everything through the Word.

How To Receive Eternal Life

When Adam was created, man was made as a vessel ( an empty container) to contain God as his life. However, by creation he was merely an empty vessel; he did not have genuine life of God. When we are born of our parents we have ” biological ” life – but we do not yet have the eternal uncreated life of God himself. We need to be Born again, (John 3, 3, 5)

What kind of life did you have before you received Christ as saviour? It was, at best, a just a temporary life. It was an ” animal, biological life, Before you where born again you did NOT have real life. You did not have the permanent, uncreated life of the eternal God.
But now we are born again the life in Christ we have received is eternal, constant, and permanent. All men need such a life, the divine and uncreated life that is in Christ. This life is for man, and man is the receiver of this life.
Praise God we have been ” born again”

John 1:4 says, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

When we called on the name of the Lord Jesus, receiving Him into us, the divine life came into our being. Immediately we had the sense of something shining within us. That shining feeling is the shining of life. Because life shines, the life is the light of men. This shining is the strongest confirmation that we have been born of God.

John chapter one verse Verse 5 says, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Darkness can never overcome or extinguish light, but light dispels darkness. When the light of life shines within us, darkness can never overcome it. We are Christians. We are FULL of God’s light. We are not in the darkness of ignorance, fear and unbelief and depression. We are in the light of understanding, revelation, joy, peace and faith! We are born again by receiving Jesus – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave authority to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (1:12-13).

Being “born again” – The birth described in these verses is not the natural birth which we had through our parents;
Being ” born again” it is the second birth which occurred when we believed in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Believing in the Lord is equal to receiving Him. When I speak of receiving the Lord Jesus, you may say that you have never done that.
However IF YOU SAY THAT , I want to ask you a question: Have you not believed in the Lord Jesus? BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR FAITH! When you heard His name, did you not believe in it?

Whenever a person truly believes in that dear name, I am certain that, in some way or other, he will say, “Lord Jesus.”
HE WILL call out to the precious and Holy Name of Jesus!
As long as you say His name from the depths of your being, it means that you believe in Him. If you believe in Him by calling on His name, it is proof that you have received Him. And since you have received Him. Since you have received Him, you have received the authority to become a child of God.
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But as many as received Him, to them He gave authority to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).
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Let’s look at verses 12 and 13 once more……..

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John 1:12, 13 – But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
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it says …. “who were born, not of blood”.

that means….. that being born into a Christian family with Christian parents does NOT make you a Christian. Your not a Christian because of your ancestry ( blood).
you have to be born again
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it also says ,,,,, “nor of the will of the flesh “…..

That means to cannot become Christian by trying to do good things and improving yourself! God has to give you HIS new life…… and come into you and change you!
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then it also says, “nor of the will of man” what does this mean? It means that no pastor, priest, bishop, pope or holy man can impart life to you. Only JESUS can give you the NEW LIFE. You have to come to HIM and be born again.

Yes my brother or sister.  The power of the word of God.   It’s awesome!  We can learn to overcome by The Word.   Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, (Rom 10:17).

It’s been good to be with you this morning in this room for the short time sharing the word of God.

RETURN TO – Bible Teaching Articles – Look up Bible Study Topics

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Today we are going to look together at the meaning of the olive tree; the olive tree symbolism in the bible. The Lord Jesus Christ gave me this message. He took me in my mind and heart to meditate on the spiritual lessons that this tree – often mentioned in the bible teaches us. The Lord showed me many wonderful truths as I spent time listening to Him.  For Instance He has made the reality of heaven very real to me!   

Everything in scripture teaches us something; nothing in scripture is arbitary  or in the bible by chance. All scripture is given by God. Paul tells us in 2 Tim 3:16, that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, “.  The symbolism of the olive tree is very profound!

A HUNDRED YEAR OLD OLIVE TREE

The olive tree is very prominent in Israel and in the writings of sacred scripture. When Israel conquered Canaan under the leading of Joshua, the olive tree was a prominent feature among the flora of the land. The land was describes as – a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; (Deut 8:8).

On the outside, the olive tree may seem rather ordinary – like any other tree in its appearance and size. However the olive is remarkably strong and also remarkably resilient! It can also endure extremes of climate and drought; it can survive in arid conditions which would destroy many other trees! It is also extremely long-lived! There are trees in Israel estimated to be 1000 years old that are still producing fruit! In its old age the tree becomes hollow, but the trunk continues to grow thicker and thicker. At times its circumference can reach up to 20 feet. We will see that all these facts concerning the tree bring us messages from God.

Olive Trees Biblical Meaning

There is an important principle in the study of sacred scripture. This principle has been mentioned by many good bible expositors. It is called ‘the principle of first reference’. What this means is that the first biblical reference to anything in the Word of God throws light upon its message, meaning, symbolism in the rest of scripture.

The first mention of the olive is found in the book of Genesis, chapter 8. It refers to Noah sending out a dove from the Ark, after the judgement by God on sinful humanity by the worldwide flood. The dove returned to Noah with a freshly plucked olive branch in its beak.

Gen 8:7 to 11 – Then he (Noah) sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth.  He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground.  But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself.  And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore.

 Genesis 6 and 7 records the great flood; it tells how mankind has become so wicked, so depraved, that every single imagination of every man was only evil continuously. Mankind had totally corrupted his way upon the earth and God’s heart was broken! Mankind was irrecoverable and the Lord, greieved at heart decided to destroy mankind from then face of planet Earth by means of a great and a universal flood! This flood is recorded by many cultures and peoples.

We know that one man (Noah) found favor in the eyes of the Lord. God told him to build an ark into which his wife and three sons, together with their wives were to enter when the judgement waters of the flood were poured out! Noah was NOT A PROUD man.   Like all men who are humble he was a man of strong faith.   He believed God and started to build a great ship. Noah was a preacher of righteousness and he would have repeatedly warned the men of his generation that they needed to repent and that the flood waters were coming. They mocked him – as he continued in faith you build the ark.   Finally God called Noah and his family to enter the ark and the floods, drowning every living thing upon the face of the earth was poured out!

Noah and his family were safe, borne up by the flood waters – together with the animals that the Lord had instructed Noah to take in the ark with him. When the waters finally abated and the judgement of sinful mankind was complete the ark settled on the mountains of Ararat. The word Ararat denoted holiness.  God had translated Noah and the 7 members of his family from one sinful society – one sinful ‘kingdom’ into new land of deliverance and fresh hope. Into a kingdom of deliverance and righteousness,

The Olive Sprig and Dove

When the ark descended to mount Ararat, Noah wanted to know if the flood waters had abated from the earth.  To ascertain this he sent out birds.   First he sent out a raven and after that a dove,  The dove being a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Matt 17: ), returned to Noah.  The dove being a ‘pure’ bird still could not tolerate the muddy, messy land – so Noah knew that the waters had not yet receded from the earth.

After 7 days Noah sent out a second dove which returned to him with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak.  The symbolism of the olive tree is profound!  The olive was a symbol of the ” new life” that had began to reappear on the face of the earth after all the judgement and destruction.    So in this ” principle of first reference” we have a picture of new life ( the olive) brought by the Holy Spirit ( the dove) after God pours out his judgement on the earth.  Jesus will bring peace and new life in his Holy Spirit when he returns to earth after God pours out his judgement ( the waters) on a godless, sinful, Christ – rejecting world!

The scriptures also tell us that when Jesus returns to earth to set up his kingdom and bring new life and peace  his feet will stand upon (guess where?)      Yes !   The Mount of olives!

The scripture is so well integrated and tied together and every scripture passage, clarifies, enlarges on and ties in harmoniously with every other scripture!

Eternity Planted In The Heart of Man

it’d a profound fact with a deep significance that the United Nations Organization has also adopted the olive as the symbol of world peace.  The meaning and symbolism of the olive as the symbol of the new life of peace Christ will bring is implanted deep in men’s hearts!    The bible tells us that God has actually planted eternity deep in the heart of man (Ecc 3:11).  People know more of eternal things and eternal values tan they care to admit!    When unbelieving men and woman mock the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ they are resisting the witness of God’s holy Spirit as well as truth that God has implanted deep in their hearts that they need God.  On December 7th 1946 the United Nation approved a map of the world surrounded by olive branches as the symbol of world peace. 

And so, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace will return to this war-torn, disease – ridden, godless, sin-soaked rebellious earth His feet will stand victoriously on the mount of olives.  Our Lord will be King over all the earth.

Grafted Into The Cultivated Olive

Let’s turn to another New Testament passage of scripture which talks about God’s Olive Tree.  Let’s read together Romans 11:17-24.

Trust In God Who Loves To Bless

The lovers of The Lord Jesus can surely trust in God to do good to us all.  Paul wrote this to his son in the faith Timothy:

1 Tim 6:17– Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

Group Of Friends Enjoying Meal At Outdoor Restaurant

God is a good God. Our wonderful God is NOT some ” cosmic killjoy in the clouds”. He is generous and gives things richly for us to enjoy.

A Beautiful World

The song of the birds, the smell of flowers and new cut grass.  The majestic grandeur of lofty mountain peaks.  The peace and stillness of the shades of night.  The refreshing rain.  The awe of thunder and the soft kiss of the breeze.  Our  world is indeed a beautiful world that comes from the hand of ” the God who has given us ALL things RICHLY to enjoy!

God is Love

The joy of human love, parental love, brotherly love, sexual love with our wife and husband, the joy of eating and drinking and fellowshipping and laughing with friends.  GOD IS LOVE and All these gifts have their source in him.  He gives us the power to love and Oh, so many blessings he has given to us!  Maybe you would care to share some of God’s wonders you enjoy?

The Abundant Life

And riches too. We can trust in  God who loves to bless with prosperity as well.    Riches are not sinful in themselves. It is only the excessive LOVE of riches when it comes between us and  our love for God is sinful. God desires we live in the abundant life.  Although this abundance is mainly spiritual let’s remember that God made Abraham, Joseph, Solomon and many others rich. In fact the bible says, “you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth (Deut 8:18).  Perhaps you would like to get back to me and share with me how God has blessed you financially?

However we must remember that riches cannot be trusted in! One moment they can be here and the next they can disappear. Remember the recent international bank “crash”?  Twenty five years ago even Christians laughed me to scorn when I prophesied that one day the banks would go bust. But they did! God want’s us to know that we DO HAVE security but our only real security is in Jesus who has promised to meet all our needs if we put him first, (Matthew 6:33).

One final verse to bless you – He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?(Rom 8:32)

God bless you my friend.   I hope this short encouragement has blessed you.  I would LOVE to receive a comment from you.  Alternatively you can contact me on my contact page.  

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To answer the question as to what are the signs  of a real Christian conversion,  let’s look together at a man who was probably the FIRST Christian convert.   This was a  sinful man who near death looked to Jesus and received a revelation from God.  We see in his conversion signs of the changes that we expect to see in a TRULY SAVED person.

The First New Covenant Convert

THE FIRST NEW COVENANT CONVERT

As our Lord Jesus hung upon the cross, two criminals were executed, one on either side of Him.  One of them ‘railed’ against him – the other one had an amazing salvation experience. This was probably the FIRST conversion since the ‘cross’. The Lord is very merciful. He reaches out and calls men to come to Jesus to the last hour! GOD IS LOVE.

Luke 23: 33 – 43, Matthew 27: 38 and Mark 15:27 describe this event. The account as recorded in Mark 15 28 differs in that it says that BOTH criminals raged against him. If this is the case then one had a radical change of heart. (However, serious bible students will find that this verse is omitted from the most reliable source manuscripts).

THE GREAT DIVIDE – DIFFERING ATTITUDES OF TWO CRIMINALS

Both criminals perhaps had heard of Jesus; they might have seen him and listened to his teachings. We do not know.   However we do know that at this hour in history, one of them had a wonderful and amazing revelation from God that changed his eternal destiny.  One saw (at the very least) that Jesus was a righteous King in the kingdom of God. Jesus was the King – coming into his deserved magnificent kingdom.

Jesus divides men into two camps; those that love and accept Him and those that reject and hate him. Jesus himself said ……

Matthew 10 :34 to 36 – Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword. 35 I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!

All humanity eventually falls within one of these two camps.

THE VISION OF JESUS

In answer to the question as to what are the signs of a real Christian conversion, one important sign is some “vision”, some appreciation of Jesus loveliness, no matter how veiled that vision may be.  I believe that before anyone comes to Jesus, God reveals something (no matter how dimly at first) of the loveliness of Christ that touches and softens there hearts.   This tortured dying sinner saw by revelation, the majesty, love, nobility and glory of the Master; this presently, crucified tortured Christ. Perhaps he had been in awe and wonder as earlier, Jesus had prayed through his agony  – for his enemies “Father, forgive them – for they don’t know what they are doing!”  This ‘thief’ saw perhaps dimly – but he had such a revelation!

True Repentance Is Never Too Late

As this incident shows us, true repentance is never too late. God strives often with sinners in love to the very end. 
However, this should not encouragement any to any to put off their repentance to their deathbed or to hope that then they shall find mercy and the opportunity  to repent after death.   We must also realize that although repentance is never too late, often the years leave the heart so hard from sinning that the sinner is unable to truly repent! None can be sure that they shall have time to repent at death.

EVIDENCES OF THE CALL OF GOD’S SPIRIT

It is important to understand that although God calls us to a place of decision regarding Jesus, that call is of God. Salvation is ALL of God. Yes, we respond – but it is God’s call. Millions of people are basing there salvation on one so called ‘sinners prayer’. Or, even putting up a hand at a meeting to decide for Christ. OK (just to reassure thse who have prayed such a prayer) – God may use these methods. However, as we look back we can see certain ingredients in our heart attitude that normally comes at the time of the conversion experience. These attitudes grow as we move deeper into Jesus love! Let’s look at some of them: – These attitudes were in the heart of the dying thief.

We Must Come Empty To Jesus Feet

HE CAME ‘EMPTY’- HE HAD NO TIME TO MAKE PROMISES TO REFORM

Another of the signs of a real Christian conversion is coming to Christ EMPTY, offering no good works to help purchase God’s FREE gift of salvation.  He did not make promises – He came as an empty sinner. This guy just came ’empty’. He knew he had nothing to offer except his sinful self. WHEN WE COME TO JESUS WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER HIM. We trust His forgiveness, mercy and grace. The Holy Spirit ‘convicts’ us and shows us our need AND HOPELESSNESS.

God ‘softened’ his heart

He no doubt was a ‘hard – hearted ‘ man. But God gave him a heart that softened at the last. He was just ready to fall into the hands of Satan, was snatched as a brand out of the burning but here, Satan was left to roar as a lion disappointed of his prey. The softness in his heart is illustrated by his response to Jesus sufferings, “This man has done NOTHING wrong!)

In true conversion GOD softens our hearts. We may feel the very nearness and closeness of Jesus. There MAY be tears of sorrow for past sins.

Fear Of hell and Judgement Are Normally Present

Luke 23 :40 – But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Don’t you fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 

When God calls Us We Realise We DESERVE God’s Judgement and Acknowledge The Justice Of God.

Luke 23:41 – And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man has done nothing wrong.

The dying thief admitted that he deserves what was done to him: “We indeed justly”, he said. They may have both suffered for one and the same crime, and therefore he spoke with even greater certainty.

God’s Call Assures Us That Jesus Died Innocently – But In Our Place

He believes Christ to have suffered wrongfully. Jesus had already been condemned in two courts by a totally farcical and unjust system as being te worst kind of deceiver. This penitent thief is convinced, by his conduct in his sufferings, that he has done nothing wrong! We like him, will see Jesus as the SPOTLESS (sinless) sacrifice.
Whether he had before heard of Christ and of his wondrous works does not appear, but the Spirit of grace enlightened him with this knowledge, and enabled him to say, “This man has done nothing amiss”.

Salvation involves A ‘Calling’ On the Name of The Lord

He cried out from his heart! “Lord, remember me when thou come into you kingdom”, (v. 42). Perhaps he never prayed before, and yet now was heard, and saved at the last gasp. We are encouraged to ‘Call upon the Name of the Lord.

Conversion Involves Repentance towards God and Faith In the Lord Jesus

Observe his faith in this prayer. In his confession of sin (v. 41) he discovered repentance towards God. In this petition he discovered faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. He owns him to be Lord, and to have a kingdom, and that he was going to that kingdom,

Salvation Causes Us To Confess Christ Before Men

Acts 20: 20, 21 – I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

My prayer is that this short study on What are The Signs  of A Real Christian Conversion has blessed you.  To contact me with prayer requests, comments or even criticisms go to – Contact Marcus at Bibletruthsrevealed 

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It’s so very wonderful to know Jesus the Messiah,  Name above all names.  However, before Christ Jesus was made Lord He had to  completely empty himself.  

In this article, it is my aim to consider and by the grace of God’s Spirit to expound a little, the depths of anguish and desolation that Jesus had to sink to in becoming a man and suffering for mankind’s salvation.   How obedient at every step he became so that God the Father could highly Him to the highest place, and give to Him the name above all names so that that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Phil 2:9).

The Steps And Accomplishments of Christ

I want to tell you something very profound and very amazing. It was easy for God to create the universes, but it cost God  EVERYTHING  to redeem the world and save us once sin and death had entered.  God is almighty and he can do anything.  Nothing is beyond his ability to accomplish.  It was easy for God to create the world, the far reaches of the universes and everything that is in them.  All God have to do with the speak the word and it was done. The work of creation was simple for God.   But while it had been an easy thing  for God to create the heaven and the earth – I want to tell you today that it was hard, very hard, very difficult for God to restore the universe  back to the beautiful condition it has been before Satan fell from heaven. It cost God everything.

The Work of The Son In Creation

Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ has many mighty accomplishments and he also has taken many steps to bless us.  One of his  first accomplishments before he came to Earth, was to create both the heavens the earth, the universes, the angels, the stars and everything that exists.

John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Heb 1:2 – In these last days (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

So Christ  created  the heavens and the earth.  Every little flower every mountain,  every bird,  every man and woman and every angel was created by the Lord Jesus Christ. Creation was one of The Son of God’s accomplishments.  How great is Christ!

But as I said creation was easy for the Lord.  He only thing he had to was speak things into existence.   At the time of creation everything was beautiful and wonderful.   Everything God ever creates is so beautiful, (Ecc 3:11).   The creation was so perfect that “the sons of God shouted for joy”, (Job 38:7).   

But then something awful happened that marred and spoiled God’s wonderful creation!   The angel Lucifer whom God created to be the heavenly worship leader  and the ‘anointed cherub that covereth’ rebelled against God.  Being lifted up with pride  he tried to usurp God’s throne. He Fell totally.  After satan in his pride and arrogance tried to take over the throne of God a terrible curse fell over the whole universe. The beautiful universe that God had created through His Son and everything wonderful became corrupted and spoilt.  The very earth became a dark void covered with death waters:  Genesis tells us ….

Gen 1:2 – But the earth became (or “had become”) without form, and void

(Vav..Erets……hayah..tohu…………..bohu;

and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
….choshek………………………tehown)

The Hebrew word for “was” – hayah – is the same word used in Genesis 19:26 where Lot’s wife was (hayah) turned into a pillar of salt.   Hayah is an active word. Furthermore, the word “vav” for “and” can also be read as “but”. In the Septuagint it has actually been translated this way.

Not only had satan corrupted God’s creation, but because Adam and Eve heeded satan’s lies sin also entered into the heart of mankind and filled him with ” darkness”.  And I want to re-emphasize that while it had been an easy thing  for God to create the heaven and the earth –  it was hard, very hard, very difficult for God to restore the universe. and mankind back to the beautiful condition both had enjoyed before Satan fell from heaven. It cost God everything. It cost God everything to restore the universe back to the beauty that is had been before Satan’s fall and rescue man from satan’s dominion.    But I want to talk now about something that happened way back perhaps soon after the universe was created, ( or even before).

The Conference of The Godhead

The Bible clearly tells us that God is a Trinity consisting of three in one;  God is the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.   The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit are all equal in power and they are all Almighty God.   However, perhaps millions of years ago after the fall of satan, an agreement was made between the members of The Godhead;  An agreement was made between the Father and the Son that the Son would become obedient and submissive to the Father.   
The divine persons of the Godhead came to the understanding that the Father would be the representation of authority. But if there was only authority without submission, authority could not be established, because authority is not something isolated. Hence, there must be submission in the universe.
From that time on, there was a distinction in operation of the Father and the Son. The Son agreed that he would willingly humble and empty Himself to become a created man and submit to God the Fathers will as the representation of submission to authority.

Why did this obedience of  Christ that marked such change and transition from his authority and power have to come about to destroy evil?  We will see that this was a vital step for the Godhead to take if ever the universes and mankind could be freed from satan’s curse caused by his pride and rebellion.   Only by Christ becoming a true man could he wage warfare with satan, overthrow him and also redeem man from his fallen state and sin.

Hebrews chapter two spells this out clearly.

Heb 2:14 to 18 –  Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 

This verse indicated that it was essential for Christ to take on human nature ( flesh and blood) and then accomplish a mighty redemptive death before Satan the death holder could be destroyed and mankind could be from death.

Satan was a mighty created angel,  but nevertheless he was a creature still.   He had rebelled as a creature and only the submission of a creature could establish God’s authority.  Jesus Christ our Lord was willing to become that creature to restore obedience to God’s universe and destroy satan.
Also the man (Adam) that God had created was a noble and wonderful creation;  but Adam (and Eve) where also creatures.  As a creature, man also had rebelled against God and sinned.   Only the submission of a creature could establish God’s authority and  Jesus Christ our Lord was willing to become that creature to restore obedience to God’s universe.

The Great Risk Taken By Our Lord

In being willing to “Let go” heaven and take the path of lowly obedience becoming a man, the Lord took a tremendous risk.   The plan was that through suffering of obedience on earth, having vanquished sin, death and satan God the Father would grant him the NAME and position as a man in the most exalted position.  However, for him to return in that manner he would have to be totally submissive as perfect man, absolutely and unreservedly submitting with no trace of rebellion, being obedient step by step, and letting God bring Him back and set Him up as Lord.  But – he would be challenged, tested, harassed and tried at every step. 

Philippians chapter two, verses six and seven describes how Jesus the Son of God let go of his position and authority. How he left his heavenly position as God and tool on obedience to the Father as a humble man and even a slave.

Phil 2: 6, 7 – Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to cling to, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

The verses that follow let us know that God the Father exalted him to the heights of heaven and gave him the matchless Name Jesus because of His suffering and obedience. He was made LORD in his manhood as a reward for his perfect obedience and not by the merit of his intrinsic divinity that he had with the Father before he left glory!

Watchman Nee has spoken of his utmost obedience under intense suffering that he was to face leaving heaven’s glory:  – ” Suffering upon suffering was going to have to be piled on Him, but He was going to remain absolutely submissive. When our Lord came to earth there was not the slightest reaction or rebellion.

Because of his faithful obedience, God exalted Him and ushered Him back as Lord in the Godhead. This was not just a refilling of what had been emptied, but the ushering of a MAN into the Godhead by the Father.  Verses 8. 9 of Philippians chapter 2 tell us that:

Phil 2: 8 to 10 – And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.…Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

We must always remember that while Our Lord walked the earth he was tempted fiercely with every same temptation that we endure (Heb 4:15). He was made ” flesh and blood” as we are. If the weakness of his human nature had made being a slave too hard for him and he had found submission and obedience impossible he would NOT be able to return AS MAN , as LORD to the throne!   The only other way to return to heaven would have been for Him to force His way back by using the authority and glory of His deity but in this event our salvation would have been impossible. But praise God and glory to our saviour he overcame.

Lets’ now look at the beautiful and perfect human life he lived amongst us and gaze in awe and wonder as we see him overcoming FOR US at every step, enduring trials. being perfected in his humanity and winning us MIGHTY VICTORIES.

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Olympic Games

In the history of the Olympic games, now, every four years the great event is hosted in one or other of the cities of the world. The awesome spectacle of the games brings with it an overwhelming ‘electric’ atmosphere. From all around the world billions of people watch the event on TV, not to mention the multitude that are actually present. Among those attending are are presidents, Kings, and monarchs. Flags wave, trumpets are blown and ‘electrifying music fills the air of thousands of cheering spectators.  The contestants will have undergone intensive training.

The crowning awesome moment for each of the victorious athletes is the moment that three stand on the ‘podium’ and receive their medals. To the roar of the throng raising to the skies a gold, a silver and a bronze medal are presented to the victors. Tears of joy flow and laughter abounds!

For the prizewinners, returning to their separate countries, the glory, pride, and exhilaration continue. Again, as they enter the cities, there will be hugs and kisses. Again the Flags will wave, trumpets will blow and ‘electrifying music will fill the air of thousands of cheering and welcoming the prize-winners who no doubt will be given the ‘keys of their respective cities’. Their ‘triumphal entries’ into their city gates will be ‘abundant’ – resplendent!

Let us pause a moment as Christian believers that speaks of a much more wonderful triumphal and abundant entry that is to come to the Christian believer. This ‘abundant entry’ is mentioned in verse 11 of the following scripture portion.

2 Peter 1: 3- 11

3.His (God’s) divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in that world by lust.

5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; 7 and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be neither idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he that lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 10 Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: 11 for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the  entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Heavenly Olympic Climax

What a day that will be for the Christian who enters into the ‘eternal kingdom’, hearing the “Well done” from the saviour he loves so much and receiving from his hand his reward for faithful service. A great multitude will be present on that day also, but the splendour of this event will completely overshadow any earthly Olympic celebrations. The city the Christian will enter will in itself be glowing and beautiful beyond imagination. It is the “City of the Living God”, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22); it is the city described in the book of Revelation chapter 21. The study of this city is a theme in itself, however (although it’s biblical description contains much symbolism), it will be a ‘real’, literal and glorious habitation. It will be the city that God has prepared for His people. It is the city that the patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon looked to and waited for. It will be the eternal home of the redeemed, (Heb 13:14).  A glorious throng will be present there also. Myriads of mighty angels will be present to welcome and cheer on the victors.

Hebrews 12:22 – but you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriad’s of angels, and to the universal gathering,

It is interesting to note that the original Greek word for ‘universal gathering’ is ‘paneguris’ and it is actually the same word used to describe the gathering of people to celebrate a public festival such as the Olympic Games.

Right now, as from the beginning of the church age, every believer is engaged in a spiritual ‘Olympic’ combat. Myriad’s of angels are watching; cheering us on, as are those who have ‘gone on before us’ and have been perfected (v 23). The word of God tells us that there is a race to be run.. It exhorts the Christian athlete to discipline himself or herself for combat. Christ Jesus our saviour has promised rewards to his faithful followers. There is a race to be run! There is a mighty battle to be fought!” The Lord is coming soon and His reward is with Him to give to each of His servants according to his fruitfulness’ and faithfulness in this life.

Soon before the ‘bema’ (the judgement seat of Christ – 2 Cor 5:10) before which we all must stand some will receive their ‘ Olympic medals’. Some gold, some silver and some bronze and the angels and the host of heaven will cheer the ‘overcomers’. Amen.   In view of our destiny, we as believers need to ‘train’ for that glorious day. As it is with the natural, so it is with the spiritual; the apostle Paul spoke of this need for spiritual discipline, likening the Christian life to a race for ‘glory’.

Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

The Apostle Paul admonished the Christian believers – “And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they [do it] to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible”, (1 Cor 9:25). In a similar way ass the Olympic Athlete is in training so God desires that we ‘submit willingly to the divine ‘trainer’. Our Lord has us in training. If we will submit to His hand, we will develop our spiritual muscles by leaps and bounds. We will grow “in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour, ( 2 peter 3:18 )

Perhaps the greatest need for a runner is ENDURANCE (Stamina). Starting well is great, but it’s the long ‘haul’ that proves the winner in the end. God wants each one of us so much to succeed that He will allow all kinds of circumstances in our life in order to train our endurance. The enemy (satan) throws many obstacles in the path of the Christian. Often these are things meant to upset the emotions of the believer and to ‘distract’ and discourage. In the following pages, much of what we will discuss will be regarding this aspect of God’s training in our lives.

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You Are The Light of The World

The Lord Jesus told His followers,  ” Ye are the light of the world”, (Matthew 5:14).

Shining As Stars – I want to draw attention to a portion of scripture describing Christians believers as “stars” who are holding forth the Word of Life.  A people who are shining as lights in the world.   These verses from Philippians, concerns what all Christian believers should be in this world. Another passage from the book of Revelation concerns Christian messengers ( leaders). Both passages tell us that we should be lights in a dark world. illumining others in the “darkness” that they might enjoy God’s truth, light and presence as we proclaim God’s truth.

Phil 2:14, 16 (a) – Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life ,,,,,

Rev 2:1 – To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,’These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands,

The passage in Philippians is directed to all Christians.  This passage in Revelation is addressed to church leaders.  Whether we are leaders or not we should have patience and endurance as we ” get on ” with the tasks (often mundane and difficult) in the world. Our attitude and characters should shine out in stark contrast to a depressed, complaining, ungrateful world. The light of truth that we hold should dispel the darkness of lies. The light of Joy we posses should stand out in vivid contrast to a grumbling depressed world. The peace we posses should spread into others that have no peace. Our whole attitude and lifestyle should be a beacon light showing the way to the unbelievers around us.

Kings ans Priests Unto Our God

Talking of stars, it was only yesterday that a young 18 year old Christian girl ( a student at university) told me that she was doing a part time work to support her education as a waitress at the ” Bret Awards”. She told me how she had the opportunity to mingle with the stars – the fashion models, actresses, the rich and famous. Then I thought to myself – “This Christian girl” ( whom I know loves our Lord so much) is the real star.  In God’s eyes she is more of a star than any of the rich and famous. She is a princess, a child of the King.
Jesus, in the book of Revelation tells us who love him that ” To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev 1:5, 6). Sometimes we may not act as royalty, but the reality is that we have been born again with the same nature as our God and each of us has a heavy dignity, and an AWESOME
eternal destiny.

How Not To Be Distracted

We can know how not to be distracted by the rich and famous as we realise that we are royalty in God’s eyes.  So, let’s not be distracted and over-awed by the rich and famous; the scripture actually tells us that the things which are highly valued by unsaved man and women are an abomination with God, The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 john 2:17).

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Today we will answer the question, ” What is the greatest love of all?    It is the Love of Jesus. The scriptures have much to tell us  about this awesome love;  the Lord Jesus Christ’s love for all of his redeemed.  All The saints (the people of God) know the love of Christ in a general way. For instance we see many verses that tell of his awesome ” general” love. Such scriptures as:

2 Cor 13:14 – The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

All three of the Trinity are mentioned here; the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit are mentions in this verse. The verse speaks of the grace we receive from our lord Jesus Christ, It speaks about the love of God our father and and it speaks of  The sweet fellowship we have in the Holy Spirit.

Eph 3: 17 to 20 – you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The above scriptures testify of Christ’s love for ALL, ( collectively). 

However, today I’m going to write a post concerning scriptures that speak about the personal and individual love of the lord Jesus Christ for his brothers and sisters. Remember, Jesus speaks to us ” personally” and individually; his love and friendship is personal. Jesus said ( speaking of Himself as the Good Shepherd), “the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out“, (John 10:3). The Son of God will have sweet fellowship with each one of us individually, and calls us by our name. He knows your name! He knows where you live! He knows your telephone number. Jesus knows your address.

I want to tell you today the Jesus knows all about you and he loves you no matter what your faults or failures are. The wonderful truth is that the Lord loves us INDIVIDUALLY and so desires to have ” PERSONAL ” friendship with each one of us……
.
Jesus Love for Paul

Paul the apostle often spoke about the love of Christ; the love that he and Jesus shared. In Galatians 2:20 he spoke about the love that Jesus had for him personally. Paul said…..in Gal 2:20 –

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

……………………., who loved me, and gave himself for me……

Paul was saying, Jesus didn’t just love the whole world generally. He loved Him personally! 
Paul was thrilled and so happy with the thought that the Son of God Jesus, loved him personally and died for him personally.

Today who is ever reading this blog on this website, I’m going to ask you a question……
Has it touched your heart and your emotions deep within you that Jesus loves you and gave his life for you and poured out his blood for you because he loves you so very much?

The apostle Paul had ” tasted” the sweet love of Christ and the power of that love made him want to KNOW that intimate love of Jesus more and more.  The Apostle Paul have one consuming passion in his life.   That one consuming passion was to know Jesus more and more and deeper and deeper in an ever increasing love relationship. He wrote these words in the book of Philippians chapter 3 vs 8:

Phil 3:8 – Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

Paul loved Jesus so much that he considered everything to be rubbish compared with the knowledge of knowing Jesus.

Jesus and Mary Magdalene

the scriptures have much to say about the tender love there was between our lord Jesus and Mary Magdalene. This girl had previously been a slave to sin and satan and our Lord had cast seven demons from her.   After our Lord’s shameful and horrific death on the cross, she was one of the first that Jesus greeted on the morning of his resurrection.   

John chapter 20 gives us the account of how Mary came weeping to the tomb on the morning of Jesus resurrection.  We read, (v 13) how the angels guarding the tomb of our now risen saviour had asked her “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Mary replied, “Because they have taken away my Lord,and I don’t know where they have laid him.”  Then in verse 14 we read that as she turned to leave she saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. Jesus asked her, (v15) “Dear woman, why are you crying? Who 
are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him,

Jesus was speaking to her very tenderly and clearly.  Mary had heard the beautiful tones and ( no doubt) the very distinct cadence of Jesus voice many times, but up to this point she still did not recognise him.  Then Jesus spoke one word!   Her name – “Mary”.   Her heart must have pounded in her chest, her spirits soared and  her joy knew no bounds.   Not only Mary, but every one of us can have the experience of The Lord Jesus coming to us and speaking our name and speaking His heart to us!  Yes, The Son of God will have sweet fellowship with each one of us individually, and calls us by our name. He knows your name, (John 10:3)!

Jesus Was Proud Of Antipas

Little is known about this man whose name was Antipas.   However. Jesus recognised him and commended him openly in the book of Revelation.  Antipas lives in Pergamos, and this city was a place of great wickedness.    At that time in history, our lord said that Satan had his throne ” headquarters” there.   The name ” Antipas” means ‘ against all’.   Antipas opposed all the godless, unbelieving. demonic behaviour and antichrist doctrines that were flooding pergamos!  He was killed for his faith.  Jesus loved him so much and confessed his name before the Father, and before all.

The Lord said to the church in Pergamos:

Rev 2:13 –  know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name and have not denied My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells

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