|
|
Spiritual Relationship
by
Bill Campbell
Spiritual Relationship
Armor of the Prince of Peace (Vol.
2)
- 207 pgs. 5 x 8 paperback
The Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
The 3 Stages of God's Revelation
The 7 Powers of Despndency
The 7 Outpourings
The 5 Elements
of the World
The Soul of Revelation chs.17,18
The Christ anointing / Spirit Word
Loaded with Understandings !
ISBN - 978-0-9810863-8-5
Watch Video on Utube ...
(click on Pic)
|
|
Download
e-book
(PDF)
$5.75
*after Payment Click
Return to Bill Campbell
at Top of Pay Pal page
(and
download)
|
Spiritual
Relationship - Bill Campbell
- 207 pgs. - 5 x 8 Paperback Book
Note: If you don't have a PayPal Acc't, you will see the option
to Pay by Credit Card. Please be sure to Fill in the Correct mailing information.
For more info. email
billcamcan@gmail.com Thank you for your Order. (allow 14 days)
|
|
Group Discussion ...
|
Chapter Overviews
In Part
|
1. Relationship 1 2. Relationship 2
3. Relationship 3 4. Your Ministry
5. Adaptability 6. The Calling 7. Our
Works 8. It's Ours
|
|
|
|
|
Relationship 1
Chapter One emphasizes
the importance of "relationship" with the Holy Spirit as being the message of the Christ
gospel that Jesus preached, to be followed later by Peter, and Paul, and the early Church.
The
message that Jesus preached, was to turn to God, and to believe in the words of life ... that were coming forth through
the Spirit. (St. John 5:24, Revelation 19:10) And, he showed this "grace" as he ministered
(by the Spirit of God) to the people. We are to be a "light"
in this world: a light of God's presence. If we don't walk in the "light" of God's
presence, then it's hard to be that "light"; and all we have to offer ... is our religious opinion.
They were preaching the message of Christ, the redeemer, the savior, the light, the "word".
(St. John 1:1-18, and Proverbs 8:20-36) The gospel of forgiveness came out of
a man named Jesus, at that time, who said, as he read from the prophecy of Isaiah, ...
"The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent
me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to
set at liberty them that are bruised, ... to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." - St. Luke 4:18,19
Then, this chapter goes on to address relationship
and Spiritual Armor.
When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus about the Spiritual
armor of God, he put it into a relationship setting. (Ephesians ch.6) Relationship - not a gospel about legend, sacrifice, and substitution. And, because the armor is not part of a "legend" type gospel
... it doesn't get talked about much in our culture. Is it important
? It's probably one of the most important teachings ... for the protection of ministry and
stewardship.
___
The early apostles
preached, "the promise is unto you, and to your children".
(Acts ch.2) They were preaching about you having a relationship
with the Spirit of God, not just with humanity ... around you. Somehow, the gospel that we have heard has changed the promise to mean ... "going to heaven when
you die". The gospel that Jesus and the early apostles preached had
a salvation that began ..."now". An experience. A relationship. When we read about Jesus coming to redeem people, we think that means
that he "paid the price for our sins". But, when you "redeem" something,
... you take it back. (now) This is not a book
that is heavy on the gospel of "substitution"; but rather we are focused on the knowledge of
God's presence. This is about light, and understanding.
(Ephesians chs.1,2, and 3) When God sends forth His Word, and people
don't walk in it, that is sin. No matter how many sacrifices you make, it will not change ... this point
of Justice. To worry about sins past is to not understand God's
forgiveness, or the scriptures that have stated that He would "forget our sins", and not hold them against
us, if we would only turn our lives to Him. (Romans chs.4,5,6, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Colossians 3:15,
Galatians ch.3, James 2:17-26, Psalms 32:5,6, Hebrews 10:16,17, Acts 13:38-49) The issue ... is to learn "obedience". To "walk in the light".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relationship 2
While
Chapter One explains what Jesus and the early church preached; Chapter Two brings you into this "relationship
message".
The words that come to us, that are from the Spirit of God, will bring
us to the light of salvation. For you see, salvation is not about "qualifying to go to heaven",
it's about coming from darkness into light; and being reconciled into relationship with the Spirit of God.
We want to learn about dominion, and stewardship; and the power to be witnesses, after the Holy Ghost
has come upon us.
If all it took was a legalistic gospel, where Jesus is the "blood sacrifice" for sin,
then the Jews would have been set. They would have stopped their blood sacrifices, and believed in the "blood sacrifice"
of Jesus, and they would have been saved.
But that isn't the gospel of Christ. It's the one that
the fourth century Roman church taught us. But, it's not the gospel of Christ.
The
prophets said that he would save the people from their sins (sinful ways), not just pay the price for their sins.
God, in His grace, would forgive sins, and restore men unto Himself through the saving light of His Spirit.
(we call this the ... Christ anointing)
The early church preached ...
"Save yourself from this untoward generation, be
free of your sin (disobedient ways), cleanse through the waters of baptism, for
the promise of the Holy Ghost is unto you, and to your children.
Now, is the day of
salvation. Now, is the acceptable time."
___
The "Spiritual" Flow
If you are going to be found "in"
Christ, as many scriptures refer to, then you must understand what that means.
The purpose of Christ is
to reconcile, redeem, or bring back, people to a "relationship" with the Spirit of God.
The authority
of this Christ ... is the Spirit of God.
God's focus, and attention, is towards the earthly
creation. The flow of the Spirit of grace is towards people, and earthly situations.
You may have wonderful realizations of God, as His child; but the flow of the Christ anointing has a
purpose in this earth. (St. Luke 4:18-21)
Why have we sat in churches, trying to get the flow to go
upward, when "in Christ" ... it is an "outpouring" to the earthly events of our generation
? (Acts ch.2, St. John 4:14,24, ch.5:23,24, ch.6:44,63, ch.7:37-39)
"He
that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches".
-Revelation 3:22
___
Religion of a Culture
When
we look in the gospels, and follow the ministry of Jesus, we see a constant problem between the Pharisees, ...
and Jesus.
The Pharisees were not only religious leaders, but also civic leaders for the people of Israel.
They ran the schools for the people, as well as the local synagogues. They were religious and well-meaning
"civil" authorities, but they were not in harmony with the Spirit of God.
Did they adhere
to scripture ? Yes. Did they understand scripture ? Well, (?) they ... thought
they did: and that made it awkward.
Jesus, on the other hand, was hearing the Spirit of God,
and doing the things that God directed him to do. (see: St. John 3:1-21, ch.14:10)
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Relationship 3
Chapter Three points
out that most of us have learned to offer nothing.
We are prone to nurture death; and not to awaken
our neighbor to Spiritual things. We need to learn to be a little bit more provocative, and to nurture
life.
"I say unto you, he that ... hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and
shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
-St. John 5:24
"It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life."
-St. John 6:63
We are looking for the priesthood of a society. The only
true priesthood has the anointing of God's Spirit upon their service. This is called righteousness.
Faith in a sacrifice leaves you nowhere, when it comes to relationship with the Spirit of God.
"In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin ... God has had no pleasure.
Then said
I, (Jesus) Lo, I come ... to do Your will,
O God."
-Hebrews 10:6,7
Jesus did not fight against the law, or former scriptures,
but rather against the corruption of how ... it was handled.
He said ...
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ... to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
-St.Luke 4:18,19
___
The people of Christ look like everyone
else. It's just that they hear, and speak, the Word of God's Spirit.
The
Kingdom of God is within you, and is powerful. It has all the power of the Creator. It is His Spirit,
His intent, His life.
We need to recognize the importance of this Word, "idea",
and vision. And if we don't communicate ... it will not be released to effect those around us.
This communication is the grace of the Christ ministry. This grace is eternal. It has always been, and always will
be. It didn't start with Jesus: he lived out from it, and was the firstborn of many ... to follow.
"... take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always in
the Spirit"
-Ephesians 6:17,18
____
Come home to the Holy Spirit, and let Him strengthen you. Let Him plant "eternal life" ... in these
areas.
Ventures belong to Him. Prophesy into that mass. Call into "being"
that which is nought.
Comfort one another with the grace that I will give you. Take on life
... in the puniest form.
Some appetites are not true; and He does not take your true appetites
from you. But, He does give you peace, as He directs your true appetites, and removes the lies.
When
we pray, we do not direct the Spirit. The Spirit directs us.
Harmony attitudes .. are rejoicing,
and contentment, towards "Spirit Word".
Walk in ... your revelation.
(that's
relationship)
so much more in these 3 chapters
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Your Ministry
Chapter Four
Integrity (the beginning of real ministry)
Integrity,
is actually about "relationship". It comes from the same Latin word as "integrate".
As
we integrate into the community around us, our love and fellowship is described as our "integrity". But even
our integrity needs to come forth as God's creation. We are His expression of "light".
(big, or small)
Just imagine looking at someone's soul. It is frustrated, has pride, has fear,
has insecurity. It is without form, and is void, so it tries to fit in with those around it.
Many
people fall into this scenario, and miss their destiny, and their true ministry.
We are just like the earth
(Genesis 1:1) at the outset of creation. We are there, but we need the Creator to make something out of us.
The Spirit of God that is hovering over us is the Spirit of vision, and plan. One part of creation comes,
and then another part; and soon we see a picture of what God can do. And, what He creates ... has life. It is
perpetual. It is ongoing, with understanding, and new beginnings. For He is the Creator.
___
It is important for us to realize that we are not just "forgiven", (which is great
in itself), but God has a purpose for His creation.
He has not only forgiven us, but He has
adopted us as a "royal priesthood", and children. He will rule, and take dominion over all of His creation;
and He has invited us to be a part of this. In fact, it's His purpose for us. (Ephesians ch.1,
1 Peter ch.2, and Romans ch.8)
First, we recognize that God is the Ruler of all life. Then,
as we turn to Him, we find our purpose in His Kingdom, as His Spirit directs us. (Acts 2:38,39)
We realize that God has an "intention". For most of us, this has not been a part of our gospel.
Redemption (when God takes you back)
Redemption is based upon a "born again" experience. It's when God takes your hand off of the natural equipment,
and gives you the light ... to use the Spiritual equipment.
Redemption
is not based upon our "doings", our habits, or our religious opinions, and chosen beliefs.
The
"new birth" is brought into effect by our expression. This chosen expression is called faith.
It is our expression of the Spirit of God ... within us.
"For as many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God"
Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Ghost. He was
commissioned to redeem mankind.
(Romans 8:2)
The
world is full of people who are walking around lost. They never knew that they were supposed to have a relationship with God's
Spirit.
(St. John 4:19-26)
As we read scriptures, we discover that self-ambition
led Adam and Eve to disobey the "voice of the Spirit"; and so, sin entered into the world. Soon, it
became the common trend to live life without Spiritual relationship, as children grew in the footsteps of their parents.
(Romans 5:19, ch. 6:11-13,16,22,23, Romans ch.8, St. John ch.3)
What
Must We Do to be Saved ? (they asked)
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our
God shall call.
And with many other words he did testify, and exhort, saying, Save yourselves ... from
this untoward generation.
Then, they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them ... about three thousand souls."
-Acts 2:38-41
Synthetic religion misses relationship with the Spirit of God. Some folks just learn the stories, and
believe in a "legend" ... rather than being "born again" of the Spirit of God.
____
"Jesus said unto him, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
That
which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.
Marvel not
that I said unto you, ... you must be born again."
-St. John 3:3,6,7
When we get to know the Holy Spirit ... our understanding
of intercession will change. We will understand that God wants to save people. He is calling people. We
don't have to pray that God will save people. He wants to.
We
will learn that the intercession takes place between us and the lost; not us, and God. (thus, an awakening to
Spiritual ministry)
also in this Chapter "12 Stages of Spiritual Development"
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Adaptability
Chapter Five
is about being flexible.
What we might refer to as the "call of God" upon a person's life is
actually the predetermined Word of God that is written in their souls ... long before their birth. (Jeremiah
1:4,5, Ephesians 1:3,4) The gospel of the Kingdom
of God ... is not just about the forgiveness of sin; it's a wake-up call to come to
the Light.
The Savior came forth as the Word: the light which lights every man. (St. John
1:1-18, Proverbs ch.8) And now, this Word is committed unto us as we move forth in a world where most
people walk in oblivion. (darkness) (see: 2 Corinthians ch.5)
We are to awake their realization
to the Word that is written in their hearts so that they too ... might walk with God. (this is the realization
of St. John 3:21)
As we awake unto righteousness we are called to be light, and to call
people out of darkness. (read: St. Matthew 5:14-16, Romans 13:11,
1 Corinthians ch.15, Ephesians
5:8-17, and
1 Thessalonians ch.5)
If everyone is only willing to tolerate others,
then our sense of direction, and truth, is lost to our generation.
We are not sent to be judgmental,
nor propagate religion, but rather to be a witness ... unto the "Word of the Spirit". (light)
Truth is in salvation. Let the Spirit of truth ... be heard.
In the Kingdom
of God we don't take up a "written" instruction and march into a Spiritual battle with a carnal "concerned
look" on our face. That's religion. It's not what we are talking about, here.
We deliver the message of His Spirit of truth, or we don't do anything. (sometimes
it's heavy, light, concerned, thankful, questioning, correcting, or reassuring)
That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit, and that which is born of the flesh, is flesh. (St. John 3:1-8,
Romans ch.8)
Jesus - and the Spiritual Life
When
we look at the life of Jesus, we can't help but see that everything was about Spirituality. He said, "I do
nothing of myself; the Father directs everything that I do". (St. John 14:10)
As
he began his ministry ... it was important for him to do things to fulfill all righteousness, and to be anointed of the Holy
Spirit. (St. Matthew 3:13-17, ch.4:13-17)
As he was directed into "testing times" in the wilderness,
his answers were always ones of relationship to the Spirit of God. (St. Matthew 4:1-11)
As he ministered,
it was important to him to "be" the expression of the Spirit Word ... that came to him.
When he preached about the Kingdom of God, it was with the understanding that it is the Spirit Word of God that
rules ... here in His creation, now.
How much more plain can this be; and yet people still get caught
up in a "form of religion", not knowing the Spirit of God.
Performance Religion
It has been a popular comment that we avoid the thought of "performance
religion", where we believe that we have to do things to please God.
This argument has been made so
that we establish the fact that our righteousness is found in Christ. (and someone says, Amen)
But,
I want to re-visit this statement.
If we believe that because we are living a certain way because of our opinion,
and that that produces righteousness, then I think that "performance religion" is a fallacy. (Isaiah ch.1)
It's not the name of our religion that is important, or how many sacrifices that we make for God.
Also, to believe that Jesus died upon the cross to establish my righteousness is equally wrong. When will we understand
the statement, "Obedience is better than sacrifice" ?
There is nothing wrong with "performance
religion". It is expected. (Hebrews 10:4-25)
The problem that
we may encounter ... is "our source".
If we try to be righteous out of a source of "living
according to principles, and laws, and doing the best that we can", we have missed the point.
Our righteous
way of life is found in ... "obedience to the voice of the Spirit". (Hebrews 10:7,16-25)
Repentance, and obedience to the Holy Spirit, is performance. (Isaiah ch.61,
James 1:21-25)
Anxiety (the "canker" from within)
Those who have experienced a trauma, whether
it be divorce, rape, robbery, embarrassment, etc., ... may have a deep wound within ... that manifests itself
in anxiety.
We walk around year after year ... subconsciously carrying this tension.
It occupies our minds, habitually, and even causes us to create situations that will feed this anxiety. And the
older we get, all kinds of fears, and bitternesses, develop.
Be free ... of it. Let the
Spirit of God ... heal you.
The Kingdom of God creates a "peaceful state",
and a calm, prosperous, ... society.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
The Calling
This Chapter opens
with the 7 Powers of Despondency, and as we move through, illustrates the 7 Outpourings, and the Soul of Revelation.
For us to learn to make our decisions out of the Word of the Spirit of God is a radical change.
It's a "born again" experience, and means that we have to get to know Him.
Jesus referred
to this when he spoke of a person seeing light in the midst of darkness. The person is challenged to
show an interest in the light, and get to know what is coming out from God's light. This
would obviously expel their ignorance, and they would gain Spirit understanding.
Some people avoid the
light, and love the ignorance, for that is the cloak that covers their ambitious "desire".
What Jesus said when explaining this was ...
"This is the condemnation.
Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For
every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved
(and he might have to change)
But, he that does truth comes to the light that his deeds may
be made manifest ... that they are wrought in God."
-St. John 3:19-21
___
The early apostles didn't
have the attitude that "everything" that they said and did was 100%, and unchangeable. (This is a doctrine
that emerged from the political church of the Roman empire, when they made the apostles, and writings, into gods,
and Gods word)
The early apostles believed in fellowship and growth, and got together to try to get an understanding
of what the Spirit of God was saying and doing. (thus, the early conferences in Acts)
The
"situation" of one church may be different from that of another.
The "perception" that one
church receives, may differ to that of another.
The "calling" of one church may differ ... from another.
Peter made statements that would be later challenged by the Spirit of God: much in the same way that we have
our growth experiences.
After making statements in Acts ch.4 that would limit the gospel, he had a revelation
in Acts ch.10 that would open his understanding and change the way the gospel would be promoted. (Acts chs.11-15
we continuously see the use of "word of the Lord", and "God's grace")
This
is God's gospel that was promoted through Jesus as His "light", and later through the early missionaries
as His "light". It is the "salvation" of the Christ ministry. (St. John 5:24)
We
must get past our "sectarianism", and turn to the God of all creation.
(Acts 14:15,16,
ch.17:23-30)
"He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit would say"
-Revelation chs.2,3
We Need Deliverance From
1. The "tradition of the world"
(of man)
2. Self-preoccupation
3. Willful ignorance
4. Legalism
5. Sectarianism 6.
Heavenly gain (Lucifer's ambition)
7. Our identity (separate from God)
* Our goal is to enter into the "Dance of the Creator".
Jesus
said,
"I and the Father ... are one"
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
Our Works
Chapter Seven
We create our works out of obedience to the Spirit of God.
This is
the "obedience of our faith".
Some are sowers. Some are waterers.
Some are harvesters.
The waterers diffuse the thoughts of the enemy.
Jesus was a waterer. He
was "light". And He did expel darkness.
Paul, the early apostle, said ...
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
So then, neither is he that planted anything, neither he that waters; but God, ... who gives the increase.
Now, he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according
to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God: and you are God's field (garden);
you are God's building.
According to the grace of God, which is given unto me,
as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But, let every man take
heed how he builds thereupon."
-1 Corinthians 3:6-10
___
Our Strength
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains
shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof
shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God
is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, and the earth melted.
The
LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come
behold the works of the LORD, what desolations He has made in the earth.
He makes wars to cease unto
the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in
the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."
- Psalms 46
____
Our Source
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth."
-St.
John 1:14
As we read the first chapter of John, we can't help but see that there is on one hand, the
source of light, and on the other hand, the audience ... who beholds that light.
The audience is
never the source.
All the pieces of the "armor of light" ... are about connection
to "Source". David wrote a song that went like this,
"Blessed be the
LORD my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
My goodness, and my fortress:
my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust; who subdues my people under me."
-Psalms 144:1,2 (also: Psalms 28:7, 84:9-12)
The audience does not decide
"our ministry".
Our present creativity is born of God. Our warfare is born of
God. Our light is born of God. We are "offsprings" of His initiating Word.
We need to learn not to be captivated by our audience; but rather by the light that is birthed
by the Spirit realm.
___
We have written men and women off as being hopeless
sinners: not able to live as a steward of God.
The doctrine of substitution, being taught
by the political Christian church, is a distraction to righteousness, and keeps people at a loss. It teaches people
that our righteousness is found in Jesus, because he died on the cross as our savior. (that's where it stops) So,
we now have people praying to Jesus, instead of knowing God's Spirit and salvation in their own lives.
(see: Reconciliation to God - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Romans ch.8)
What they
are calling righteousness ... may also be called "works of good intention".
The righteousness
that is born of the Spirit often is ... quite different in its expression than what we would have chosen.
If we would stop to hear what the message was that Jesus was preaching ... we would have the possibility of
identifying with this Word that was being expressed.
"Truthfully, I say unto you, He that
hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life."
-St. John 5:24
The early apostles preached ...
"Repent, and be baptized every one
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and "you" shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost."
-Acts 2:38
This is identification
with the message of the messenger; and owning it so that we might come into relationship with the Spirit of
God.
Identification with the Word of God's Spirit is the first step of righteousness.
His righteousness is born out of His Spirit's direction, and it is our obedient faith that brings it forth.
Atonement, and the "finished work of Jesus Christ", is a belief that is true; but it falls short of the
new birth if it stops at the death of Jesus on the cross, or even the resurrection after the cross.
Some hold
that the death of Jesus was to satisfy God's holy honor.
This is not so, until one identifies personally
with the death that was at the cross.
God's holy honor is satisfied in much more than punishment. God's
holy honor is satisfied in forgiveness, restoration, Spirit ministry, Christ's intercessory prayer, the yielded will,
the reflection of His image. This comes through having the faith of Jesus.
Some hold that the
death of Jesus has destroyed the work, and power, of Satan.
This is not so ... until one identifies
with the "obedience of faith" that was at the cross.
(for more read: Romans 4:1-9, Acts 10:34,35,
Hebrews ch.11, Romans ch.8)
It takes more than just dying out to self, or a dedication to a
way of life.
So now, we are introduced to the intent, the "Christ", the "Spirit".
The
applause of the angels when just one sinner comes to repentance ... is for the glorious righteousness of God.
Salvation happens not at the point of death; ... but when God's Spirit "picks you
up", and you experience new birth unto His intention, His kingdom, and His "righteous expressions".
(our Spirit inspired "works")
But also, this death, this desolation of the will, is
the altar that God calls every man or woman, boy or girl, to.
God's intent, and His developing plan
of salvation, is found in His Word expressed.
(St. John 3:16,33, Romans 6:23, ch.3:23)
The
redeeming power of the Word; the expression of God, with His love at the heart of it,
... reveals His righteousness.
The cross would be nothing if it wasn't for the Spirit Word that accompanied
it, and the expression of it through obedient faith.
As we see the importance of entering into the Word
of the Spirit, and identify with God's saving grace, ... it is then that we walk in the light
of His glory, and His Kingdom. This is the message of Christ.
"And the
Word became flesh, and dwelt among us"
The Word of God is the Word of Creation. It
is the power of the Supernatural. It flows through ministry, and expression. It flows through
the believers to bring forth the Kingdom of God, and the light of God, in this earth. Let's
get excited, and see what destiny this life holds for us, as we obey.
How many are still waiting for the rapture ?
How many are still disgusted at the world ?
We need a fresh baptism of God's love, and obedient righteousness;
not carnal belief.
We need to see "the flow". We need to preach the Kingdom.
Righteousness belongs unto the LORD. It's the right way of doing things, in relation to His intent.
These works are not born of our righteousness.
The breastplate of Righteousness is our identification
with God's army, and our protection. It's the presentation of our "obedience of faith".
The glove that holds the Sword is "understanding". It is also protection, and gives grip
to our obedience.
We need to have an understanding of what we are about to speak;
and have an obedience to handle the thrust of the message. (the grip)
Do it well. Look good.
Tame yourself. Bring it into subjection. Be skillful.
Listen
to the Spirit.
|
|
____
|
|
|
|
It's Ours
Chapter Eight
The Art of "Being" (life, light)
It's now, or never. It's about calling up the present, and coming to "realization".
Be "awake". (like Gideon's army - Judges chs.6-8)
Most people talk in the "past", or the "future". Worse than that, they think and plan in the
past and the future. Worse than that, they want you to do the same.
Sometimes, a small decision
to act, or not to act, is more important than we think; and changes the course of "events".
God's Spiritual armor is for protection. It's for protecting one's "being".
We are the salt, and light, as we walk in obedience.
When we have an experience with God, it's natural
to want to immediately build a shrine, or do something good for God, like start a movement, or an organization. But
to be able to experience, and just "be", or to develop into a person that lives in this "light", is the
new life that we are talking about. (there is no obligation - see: St. Luke 9:28-36)
Every experience
isn't necessarily a call to duty. Free yourself from it, and find yourself in worship and faith.
You
are "called", so let your light shine. Many times when we add ambition to this light it will be hidden under
the darkness of man-made striving.
We Are the Light
"But you
brethren, (followers of the faith of Jesus) are not in darkness, that the Day of the LORD should overtake you as a thief.
You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as others do; but, let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep,
sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day
be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died
for us, that whether we wake, or sleep, ... we should live together with him.
Wherefore
comfort yourselves together, ... and edify one another, even as you also do."
-1 Thessalonians
5:4-11
|
|
|
