Straying  .... the Book ...


 
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Straying  

- 198 pages   - 4.5 x 7.5 paperback

by Bill Campbell


How easy it is to get lost in religion, or any other delusion, only to find too late that our life has gone by,  and we have not experienced our true destiny.

Important for anyone to read.   A good introduction to Spirituality, instead of intellectualism.


ISBN 978-0-9810863-3-0


Self Help
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Group Discussion

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"Straying" ... into carnality is an issue that faces each of us daily.



The spontaneity, and presence, of God's Spirit in "our lives" is the only Gospel  ... that is respected in this book.

Our traditions may have robbed us of the gospel of light, and the Spiritual relationship, that Jesus and the apostles of the early church ... spoke of.   (St. John chs.14,15,16)


It is my belief ... that the principle statement of tradition is ... that there is no faith in  the Holy Spirit's spontaneous presence,  thus the need for "tradition" rather than obedience and ministry.


Introductions are brought out about the worship of God, your inheritance, and the Holy Spirit:  all part of the message that makes up ... the gospel.


The Review pages in this book encourage the reader to begin to "hear", and record, what the Spirit is saying to each one.   (St. Luke ch.8)



       "Your" destiny  ... awaits you.  

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*Carnality - lacking Spirituality.  (fleshly lusts, or desires, or the indulgence of those lusts, sensuality)

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Chapter Overviews
In Part


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1. Intellect   2. Abide   3. Redemption   4. Creation   5. Gospel   6. Word   7. Vision   8. Preoccupation   9. Desire   10. Communication  
11. Destiny   12. Spirituality   13. Majesty 


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Chapter one

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Intellect

Chapter One
 

               
1. Making "allowances"

                              
and

               
2. New ... "alternatives"


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And how easy it is to stray into carnality  ... one step at a time.

   

The deceitfulness of each of these events is covered by the cloak of intelligence, ... the true parent of carnality.



The Word of God doesn't appeal to the "intellect", ... but rather to the intent.


The call of the prophets was ... to return to God.   The call of Jesus, as he spoke to the people, was ... to "follow".



The Word of God expectantly furnishes the "expression" of God, that His Glory might show forth, and that His righteous Kingdom shall flourish.

God speaks, ... and there is.


Faith, and obedience, ...  is a must. 


All to often our preaching is about things  ... to inform the "intellect". 


We need God's presence and Word of obedience, healing, and "expression", ... now!   (present tense)


Bible studies, and new events, ... won't accomplish that.

   
____



     Talking "about" ...


      - demands no repentance

      - brings no evidence of relationship  

         (probably evidence  of no relationship)



Teaching others to talk about is the appeal to intellect, knowledge, and ambition, (the appeal to carnality), and is born out of the same spirit as the temptation in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis ch.3)

The promotion of this carnality is not the Gospel of Christ, but rather is a deception.




        Intellect  (wants to achieve)


It is the prowess of imagination ... that desires to "conquer".   But the difference between conquering and subjugating is the difference between carnality, and stewardship.


To have God's dominion (Genesis 1:28) we must trade the use of  "carnal intellect" for    ...


             
- a King  (God)

             
- sustenance  (of Spirit)

             
- provision (of creation)

             
- a "voice" (Presence)  



When we move with God's intent ... that is Kingdom expression.  


Kingdom expression and dominion have nothing to do with ambitious "intellect",  ... but rather Spiritual subjugation.  (God's subjugation of man)
   


Carnal people ...


- claim the promises

         
- enter into a covenant

         
- do good things (they are

             
self righteous) 


... but they won't die to self-management and ambition.  


It is from the place of desolation that the Holy Ghost will birth your future into His intent.  (Joel 1,2,3)


   

Religious Repentance

   

1.  Man leaves God, and turns his back

     on God as he sins.


2.  God makes a way for man to return

          - St. John 3:16-21  (the light)


3.  Man still doesn't return to God.    No.

- he looks at the ministry, ... and decides to love ... the "love"  that God shows.  He falls in love with the ministry,   ... not God.


This is "the return of the lords". (Man is a kingdom unto himself) 

Man, in his wayward sense loves the love and the promise of success and well-being, ... but refuses and dislikes the stewardship.      

   

And yet, where there is light there is hope. And it is through this light that the voice of God is brought forth.

   

 

Pgs 1 - 7


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Chapter two

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Abiding

Chapter Two

  

"Now you are clean through the word ... spoken unto you."

                                           

                         

I used to think that when Jesus used the term "clean", that he maybe meant "mature", or "taught well", or a change of conduct, like as in, "they cleaned up their act".


Maybe these cussing fishermen, tax collectors, and radical politicians learned to act like Jesus. Maybe, because they were followers of him, he taught them well.



Is that what this is about?   "Now you are ... clean"?



I ask you, when we talk to someone about God, or Jesus, or religion, or discipleship, are they clean when we're done ... ?


What is clean ?  What did Jesus mean?


      
Clean - (Gk. Katharo's)


Clean, means clear, or pure. The Greek parent words, katha and kathairo, mean to cleanse, purge, demolish, to make extinct, to prune.


Now, when we examine St. John ch.15, we begin to see what  "clean" Gospel message is.  (This "word" that Jesus taught)

                         


"I am the true Vine, and My Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that bears not fruit He takes away:  and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

                                       
-  St. John 15:1,2



Purging


Purging is translated from the same Greek word "kathairo", which means to "cleanse",  "make extinct", "demolish".


"Every branch in me that bears not fruit He takes away.  Every branch that bears fruit, ... He "purges" it, that it might bring forth more fruit."


This is no doubt a very challenging time in one's life. This is no doubt a test to your repentance.  Will you "stay" ?   Are you going to stay ?     Will you abide for His "presence", His life, and His work ?



       Keywords  - St. John ch.15

           
1.  Cleanse

           
2.  Abide (Gk. me'no' - an active verb)

           
3.  Commandments (prescription)   

           
4.  Work (Gk. ergon - toil, an effort, or occupation, act)

           
5.  Fruit Bearing




Abide

Abide.   (Gk. me'no'  - it's a verb ... an "action")


Now Christian, that's a noun, a title.  But abide, that's an action verb which means to "stay". (in a given place,  state,  relation,  or "expectancy")     Abide, continue, dwell, endure, "be present", remain, stand, tarry.


The chapters of St. John ch.14-15 are abiding chapters.  Christ is preparing a place for you, that "where He is, ... you may be also".


___


There is a difference between "intellectual" preaching, and "intent" preaching.  


Intellect preaching "informs".  (possibly even makes "proud")   Intent preaching urges one into "position".



Work    


"The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwells in me,  He does the works


Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me ... for the very works' sake.


He that believes on me,  the works that I do shall he do also;  and greater works than these shall he do;  because I go  ... unto my Father."


- St. John 14:10 -12



Work (Gk. ergo) is an action verb which means to toil, an effort, or occupation, a stewardship, an act, deed.


I always thought that the above scripture referred to miracles; but it refers to intent, purpose, toil, and work.


This work has to come from the enjoined place:  the presence of the Spirit of God.


The style, and limitation, of this work is found within the expression of the Father, and not our rational. (this is the test of faith, courage, and patience)  It is His work, and  "His" Kingdom.  (St. Matthew 6:5-13)

    



Pgs 8 - 15


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Chapter three

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Redemption

Chapter Three

 

Redemption   (understanding) 


It has been a common teaching amongst Christian preachers that redemption means that Jesus paid a price for our sins so that we might be free.


Today I want to challenge this concept, because when you do not have an understanding of redemption, it robs you of an understanding of who you are in Christ.


Let's look at what is being taught about redemption, and the thought that Jesus "paid a price".  (a ransom)


...  to  whom ? 



God ?  (paid a price to God , Who held the sinner captive ???)


Satan ?  (God paid a price to Satan ?   ... hardly)

     

Man ?   (No. ...  hardly)


Penalty of sin ?   (Maybe.  But, if God did pay a price through Jesus as the "sacrifice", all He would get is an unrepentant,  unregenerate sinner)

     


Redemption means more than just paying a price.  To redeem means to take possession of.



Our English translations have taken our understanding of redemption from the Greek word "apo'lutro'sis" (which means - deliverance, departure, completion), and from the word  "redeem"  (Gk. "exagorazo" - to buy from loss),  and so, we have the understanding of being  "bought from loss".  


In 1 Corinthians 6:20, the apostle exhorts the people that they are bought with a price, and that they should therefore glorify God in their body, and in their spirit, which are God's.


In Acts 20:28, he exhorts the elders to take heed to themselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers, and to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.


The idea of purchased comes from the Greek word "peripo'ie'o'mai", which means to surround one's self with, or to acquire.  The word "bought", is from the Greek word "ago'razo", which means ... to redeem.


So we see that the expression and purpose of this idea of redemption is not just to set free, ... but rather to bring back into relationship with God.


The purpose is that we might rise to glorify God in body, and in spirit, which are God's.  (1 Corinthians 6:20) 


The decision becomes apparent to the Redeemer.  Now, we are back to God's intent, and to His place of stewardship that is ours to walk in.  This redemption is not so much for the sinner, as for the steward.


___


The idea of "paying a ransom" to set the sinner free, goes along with the teaching of "substitution".   (that Jesus died in our place ... on our behalf).


But, the idea of God "retaking ownership" (redeeming) goes along with the teaching of  "identification".


The repentance takes place at the altar of sacrifice; the place of desolation, death, and loss of carnal agenda.


The resurrection is not  ... "hereafter happiness in the sweet bye and bye" because Jesus died for you:  but rather, we are resurrected into a Kingdom ... to fulfill our purpose as God's Steward.  (beginning now!)


Wherever in Scripture you find this redemption thought being discussed it is surrounded by the call to "stewardship".  (Ephesians, Colossians,  Hebrews 9:12,14,  Romans 3:24, 6:3,4)


The manifestation of the power of God, as He delivers His people from the power of sin, is seen in His righteous leadership of the Christ ... yielded in totality, even to the death of the cross.


And now this righteous light shines through us who are "identifying" with this Christ.  (With our own repentance, yieldedness, and faith, renewed in Spirit by the Holy Ghost  - Acts 1:8)


Come on    ... Get on board.



Prayer

Finished with "self"-desire, looking to the Spirit's desire:  so that perpetual redemption can take place.



"Our Father which art in Heaven,  hallowed be your Name.  Your Kingdom come.   Your will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.


Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.


And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever."              

                            
- St. Matthew 6: 9-13



When we teach that our desires are the central petition of prayer, then we take a person back to the Garden of Eden, where Eve saw the fruit,  ... that was to make her like a god.


Our glory is not our own, but rather for His Kingdom, His power, and His glory.  (His "expression")

            

  

Come on.    Get on Board.



Redemption is a key ... to the Kingdom of God.


We are saved as we actively put our faith in the word of the Spirit


We walk out of bondages into realization, and purpose.  (Ephesians 1:15-19)


We are freed from the "old", and redeemed to the "new".  The Kingdom of God  ... is here.


"Come all you that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will "accept" you. 
(give you rest)


It's   ...   God's Kingdom.


"Heaven and earth may pass away, but My word will abide forever."



Pgs 16 - 24


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Chapter four

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Creation

Chapter Four

 
Man is created in God's Image

  

When we read the creation story in Genesis chapter one, we need to recognize the powerful foundational truths that are present, and that relate to the "human".


1. "Make",  and  "Create"
2. "Image", and  "Likeness"
3. "Fruitfulness", and "Multiply"
4. "Dominion", and "Subjugation"


If we were to stop at Genesis chapter one we would find that there are foundational truths of our existence, and our identity.


There was nothing visible to the eye in the realm of plants, trees, animals, or human beings, because all of this creation was in the Spiritual realm.  And God "saw that it was good".


This is the realm of God's Word.  (God  "said")


When man is created in God's image, and likeness, we are talking about the word realm.  (the creative intent, and expression of God)


Man is created out of this "reflective" characteristic, and likeness of God.    (but, still nothing is  "visible" - see Genesis ch.1:31, and ch.2:4-5)



Man is "formed"  (out of the ground)

  

Genesis chapter two has its own unique truths that relate to the human, and the creation.


1. "Formed"  (earthly formation)
2. "Breath of Life"
3. "Position", and "Placing"
4. "Stewardship"
5. "Woman", and "Perpetuation"



Genesis chapter two is the fulfilling of Spirit word in the earthly, physical realm. This is not the creation chapter, but rather the forming and placing chapter. This is the chapter where the creation comes into "being", and God's intent is "expressed".


Man does not look like God in physical appearance, but he is created in the image and likeness of God  ... in expression.


He is "word" incarnate. His intent is God's intent.  His purpose is God's purpose. His dominion is God's dominion.  He is God's Steward over all.  


If you read ch.2:16,17 you will see the "pivot point" of the word of God ... as it pertains to man's Stewardship.


What would die as the human strayed ?    The expressed word.   (Stewardship)

   


Woman is "formed"  (out of man)

  

Do you remember in Genesis ch.1:27-29 where we see the "word only" intent of God concerning man ?

          

"So God created man in His own "image", male and female, and God blessed them, and said unto them be fruitful, and multiply, replenish, and subdue, and have dominion over every living thing."

                         

Now, in Genesis 2:16,17,18, we see the difference between God's word intent, and the actual forming, and placing.

     


There are two references to the word realm in chapter two.



In one reference God commands the man in regards to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.


In the other reference, the LORD God said that He will make a help suitable for Adam, that being the woman.  (The word "help" is from the Hebrew words "e'zer" and  "e'zar", which means to surround, protect, and aid)


She will be the protector and aid to this man who is the expressed word of God. 
(the "image")

      

She will be the "out of man" (woman), the fruit bearer that will perpetuate this royal, "word expressed", subjugating lineage, that will take dominion for God.


*This is a foundational understanding that Jesus refers to in St. John ch.15, and seen in St. John ch.1  - the perpetuation of the "expressed" Word ... the growth of the church,  ... and  "bonding" of  the Kingdom of God.



The Temptation


In Genesis chapter three, we see the attempt to destroy expressed word: the attempt to destroy "fulfilled" word, and to introduce carnality.   (the divorce from God's intention)


This is the introduction of "intellect".  (you shall "know")

                         

The fruit of this tree looked practical. (it was good for food)   It was pleasant, not offensive.  And there was an agenda to be had, for it was desired to make one wise.


The agenda was an attack on stewardship, word, and image. (intent of "creation")    This wasn't a slip, or a mistake.  This was a "talked about", desired agenda, and it looked practical, pleasant, and progressive.  (we can always justify it)


It is this desire that is the pivot-point of all preaching.


This is where preaching pivots either to appeal to intellect, or to expressed Spirit Word, which is stewardship, and dominion.


This is the difference between "talking about" the Bible, ... or being "Creation". (expressed Word) 


Straying into carnality is deadly.    (Genesis 2:17 and Isaiah ch. 50)



Pgs 25 - 35


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Chapter five

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Gospel

Chapter Five

 
The "Wrong Gospel"

  

There is a "form" of Gospel that has come out of tradition, (that people are "afraid" to challenge), and so time goes by, emptiness prevails, and the Kingdom "suffers".

     

I thank God for realization, because apart from the Spirit of God, I would not "see" these truths either;  even though, all that I am about to tell you has been in the Scriptures all the while.


Somehow, over the years an attack on the truth and understanding of how we relate to holy sacrifice, and covenant, has left us in a traditional, and lost form of Christianity.


If you want a church to ... "stray into carnality",  here is step number one:


 * Preach ... the  "Doctrine of Substitution".



      This is the message ...


"Jesus came to earth, and died for my sins. If I say, Jesus,  I am a sinner, ... come into my heart,  ... I want to go to Heaven,  not Hell;  then, ... I am saved.  (Thank you, Jesus)"



Now, at this point, ... someone will "assure" you that you are "saved", and they will want you to do certain things that fit "their" mode of expectation; ... and from here on in, you will be baptized into a mode of legalism, and all kinds of "traditional" jobs.                



The error of the "doctrine of substitution" bleeds into almost every other basic understanding of the  "message" of the Gospel.


1. Repentance
2. Redemption
3. Righteousness
4. "Anointing" of Holy Ghost
5. Praise & Worship
6. Spiritual Gifts
7. Church Fellowship



One of the more obvious expressions of this error is noticed in congregational praise to "Jesus".  (that's not ever taught in scriptures. -  read  Colossians and compare)

     

Although I don't think our Spiritual experience is based upon having just the "right wording" for everything,  I do want to say, that believing the truth ... is important.


To make a decision to ignore the truth, and stay with learned tradition, ... is to walk in darkness.


There are "little" white, tender, harmless looking demons that have a way of growing.  They are dispatched just to confuse the foundational truths, and leave you feeling "all warm, and fuzzy",  but they are deadly in "effect".   (and need to be "dealt with")   




The Gospel 


The foundational truths of the Gospel are so important that they probably will be challenged,  and "you" should know the scriptural support.  (don't let "deviance" prevail)  


This is the gospel ... that precedes "new birth".


It's not so much ... saying a right prayer, but rather recognizing  ... the "death" to our human agenda, and returning our lives into the leading, and transforming presence of the Holy Spirit.


Our call to this is found in Christ, and God's redemptive intention.  (Acts 2:37-40)


         


      "Identification"  (and "Holy Sacrifice")


It might be helpful to re-read related scriptures.  (Galatians 2:17-20, Galatians 5:24,25, 6:14-16,  1 Corinthians 15:31,36, Romans ch.6, Colossians 1:21-29,   Hebrews 2:9,11,12,   1 Corinthians 11:23-29)


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Some scriptures that look like they are referring to "substitution", until you read them in their context, are listed below.


Romans 5:6,8,10, ... until you read ch.6


1 Corinthians 8:11, 15:3, until you read ch.15:34-58 


1 Corinthians 15:3 refers to Isaiah 53,  now read ch.54:1  "desolate",  and  vs.2-6 compare  St. John ch.14,15, 


1 Thessalonians 5:9,10,  ... answer  vs.10

     

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Brief Summary


1. "Desolation", and  "Holy Sacrifice"


Are we taking it too far ?   Probably not far enough.    It would be great to understand a more full truth of it.

   

2. The Word

      

Creation by Word. (God's expression and Rule)


Man is created in God's image, and to be God's Steward,  ...  and to have dominion.


We are a creation of Word.  The Word is radiant in our "form".


We are an expression of ... Word.


We are  "created" in His "likeness".    (stay alive)


When the human desired to be as a god, they were desiring to have their own word,  to be wise, to "rule".


The Holy Sacrifice is the return to God;  ... the desolating of "self".


Being born again by the Spirit resurrecting the Word. (the "image" of God  - His intent, His Character)




                               

Pgs 36 - 41


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Chapter six

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Word

Chapter Six

 

When we talk about the canon of Scripture, the sixty-six selected writings of the Protestant Bible, or in some cases, a variation such as the Jewish scriptures, Catholic scriptures, or others, we need to be careful as to how we explain this blessing.


The written scriptures are not the Word of God that we are referring to, but rather they are a "testimony" to the Word of God.  (Revelation 19:13, 1 John 5:7, St. John 1:1-5,  Revelation 1:1-3).



These "writings" are referred to by Jesus, and the apostles, as scripture, the law and prophets, and in some places commandments, and in others, precepts: ... but the Word of God is not even to be thought of as the mere few writings that we are fortunate to have.


We have the Old Testament, or "witness", and the New Testament, ... or "witness".   (to God's "Word")


We have the church (in Christ) that is a witness, or testimony, to the Word. (Revelation 19:10,  2 Corinthians ch.3)


And, as Paul the apostle wrote to the Romans, ... "creation" is a testimony. (Rom.1:18-25)



For those folks who are traditionalists (that put their trust in the tradition of man, rather than in what we are "pointing out"), they will hold the "Scripture" as being the word of God.  (compare St. John 5:30-47)      

      

The word of God is from "out of this world", and is not subject to these boundaries of time, space, and matter, that we are accustomed to.  It is Dynamic!  It is God's expression of "intent".



Many people have been wrongly taught by well meaning traditionalists, and they wonder why they are always feeling that they have to pretend. They are missing the reality of what the prophets, and Jesus, and the apostles, spoke of in the past.

  

I want you to know that neighbors see through this, and our youth see through this.


____




"The word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents of the heart."

                                      
- Hebrews 4:12


* This quote is a testimony, ... and a witness to the word.

                  
___

                  

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God."

                   
- Hebrews 11:3


* In this Scripture, "worlds" ... was translated from the Greek word  "aio'n". (meaning "times", "eras", an "age")   God creates the "ages" by His word.


____
          



"And I saw Heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True  (opposite of Adam and Eve),  and in righteousness,  he does "judge",  and "make war".


His eyes were as a flame of fire,  and on his head were many crowns, and he had a name written that no man knew, but he himself.


And he was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God."

                                
- Revelation 19:11-13


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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.


All things were made by Him; and in Him was life;  and the life was the light of men.


And the light shines in darkness;  and the darkness comprehended it not.


He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.


He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.


But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:  ("which were born") ...


Which were born, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.



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.


For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.


No man has seen God at any time;  the only begotten ..., which is in the bosom of the Father,  He has "declared"  Him."

                     
- St. John 1:1-14,17,18



In verse 18, "God" has been replaced with "Son".  The truest understanding is to keep with "word", or Spirit word, which is in the bosom of the Father.

____


 
"Being"  

      

It has been the experience of the new Christian to "get saved", and then, immediately to be instructed ... to start "doing" things.


That's because we are Book orientated, not "Word" orientated.


       Jesus said,      ... "You are Light"

                         ... "You are Salt"


                    

    Paul said,     ... "You are a new Creation"



When God spoke to Moses (prior to his ministry), He revealed Himself as  ... "I Am".


This is a basic truth to realizing the existence of Kingdom dominion, and creation. (it's not "futuristic")   This is Word expressed.     Word  fulfilled.

                                       

It's not the same as "doing" the traditions.  (There is a difference, ... it's called  "Presence")



Faith "is".  (read Hebrews 11:1)   This is Word expressed.



Copying the "image" is phony.   It's a pretense, and an imposter.


Being the "image" is authentic.  A good example of this is the story of Nicodemus.  (St. John ch.3)    He needed to learn,  "you must be born again".   


   

At the cross, there was a stop to doing.       It was finished, totally!


All that was left was the Word, and the presence of the Holy Ghost.


Some of the last instructions that Jesus gave to His disciples are found in St. Luke 24: 48,49,  and  Acts 1:8.



"You are witnesses of these things, but tarry until you are endued with power from on high".

                                       

"You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me."

... then ... you  shall  "be".

   


____




When we read Isaiah ch.6, and compare to Isaiah ch.61, what a contrast we see between the carnal and the Spiritual.


Isaiah ch.6, begins with a "Spiritual" experience in the midst of a carnal people.


Isaiah ch.61, begins with the anointing of purpose and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Notice the "dominion" that comes by verse five. 



*  This is the Scripture that Jesus read from in St. Luke 4:14-21.

                                              

                                         


Pgs 42 - 50


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Chapter seven

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Vision

Chapter Seven

 

We must understand that when Jesus paused at the table in that upper room, at his last Passover Supper, he had a mighty vision of the presence of men and women in this earth, filled with the presence of the Spirit, and doing the will of the Father. (just as He had)


The Kingdom of God was now calling men and women in this world to the real presence of God's glory, and dominion.


As he poured the wine into the cup he saw it as His blood being poured out. This would be his own investment into the Kingdom.     This was ... a "Holy Sacrifice".


The presence of God's Spirit would settle over this sacrifice, and his disciples, and would draw people of all nations into unity, and oneness with God. The will of the Father must ... be done.


He remembered that when he had called these men, he had called them unto "loss" that the Kingdom of God might flourish.   Now, they would see what that meant.



Taking the Passover bread, he blessed it and broke it into pieces, and gave it to his disciples, saying  ...


"Take this, and eat it.  This is my body, which is given for you."

                

Filling the cup, (he paused, and gave thanks);  and passing it along, he said,


"This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.  As often as you drink of this,   ... remember me." 


(recalling the  "truth" of the  body,  and blood)


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What did Jesus mean, when He spoke of a "testament" ?


Some folks confuse that today with agreement.       But this is not so.


The word testament, in this scripture, was translated to our language from the Greek word, "diathe'ke'.


    - dia    - a "channel", or "through"

    - the' (theo')   - God                 

    - ke'i (ke'imai) - to lie "outstretched",

                           "prostrate"


Put the meaning together  - "God's outstretched channel".


It also carries the idea of "Word" (Royal Command), or covenant.  A testament ... through which the Royal Word flows.



When you identify with communion, you are identifying with God's outstretched channel:  His holy sacrifice, through which the Word of God's Kingdom flows.


You must desolate yourself ... to this  Word of Grace.


(compare:  1 Corinthians 11: 23-33)  


The idea of "holy sacrifice" is not new.  (See: Leviticus ch.1-7, as well as other ancient Scripture)


The vision of "holy sacrifice" is not new.  (Hebrews ch.10) 


It is also not futuristic.  Jesus said, "this is the "testament".  (present tense)



When Paul followed his discourse on the Lord's offering of testament (1 Corinthians 11: 23-32), he immediately went right on to discuss spiritual gifts and ministry that would reside in a group of people that were being the expressed Word.



Until we see the identification principle of the "holy sacrifice" we will not understand the vision of what this effectively brings about in this earth, and for eternity.



Every time we take communion, ... we are identifying with the channel of God's grace, and His creative Word.



This is not about a man named Jesus. It's much more. It's about the Word becoming flesh, and dwelling amongst us.    



This message is not a Jesus thing.  He did rise up as the great "first-fruit" of desolation, and resurrection, but this channel of God's expression is His reconciling Word; the testament presence of God found in the holy sacrifice.



It's about ... Word.  It's about God's expressed Word. He talks to us ... by His Spirit.  (we must learn to "Hear" - Revelation ch.2,3)


"that the Father may be glorified in the Son (and sonship)"


- St. John 14:13


We are not praising, and worshiping, the sacrifice:  nor are we praising, and worshiping, the prophets, nor the saints, nor the word of Intent, nor the love, ... nor the grace.



But, we thank God  ... through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our   "testament" of righteousness and redemption: our "outstretched channel of God", found in the midst of repentance, and desolation.




Destiny and Righteousness

    

The practice of carnality will "rob you" of your destiny.

       

God has a  "pre-ordained" destiny for you. There are certain traits in you, that when moved upon by the Holy Spirit, will blossom into your "unique" life.  Carnality and peer-pressure, will never be a substitute.


All kinds of things, like fear, cheating, shortcomings:  these are all symptoms of a "struggling soul",  ...  struggling over events that are carnally born.  A misconception of the truth.


Jesus called out to humanity, "Take up your cross, and follow me."     Do you want to do that ?

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"Where there is no vision, the people perish:  but he that keeps the torah, happy is he." 

                              
- Proverbs 29:18


 

In the above scripture, the word "vision" was translated from the Hebrew word "chazown".  (which means mental sight, dream, revelation, oracle)   It's at this point of "vision" that our project is born, and our pathway set.


The idea of "perishing", that we find in this scripture, comes from the Hebrew word "para", which means to go backwards, to set at nought, and to cast off restraint. 


To have no vision, project, or purpose, results in many forms of carelessness and addiction:  but to have the wrong vision can be just as damming.

 

To understand "torah", one needs to know how it came about.


When this word is used, it is always understood that it was God who "spoke it".  (it's His law)


Whenever God spoke this "torah" there was always a project on the go.  When God spoke to Moses, for example, the nation of Israel was being formed, wars were being fought, and land was being taken. The "torah" was God's constructive Word.  God's objective was being defined clearly. 


The word "torah" was taken from the Hebrew word "yara", which means to "flow as water", to "point out", to teach, to instruct, and to inform.  (New Testament Greek word is "rhema")



This "law" is wrapped up in vision and  constraint.


To have vision, ... is to be led by the Holy Spirit.    We still operate in "torah". 


Our projects, and objectives, must be found ... in His "flowing" word.  (Gk. "rhema")

There is never a time when we can remove vision, or project, or objective, from the Word of God.  It can't be traded for the dead tradition that the self-righteous practice.  This is about our "life", not religion. 


(See: Romans 8:14, 10:8,  Ephesians ch.1-6  ... for Gk."rhema" word)


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  "The priests said not, Where is the Lord ?   And they that handle the law knew Me not. 

The pastors also transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked  ... after things that do not profit.


For My people have committed two evils;  they have forsaken Me, (the fountain of living waters),  and have hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.


Have you not procured this unto yourself, in that you have forsaken the Lord your God, when He led you by the way ?"    

                                
- Jeremiah 2:8,17   




Pgs 51 - 66


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Chapter eight

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Preoccupation

Chapter Eight


- prophecy March/2004

                    

"The tantalizing senses grown from beneath our person.  (Our person is more than just our physical appearance.  It is the presence of character, attributed success, and strain)


Our senses are "desirous futility" ... finding grace.  When we live out of this foundation, our soul escapes the reality of the sunshine.  It is a hopeless cause  ... drifting aimlessly to be "fulfilled".  It is a magnet to carnality. The Father abuses "this reality" with torturous affairs.  The shriek can be heard off in a distance.  Success is on the way. 


We have ... contempt for others because the majesty of "myself" is waning.  


Cause and effect bring the studious habits of "self-governing".  The rascally pimp of the soul:  loathsome indeed.


But,  by "My" measures,  ... a success is on the way. 


Opening up yourself to achievement;  the goals of indecency surround you. They're called "preoccupation".


"Abiding", ... is an issue of the seventh heaven.  It is a Spiritual attack on the enemy of our souls.  It reaches far beyond just "caring".  It is "crazed".  It is the soul that loosens itself enough to die, and to be taken over.  It is the final beatitude attained through the extinguishing of desire, and human consciousness:  a state of oblivion to human realities of pain, concern, etc.


"Enlightenment", comes from regions beyond.  It's goal is care-taking of others. It is a "sheep-fest".  Communion.  It is the relinquishing of "fear and falling", from faith.  It is doing the will of the Father, beyond the crazed goals of "preoccupation".  It let's, rather than achieves.

                                                    

It is bolstering of the "habits formed in heaven".  (do you have any ?)   It brings these about in the earth.  It's a raid on the victory of others.  It disillusions.  It quickens. It stifles.  But most of all, it is self-satisfied with "ingenuity".



The goals of others are a strife.  The quick-fix is "longevity". (for a while)  The time seems to stand still.  The "presence" is here.   Stay for a while in it.  It likes you.   You are weird enough for it.  It takes you to heights unknown;  ... miles from where you live and have your "being".   It's a place that you call home, ... a displaced home.  Maybe now, you have two.  One for you, and one for your Father which is in heaven.


Now, relinquish your faith.  "Occupy till I come", never happens.  I am here.


Wallow in Me.  Roll over ... in Me.   See the Light in your room.  You are there, now.  See Me.  I have you in My hand.  The very narrow bridge of your nose  ... is by My knee.   I can set you down anywhere.   I want you to be there for Me.


That's abiding.  Abiding in the Vine: the Vine of life.  I am your life.  Your goals, are My goals.  Your life is My life.



Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed.


I will follow you wherever you are.  In the hospital, I'll be there.  In a car, I'll be there.  You will win, I will lose.  For My sake, believe.   I will be there when you faint.


Fall short of Me, and My nerves will crumble.  I am about to see the despair of the needy.  You will, but so will I.  I am yours, and you are thine.  But, be careful, the wine is the fruit of the ears.  The soul relieves, but the belly gives in.

                                                         

Breathing  is for the rapid.  Your soul gives out in despair.  The over-joyous occasions have come to an end.  My soul worships you through the sunlight  ... on my chest.


Subjugation, ... is a brandishing word.  It's a frenzy of affairs.  Good movement is "still strong".  Good wives ... still obey.   Obedient unto youth.  Soulish unto despair.




Soulish unto despair. (despair is in 7)   Anguish is in 8.  Birth rates are rapid.    Anguish is in 7.  The sanctified day.   The sacred war of the wills.  Despair is in 7.  Desolate, anguish and despair follow through to 8.  The "birth pangs" of success ... radically change the throne of Grace, as we contemplate the success of others.  Fear sets in.  The sound of feet comes knocking to the door.

           

The way is sure.  The light is bright, ... but the road is rough.  Circumcision, ... I say.  Handle with joy.  I am cut off before I start.  Learn to be happy with your heavenly home.  Joyous occasions "arise" out of it.


Your feet are strong and sure.  They abide in grace.  Faith shall save you. Wounds are forever;  but grace is forbearing and forthcoming.


Look into My eyes, My bride to be.  Have I not held you till your pain became sweet.  Victory is on the ry.  Yours vested in you, will be cherished.  Now arise, and go forward.   Forward, to that Great Day.  The coming event.  For ... we shall strive together.  


Warfare is on the front.  My wishes are yours.   Let's see fair play.  I love you with My justice.  My soul swells within you.  Play on ...  My nobleman.  Play on.


Abiding is like that.  It catches nothing.  It is penury in the staff, but great perfection, and satisfaction,  when you "hurry"  it.

                                                 

My soul swells with the pride of it.  Disillusioned,  ... maybe.  Successful, ...  always.

          

Ease up.  Let the radical "word" come forth into your being.  It will change you with joy.  Come up on the other side.  I was there ... twice over.  I have joyed in you.  I will never miss the target.  I will always find faith in yourself.

A sneer of enlightenment crosses my face, as I lay there bare-chested.  And, gladness enters my being as I contemplate the goodness  ... of going to the front."


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This dynamic prophecy is an illustration of how much we miss when we don't abide  ... in the presence of the Spirit of God.


It begins with the "growing" of our senses, and character. Then, continues to address our "desires" that lead to futility, competition, God's measure of success, ... and "preoccupation".


Abiding is an issue of the "place of rest", and dominion, light, and stewardship. Its habits are "formed in heaven".  We recognize our connection to the Spirit of God.  (and His presence)


The truth ... of the Sabbath is found in the 7, and 8. When we don't experience restoration on the "rest" day, our anguish is carried forward into the "new week".  As we contemplate the success of others, and are distracted by that, rather than to abide with the Spirit of God, ... fear and loss rush to our door.


In conclusion, ... let the radical word of His call come forth, and  ... may you find yourself ... rejoicing in Him.


    

Pgs 67 - 73


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Chapter nine

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Desire

Chapter Nine

 

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be "desired" ... to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and ... he did eat."


- Genesis 3:6


          

Most of the distraction, and preoccupation, that we find ourselves following after is originated by the perverted idea of demonic force.


The first lesson that we need to learn is to stop agreeing with people.  One person gets a thought, and then begins to promote it, and we just get on the "band wagon".


Stop "agreeing".  We are called to relate to God as a single person.   (just one) 


Even when we are in fellowship with other believers we are to minister out of the Spirit of God.



As we look at the above scripture, we can see many things happening ... in just a short period of time.


What I want us to see ... is the progression (of straying) that this temptation often follows down the pathway to death.



First, we have desire.   Desire always needs justification.  God's word of direction never needs justification, only faith and obedience. 


Carnality, reasons.  When we are not finished chasing desire, we will always reason.  Once we follow desire, then the goal becomes accomplishment.  


Then, we need to judge our accomplishment to see how enjoyable it really was.   We ... still need.             

     


Now, once we have judged our accomplishment to see how enjoyable it was, we conclude that it was either good,   ... or bad.


So now, we feel pride, or contempt.  We look around us, and  "compare".  Then, we "blame".  Now once again, judgment is passed.   (either upon self, or someone else)   


No matter where we think we are going to go on this road, it is filled with traps, and judgment.    (there's always a new one)



When we are directed by "our" wild-fire desire, rather than "Spiritual direction",  we are going down the road to death.


Man, as a god, ... tries to heal himself through many ideas, and suggestive pathways, but it is futile, destructive, and never enough.    (desire is at the root of every addiction)


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The Gospel of Light centers itself around the Spirit of God, and His  "expression of life". (Isaiah ch.61,62,  Joel ch.2)  


There is a road of carnality that leads to death, but this is the road to life.  It comes through death to carnality; and then, hearing and obeying the passion of the Spirit.  



All guilt, and sin, has been reckoned with ... through the understanding of God's gracious character. Now, we are ministers of forgiveness and healing; obediently calling people back to God's presence.



As ministers of this Gospel, it is hard to have much effect if we are driven by contention, and disappointed desire.


We need to be careful of our desires, and consciously open to hear what the Spirit of God ...  has to say.


(Healing, and forgiveness, Isaiah 33:24)

    



Pleasure


It wouldn't be a complete discussion if we didn't consider how pleasure fits into our lives.


Pleasure, and desire, ... are very closely related in scripture.


Pleasure starts out as a "well pleased" mind, but can very easily become our object of pursuit. When that happens, it turns into "indulgences", and  "cravings".  It dies, and turns into a monster. It also comes from a word meaning  ... to "let off steam", or diffuse.


Desire begins almost the same, but is possibly more vision related, rather than experience related.  Desire, means to "delight in";  but when out of control, gradually leads a person to  "borrow", beg, and to even "crave".  It leads to destruction, and death. (when out of control)


Is pleasure wrong ?   No.   It's a gift from God.  We are created by God with this capacity to "enjoy".


Is desire wrong ?   No, it isn't.  It's a creation of God within us.


It's when we take the communicating presence of the Spirit of God out of our lives that these "abilities" go terribly wrong.  Our visionary desires become led by "suggestion" that is not of the Spirit of God.  We soon learn to "indulge" for pleasure.


A Spiritual person let's their desire be born out of Spiritual vision, and word.  Their pleasure is derived from "realization".  They "delight" in what God delights in, "when" He does.  Pleasure can be had even in opposing circumstance.

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"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


The light of the body is the eye:  if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light.


But, if your eye be evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness.


If therefore the light that is in you is darkness,  how great  ... that darkness is.


No man (or woman) can serve two masters:  for either he will hate one, and love the other;  or else he will hold to one,  ... and despise the other.


You cannot serve God,  ... "and" mammon.  (wealth - mammon Gk. - confidence, avarice, greedy of gain)



Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:  even Solomon, in all his glory, wasn't dressed like one of these.


After all these things do the Gentiles seek:  but your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.


Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness;  and all these things shall be added unto you."          

- St. Matthew ch.6


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"For the scripture says (that)  ... whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.

For the same LORD over all, is rich "unto all" that call upon His name."

                                    
- Romans 10:11,12

                                    

           
   
Pgs 74 - 80


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Chapter ten

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Communication

Chapter Ten

 
Clean up our Communication 
 
(2 Timothy ch.2)      

     

We attend church.  Someone stands up and says something; and we just sit there with a little holy smile on our face; or we alienate that person ... because we think they're wrong.


I've been to church, and I have heard the preacher say that God does nothing without prayer. 


Everybody just sits there, and they get blessed, and say "amen",  because it sounds so good.  But, it's wrong.  It's not the truth.   (Genesis ch.1, St. John ch.1)


Someone else stands up and prays aloud, "We have come to Your House (church building) to meet with You, O God, and to ask You to bless us today".  We all join in, "Yes, Lord", because it sounds so good.  But, it's wrong.  (unrepentant sinners getting together to soothe their conscience, ... not caring for truth, because they have their own agenda)
 

While these people go through their motions, they ignore the truth and intention of God's Spirit in people's lives. (Acts 17:24,25, 1 Peter 2:1-12, Ephesians ch.4)


Then, another says, "The Bible is the only "Word of God" that I need.   It's the final authority."      Wrong.  


Nowhere in scripture does it make the claim that written scripture is the final "Word", and that God finished speaking when the Roman Catholic church formed the canon of scripture. (397 A.D.)   


Why are we letting these lies prevail ?


(see: 1 Peter 4:10,11, 1 Corinthians ch.12, Romans 12:1-11)



By the time the carnal "traditional church" got done declaring holy traditions, holy clergy, and holy buildings, the intention of God for the "many-membered Body of Christ" with the Holy Spirit ministries, was expelled.  (St. John 12:23,24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, and ch.12)
    

Many reading this never knew any better, and God knows that;  but now, as you press forward in faith you will see a new importance as to how God sees His church and His Word.


There is a new revival of revelation coming in our generation that we cannot take lightly.  This revelation is not new to the earth, as it is the same Gospel that was predicted by the ancient prophets, and introduced by Jesus and the apostles of the early church.


How could we be so blind, and naive, when the picture of the church has been with us in Scripture all the while ?


Have we been blinded by the holy looks and pious prayers  ... of a wayward church ?


May God settle in our midst, and set fire to His presence in our groups.  May the ministries of boldness rise up to restore the old waste places that have been plundered by carnality.


Stop "agreeing" with carnal agenda.  They that worship must worship in Spirit and in truth. (St. John 4:23,24)   Our stewardship to God, and His Word, ... is important.   


Why is there such a lack of power, direction, and Presence, in the church ?  

It's because we are careless, and pre-occupied with our own agendas, and scared to speak up.  We need to remember that it's the body ministries that correct and keep the church on track. They need to speak up.   (Ephesians ch.4, 1 Corinthians ch.14, 1 John ch.1)


There is no such a thing as "clergy". 

There are evangelists, pastors, apostles, teachers, and prophets, ... that are set in the Body of Christ to serve and "perfect" the saints for the work of the ministry, that God might be glorified. 


There are chosen "elders" that are filled with the Holy Ghost, that function in the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit, and that nurture and serve the people of God.  (Ephesians ch.4, Acts 14:23, ch.15:2, Titus 1:5, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:1-4)                            




Led by the Holy Spirit


"The word is near you, (even) in your mouth, and in your heart:  that is the word of faith, which we preach;  (rhema, Spirit word)


That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, ... you shall be saved.


For with the heart, man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth ... confession is made unto salvation."  ("prophetic declaration" - Revelation 19:10)


- Romans 10:8-10


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"For if you live after the flesh, you shall die:  but, if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.


For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

                                    
- Romans 8:13,14


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"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.


The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but you do not know whence it comes, or whither it goes.  So it is with every one who is born of the Spirit."


- St. John 3:3,6-8




Revelation is our Authority

    

Revelation, confessed through the ministries of the body of Christ, is the authority of God's word in the earth.


(Ephesians chs.2,3,  Romans ch.12,  St. Matthew 16:6-28, 1 Peter 4:10,11,  - listen to Revelation chs.2,3 - "hear",   Acts 2:16-18)

       

We have borrowed from, and continue to borrow from tradition ... because we are out of touch with the Holy Spirit.  (ask, and you shall receive)

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Our communication must be filled with His Spirit.  (Listen)



"They spoke    ...  as the Spirit gave them utterance" 

                                                       - Acts 2:4


(comp: with Acts 2:16-18, 1 Peter 4:11)


                   

We must learn that there is no church apart from the Holy Spirit.  (St. John ch.14,15,16, St. Luke 24:49)   One can sing the popular hymns, build the tallest buildings (with steeples that touch the sky), read the most beautiful prayers, have a thousand priests and clergy, but this is not the group that the scriptures describe as being the church.


"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us ..."

                                            
- Acts 15:28


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"the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwells in me, He does the works.


He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also;  and greater works than these  shall he do;  the Holy Ghost shall teach you ..."

                              
- St. John 14:10,12,26

             
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"Then said he (Jesus),  Lo,  I come to do thy will O God."

       
- Hebrews 10:9       


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"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 
(comp: Isaiah ch.61)


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There is so much more to this Chapter.  "the Mystery of Christ", "Source of Communication", "Anger", "Scorn", etc.


Pgs 81 - 97


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Chapter eleven

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Destiny

Chapter Eleven

 

"I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known Him that is from the beginning.


I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.


Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.


For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.


And the world passes away, and the lust thereof:  but, he that does the will of God  abides forever"

- 1 John 2:14-17

    

     

The "pride of life" asks the question, what will make me look good ?


The Spiritual man or woman asks God,

"What do You want to ... do here" ?




The Human


"That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men,  but to ... the will of God.


For it may have been sufficient in times past to have done the will of the people, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, partying, banqueting, and idolatries:


Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, and they speak evil of you.  They shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the living and the dead.


As every man has received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.


If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;  if any man minister, let him do it with the ability that God gives him:  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To God be praise and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen."


- 1 Peter 4:2-5,10,11


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- prophetic    


"Destiny is either secure in the word of God's Spirit to us, or we are centered in our own struggle.


Defensive. Contentious.    Deceived by the desire of lust. Soreness in anger and travail.    Greediness of gain.    The deceitfulness of riches.      Ambitious, and longing for action.



In all your ways acknowledging Him: and then, passing to have an affair ... with another. 


The poisonous asp of understanding gives wickedness a chance to destroy both of us.  


Heroic in "time",  ... but dismantled eternally."



We live in a generation that has lost the meaning of the salvation message of the Gospel.  We have no idea what it means to be lost.  We are blinded by many things, and comforted by lying spirits, and false prophets.


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"And I brethren, when I came to you, ... came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  (comp: Revelation 19:10,13)



And my speech, and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,  but in the  ...  power of God.


But, as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.


But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things;  yea, the deep things of God. 


For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ?   Even so, the things of God no man knows,  ... but the Spirit of God.           

            


Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God;  that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  (comp: St. John 14:16,17,26)


Which things we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches;  comparing Spiritual things ... with Spiritual.



But, the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are Spiritually discerned.


But, he that is Spiritual judges all things;  yet, he himself is judged of no man.   For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him ?   But, we have the mind of Christ."

                                   
- 1 Corinthians ch.2


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"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.



This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  But, he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God."


- St. John 3:17,19,21


____



Jesus wasn't afraid to touch the darkness.  In the gospel, it is recorded that He went into Galilee, so that the prophet Isaiah's message would be fulfilled.   Why ?

"The people which sat in darkness saw great light;  and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, light is  sprung up."  (be Spiritual, "live" your destiny)


- St. Matthew 4:16

           


Don't be afraid to effect society.  Engage it solidly, with the purpose of the Holy Spirit. The earth is in a time of harvest and calling where God is establishing His saving light in this self-centered, worrisome world.     (we are His ministers)

   


"You are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted ?   It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
    
- St. Matthew 5:13


____


 

It is not intended that we minister in this world as natural beings, but rather Spiritual; that God's prophetic word might be declared to the darkness, and disease, and demonic activity, that holds people in bondage.


When we get everything "figured out" in our traditions ... we are prone to lose our awareness of the spiritual realm.



Since the time of man's encounter with the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, people have tried to carnally learn how to make decisions,   ... but it doesn't work.  We need the word of God's Spirit in our consciousness.



The natural man collects information from his five senses. 


The Spiritual man collects his information from his inner spirit, and the five Spiritual abilities that are set into the body of Christ. (see: Ephesians ch.4)



The natural man makes a judgment that seems reasonable to him, and his friends.


The Spiritual man can only rely upon "faith":  ... that which God says that He will bring into being.



We need a concept to believe in,  but where will it come from ? 


We need to bring a word into "being".  That's "faith".  It's different than religious tradition.

              
             

         

There is a difference


There is a form of Christianity that holds to the Book as being the word of God;  but they don't know the voice of the Spirit of God.


This people practices self-righteousness, carnal ministry, organized will worship, debates and opinions;  but they have no Spirit word creating vision in their souls, and authority in their mouths. This is not the destiny of a "born again" believer.



If you are this person, you need to hear the apostle Peter's message  ... 


"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."

- Acts 2:38-40



We also read in ancient Scriptures that God spoke to Abraham. (He didn't get it out of a book)     Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.  (see: Romans 4:3,  Hebrews ch.11)


We need to hear God, and we need to believe God when He speaks. ("hear"...  Revelation ch.2, and ch.3)


Abraham  "ventured out"  ... on the  voice  of the LORD.

           



Pgs 98 - 122


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Chapter twelve

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Spirituality

Chapter Twelve

 
Will Worship

 In this section we will deal with the intent of God vs. the emptiness of will worship.

             

"They that worship God, must worship Him in Spirit, and in truth"

                                    
- St. John 4:23-24



For many folk this will be an important discussion.  For to not understand this experience, is to not understand the gospel.



Once again, the message that "I love Jesus, because he died upon the cross for me;  ... and I will worship and serve him the best that I know how, is not the gospel of Christ."


This still leaves our carnal human agenda in tact, and calls for no born again experience with the Spirit of God.


It's a save me, bless me, self-centered, ... religion.


The false "holy look" of will worship is a deception, and many have fallen short of the gospel of Christ because of it.


      Lord, ... deliver us from religion. 



What we are accustomed to calling  Christian, ... may not be Christian.


What we are calling ministry, may not be anything more than "group therapy".



Compassion outreaches, wealth management seminars, relationship seminars, church growth parties, visiting lonely people, musical entertainment, marriage counseling, Bible studies, can be self-centered "group therapy". 

You can do all these things, and copy other people, ... and still not know God for yourself.


You could be a preacher, right now, that went through the school training, and still not know God for yourself.



Your group can have one "politically driven" guest after another, one "study series" after another, and still not know the voice of God's Spirit.



It's wasted time, ... a squandering of people's faith time.



Some of us are stuck on a wrong path.  We don't know where to start because we are only accustomed to church being a certain way.


This is the section where we will hopefully bring some light to the call, and experience, of the gospel of Christ.




Who do Christians worship
?
 


In our culture we have been taught to worship Jesus.  But, there is nowhere recorded in scripture  ... where we are directed to worship Jesus.  (amazing, ... isn't it)     


Not understanding the Christ anointing leaves one outside of the Spiritual experience of the gospel of Christ, and the "born again" experience.    Is this important ?    Yes.



"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.   That which is born of the flesh is flesh;  and that which is born of the Spirit  is spirit."

- St. John 3:5,6

              

    

There is a record of people worshiping Peter.  But, when the Holy Ghost fell upon the people they magnified God.   (Acts 10:25,26,46)


There is a record of people worshiping Paul and Barnabas, but Paul directed them to return to the living God.  (the Creator of all things - Acts 14:11-15)


The angels appeared to the shepherds, praising and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth good will toward men.  (when they announced the birth of Jesus  - St. Matthew 2:11)




Jesus Taught


"The hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit, and in truth:  for the Father seeks such to  ... worship Him.


God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.


The woman said unto him, I know that the Messiah will come,  which is called Christ:  when he comes,  he will tell us all things.


Jesus said unto her,  I that  speak  unto you am he."

                                  
- St. John 4:23-26




The Father


"In that day you shall ask me nothing.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name,  He will give it to you.


Up until now, you have asked nothing in my name:  ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.  I shall show you plainly of the Father.

                                          

At that day you shall ask in my name:  and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:  for the Father Himself loves you,  because you have loved me,  and have believed that I came out from God.


I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world:  again I leave the world, and go to the Father."

                                    
- St. John 16:23-28


____


"And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.


If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him,  and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.


He that loves me not, keeps not my sayings:  and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."
                           
- St. John 14:13,23,24


____


"Pray after this manner.  Our Father which art in heaven,  hallowed be your name.  Your  Kingdom come    ... "

                                  
- St. Matthew 6:9,10


____


"Let your light so shine before men,  that they may see your good works, and  glorify your Father  ... which is in heaven."


- St. Matthew 5:16




We are in the same Christ anointing as Jesus was.  This is the truth of being in Christ, the many-membered body:  bringing glory ... to the Father.  (St. John ch.14,15,16,17)

        
____


"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,  it abides alone:  but if it die, it brings forth  much fruit.

         

Father, glorify Your name.  Then, a voice came from heaven,  saying,  I have both glorified it,  and will glorify it again."


- St. John 12:24,28




The Early Apostles Wrote


"We give thanks to God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the love which you have to all the saints:  for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.


Giving thanks unto the Father  who  has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son:  in whom  we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"


- Colossians 1:3-5,12-14

  


This scripture goes on to explain the glory, majesty, and power, of the Kingdom of Christ; which is in God, and we are in him, and the Spirit of God  (which is the same Spirit of Christ that anointed Jesus)  is in us.  (Colossians 1:9,10)


____


"If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. 

But, if the Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,  He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you. 

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

                                 
- Romans 8:9,11,14




The "Christ"

                                          

"As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:   (see: next sentence  for explanation)


Which were born,  not of blood,  nor of the will of the flesh,  nor of the  will (decision, effort)  of man,  but of God.


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.  (this is the "Christ"  expression)


No man has seen God at any time;  the only begotten (son) ... which is in the bosom of the Father,  he has declared Him." 

- St. John 1:12-14,18


 
Our Sonship  (sons and daughters)

Just as the message of the Old Testament was one of saving and  blessing a people of Abraham's descent, the New Testament also has its own message. 


It is one of sonship,  and joint-heirship in Christ.  (St. John 1:12,13,  ch.3:1-8,  Romans ch.8 )  



The message of the New Testament doesn't present the carnal blessing for the carnal man; but it rather speaks of the Spiritual blessing and inheritance, as a  "son of God", who walks in the Spirit.   (Acts 1:8, Romans chs.8 and 12, 1 Peter 4:11)



Just as the Old Testament starts out with the weakness of the human, and follows through with the theme of redemption, the New Testament begins with the glory of sonship, and word expressed in the earth as a light to all nations,  ... and follows through with power for all to "be".  (Spiritual power)

Everything about the message of the Christ gospel is sonship, and joint-heirship  with Christ. 


We are not called to worship Jesus, but rather to live out of this sonship status to the glory of the Father.     


Jesus ... spoke of his death this way  ...


"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone." 



The ministry of Jesus Christ preceded the "many-membered" body of Christ, which would  "walk in the Spirit" as he had.


There is no gospel of Christ apart from this understanding.

The letters of the early apostles are full of this message, for it is this that is the light of the world. (St. Matthew 5:1-16, St. John ch.14-17)              

                 
           
       
Why do people worship Jesus ?


Why ?  I think it's probably because they don't understand the Christ gospel.

People have heard so many stories about the earthly ministry of Jesus, and how miraculous it was, that they have little, or no experience of their own. 


There is very little teaching, or expectation, to be in tune with the outpouring of the Christ anointing.   


Groups get "off track", singing about Jesus, and worshiping Jesus,  because they are sold on the "idea".  The "idea" of the man, Jesus. (that they have been  taught about)



Returning to God's Spirit brings forth the "new birth" in our lives, and we become more conscious of our own Spiritual calling, and expression.


It is then, that we realize the Christ gospel, and what Jesus meant when he said that the Holy Spirit would testify of him, and bring back what he was saying,  to our remembrance.  (St. John 14:26, 15:25) 



This is how the apostle Paul explained it to the Roman church.

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.


For they that are after the flesh ... do mind the things of the flesh;  but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.


For to be carnally minded is death;  but to be Spiritually minded is life and  peace.

     

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God,  ...  neither indeed can be.              

        

So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God.


But, you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.


And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;  but the Spirit is  life,  because of righteousness.


But,  ... if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if you live after the flesh you shall die:  but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.


For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.


For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;  but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,  ... Father.


The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:


And if children, then heirs;  heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;  if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

                                      
- Romans 8:4-17    


____
    

This begs the question .... 

"have our religious traditions kept us from the real

experience of the Holy Spirit,
 
and the Kingdom of God ?" 



Pgs 123 - 152


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Chapter thirteen

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Majesty


Chapter Thirteen

 

Before we get into the topic of "straying from majesty", there are several things that should be discussed so that we can get a more complete understanding of what ... majesty is.


In the dictionary, majesty is just explained as something of magnitude, that is showy, and majestic;  but I want to move this into the realm of God's Kingdom, so that we might see a picture of the glory of our "sonship" ... in the Almighty.



People have tried over the years to show the majesty of God with huge cathedrals, fancy robes, large choirs, and stained glass windows, ... but that's not what we are going to see in this section. 


The majesty that we are talking about is the glory of God: and this glory ... has substance, and "dominion" power.



We need to understand that our placement in Christ is a placement into the dominion of the Kingdom of God;  and that we are here to serve God in His redemptive plan as He moves by His Spirit throughout the earth.  We are sons of the Most High, bringing forth light to a dark world.



This raises the question, "how can we understand dominion, if we ... don't understand our inheritance" ?


And if we don't understand our position of dominion, and we don't know anything about our inheritance, and we don't know anything about the Spirit of God, then do we really know what a Christian is ?      



Let's look at several points of discussion that may help us to move forward ... in our spiritual experience in Christ.

                           

     
Intimacy


Intimacy is the topic that deals with the very innermost parts of us.  We hear lots of talk about grace, love, good works, and other great religious terms, but I'm going to say today that if we have not had experience in the areas of intimacy, we do not understand the power of the Spiritual.


This is the reason that so much of the gospel speaks about dying out to self, showing grace, forgiveness, love, and faith.  These are all attributes ... that make room for "intimacy".


When we take any of these attributes out of our relationship with the Spirit of God we stray from intimacy with Him, and therefore, the glory of His "working power".



So many of us read books, watch T.V., talk to people, and go to events;  and we call this Christianity.  But, I want to tell you that it is not the life that Jesus, and the early apostles, spoke of.  It's "a form of Godliness, but is denying the power thereof."  (2 Timothy 3:5)



In our society we have learned to mistrust, be on guard, and to not be too intimate:  because if we do, we will end up being hurt, and disappointed.  This is the darkness of sin in this world that faces each of us every day. 


    

We have so many scholars that think they can interpret "real scripture", ... because they think they understand the historical background.  But I say, unless you become intimate with the Spiritual realm, you will not understand "Spiritually inspired" scripture.   (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) 


The things that hinder intimacy with the Holy Spirit are wedges brought about by carnality, and demonic influence.

            


"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, ... who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.


For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.


For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.


For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;  but they that are after the Spirit,  ... the things of the Spirit.


You are not in the flesh,  but in the Spirit,  if so be  that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.


For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,  they are the sons of God."


- Romans 8:1-5,9,14



How often people have filled their lives with the pretense of religion,  ... and have ignored the Holy Spirit, and His desires.


The more professional the religion looks, the more we settle for temporal glory,  ... instead of the majesty of God's glory.


No one else can be faithful to this intimacy for you.

If we are truly born again, then why do we listen to so many other voices that would use up our time, resources, and energy ?  For God has entrusted us with these things that we might excel for His glory. 


Our ministry is to be "Spiritual".  There is no real Christian ministry ... apart from this.   (St. Matthew 7:21-23)

 



    How Do We Work  the Works of God ?


One needs to let off pursuing "concerned adventures", and good ideas, and back up until the Spirit Voice is found within the soul and intent.  For within that Spirit Voice we will find our relationship with God, and our calling. 


When we pursue the developments of the Spirit, our calling will mature.


                             

      Relationship ...

            

"Then said they unto him, What must we do, that we might work the works of God ? "


"It is the Spirit that quickens (gives life);  the flesh profits nothing:  the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."


                                     - St. John 6:28,63

                       


We don't learn to work the works of God from our own natural agenda.  We must lose our life to find it. We must give up our own presumptions, and hear what the Spirit of God is saying to us.



Because of the gap between hearing the Spirit, and delivering the expression, there is room for rudeness, fear, and lack of judgment. That's why the body of Christ (group of believers) is described as diverse.  (1 Corinthians ch.12)


We are to be open to the refining (spiritual) ministries of others, and are encouraged to love one another ... that the Father may be "glorified" in the Son.  (St. John ch.17)



"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me ?  The words ... that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself;  but the Father that dwells in me,  He does the works.  Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me:  or else, believe me for the very works sake.


Of a truth, I say unto you, he that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also;  and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.


And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified ... in the Son."

                                   
- St. John 14:10-13

   
   
        

       Now,  Who Are "You" ?


A son.  A daughter.


Who is a son ?   I am a  "son". (or daughter)   (St. John 1:12,13, Romans ch.8)


As you are in this world, let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.  (Romans ch.8,12,  1 Corinthians ch.2,  Philippians ch.1-4)


Why does God work His works through you ?


Jesus knew.        He said ...


"That the Father may be glorified in the Son"



We are not believers in an "idea", nor followers of one who was a good teacher and a prophet;  but rather we are born again by the Spirit of God to become sons, and joint-heirs with Christ.  



"As every man (or woman) has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, even as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.


If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives;  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To God be praise and dominion forever and ever.


Rejoice, in as much as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings;  that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.   
        

If you be reproached for the name of Christ, be happy;  for the Spirit of Glory,  and of God, rests upon you:"

                                      
- 1 Peter 4:10-14

            

____



If you are a tulip, don't try to be a daisy.  Be what God has intended for you to be. 


Destiny is important.  When you are led of the Spirit you will grow and accomplish in a unique fashion.  But, when you are led by a "group idea" you will all look the same. 

This is the difference between "will worship", and being a child of God.


The question is not what church one belongs to, but rather we should be looking for what the Holy Spirit is doing in the person's life.

Our people lose the keen sense of personal word from the Spirit of God, and give way to teachers of the scriptures, ... resulting in Spiritually deadened individuals with no real relationship to the voice and presence of God.  (St. John 5:36-47)


____

 

The purposes of God, the majestic glory of our inheritance, the message of the Christ gospel, ... the  "activity" of the dominion, and subjugating power, of the Holy Ghost:  these are found within the "Spirit Word" of the Almighty.




Pgs 153 - 198



(Chapter Overviews In Part)

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