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Chapter Overviews In Part

Who Am I ?               1. God's Creation    2. God's Living Word   3. Showing   4. Knowing   5. Severity Realization 6. Atonement   7. Ministry  Coming Home 8. Gospel   9. New Life   10. Harvest

Chapter one
	God's Creation   God's Presence  in His Creation              We are "creators" ... continually.  A flow of creative thought, and power, continuously flows through our being in this life.    It is from this thought and power that we discern the voice of the Spirit of God.  For from within this Spirit Word proceeds our justification. It is our status with God.   It is clear that it is not based upon our achievements, nor our religious opinions, nor God's good mood, or loving character. Throughout much of our writing we are dealing with the "word" of God.   (How  do you feel about God's Word ?) But now, we are dealing with the presence of God. How do you feel about  ...    God's Presence ? Because we discuss the importance of being the "light",  (the actual "Presence" with unity and oneness with God);  this discussion about justification becomes a "foundational" value. It is possible to have an intellectual awareness of the message of God's Word in our lives, and still not be participating in the presence of our Creator. Justification releases our expectation, stewardship, ministry, obedience, and faith, to be in and to express God's presence.  We are the "light".    Do you remember the initial creation of humanity in Genesis ch.1, and how God said that He saw it, and it was good ? We have heard so much preaching about the "depravity" of man that we have lost sight of the fact that first of all we are God's "good" Creation.    In the Scriptures, we read  ... "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold  ...  it was  very good."                                                    - Genesis 1:31 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion  ..."                                                - Genesis 1:26,28 The premise of a "false religion" is that God hates. He hates sin, He hates the world, He hates some kinds of music, He hates some kinds of clothes, and hairstyles; and  ... because He hates so much,  we are always looking over our shoulder wondering what ... He hates about us.  (?)                   The truth of the matter is that God created a pretty "amazing bunch of people".  And to challenge that is to challenge His own image, and His Creation. We need to get over our religion, and get used to the idea, ... God did very good. What Happened ? When we look at the brief account of Eve being tempted by the Serpent to disobey God, we see her unbelief, lack of trust, self-preservation, and self "exaltation". Now, I want to point out that these are not demon spirits, but rather ... they are "carnal decisions", and again I say, decisions.  (the emotion is just present) When we talk about "justification" we are dealing with the issue of      ... being "born again". We are leaving the decisions of Adam and Eve behind us, and returning to the trust in God's "creation" ability ... for our lives.  We are returning to His Word being expressed in our lives, ... no matter who says what.  And this happens through our faith in the Spirit Word  of His presence. We are ... "justified by active faith".  (St. John ch.3,  Romans 5:1)                  To preach the religion of man's depravity is not what the Gospel is about.  (see: St. Luke 4:16-21 and Isaiah ch.61) Jesus had many opportunities to condemn, but He did not. He came to bring life, and the Word.  (St. John 3:17-19, ch.5:24, ch.6:63) What we do see Jesus condemning is the traditional, legalistic bondage, and hypocrisy, of religion. "We are not  justified by the deeds of the law"                                                - Galatians 2:16 "nor  by    ... the blood of bulls,  ... or goats."                                                - Hebrews 10:4 "For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and will make an everlasting covenant with them."                                                    - Isaiah 61:8    The issue of justification begins not at the cross, but at Creation.  (for that's where  the  birth  of "decision"  is)             Now,  ... God's  justification ?                       or,                       ... Self  justification ? Do you see how it comes down to taking God at His Word, ... and entering into His message: not our own ?   Into His Spirit intention:  not our own ?     (St. Matthew 10:7,8,  and  Titus 3:5-7)           The Confidence of Faith In the account of Adam and Eve's temptation and sin (Genesis 3:1-10)  we see a basic truth become evident about justification, and how it relates to knowing, and experiencing, the presence of God. After the conversation with the Serpent, where they analyzed the word of God, and how it pertained to their lives, ... they made a  "decision". It was at this "point of decision" that they established their relationship, not only to God's word of direction, but also to experiencing His presence. Because of their decisions pertaining to His Word, they were no longer comfortable with His presence. They were traitors, and they knew it.  Now, they not only had no confidence to walk with God, but their eyes were opened to many shortcomings: and to cover themselves, ... became an important issue.  The story goes on to say that God called for them, and found them ... hiding from His presence. They felt no justification,  and indeed were not. It is possible to experience the presence of God, and to know His word, and still not be "justified", for that is a "relationship" term that describes our agreement with one another.  (our "decisions" are important)  Self - justification ?   or  ... God's  justification ? The Battle of the Gods  "For God knows that in the day that you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods,  ... knowing good and evil."                                                   - Genesis 3:5 Even to this day, ... human beings continue to fight the supremacy of God, and His word, by trying to justify themselves through this power of "knowing" good and evil.      Circumstantial Justification  (Genesis 3:12,13) "I can see clearly now, that it was the woman's fault that this confusion occurred;  and even greater than that, it was you God who gave me that woman," says Adam.  So, where does the blame lie, now ? "I can see clearly now, that it was the Serpent, who tricked me.  You just made him too smart, God," says Eve.   So, where does the blame lie, now ? They were good judges, but they were still not good stewards of God.  They were on a "self" agenda, and were exercising the power of self-justification. I want you to notice  (Genesis 3:14-24)  that God did not curse mankind, whom He had created in His image. He cursed the Serpent.  He cursed the ground;  but He did not  ... curse the human.            After the Flood, God renewed His dominion promises, and blessings, to Noah; ... and stated clearly that if anyone should harm a man that they would be harming someone who was in the "image of God".   (Genesis ch.9)                                                                                   It could also be noted  ... that the ground is no longer under the curse, either.  (Genesis 8:21,22) _____ So let's review.  Man is not cursed;  and neither is the ground, any more.  God loves, and holds mankind as being special. God does not hate, and is not on a  "hateful" agenda.   (Relax ... He is not seeking to "wipe you out") The only thing hateful and fearful is the fact that any of us, as His Creation, would dare to exalt ourselves to the position of a god, and choose to define what is good, and what is bad, in order to "justify" ourselves, while pursuing our own many agendas.  (read:  St. Luke 18:18-27,  and  Genesis ch.3) God's present colorful rhe'ma word is what comes to us through His Spirit; and unites this one Kingdom together in this earth.  (St. Matthew 4:17,  ch. 6: 9-13) Our Gospel is not a gospel of man's depravity, and God's hatred:  but rather a gospel of God's love, and willingness to "justify" through His Word. * See:  Romans ch.8-12,    ...  esp. ch.10:8-10	Pgs 1 - 10

Chapter two
	God's Living Word   The "fallacy" of Justification through Religion There has been a carnal, legalistic, view of justification that defines Christian morality as keeping the law because of gratitude to the Savior for the gift of righteousness. This is similar to the Jewish belief, and motivates man to keep the law out of gratitude. Both are carnal, and are born out of the lower nature of man. Neither concept is born out of God's living Word, and Spirit.    "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith,  without the deeds of the law." - Romans 3:28 Our "justification" is necessary because of the curse of carnality (traditions of man) which was born in the Garden of Eden. Scriptural debates have targeted man's attempt to experience justification by religious sacrament, moral law keeping, and teachings. The Gospel has traditionally been preached, that because we have broken the law (10 commandments), we need to be justified.     (This is not the case.   read:  Romans 2:14-16)                                     This issue was raised by Jesus and the apostles because of the self-justification that the Jews were practicing.  (see: Romans, etc.) But, I want to take this beyond the boundaries of the Jewish religion to the religions of the world, whether they be Muslim, Buddhist, New Age Humanism, or Secularism.  The issue of justification is common to the human no matter what the nationality, religion, or belief. The birthday of justification is found in repentance from "dead works", which are born out of human will, and good intention. There is nothing that human will, or decision, can do to please God.  (Romans 3:10-31, St. John 1:12-14) The "knowledge of good and evil" leads to judging, and condemnation.  (even, "self-condemnation", and condemnation of God)     The only way to justification ... is to let God do the justifying.   (it is He, who sits upon the Throne). Holy Sacrifice Bowing in desolation before the Holy Sacrifice (which is "Word" expressed)  is a true coming home to God experience.  Justification lingers at this "altar". Someone says, "We are bowing before the cross". No, we are not bowing  ...  before the cross, nor a Book,  nor a shrine: not even a way of life.                                                ( ... stay with me, now)            Most of us will never see a real cross, or a real crucifixion.  But, we do bow before God because of the light, and realization, of the Holy Spirit.  We bow before God.  (the "light" of the Holy Spirit) We are bowing    ...   before  God's  initiated   "Word". We see the broken, finished, human:  obedient, even unto death. (Romans 5:10:21, and  ch.6) God's Word  (the Spirit of truth)    ...    is present.  God's Word.     God's Word.      (what He says) And rising out of the midst of that Word expressed, we see grace, forgiveness, joy, and justification, coming forth.  (and the "witness of the Spirit" - Acts ch.10,11) The Spirit of God gives us realization;  and He says, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased".  (Romans 8:16, re-read:  Acts 2:16 - 40,  Acts 13:24 - 43) It's because of "Word".   (that's justification) Justification begins when "human intent" is finished, no matter how wonderful it may seem.  There is no justification apart from "repentance". There is no justification apart from being born again by the Spirit of God.  (St. John ch's.1 and 3,  Romans ch.8) * "sealed" by the Spirit of God - St. John 6:27, Romans 15:28, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30   When the apostle of Jesus preached in the city of Jerusalem, the people cried out,  "What must we do  ... to be saved ?" Peter said, "Repent,  ... and be baptized (washed) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ... ...  (come on) ...            ...  and the Promise is unto you, and  to your children, and to all that are afar off"    (Acts 2:38,39, St. Luke 24:49  - the promise  ... of the Holy Spirit) _____ Carnal energy (that which is of man) is temporal.  Word (God's "Word") ... is eternal.  (of God's "Spirit") Carnal energy is only within our sphere. (of time)   Word is omnipresent, creative, and important.   (of eternal value) "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; that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;  no more can you,  ... except you abide in me. Peace I leave with you,  my peace  I give unto you."                                            - St. John ch.14,15                                   ... compare with ch.17:3, etc.               Carnality is a creature of despair.  It travels from generation to generation;  and to ... our children. Carnality passes carnality along through our traditions, customs, religions, and expectations. God initiates His Word Word is passed by "exhortation", and is enhanced by the "Spirit of God".  Yes, ministry and the Spirit of God, whether it be angelic, or of a human, ... work together.  It goes beyond our imagination, or comprehension.  Word is of a much greater realm than we know, or understand.  It doesn't stop with us.  That's why in stillness  ... there can be "productivity". The quietness of "being" can bring future possibility.  I didn't say death: but rather Spiritual "being",  which may, or may not, involve a lot of "activity".  (eg. Jesus' ministry,  and the Apostles) Understanding that it is God's "Word" that justifies, and that our works are born out of His Word  (Spiritual),  and  that our works are only a part of His great Word of realization, puts us into a whole "new life" experience.     We must walk in the light of His realization, and rely upon it for ministry and service.  (1 John ch.1)                                  In the Creation account, great care is given to show that God's creation ... is good.  (Genesis chs.1,2) In the case of Adam and Eve, we clearly see that the intended purpose of the human being was to be God's expression in the earth, ... even to the point of being created in His image, and likeness.  The issue of justification ... rests upon this stewardship. At this point, we need to be careful to see the difference between man's religious attempt to do good things for God: ... and the Spirit relationship that comes from walking in the light of God's Spirit Word. Jesus came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.      This Kingdom has purpose, and the Word of a King; and we were created to be His representatives in this earth. The problem that people run into is that they become self-serving, and distant from the Spirit word of God;  and that is called sin.  No matter how many religious laws one keeps, if they are not functioning in the  "stewardship life" of God  ... they are in sin. In most of Jesus' teaching we see the combination of Word and Works being emphasized.  That's the basic foundation of stewardship. (St. John 1:1-3,ch.3:1-8,19-21, ch.14:10-12, ch.15:1-8)   Jesus called people to follow.  The apostles preached about repentance. Without having this understanding of stewardship ... there can be no true understanding of justification.   (see:  Romans ch.8) Now, I can hear somebody saying  ... that this sounds strange because our justification is because of the work of the cross, and the blood of Jesus. (Romans 5:9) So, just so that you will stay with me until we understand this, I'll comment briefly on Romans 5:9.           (Let's look at it) First, be careful not to take this verse out of context.  Let's look at the rest of the chapter (esp. vs.12-19)  and consider the fact that it is "stewardship" that is the obvious topic of discussion. Secondly, although we know ... that Jesus died for the whole world, ... we also know that all are not "justified". I hope that we can take this one step at a time until we get the full benefit of what is being said.   I promise you that I'll take you around in the Scriptures ... until this truth becomes evident. The work of the cross, and the blood sacrifice, deals with condemnation, offence,  and the dead sinner. The resurrection, and the Spirit,  ... deals with justification, and the live "steward". (son  - Romans 8:9-14)   It's the living person ... that needs  "justification". "If we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  who was delivered for our offences,  and was  raised again ...  for our  justification." - Romans 4:24,25 Justification is what our stewardship ministries function in.      It is linked to the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.                          ____ The Character of Justification Because justification is an experience, we'll take some time to understand the character of it.    How does it feel ?    How does it look ? Let me introduce you to what it looks like.  Let's look in the scriptures, and see how Jesus presented it.  Let's look at a steward  in action. In St. Luke chapter 14, we see the reality of this world, and how busy all these "would be" religious people are.  They have no real longing in their heart to see the sick, and lost, experience the presence of God's Spirit, and be set free;  ... for they are too busy in their "self righteousness". But God reaches out beyond  to gather in the lost, sick, and poor,  that they might experience "fellowship" with Him at His great supper.     (compare this to  Revelation 3:14-22) Then in St. Luke 14: 25-35 we have a lesson on stewardship. In St. Luke chapter 15, we see stories ... of "acceptance".  In the first part we see non-religious people present.   Then, Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep, and how the Shepherd leaves all the rest to go and find that "one". He tells a story of a woman searching for the lost coin. Then, we see a story of a wayward son, and an angry son; and the Father's acceptance when the wayward son returns to his place of fellowship, and stewardship. In all of these cases there is joyous acceptance. In St. Luke chapter 16, Jesus tells a story to his disciples about ... a  "steward".  (are you getting it yet?)   You see, Christianity is all about inheritance, sonship, stewardship, and Kingdom.  Can you feel the character of this justification ... that we walk in ?   (the garments of salvation) vs.13        - "can't serve two masters" vs.14,15    - "self-justification"  (no) vs.16-18    - "unfaithfulness" vs.19-31    - "unfaithfulness" And then, St. Luke chapter 17 reveals the special secret that the Kingdom of God is within you.     Be careful how you respect it. ____        The Call of the Gospel  (Spiritual "realization") "Now, when they heard this they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do ?   (they heard the call of the Spirit) 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."                                                    - Acts 2:37-40 (all "three") 1. Repent      (Spiritual Call  of Stewardship)        2. Cleanse     (Get ready)        3. Receive    (the Spirit - Acts 1:8)                         _____  Some Scriptures "For as many as have sinned without the law, shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law;  (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified)."    (activation, resurrection, awake)                                                        - Romans 2:12,13 "And they shall build the old waste places, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities,  the desolations  of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien (foreigner)  ... shall be your vinedressers."                                                    - Isaiah 61:4,5 "Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him:  all nations shall serve Him."                - Psalms 72:11 (hear) "Be wise now therefore, O you kings:  be instructed,  you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice  ... with trembling.  Kiss the heir, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way,  when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they  ... that put their trust in him."                                                 - Psalms 2:10-12 ____   Are we justified by our "good works" ?     No.  Not our own, but rather those that are born of the Spirit.    (St. John 3:19-21) Can we ignore the call of God  ... to turn from our own life of independence, back to our stewardship with him ?   (No) ____ Renewed                             The  Power(s)  of Justification Justification, is not merely a state of being, but comes to us in the working presence of ... the renewing Spirit. Just as the earth has a thin vapor of atmosphere around it; beneath which the pull of gravity draws everything to the center of itself:  even so, man has his own "aura". The aura of condemnation, fear, and guilt, causes us to hide, and cover ourselves; always at a loss.  It's a protective layer that nurtures our dying soul, and feeds our fantasies of self-preservation. When we return to God, the Spirit of God graciously gives to us a  "realization" of truth.  (one part at a time)    When we take this truth, and act upon it;  ... that's called faith. "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, the just ... shall live by faith."                                                             - Romans 1:17 We often call this a "breakthrough";  but this is the norm for the child of God.    In fact, this is a necessity. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."                                                             - Romans 8:14 "the words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself:  but, the  Father that dwells in me,  ...  He does the works."                                                   - St. John 14:10 See also:  St. John chs.14,15,16,   Ephesians ch.1,  1 Corinthians ch.2 ____   It's working!                        "Whereof I  (Paul)  am made a minister  according to the dispensation  (Gk. oikonomia,  stewardship)  of God  which is given to me  for you,  to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which has been hid from ages, and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:  to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;  which is Christ  in you,  ... the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man,  and teaching every man  in all wisdom;  that  we present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:  Whereunto I also labor,  striving according to  His working,   which works in me  mightily." - Colossians 1:25-29  (apostle Paul to Titus) "We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,  serving a variety of lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,  hateful,  and hating one another. But, after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man  appeared,       (justification) Not by works of righteousness which we have done,  but according to His mercy He saved us,  by the  washing of regeneration,  and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our savior; That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good, and profitable, unto men."                                                                - Titus 3:3-8 ____                           As we have said ...                                    Justification is not merely a "state of being";  but comes to us in the  working presence of the renewing Spirit. It is the Spirit that aligns us with the intents, and purposes, of God: and brings us into Sonship, and stewardship, that we might experience our inheritance. It's not only important to convince the spirit realm of our justification, but we need to come to this realization ourselves in order that we might work the works of God.    Just as faith produces justification; ... so, justification produces faith.  (Romans 10:8,17 - Gk. rhema "Spirit word") When we understand justification, we experience the power to forgive, and heal.  Our stewardship in God's Spirit becomes alive.        We are resurrected into a new life ... by the word of His Spirit. In St. Mark 2:1-12, we see a combination of forgiveness and healing.     Justification ... enables the process.    The Spirit of God forgives, justifies, and heals; and this glory of God is seen in this earth ... as the bright light of salvation. In St. Mark 2:13-17, we see God's acceptance, love, and grace.  The sick have need of a physician:  and He is calling sinners unto "repentance".  (back to "stewardship" in the Kingdom)   There is an experience of "new life". God starts out with His call in a "spirit of justification";  for that is the  power that raises us from death ... unto life.     The Kingdom                                     Now, we always need to remember that the gospel is not presented as the gospel of justification;  but rather the gospel of "the Kingdom".  When Jesus preached, he called people to follow him.  Peter said to repent, and cleanse, and the promise is unto you.  (Acts 2:38,39) Zacchaeus repented, cleansed, and directed his life to follow God.     Jesus said, Today, salvation is come to this house.  (St. Luke 19:8,9) The light of salvation shines out of the powerful light of justification; but it is by entering in by faith that we experience it.  (Romans 5:6-8) _____ "For by grace are you saved ... through faith;  and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has purposed that we should walk in them.  (Stewardship led of the Spirit) Now, in Christ Jesus,  you  who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.   For through him we have access by one Spirit unto the  Father. Now therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners,  but fellow citizens with the saints,  and of the household of God;  and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and  prophets,  .... Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;   in God, all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the LORD:  in Whom  you also are built together for a habitation of God  through the Spirit."                                       - Ephesians 2:8-22 (part) _____   Resentment is as old as the kings.   Resentment is jealous, and  causes us to sink  into  "distraction". Prayer causes us to become joyful,  and  surface  to  intermingle  ...   with others. Resentment is the cause of default,  and  is derived from  the  fear  of  ...  falling short. Prayer is needed to compel  this contagious disease  to back off. This distraction seeks other joyful encounters,  and  always leads   ...  to faultfinding. This fear is leaning on the enemy's shoulder,  and  always looks up  ...   to disqualify.      (not justify) It always comes from the fear of guilt, and  ministers the same. That's why understanding  "justification"  ... is so important. This hill is nurtured by the  prayer life ... of others,  and  for  others.      Prayer, and justification, disqualifies the fearful and unjust nervous contentions;  and weakens our  own  negativity.    It brings up short the distractions, and loud noises,  ...  of others. _____	Pgs 11 - 31

Chapter three
	Showing   How do we know that we are justified ?   Because there is life.  The power of the resurrection is present.  The living word is in our hearts,  and  in our mouth:  and  we are expressing it ... unto salvation.   (Romans ch.10) Not a creed, or an opinion, or a belief, but a  "relationship" with the Holy Spirit, and an exercise of our life to express His glory, and wishes.  No candles, no buildings, no church names:  just the reality of coming back into relationship with ... the Creator. There will be a Change When you encounter the Spirit of God there will be a change, if you are willing to respond to Him in faith.  All of the things within our soul, and our atmosphere, that have gone so wrong,  will be dealt with by Him as He starts the renewing process.  But, we will be required to follow His leading  ... with action.  That is faith. We are not justified by our own practices of religion;  but we are justified by our faith,  which is our active obedience to His Spirit Word.  We are alive because of resurrection power. Justification ... brings us into order, and balance.   It is the power of the living Word. We don't look at a picture of Jesus dying on the cross and say, O yes, he's justified now:  because we can't see the evidence. But, when we see the empty grave, and hear the message of the angels, and see the risen Christ, ... we know that he's justified.  There is a witness from the Spirit of God. Justification raises you to a  "height of authority".   It now places you with the Spirit of God so that you can say, "I and the Father are one".    "Stewardship".       "In My Name". It is experiential, not passive.  It is vibrant, not dead.  It's the resurrection power unto salvation, and glory.  We now walk in this justification power, rather than in the power of the flesh.     "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation ... to every one that believes. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;  for God has showed it unto them."                                                 - Romans 1:16-19 "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,  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. 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. 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. 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. 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" - Romans ch.8 (part) We see the witness of justification, because we see the lively activity ... of the Holy Spirit.  (1 John ch.5) In Acts chapter ten, as Peter was preaching the gospel to a group of people that were not Jews, the Holy Spirit began to manifest Himself through these individuals. Peter and his friends were shocked; but he was so convinced of their justification that he baptized them, and accepted them into fellowship.  (See also: Acts ch.11) Why is it, that when we are presenting the gospel as the reconciliation to God, ... that we wouldn't expect His Spirit to bear witness ?  It's the difference between real justification, and man's attempt at self-righteousness. Either, we have just joined a religion:  or we have met the Spirit of God.  (Acts 1:8,  2:32-36,  12:25-41,  5:29-32,  17:31,  chs.4, and 13,   Romans 4:25,  3:18-31,  8:14-16;    Hebrews 2:3,4,  ch.10,  1 Corinthians 15:17,   2 Corinthians 4:14,  Ephesians 1:17-23,  and  1 Peter 1:20-23)               _____ People It doesn't have to be a big city, or a foreign country, for us to get a glimpse of what people are like. They're all around us, and it's the very people that we are living with that we are called to be a "light" unto.  For the most part it's a big chore not to be like everybody else:  but rather to break the mold, and find out what God would have us to do in our generation. When we get beyond the "image" of the person we sometimes find a very nice individual.  But, when the pressure is put on, or they are called to relate in a way that is not comfortable, then a different person emerges.  We find that we are hardened, and don't trust:  filled with lies, and deceit, doctrines and intellect;  self-ambition and pride, just like Eve, in the Garden of Eden. It's these people that God wants to bring back into His Kingdom, and transform them into His representatives.  A people who will be full of grace, and truth.   (St. John 1:14,17) _____ Depression Depression is afraid of life.  Have you ever watched a depressed person ?   They sleep.  They retreat.  They drug themselves.  They scold others.  They are grumpy.   They believe a lie, and are deceived.  They are more comfortable in their rut ... than they are in the sunshine of life.  They have a fear of "falling short". These are the people that the Spirit of God is calling.  He came to seek, and to save, ... the lost.  (St. Luke 19:10) How do you lead someone to salvation ? (Very simply) 1.  Look at the thief on the cross, next to Jesus.  He said, Remember me when you come into your Kingdom. He had it right.    Salvation is the call back into the Kingdom of God, ... and our empowerment to be His steward.  (St. Luke  23:43) Jesus said, today, you will be with me  ... in paradise. 2.  Lord, teach us to pray.    (here it is) "Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven."   (St. Matthew 6:9,10)                                                                      3.  What must we do to be saved ?     (Peter's answer) "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."   (Acts 2:37-39) 4.  What about ...  the Promise of the Holy Ghost ? "And he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem,  but wait for the promise of the Father.   For John truly baptized with water:  but, you shall be baptized  ...  with the Holy Ghost.  (Acts1:4,5,8)                      (and)                                              You shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost comes upon you:  and you shall be witnesses unto me unto the utmost parts of the earth."  (Resurrection Power)                   _____ Forgiveness                                                 Thank God for "forgiveness".   As we turn to God, we see a three-fold experience.  Christ died, was buried, and was resurrected. Even so, because of forgiveness, it is possible for us to die to self-ambition, let it be buried, and then rise again into our Spiritual stewardship. Salvation is found in this example of Christ.  Are you finished ?   Can you be resurrected, and renewed by the Spirit ? "Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so,  we also should  walk in newness of life."                                                              - Romans 6:4 Down with idealism.  Up with Spiritual resurrection life, ... which is God's Kingdom Word, and inspiration, in your life. Do you recognize what the Spirit of God is doing ?   Do you know what's going on in the Kingdom ?  The Holy Spirit is working, and doing things all around you ?   Are you aware ?   Are you working in the Kingdom of God ? _____ Acceptance Are you prepared ?   Has the Spirit of God renewed a spirit of acceptance within you ?   Or, do you have a "grudge" with people ? Do you have a "point to prove" ?   Are you able to move graciously, and freely, in love ? Does forgiveness precede your ministry, ... now paving the way for justification, and salvation ?                     The Devil, and his demons, go about seeking whom they may devour.  (1 Peter 5:8-10)   He is an "accuser" of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10,11) Jesus said, you must first bind the strong man: and then, you can plunder his house. (St. Mark 3:27)   You must remove his strength from him, and reduce him ... to "no effect".  He is full of condemnation, and has a "grudge".  But, in the gospel of Christ we find justification. We can't judge people into heaven,  ... but we can forgive them into  God's saving presence. The ancient writings of Enoch says that God had hidden this weapon of His justification in the power of oath since before the worlds were made; and that by him were all things made.  (Enoch 69:16-29) When God released this weapon into the earth, he went about ... "doing good", for God was with him.   (Acts 10:38) When God looked down at those Jews offering up blood sacrifices,  ... He released the most mighty weapon that defeated once, and for all, the accusations of the Devil.  He released the mighty oath of forgiveness, even to the shedding of His own Christ's blood.   Forgiveness. And when the Devil once again tried to come against the people: "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony."                                                - Revelation 12:11                                                                                     "He was delivered for our offences,  and was raised again ... for our justification."                                                            - Romans 4:25 _____ Be Careful of Offence Offence blurs vision, and hurt's the soul. Jesus said, blessed are they who are not offended.  (St. Matthew 11:6)  The Word of the Spirit will expel anger that may be resident in our soul. Anger is a result of judging.  Judging brings condemnation. The Spirit of truth will expel this condemnation, and minister the grace of justification. How important is forgiveness?   Jesus said, forgive seventy times seven.  (St. Matthew 18:21-38)    Forgiveness releases freedom, and faith.  Be careful not to minister out of a spirit of offence. The gospel that we are called to ... is one of abiding in the Spirit of Christ. (St. John ch.15)   It's a gospel of  "being the light". Condemnation is a striving force that will drive you even after death.  You will not be free to assimilate with the presence of the LORD, ... because you have condemnation in your soul.  (St. Matthew 6:12,15, ch.18:34,35) In the Book of Enoch, there is a vision recorded, where Enoch was taken on a tour of places in the "after life".  He was taken by the Angel of the Lord to a beautiful location that contained several separate areas. "Then I asked him about judgment on all, and I said, Why is one separated from another ? And he answered me, and said unto me, These three places were made ... in order that they might separate the spirits of the dead:  and thus, the souls of the righteous have been separated.  This is the spring of water, and on it the  "light". Likewise, a place has been created for sinners, when they die and are buried in the earth and judgment has not come upon them ... during their life.  And here, their souls will be separated for this great torment until the Great Day of Judgment and Torment for those who curse, forever, and of vengeance on their souls.  And there He will bind them, forever.  Verily, he is from the beginning of the world. And thus, a place has been separated for the souls of those who complain, and give information about their destruction, about when they were killed, in the days of the sinners. Thus, a place has been created for the souls of men who are not righteous, but sinners, accomplished in wrongdoing, and with the wrongdoers will be their lot.  But their souls will not be killed on the Day of Judgment, nor will they rise from here." - Enoch 22:8-13 Could this be why, when Stephen, and Jesus, died, their last words were, "Father, forgive them" ?  (St. Luke 23:34,  Acts 7:60)                                   ____ Do it To live above the depression of this carnal world, and to expel the lying spirit, one must have a realization of the Spirit of truth;  and then, a strong resolve to live out of God's Spirit Word, ... rather than the lying spirit of depression.   (St. John 14:16-27)           "Put on the helmet of Salvation"                           the "Shield of Faith"                     "Breastplate of Righteousness"       Take up the "Sword of the Spirit" (Spirit Word) - Ephesians 6:10-19 It doesn't matter how you feel.  You are now God's creation.  The Spirit of God will renew your mind. The Church Will Be Effected Because a perverted form of the gospel has been held to be true,  "good intending" people have never been born again. The doctrine of substitution, and religious traditions, have left these converts in the "grave". But, when the resurrection life is preached, and Spiritual gifts come into operation, the glory of Christ stands up before the world.  It is by grace, ... through faith.  It's the promise of the Father. The old religious justification left one dead in the grave, and powerless: but this justification brings you new life, and has accompanying power. The glory of God surrounds you.  Devils tremble, and flee, at your command.  It's the power of God unto salvation.  It's justification,   ... resurrection style. Are you led by the Spirit of truth;  or are you "all over the board",  and  ... confused  in your effort ? "The Comforter (Gk. parakle'tos, guide, advocate), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,  whatsoever I have said unto you."                                                  - St. John 14:26 ____ "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal  (at one)  with God: But, made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,  to the glory of God,  the Father. Wherefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only,  but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear, and trembling.  For it is God which works in you, both to will, and to do, of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings, and disputings:  that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,  among  whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the Word of Life;  that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in  vain."                                              - Philippians 2:5-16 He is "Alive"  Hear What the Spirit is Saying  (Revelation 3:18-22) This understanding of justification will let you off of the judging game, and return that role to God.   (only His Word of direction matters) The position that we have is one of stewardship, where our words are His;  and our works, are the works that He is presently doing through us ... as we are inspired by His Spirit. There will be many stubborn religious folks that are perishing with their works, and scriptures, ... simply because they will not soften their hearts towards the Holy Spirit ... to do ... His bidding.  Their own "good works", and good beliefs, and good judgments, will stink of hardness, fear, and confusion.  Their false counsel will be judged as not being of God's Spirit. Opinion and intellect are not enough. ___________________ How do you find me ?        "Come down the road of  Existence.   Stop,  and  turn right at the broken Savior on the big Cross.   (If you turn left, you'll be on the road called  Darkness;     if  you  go straight,  you'll be on the road called  Blindness) So, turn right.     And after the first block, or so,  it will start to get lighter.   (Be careful,  because it's  presently  being  patrolled by  the Spirit of truth) Anyway,  just keep going,  and you'll see my house on the right.   It's under construction.  (actually being remodeled)  It's far bigger than I thought. So, here's the address. (write it down)    101 Justification. I think it's great!       I live not far from Glory Express;    and Peace Park is just  behind me. I'm trying to get all my family, and friends, to move over here.    It's wonderful, ...  and exciting.        There's something new  happening,  always. I won't even get into it, ... who some of my neighbors are:  if you want to talk about the   ...  "who's who". But, it's sure great.    I think I'm here ... for a very long time. So, keep my address close.     There's still room. Hope to hear from you,  real soon."                                                - Your friend	Pgs 32 - 49

Chapter four
	Knowing Removing the Cloak of Religion   (Putting on the Garments of Salvation)     I want to talk to the really active Christians for a moment:  the ones who are reaching out in the world  ... to win souls. When you are working a convert, it's easy for the thought to be present, that this "God life", or Christian thing, is your idea, and that you are introducing this person to a concept for the first time. But let me tell you, when you believe that God is really the God of the universe, (and this world), then you must believe that He has already  ... been relating to the individual.  Yes, in most cases, if you asked the person what God has been talking to them about, they would know.  (if they faced up to it) As God's steward you may share something with the person on behalf of God (in His name) when He wants it done;  but it is God's work.  He is the "present" God of this world. "Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven." We are His servant, His steward, ... His son. "For as many as are led by the Spirit,  they  are the sons of God."                                                        - Romans 8:14                                                                                    Some ministers are just sold on a "concept".  They are salesmen, selling an idea.  Stewardship is different.   Jesus said, "the wind blows where it will;  ... so is every one that is born of the Spirit". The "expressions" may be more than just vocal.  They may also be "acts": maybe even miracles.  Be the light.  When you believe this, you will relate to people differently.  The Spirit of truth is present; and there is a variety of expressions.  (see: Isaiah ch.61) A steward must let go of the practice of conversion and introduce people ... to the Spirit of God. In the midst of all the "conflab" today, has God spoken to you ?     Has God spoken to you, yet ?   Do you expect Him to ?   There is a scripture that goes like this, "Seek the Lord with all your heart, and you will find Him". There is also one that says that He is knocking on the door of your "awareness", and that He wants to come into your space, and ... communicate with you.  (Revelation 3:20) The Holy Spirit Wants to Talk This very truth that I am sharing with you, in this section, was born out of an unusual situation. Two fellows, and myself, were sitting around one evening, visiting.  They were actually practicing some songs that they had written, and I was just there visiting. One of the fellows was sharing with me, ... that he was going to start a "bowling night" to invite his friends to; so that he could share the gospel with them, ... and lead them to the Lord. I thought that this was a great idea; so I invited another person to come to hear it, ... thinking that this would spark faith in that person  ... to do something  similar This is when the surprises began to happen.  And I believe, at this point, God began to manifest His presence in our midst. Because the person that I had invited was younger, and of the youth generation, the fellow felt awkward sharing his vision about the "things of the Lord". (I hadn't realized this about him before)   So, after several attempts, the "strained conversation" died, and the young person left. I couldn't help but think how the Holy Spirit was interested in both of these individuals;  ... and how that He wanted to minister His grace to both, and to comfort them, and make them feel accepted. This was an open door of ministry for this fellow; but he was caught "off guard";  and  the Holy Spirit was trying to talk to him, and work with him. Well, this conversation about evangelism, and doing outreach projects, must have gone on (at times) for at least an hour or more, and the fellows went back to practicing their songs;  and the conversation went off in other directions.       And then, it happened. I don't think it was more than ten minutes later, and God spoke to me that ... He wanted to say something.  So, I stood up and said, Let's stop for a minute:  I believe God has something for us.  I believe He wants to say something to us. Well, to make a long story short, the practice was good, the visit was good, and we talked about many things.  But, when I stood up and said that God wanted to say something, the fellow that was telling of his evangelism idea would not stand up with me,  nor stop to hear a "Word from the Spirit of the Lord".  In fact, he left. What am I saying? I think the fellow's heart was in the right place, and he wanted to serve God:  but two things happened to him ... that were so fast he could hardly catch it.  (because the Holy Spirit ... is present) First, his experience of sharing his vision with the young person made him uncomfortable.  Something was brought forth that God wanted to minister to ... in his life. Secondly, the Holy Spirit had been listening to our conversation, and because He cares, He wanted to comment. That night, I went home without sharing what the Spirit of God wanted to say to us,  but I sat for a long time, and thought about it,  ... and wrote it down. Now, I am sharing it with you;  and for sure, will share it with the people who were present. He is in places that you may not expect, for He is the God of the universe.  He is present. We lock Him out with our cheap distractions, sociable conversations, wrong agendas, and lying deceits, worries and ambitions.   Stop and pray today that God will visit you where you are.  He is near to you.  Respect His Word.  Write down His realizations. Glory in His comforts.  Follow His leading, and learn from Him. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name.  (Psalms 103) Let your soul be converted to the blessings of God's Spirit. Give Him your soul.  Let Him radically change it ... into His image.                                                 The Word is near you;  in your heart, and in your mouth. (the Word of faith, rhema, Spirit Word)   And, if you will act on this Word, confess it, and make it yours, you will experience salvation.  (Romans ch.10) We are undoing the will to "do",  ... and bringing forth the will to "be".  There is a great difference, and you will discover that this is the heart  ... of the true experience of being born again. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.  If any man will hear My voice, and answer the door,  I will come in to Him,  and  sup with him,  and  he with Me." This is not about the beautiful heart of Jesus. This is about your heart.  Will you allow the King of Glory to fill your soul ?   Lift up your eyes  ... to the source of majesty, and power. Intimacy We need to slow it down.  Let the Spirit of truth uncover some of those foundational issues in our lives. It's easy to get caught up in an ambitious project with a group of people.  But one doesn't even have to know the Spirit of the LORD to be involved in such a venture.  (St. Matthew 7:21-23, and  St. John ch.15) Sometimes, it's just about spending time with Him.  These are the times that He will develop our character and understanding; and regenerate our soul, and renew our mind. (Titus 3:5-7)  He wants to groom us to be His representatives;  but we must let "our" agenda go, and become conscious of His. "That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs ... according to the hope  ... of eternal life." - Titus 3:7                          Vision Our ministries rest in vision.  Our faith rests in vision.  It's the place that we work out of.  The Spirit of truth will show you what He wants to show you.  We need to bend to the way He sees things.  It's what restores us; and sends our "walk" into His majesty.  How could one ever think that it's possible to serve God apart from this relationship.    (St. John 5:19,20) Crucify Has there been any crucifixion going on in your life ?   Has there been any ideas, or things, that you've had to struggle with, and then, let go. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live;   yet not I, but Christ lives in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 *See also: Romans chs.5,6,8,12     New Birth What ?       New Vision      ...     New Truth     ...     Intimacy (Is there anything "new" in your life  ... that came from the Holy Spirit?) The expression of God's glory  ...  is not always: - where we think it should be - when we think it should be - how  we think it should be - why  we think it should be Does it matter ??         (Do we care?) Intimacy  ...  is crucial. Most of what we "think we understand", comes from our traditions.  It doesn't come from the Spirit of God. This puts us into a precarious position ... when we talk about "justification". Let the agenda be crucified.  Let "your works" be born out of His Word.  (Spirit of truth)     He dwells within you.  (St. John ch.14) Do a little at a time,     ...  as He directs.              Peace  -  where do you find it ? Joy  -  where do you find it ? Love  -  where do you find it ? Grow your faith 1.  to "know" your faith  ...  is up to you. 2.  to "show" your faith  ...  is up to you. 3.  to "grow" your faith  ...  is up to you. Where is your heart ?    Are you serving God ?   (or, just an idea?) Jesus said,  "I and the Father,   ... are one"   (St. John 10:30) Baptism and Intimacy Baptisms, and washings, are used in many religions to show an act of purification for service unto God.  In the ancient times, the Jewish priests would wash before offering service to God.  In the time of John the Baptist, it was a symbol of repentance, and preparation ... to serve God. There is nothing wrong with this idea of purification, repentance, and dedication.  But, the apostles of the early Christian church took it further.  Here's what the apostle Paul had to say to the Roman church. "Do you not know, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death ? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up  from the dead  by the glory of the Father;   even so, we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,  ... we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  knowing this, that our old nature is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise, consider yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive   ...  unto God,  through Jesus Christ our Lord."                                                            - Romans ch.6 Seeing baptism in this light, leaves us no alternative than to face the loss "of the cross" in our lives, too.  Could this be what Jesus meant, when he said,     ... "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself ...  and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it;  but, whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, and the gospel's,  ... shall save it."                                                      - St. Mark 8:34,35	Pgs 50 - 62

Chapter five
	Severity The Christ Anointing   The Christ anointing is an expression of God in this earth that has a specific purpose to declare the "grace and truth" of God openly before the whole world. In this "grace and truth", mankind finds his way into God's salvation, and adoption.  (St. John chs.1,3,  and Proverbs ch.8) I think we need to be careful, at this point, as to how we perceive Christ. I know that the whole world is talking about Jesus, and singing about Jesus, and praying to Jesus.    But, Jesus had something to say about this, as found in John's account of the gospel. "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,  it abides alone:   but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.    (much fruit - the "body of Christ", the church) He that loves his life shall lose it;  and  he that  hates his life in  this world,  shall keep it   ... unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me;  and where I am, there shall also my servant be:  if any man serve me,  him will  my Father honor. Now, is my soul troubled; and what shall I say ?   Father, save me from this hour:  but for this cause, I came unto this hour. Now, is the judgment of this world:  now, shall the prince of this world be cast out.  (because of  the Christ anointing ) * Compare:  Isaiah ch.61  to  St. Luke 4:17-21, and St. John chs.14-17                                         And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, we have heard out of the law that Christ lives forever;  so, how do you say, that the Son of man must be lifted up ?          Who is this Son of man ? Then, Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you:  for he that walks in darkness, knows not where he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light.   These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and he hid himself from them."                                                      - St. John 12:23-36 The Christ anointing is that expression of God's Word in this earth; the Holy Spirit (Spirit of truth) that Jesus spoke to his disciples of. This Word that we are talking about is God's living Spirit Word. It is this Word that became flesh in St. John ch.1.  It is this Word that is the anointing of Isaiah ch. 61.  It is this same Word that proceeds from the mouth of God in St. Matthew 4:4, and Revelation 2:16,17. It's this Word that we are born again by in 1 Peter 1:22-25;  and that the apostles preached in  Romans 10:8. I'm not talking about the Bible.  I'm talking about Spirit Word. The "Christ anointing" is found in this Spirit Word.  It's the Word of Revelation 19:10-21.  It's the Word of the Church. (Revelation chs.2,3) Where is ... the "Christ" ?   If you are still waiting for Jesus, you are probably missing out on what Christ is doing in the earth today.                              Christ, is a multi-membered body of people who are declaring the "grace and truth" of God's Spirit Word in this earth;  and are doing all that the heavenly Christ anointing is intending to do in this day. Christ, is a title that means the same as Messiah, or Deliverer, or the one who leads the people out of their bondage, and sets up the Kingdom of God. This anointing is not found in "one person" only.  This anointing is found in the Spirit of God.  It is very important to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. (Revelation chs.2,3) There is no "Christ expression" ... apart from Holy Spirit expression. "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 dwells 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.  (active faith) 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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  And if children, then heirs;   heirs of God,  and  joint-heirs with Christ;" - Romans 8:8-17           See also:  Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians                               _____      There is an expression of religion in this earth ... that teaches creed, traditions, membership, and service to the church. There is also a sect of people ...that glorify scriptures, opinion, dedication, and good works.  They say God has spoken, and that's good enough for them. These people make an outward show of prominence, but they don't know the presence of the Spirit of truth.     They are lost. The Spirit of Christ cannot lead them ... because they "already know".   The conversion, and renewing process, can't happen, because they "already know".  Their lives are full of distraction. They have justified themselves, because of an "idea".  Someone has convinced them, and accepted them; but they are still without the Spirit of Christ in their lives.  Their counselors are wrong; and it's like the blind leading the blind.  (Romans 8:14-16) Each one of us has to fight off the deceptions of this world; not only for ourselves, but for those also who would look to us.  It's time now to stop what we're doing, and face this challenge of the cross.  For each one of us it may be a little different.              "Verily, I say unto you, Whosoever ...  shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child,  shall in no wise enter therein."                                                  - St. Luke 18:17              You're not going to go to heaven, just because someone told you that you are.   (Don't let other people become your excuse.  It won't work) You may have a good heart, and be a nice person,  but you need to hear what the gospel is saying to you.  There is a close relationship to be had with the Spirit of God; and when you know Him, you will know justification.   (St. John 17:3,4,  St. Luke 18:18-30)   ____ The Cross Jesus knew that he was facing an awesome trial ahead, as he prayed (alone) in the Garden of Gethsemane.  And, as he yielded his will once again to the Father, he reached for that strength that flowed from the Throne;  and that "voice" that had always directed his life.  It was here; and he would respond that his soul was sorrowful, even unto death.  He prayed with agony ... "Father, all things are possible for You;  take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will,  but what You will."                                                          - St. Mark 14:36               He felt weakness, and struggle, and he would have to rely upon the Spirit Word of the Father, for he could see nothing victorious around him, now.  In fact, it seemed like everyone else was winning.  No crowds.  No miracles.  Only clouds of despair. There may be times in your life, when you will share what seems to be a contrary direction;  either for yourself, or for someone else.     You  will feel   ... 1.  The sting of the whip  (accusations) 2.  The crown of thorns  (scorn) 3.  The sign  (that gives you "a name") 4.  Nailed hands  (ruined service) 5.  Nailed feet  (no liberty) 6.  The spear  (in your bosom) 7.  And the waiting  (until you die) You might be put into a situation  ... where you are surrounded by people that are hard on your reputation:  and everybody might think  ... it's over. But, if you are looking to the Father, (to obey  ... the Word of His Spirit);  and are waiting for that glorious release of life,   ... You will arise ! It's hard to minister resurrection life  ... if you have never experienced it.  Most of us don't want to go through the cross.  But it's on the other side of the cross that we experience the Spirit of resurrection. When God looked into the "darkness", and disorientation, of this world's humanity, He looked to the very heart of it.  He looked into the very belly of hurt, and sin, itself:  and He said, that is where I am going to send My justification.  That is where I am going to send My resurrection power.  My Grace.  My truth.   For I will redeem them from out of the belly of hell, and condemnation. If God is still ministering with this same Spirit of justification, then where do you think ... He might be at work ? Bow your knee.  Annihilate the riches of your character.  Let portions of your character be "crucified", and "renewed".  We have nothing to boast of, save in the glory of Christ, and the power of God unto salvation.  He will re-direct our lives. The Christ ... (St. John 1:1-4 cf. Proverbs 8:20-36) "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. Now, you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;  no more  can you, except you abide in me.  (the "Christ anointing",  the Spirit Word) I am the vine, you are the branches.  He that abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit:  for without me you can do nothing.  (Spirit Word,  St. John 14:17,26) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein, is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples." - St. John 15:1-8 "Unto You, O God, we give thanks.  Unto You ... we give thanks:  for Your wondrous works declare that You are near. When I shall receive the congregation, I will judge uprightly.  God is the judge.  He puts down one, and sets up another. For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture;  and He pours out the same:  but, the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out and drink them." - Psalms 75 (comp: St. John 14:10-12) Relationship Knowing "justification", ... comes out of relationship with the Spirit of God;  not an opinion about which religion is true.  (Romans 8:14-18) "there is a cup, and the wine is red;  it is full of mixture;  and He pours out the same:"   (full of mixture,  1 Corinthians ch.12)                             We have been so accustomed to hearing the gospel preached in a certain way, that without knowing it, we are promoting a  "creed"  (a religious belief system)  that leaves people without the experience of salvation. Nowhere in scripture is it recorded that the apostles presented an "intellectual belief" that would save a person's soul.  A right way to believe, or a wrong way to believe.  No, everything was presented as relationship.  (the promise of the Holy Ghost  - Acts 2:38) The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness are a good example of this challenge that the church faces, even today.  (St. Luke 4:1-13) Satan said, "it is written".  Jesus said, "it is written".  But there was a difference in their presentation.  Satan was presenting scripture out of "head knowledge";   while Jesus (on every occasion)  presented scriptures admonishing "relationship". This is where our personal justification, and joint-heirship, is found. Most often, when people are asked "what they believe", they will give a "statement of faith" answer.      But, it should be  ...   "I believe in  prayer,      ...   and   "fulfillment". - that's relationship "I believe in hearing the Holy Spirit,  and obeying".                                        - that's relationship _____   He is God  (Today) "Do you despise the riches of His goodness, and forbearance and longsuffering;  not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance ? Or, does your unmovable heart  ... treasure up wrath unto yourself against the "day of wrath", and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God who will render to every person, according to their deeds: To them, who by patient continuance in well doing do seek for glory, and honor, and immortality,    ... eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation, and wrath.   For God is no respecter of persons."  - Romans 2:4-11 "Yet, the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God, my rock, why have You forgotten me ?   Why am I mourning ... because of the oppression of the enemy ?"  (repetitive  relationship  in this life ... read the whole Psalm) - Psalms 42:8,9 *Your will be done.  For You command the serpent, and the sword.  (Amos ch.9) Grace                "For the law was given by Moses,  but, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ"                                                             - St. John 1:17       Grace and Truth  (Titus 3:7) We have misunderstood the word "grace".  We think that grace is something that pleases "self": and truth is something that makes us  "wise". If this were the case, then we would be right back at the Garden of Eden, ... looking  to the  Tree of Knowledge  of Good and Evil. Grace may be the very thing that goes after us ... to help us when we don't even recognize it. It's a "live" active force that has the character of "truth" within it;  and many times it can be quite severe, and unexpected.  God was exercising "grace" before you ever knew what was going on. It may not always appeal to our selfish nature, what God is doing. That's where the cross comes in.  When we're finished trying to get undeserved favor, and ready to "give ourselves" to His Spirit of grace and truth; then, we will begin to experience the renewing of the Holy Ghost.  That's the experience of the promise of the Father. It's the divine influence upon the heart, and mind, that makes us fit to be partakers of His Name, as His children.  It's the character and direction of the Spirit of truth that takes us from a lost condition, and places us into the schooling of the "new child".  (Acts 2:38,39, and  3:19, Titus 3:3-7,  1 Corinthians 2:5) One does not experience growth under the law:  but rather, by this new Spiritual outpouring of grace and truth into our lives. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through  our Lord Jesus Christ:  by whom also we have access by faith into this grace  wherein we stand,  ... and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (that's our daily living) And not only so, we glory in tribulations, also:  knowing that tribulation ... works patience; and patience, experience;  and experience,  hope:  and hope makes not ashamed;  because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost ... which is given unto us.   (the "promise") (now, then) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  (before ... you even knew) God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet  sinners, Christ died for us.   (read:  Titus 3:3-7) (The Atonement) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath ... through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.   (intention of  "oneness", unity) - Romans 5:1-11 There is an "agreement of atonement" that is in place between the God of the Universe, and the Human of the earth; and it rests upon the same powerful Word that created all that there is.  It is a Creation atonement agreement; and we find our justification, and our eternal salvation, ... within this covenant relationship. _____	Pgs 63 - 79

Chapter six
	Atonement  What about the Blood?                                                      For thousands of years, dating back to the beginning, we have seen from the earliest records that man has offered sacrifice to God. There is an inherent respect in every culture of man for the Creator. Dating back to ancient writings of Zoroastrianism, and the early writings of Enoch, the prophets spoke of one called Son of man. He was seen as the greatest threat to the Spirit realms that were at war with the great God.  He was spoken of as ... The One of the "secret oath".  (Word) The sending of "this One" to earth, is not something new;  it had been prophesied by a variety of cultures, as well as the Jews.  A good example of this is the Zoroastrian "magi" visiting the birth of Jesus. When God breathed into the first man, Adam, his heart began to pump, and blood flowed through his body to "every part". Blood, is the only "sustainer of life" that touches every part of our being; and probably is the best representation of our individual life  ... in totality.  That's why it is used so often for serious oath. And so, we have an introduction to the two binding forces pertaining to a  "covenant agreement":  Word, and Blood.  This is followed by the true identity of the two parties, and activated ... in faith. In this case, the Son of man came to us as "God's Word", but returned his blood unto God, as "man".  He signed the "Atonement Covenant" as the "first man" in.  He signed it on behalf of all those who would follow, and enter in by faith.   - thus (in the name of)   - Jesus Christ * See this ... in Romans 8:26-34 Although the covenant is a Word covenant, ... it is associated with the person of Jesus Christ.  In fact, we are not just a friend of Christ, or believe about Christ:  but we are "in" Christ. We are in his covenant, and we are in his anointing and purpose. We are in his word of oath, in his sufferings, and in his faith. We are in his death, and in his resurrection.  And, we are in his promises that the Father has put upon him. We are in the prophecies that foretold of his coming, and in the Word of God. Because of this, we will see the importance of the blood to our relationship.  Unlike the blood of animals that was used for sacrifice,  ... this blood is different.  We are saved by faith, and not by sacrifice.  We are "born anew" ... into all that Christ is. This covenant is one of "sonship" and authority:  not merely a religion of "being forgiven" ... for sins past.    (Ephesians ch.1) 1.   The life is in the blood     (Leviticus 17:11) 2. The covenant is in the blood    (St. Luke 22:20) 3. The voice of testimony is in the blood   (Hebrews 12:24  - Able cried for "vengeance",                                 blood of Jesus for "forgiveness") 4. The "family ties" are in the blood 5. Identity  is in the blood   (Revelation 5:9,10,      Isaiah 53:11) 6.  Protection  is in the blood  (St. John 10:15,28,29) 7.  Cleansing  by blood   (1 John 1:7, 2:2) 8. The "promise" of heirship is in the blood     (Ephesians 2:13-22)                       ...  and more. "And he was clothed in a vesture  ... dipped in blood:  and his name is called  ... The Word of God." - Revelation 19:13                       The "New Covenant" is Different                        "Sacrifice and offering, and burnt offerings, and offerings for sin, You did not want, neither did You have pleasure therein;  which are offered by the law; Then said I, Lo, I come to do Your will, O God.   He takes away the first, that He may establish the second. And by Your will, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ  ... once for all. Whereof the Holy Ghost is also a witness to us:  for after that He had said before,    ... * This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.  And their sins, and iniquities, ... I will remember no more."                                              - Hebrews 10:8-17 (part) This scripture explains the transition from a covenant that relies upon sacrifice, and offerings;  to a "new covenant" of faith and obedience.  (to the Word that comes to our hearts, and minds  - not a Book) Immediately following this chapter, we enter into a discussion of faith and obedience ... in real life.  (chapter 11 of Hebrews) Then, in chapter 12, we again see what this faith and obedience looks like, as Jesus goes through the struggles, and persecutions of mankind, to the cross.  He is seen as the "perfecter of the faith", ...  because of his obedience, and endurance.   He came ... to do the  "will of the Father".   (Romans 5:18,19) Now, the scripture goes on to speak to the people who enter into this covenant by faith, and experience the Spiritual Kingdom.         "But, you are come unto Mt. Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the Judge of all, and to the  spirits of just men made perfect. And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant,  and to the blood of sprinkling,  that  speaks better things than that of Abel. * See that you refuse not Him that speaks.   For if they did not escape who refused him that spoke on earth, much more  shall we not escape if we turn from Him that "speaks" from  heaven: Wherefore, we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may  ... serve God acceptably, with reverence, and Godly fear:"                                            - Hebrews 12:22-28 (part) This covenant is one of "voice".   All that we have shared in this section about justification, revolves around relationship, and hearing the Word of the Spirit,  that we might serve Him in a way that  He intends. The traditional church has given all of their attention to the sacrifice.  (and still does to this day)  But they give no attention to "hearing what the Spirit would say" ... to the church, and to the individual. They have missed the whole point of the new covenant ... which has transitioned from "sacrifice" ... to "hearing and obeying". How can we find justification in a covenant that we don't acknowledge  ? ? ? We have given more credibility to our dedication, offerings, and service, to the church, than we have to the recognition of the presence and intention of the Holy Spirit in "our lives". We receive the praise, and judgment, of man:  but don't know the "voice" ... of the Spirit of God.     Look at these scriptures  ... "Behold,  I stand at the door and  knock:  if any man "hear my voice",  and open the door,  I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.   (a door speaks of "opportunity", and change of experience) To him that overcomes, I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame,  and am set down with my Father in His Throne. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."                                                     - Revelation 3:20-22 ____ Your justification I want to repeat it one more time:  the "new covenant" is not looking so much to the sacrifice, as it is to the obedient faith of the Son of God.  He was "obedient unto death".  It is not a sacrifice covenant:  but rather, a Word covenant. The old sacrifice covenant is finished:  the new Word covenant is in effect.  It was the "obedience" of Christ to the Word that accounted for righteousness.  It is our obedience to "the Word" that accounts for righteousness.    We are entering into the faith (of) Christ.  (Romans 5:19-21, 1 Peter ch.1, Galatians 2:20) The recognition that "life" is in the blood ... has now changed to believe that true "life" is in the Spirit.       Jesus said,  ... "the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life"                                                    - St. John 6:63 This Spirit of the Creator conquers death, heals, restores, leads, forgives, sets the captive free, and teaches.  This is the covenant that Christ (the Word) introduced to us, that we might live. "When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea, Philippi,  he asked his disciples,  Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am ? And Simon Peter answered and said,  you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and  said unto him,  blessed are you, Simon Barjona:  for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you,  but my Father which is in heaven. And I say unto you,  you are Peter, and  upon this rock I will build my church;  and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto you the keys  to the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever you will bind on earth, shall  be bound in heaven:  and  whatsoever you shall loose on earth,  shall be loosed in heaven. " - St. Matthew 16:13-19 The debate has gone on for years as to whether, or not, Jesus meant that Peter was the rock upon which Jesus would build his church. I think it's quite obvious that Peter was blessed  ... because of his "revelation", so it doesn't bother me that Jesus would build his church on Peter ... if he was abiding in "revelation".  In fact, the scriptures do say that the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles, and "prophets".  (Ephesians 2:20) And this raises an important issue about the "covenant", and our justification.  This experience of "justification" is not found in a written word;  but rather, in the word of "revelation".  Our relationship to this covenant is not because of written word:  but rather, the experience of "Spiritual birth, and renewing". This is the difference between the "creed" church of tradition, and the Spiritual church.  It's the difference between law, and the gospel.  Much of the early church writings are about this very topic. "But now,  in Christ Jesus,  you  who sometimes were far off, are made near by the blood of Christ. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances:  for to make in himself from two,  one new man,  so  making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross:  having slain the enmity thereby.  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were near. For through him, we both have access by one Spirit ... unto the Father. Now therefore,  you are no more strangers, and foreigners,  but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  and are built upon the foundation of the apostles, and prophets;  Jesus Christ himself,  being the chief cornerstone; In God, all the building fitly framed together, grows unto a holy temple in the Lord:  in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:13-22 ____ Most "creed" based churches don't have this Spiritual relationship because they don't need it. They have their "statement of faith", and their traditions.  They might be nice people, but they are not experiencing what this is talking about:  nor, do they know the voice of the Spirit. This "creed" idea has also followed into many denominational churches, (known as "Bible based" churches)  They are afraid to call themselves "ministry based" churches, because they don't know the "voice of the Spirit".  They base their "justification" upon faith in written word, ordinances, and the faithful practice of traditions;  and choose to believe the opinions of their teachers;  but don't know how to hear what the Spirit is saying  ... to the church. The cross is the place where "all" religious opinion stops. In most of the references to the cross, in the early writings, it is referred to as the place where religious division, and enmity, stops. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness;  but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise ?   Where is the scribe ?   Where is the disputer of this world ?   Has God not made foolish, the wisdom of this world ? For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:   But, we preach Christ crucified. Unto the Jews, this is a stumbling block;  and unto the Greeks, foolishness.  But, unto them which are called (by the Spirit),  both Jews, and Greeks;  Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God. But, of Him are you in Christ Jesus;  who of God is made unto us wisdom,     and righteousness, ... and sanctification, and redemption:  that according as it is written, he that glories, let him glory ... in the Lord."                                                 - 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 You see, what the apostle is saying, ... is that the "cross" is offensive. (and) Because it is human nature to condemn, and religion is thought to be enlightened, no one would build a religious system upon a  symbol of condemnation.  No, no one would.   But God would, ... because His  "justification", and atonement, is founded upon the truth.  He starts ... where we are at. Our religions are religions of guilt, and pretense, and hoping:  but His is one of relationship. When we speak of the cross, we must approach the offence of it.  It's where criminals die.  That's why it's a stumblingblock. It's not about "what we did right".  It's the picture of condemnation, and death, even to "our religion".  Judgment unto death.  We are finished.   Let God arise. Forget our prejudices.   Let God's grace  rescue the perishing. This is what this experience looks like.    Listen to Paul, the apostle.                  "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 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 how does a man know the things of a man, except for the spirit of man, which is in him ?   Even so, the things of God, no man knows, except for 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. Which things also 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 to 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 (part) So now, we can take the cross off that we are wearing around our neck.  It's not the symbol of the Kingdom of God.  Now, we can look to the Word of God's Spirit;  and the active faith that proceeds from our life.  That's the light of the world. But you say, I kind of like my cross.   And I say, go ahead and wear it if it makes you happy:  just as long as you know that wearing it  ... has nothing to do with your justification. Demons don't flee from your cross;  but they do from the Word of God.  There is no substitute for the experience of relationship with God. The Bible that you're carrying, ... is not one of the signs of the Kingdom of God. "You, are our epistle (a writing), written in our hearts, known, and read of all men: declared to be the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink,   but, with the Spirit of the living God;  not in tables of stone (or paper), but, in fleshly tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ toward God: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves;  but our sufficiency is of God;  Who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant;  not of the letter,  but of the Spirit:  for the letter kills,  but the Spirit gives life. Now, the LORD is that Spirit:  and where the Spirit of the LORD is   ... there is liberty. But we all with open face (no mask),  beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image, from glory unto glory,  even as by the Spirit of the LORD." - 2 Corinthians ch.3 (part) ____ Do I believe in the Bible ?  Yes. (see how many times I quote from it?)   But, it's not my Christian life.  It doesn't have anything to do with my justification;  nor my relationship with the Spirit of God.  It might make me aware of what my early brothers, and sisters, had to say;  and  what the gifted ministries had to say;  but knowing that is no substitute for the calling of God that is upon my life. Have "you" entered into covenant relationship with God, who is a Spirit ?   Are you justified ? It's time to stop fitting into the "right crowd";  and be born again.   That's what the preaching of the cross is all about.   Stopping. _____        How Does One Know ?    (here's some clues) "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."                                                              - Acts 2:38,39 "Forasmuch then, as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us,  who  believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God ? When they heard these things they held their peace, and glorified God,  saying,  then God has also granted unto the Gentiles repentance unto  life."                                                            - Acts 11:17,18 "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 " - Romans 8:14-17	Pgs 80 - 106

Chapter seven
	Ministry   As I stood ministering to a group of people, I was presenting a picture of Jesus, and who he was.    And then, it happened. Coming towards me, was a vision of Jesus; and as he quickly approached,  he just stepped right over me, and quietly stood  behind.   A glorious manifestation of life was becoming evident in me.  Resurrection life and glory were stirring in my own life.  After all, that's what the gospel ... is about.  It's about reconciliation to God.  Newness of "life", and refreshing of Spirit. The "ministry" that is born out of justification manifests this glory of the Spirit of God.  We have spent so much time talking about ministries of the past, and stories from scriptures, that we have lost the experience of the gospel.  God's Spirit can use you, if you will let Him. As we have seen before, the witness to justification is the Spirit's manifestation of presence, and ministry.  This is the difference between experiencing God, or just "talking about" Him. I want to make a clear distinction between Spiritual ministry, and human religious effort.  One builds the Kingdom of God.  One builds a religious sect.  Remember, religion stops at the cross; and relationship starts at new birth.  (Romans ch.8) When one can get past "sect-building", then everyone looks different.  They now become part of God's creation, and you will feel God's ruling intent towards them.  We are all God's creation, and it is His Spirit that will give the Word of direction. You will soon see that it is hard for us to let go, and let God be God;   for we want to learn the system,   and then ... direct.                ____ Get Your Head Out of the Frenzy I had just spent some weeks writing on the subject of healing, and I had experienced new understandings of how God cared for His Creation, and how that part of the gospel was the manifestation of this great love.  I was "fired up", and ready to do God's work. I heard of a couple that had a daughter that was crippled, and dying;  and they were going through a terrible time as they sat in the hospital day after day.  This weighed heavily on my mind, and I struggled and prayed about it over and over for days. I knew that the prophets of old had told of a day when the light of God's love, and salvation, would shine brightly in the earth; and we were "that light".  I was ready; but it seemed that God was not moving in that direction:  or, at least, not at this time. Now the misunderstanding started.  On one hand, I could see the truth of God's love; but I could feel no leading to pray for this girl, and solve the parents' problem.  I was distraught. Oh, I knew better.  I remembered how Satan had tempted Jesus in the wilderness, when he told him to jump off the pinnacle of the temple, because God would protect him:  and how Jesus would answer that we were not to tempt God,  but rather listen to Him. I knew that Jesus had taught his disciples  ... to wait upon the Holy Spirit for leading;  but I was "fired up", and my love would solve this problem with this gospel that I had learned.  The argument with God was beginning to brew. Do you see how unruly our nature is ? Either we go through life totally "self-serving";  or, when we see the truth of the gospel, we want to manage that, too.  When will we allow God to be God ?  When will we lay our lives down, and let His glory come forth ?  I needed to learn that God looks at people, and His Creation, from an eternal perspective;  and He sees things that I can't even dream of. This argument was brought into check as the Holy Spirit told me to look up a reference in the scriptures, from one of Paul's letters; and my understanding was ministered to.                     "For whether we live, we live unto the LORD:  whether we live therefore,  or die, we are the LORD's. For to this end, Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead, and living."                                                          - Romans 14:8,9         This gospel not only deals with this Creation, but also, with eternity.  God is the God of both the living, and the dead.  We say that we believe in the Spiritual realm, but how shortsighted we are as we deal with this eternal God;  the Father of us all. ____   The Cat About the same time (shortly after)  as this experience  one of my daughters was moving to another city,  and  she left her beloved cat at our place while she was getting settled. Day after day, this cat would lay in the chair across from me as I would spend my day writing.  It was a pretty cat, with big eyes, and it liked to talk to you.  And then, one day, without warning, it had a stroke, became crippled, and looked to be dying.  It was remarkable.  It was the same thing that was going on with the girl that I was telling you about:  only now, right in front of me, in my home.  Well, you can imagine me.  The bewilderment started, and a sick feeling set in, and I was getting ready to judge God. "God, You have just taught me how special Your Creation is, and how that we of the gospel are to be a light in a dark world,  and express Your glory  to heal, and  save." Once again, the Spirit of God said to me,  "Don't get involved". You see, everything is not my job.  The spin-offs, and effects, of things that go on, are not always within our understanding.  But, God sees it.  Things may be going on in people's lives that we don't know anything about.   (maybe,  even in answer to our own prayers) When will we let God ... be God ?   Why are we trying to master this "ministry" thing ?   Actually, why are we trying to master God ? ____ The Temptation of the Son in the Wilderness The Spirit of God compelled Jesus to go into the lonely wilderness to be tested.  His answers (in all cases) were answers that directed to relationship with God, and the resolve to let Him be God. The bread, the promises of scripture, and the glory and power.    (St Matthew ch.4) He announced to the synagogue people that the Spirit of the LORD was upon him to ... perform ministry.    (St. Luke ch.4) When we become educated about God, and the gospel, we soon come to a place where we can explain what the scriptures really mean. After much study, we get it all figured out.  We know; and now, it's up to God  to do His part.  But, are we out of touch with our relationship ?  Our calling ?    Who controls our ministry ?                ____          It's  Not  About Scriptures Can you imagine the activity in the King's palace, where we have a household full of servants ? The way a real palace would work,    ...  is that there would be a:                        1. Chef 2. Butler 3. Waiters 4. Social coordinators  5. Laundry workers 6. Purchasers 7. Guards 8. Dressers 9. Cleaners 10. Tutors 11. Counselors 12. Physicians 13. Priests 14. Business managers 15. ... and more But, when we get the gospel, and Spiritual gifts, figured out, we all want to exercise "everything" at our will, because that's our right. We see it in the scriptures, and the preacher said it. (what confusion)                            We need to operate under the Word, and expectancy, of the King.   (This is not the same as an intellectual belief in the Bible,  ...  or Church) When will we let God  ... be God ?   Are you "on call", and consistently available to do your job ?   Are you under the authority of the Spirit of the Lord ?    (Isaiah ch.61, 1 Corinthians ch.12) Romans ch.12,  Ephesians ch.4,  1 Peter 4:10,11,  Ephesians ch.2,  St. John ch.14-16   He Will  Build His Kingdom I could see myself struggling to get up to the power of God. But, soon He taught me that the flow of the spiritual is trying to get  ... into the natural realm. We need to give this "breath of God's Spirit" a pathway into the natural.  And we need to become aware of these breaking manifestations that are continuously happening around us. Faith, is the "substance" (the landing strip), the place where the evidence comes forth into the natural.  (read: Romans ch.8) Repentance, is when one becomes more conscious of God's presence, authority, and intent, ... than they are of their own. We don't struggle to get.  We provide an operational place for the Spiritual to manifest. Intent, and anointing, are of the characteristic of the Spiritual. Phrases like: "What  will You  have  me  to do,  Lord ..." and "The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying ..." These are the issues that become important. Let the Spirit of God come and manifest Himself ... to fulfill His purposes.  (St. Luke 4:18-21,32-44) It's not always popular; but it's what repentance is all about. Can you imagine what our fellowship meetings  would be like ? Can you imagine  ...  how our communities would be effected ? ____   a Vision 2005                      I was going to minister to a church group when the Spirit of Lord  gave me  this vision. I could see Satan, or some demonic spirit, (huge),  sitting in a kind of throne,  over top  of that  particular church. Whenever  they  would have  a meeting,   he would  just turn sideways, and lean over,  and  look the other way,  until it was over.     Then,  he would  sit back  in his throne,  and  relax. I immediately interpreted this to be  a  stronghold of  the enemy,  ...  and I was ready.    (or, so I thought) Once again,  the Spirit of God spoke to me  ... to teach me His ways. It seemed as if He didn't even care that this "being" was there,  for He knew something that I didn't.   And, as I began to wait expectantly for Him,  He showed me that this world is full of  spiritual strongholds, and  carnal distractions, and that we  should never judge anything by this. He went on to say that He wasn't looking ... at geographical areas, but rather at the hearts of mankind;  and  that He was setting up  His throne  ... "in their hearts". I can't tell you how much this changed my perspective to focus my ministry on individuals,  rather than  places;  and to  not  get caught up  with  what  we see,   but rather,  what God  sees.  (the Spirit of God unites the Kingdom of God) "For greater is He that is in you,  than he that is in the world. (and) We are of God:  he that knows God hears us;  he that is not of God,  hears us not.     Hereby,  we know the Spirit of truth,  and  the  spirit  of error." -1 John 4:4,6 _____   Your Ministry                                                            Ministry is not always subjective.  You may not always be able to put your finger on what is being accomplished in your daily life. Now, I'm not saying this to excuse the deadbeats;  and I do think  that it's important to have vision, and to keep that vision in mind daily. But, look at Joseph in the scriptures. (Genesis chs.37-50)   He was a great prophet, and interpreter of dreams; and yet, his life had many days sitting in prison;  and it all seemed so useless.  And yet, a nation was conceived, gathered, and groomed, by one of the world powers; so that Moses could lead them out to the next step in God's plan. Many of the days and experiences of all the great men and women of God were non-subjective.  They couldn't explain every encounter.  But, God sees our lives, and ministries, from an eternal perspective;  and if we are faithful to His daily Word, ... our mission  will be accomplished. We must find His direction, and hear His voice;  because you can't be faithful, until you have His Spirit Word and vision to be faithful to. We need to stop trying to organize the picture, so that we can explain all of it.  When we've done that, we have reduced it considerably, and filled it with carnal reasonings. Now, having said all of this, God is still the God of order and design. (just look at Creation) The earth was without form, and void, and darkness covered the face of it.  And God created something "out of it". He is the God of Creation, and order, and design. So now, we're back to our point.   Let God   ...  be God. He brought forth the nation of Israel from out of Egypt from a castaway who was sitting in prison. He brought forth the church of Christ ... from a man who was hanging on a cross. "Except a kernel of wheat fall into the ground, and die, it abides alone"                                                             - St. John 12:24 "I am the vine, you are the branches.  He that abides in me, and I in him;  the same brings forth much fruit:  for without me, you can do nothing"         (speaking of himself as the Spirit Word,  vs.7) - St. John 15:5 ____     "Our Father, Who 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." - St. Matthew 6:13      ____ Human  "Imposition" and Legalism When will you rise into the justification of your ministry ?  How we judge ministries, rather than nurture them.  While God has His eyes on the people being ministered to, we desire to be the professional that judges.  When we pray, we have to remind God of the scriptures, and speak with an authoritative voice.       We think that's called faith. We say,  We have license ... because of God's Word.  And because we say a prayer, ... now it's up to Him to do His part.  We bind God by legalism. The truth is, that we don't understand the purity of His Word, nor do we stop ... to listen to Him. So, we impose a "law" upon God, and one another, because  (as we like to say) ... "His Word is sure". This is the "mature frothing" of fundamentalism.  It is the law of the letter; and it kills, and destroys. (2 Corinthians 3:6)  It is extreme, and exalts the human, not God. Do you see now, how the message of the cross gives us a new perspective on "ministry" ?   It allows us to minister from a Spirit of justification,  rather than condemnation. "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord;  and whether we die, we die unto the Lord:  whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived,  that he might be Lord both of the dead, and the living. But, why do you judge your brother ?   Or, why do you set at nought your brother ?   For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore, judge one another anymore:  but, judge this rather, that no man put a  stumblingblock,  or an occasion  to fall in his brother's way."                                                        - Romans 14:8-13                    ____ The Seal The seal of the Holy Ghost is an "existence" of "realization". It's a control atmosphere.  The seal of the Holy Ghost controls. It's that evidence that you belong to "the King".  It is the mark of authority.  Let your words be few.  Speak on His behalf, and in His name. This is Kingdom talk, Royalty talk, "inheritance" talk.  It's what we look for in the blessing of the gospel.  It takes one out of the realm of just being a "believer", into the resurrection life of the "justified". It is the light that has sprung up for all the world to see:  that same light that the prophets foretold on a "world wide" bases. See:  St. John 6:27,28,  2 Corinthians 1:21,22,  Ephesians 1:13-23 _____ This Chapter also has Bonus Quick Studies on the "Significance of the Cross" and the "Prophecy of Isaiah"	Pgs 107 - 140

Chapter eight
	Gospel The Call of the Preacher         The call of the preacher bursts from the soul.  And, where that soul resides ... is what we are going to hear about. Jesus preached from "essence".  He said, "I and the Father are  one.  He that has seen me, has seen the Father.  The words that I speak unto you are not my own, the Father that dwells in me, He does the works".  And the gospel that he preached to others, was that they might find the same thing. He prayed,            "...  this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God,  and  Jesus  (Christ),  whom You  have sent."  - St. John 17:3 There are people that think that the gospel is about Jesus.   And, some even pray to Jesus, sing about Jesus, and worship Jesus. They want to see Jesus, and they want to be like Jesus.  They even ask themselves, "what would Jesus do in this situation". They may think some things are confusing, because they don't see Jesus "in it".  They are so busy looking for Jesus that they can't see "what Jesus was seeing",  or hear what he was saying. So, now I'm going to tell you the gospel in a way that re-caps what we've been talking about.  Let's start at the beginning.  I'm going to be brief,  so be careful not to miss it.  Here it is. "In the beginning,    ...   was  the  Word" - St. John 1:1 Do you remember how we spoke about  "the journey", and the Holy place, and the Holy of Holies ?        When  He said, "And  there,  ...  I will commune with you" What is happening is that you are losing the vision of "one man"; and beginning to see that the gospel is the expression of God's Spirit Word, and presence.   Let's look at the Last Supper. "When  he had given thanks,  he  broke  the bread, and said, take eat,  this is my body,  which  is broken for you.    After the same manner also, he took the cup, when he had supped  saying,  This cup is the new testament in my blood;  as often as you drink of it, do it in remembrance of me" - 1 Corinthians 11:24,25 What Jesus is doing is passing his essence on to his disciples.  Here's my body.  Here's my blood.  Isaiah, the prophet, said that "his soul" (the savior's) would be an offering for sin.  (Isaiah 53:10)   The word "testament" is translated from the Greek word  "diatheke", which means a covenant, but most often is used to describe a will.  A will is the intention to pass something on. He had referred to this impartation before, when he said,  ... "Verily, I say unto you, except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.   Whoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life;  and  I will raise him up at the last day.               For my flesh is meat indeed,  and my blood is drink indeed.  He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. As the living Father has sent me, and I live by the Father:  so, he that eats me, even he shall live by me.  This is that bread which came down from heaven.      He that eats of this  bread  ... shall live forever." - St. John 6:53-58      How much was "on the line" ?   Everything.  You see that's what essence means.  "I in Him, and He in me".   At "one". "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 Salvation is about the return of people to God's (present)  Spirit Word,  and Presence. At one end of the tabernacle you have the "outer court", with the Altar of Sacrifice, and the huge "laver" (the place of washing): and, at the other end of the tabernacle you have the "Holy of Holies", with the "Ark of the Covenant".  (the place where God's Spirit speaks) "And this shall be the covenant that I will make:  I will put My law in their inward parts, and  write it in their hearts:  and will be their God,  ... and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more, every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying,  Know the LORD:  for they shall know Me, from the least of them, unto the greatest of them, says the LORD:  for I will  forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin ... no more." - Jeremiah 31:33-34 (See also: Isaiah chs. 42,55, and 59:21, Joel 2:28-32, Hebrews 8:10-13, and 10:15-25,  "for  all nations of the world"    - Acts chs.1,2,10,11,15,   and   St. John chs.1, and  3) ____ The call of the preacher is that we should "come to the presence of the Father". (the  "essence")      Listen to the early apostles.   ... "But, Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them,  ... Be this known unto you, and hear my words: This is that which was spoken by the prophet, Joel.  And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,  I will pour out  of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy,  and your young men shall see visions, and your old men ... shall dream dreams: And on My servants, and on My handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord ... shall be saved. Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus (the Christ),  for the remission of sins,  and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  ("essence", "testimony") 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.  Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:14-40 (part) The dawning ministry (the ministry that we don't own), reveals "Spirit Word". (St. John chs.1,3)   The light will shine forth.  It comes out of Spirit Word. "Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness to us:  for that He had said before, This is the covenant  ... that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them;  and their sins, and  iniquities,  I will remember no more. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest (Holy of Holies)  by the  blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having a high priest over the house of God;  let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the (active) profession of our faith, without wavering;  (for He is faithful, that promised); And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is;  but, exhorting one another:  and so much more, as you see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:15-25                ____ It's About  You Do I want to see Jesus ?  No.  I want to experience the only present  "realization" ... of communing Spirit Word.   I am in him, and he in me.  And, the Father is in us, and we in Him.  (read: St. John chs.14-17 - this is true discipleship,  not the discipleship of dogma)           "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  (remember communion?) To him that overcomes, I will grant to sit with me in my Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father ... in His Throne. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit "says" (not  has said)  ... unto the  churches." - Revelation 3:20-22 _____ Now, some of you will stay back at the "outer court", where the baptisms, and sacrifices, are important.  (Hebrews ch.6) Others will focus their attention in the Holy place, and not in the Holy of Holies. But, let me tell you that the destination of your journey is the place of communion with the Spirit of God.  And then, you will be a witness, and "a light".    Your calling is to be in Christ. Knowing about Jesus is not participation, and has no Spirit, and will not function in this anointing.          Let's  look.                 Pervasive Essence          "The Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life".                                                           - St. John 6:63                                        "The Word  is nigh you, even in your mouth,  and in your heart: that is the Word of faith,  which  we preach."  - Romans 10:8 (this is the  new covenant   -  Jeremiah,  Isaiah,  Joel) ____ "The testimony of Jesus ... is the Spirit of prophecy." - Revelation 19:10 (also: Revelation 1:2,9, 12:17, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9) ____ "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."                                                             - Romans 8:14                                        "He  shall  baptize you    ...   with  the  Holy Ghost" - St. Mark 1:8 ____ "But, you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost ... part of the earth."                                                                    - Acts 1:8 ____ "The Comforter, (parakletos, guide), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."   (comp: St. John 16:13)                                                           - St. John 14:26 ____ "The Lord has made known His salvation: His righteousness He has openly shown  ... in the sight of the heathen."                                                               - Psalms 98:2 ____ "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the ...  robe of righteousness. For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth;  so, the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."                                                         - Isaiah 61:10,11 ____ The planting of eternal life in your soul is the planting of eternal Word, and Spirit, in your soul. The essence must be allowed to take over in your life.  This is the "testimony of Jesus".   This is what is sown in people's lives.  Spirit Word of the Kingdom.  (Revelation 19:10)                                        Will You Hear ? Jesus said,  ... "When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, the wicked one comes, and takes away that which was sown in his heart.  This is he who receives seed by the wayside. He that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the Word, and with joy receives it.  He has no root in himself, but endures for awhile:  and when tribulation, or persecution, arises because of the Word, he eventually is offended. He also, that received seed among the thorns, is he that hears the Word, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word and he becomes unfruitful. But, he that receives seed into the good ground is he that hears the Word, and understands it;  and also bears fruit,  bringing forth a hundred fold,  sixty, and  some thirty."                                                  - St. Matthew 13:18-23 ____ In patience you possess the life of your soul.  (St. Luke 8:15, ch.21:19, Hebrews 6:12, Revelation 1:9, 3:10)   This "essence" is an ongoing, day after day, experience.  It is to become one with the Christ anointing.    The Spirit of the Father. As we have said before, justification is found in the experience of the "resurrection life".   Look at these ...early writings. "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." -  Romans 8:11 ____   "The righteousness, which is of faith (believing the Spirit Word) is like this;  the Word is near  you, even in your mouth, and in your heart:  that is,  the Word of faith,  which we preach; that if you will confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead,  ... you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness  (or, the right way);  and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (get involved,  in what the Spirit is saying) For the scriptures have said,  Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." - Romans 10:6-11 The real future of mankind lies within "idea".  No matter what inventions, wars, or civilizations:   they all proceed from "idea". Man has taken the essence, and interpreted it into a carnal movement, ... rather than Spiritual. He has sought to become the "presenter of truth", rather than obeying the Spirit of truth.  And so, we have an unregenerate version of the gospel, ... which we build our creed around. Where the religious "idea" (vision)  comes from, is either related to the Spirit Word;  or to a system of religion that is struggling for power,  and authority. My recommendation  ... is found in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. "He that has an ear, let him hear ... what the Spirit would say to the church" But, because humans will find acceptance from one another for their deeds, they will not stop ... until they have to. _____ The call of the preacher is to repent, and return to the real promise of the Father.  (Acts 2:38-40)       This, is the gospel. Isaiah's prophecy ... was that the Spirit of the Lord would direct His people.  (Isaiah 61:8) Jesus told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit.   (St. Luke 24:49) The apostles preached, ... that the promise is for you, and your children, and their children.  (Acts 2:38,39) The New Covenant with man, is not one of blood and sacrifice;  but rather, Spirit and Word.  (Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews ch.10) ____ Conclusion            Justification is found in the "resurrection, and new life, of the Spirit of God."  (that's where you find acceptance  ... His active grace) We walk in justification, as we are found walking in the Holy Spirit.  (Hebrews 10:38,39) The New Covenant with man is a covenant of "Word", found in the Spirit of truth. (St. John chs.14,15,16,17, and  1 Corinthians ch.2) Being "born again" is not a belief in a concept:  it is an experience with the Spirit of truth.  We are born again, and brought into a new existence ... by the Spirit Word.  (St. John ch.1 and 3) Jesus said, out of your innermost being, rivers of living water would flow. (St. John 4:14, 7:38,39) The apostle Peter said, that the promise is unto us;  and that we are born again by the Word of God.  (1 Peter 1:21-25) The apostle Paul said, that the Word is nigh you, and in you;   and that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are ...the sons of God.  (Romans chs. 8 and 10) "But, as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God,  even to them that believe on his name:  which were born,  not of blood, nor 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,  full of grace and truth."          - St. John 1:12-14	Pgs 141 - 172

Chapter nine
	New Life Galatians This letter from the apostle Paul, to the churches throughout the region of Galatia, has become a strong example to the conflict between "traditionalism", and the "Spirit-led life".   Throughout this letter, Paul asks the question, "Why would anyone go back to the empty practice of formality, and ignore the working of the Holy Spirit,    ... and the new life that is promised" ? This epistle shows the difference between religious attempt to justify people, and the "inheritance of promise" found in Christ. Rather than the emphasis being put upon "our" activity;  words like  "faith of Christ",  "grace of Christ",  "liberty", and "the cross", are introduced as the foundation for our Spiritual walk in the new life of promise. We need to learn our lesson from the Spiritual walk that we saw in the life of Christ and the early apostles.  They always spoke of a Spirit led life, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of the Father.  Why would anyone want to slip back into the statement of "what they believe", which "church they belong to", and the empty testimony ... that they and their family have "babysat the same building", for the better part of their life-time ? Paul's statement is clear.  The gospel of Christ is found through the revelation of the Holy Spirit of promise.  The "faith of Christ" is to know the present Spirit Word of the Father.  Why entangle yourself with the lost efforts of man ?   God wants to adopt us as His sons: as "heirs" of a Word of promise that He had made a long time prior to this. If you were to study the message of this letter, you would find that we belong to a "Spiritual" body of believers that know the voice of the Spirit of God.  They put no confidence in the fact of their creed, sacrifices, and baptisms;  for they are children of God, and  heirs of the promise of His Word.  They are led of the Spirit Word, and are doing the work of the Father.   They are the Christ. Word of God ... is not only two thousand years ago.     Word of God ... is today.  (Spirit Word) Spirit of God ... is not two thousand years ago.            Spirit of God ... is today. The eternal God is always present:  but quite often ignored by people who are caught up in their religion, and self-ambition. A religious person can pray, without knowing the mind of the Spirit. An ambitious person can go on with their activities, without ever knowing the mind of the Spirit. A remorseful person can grieve, and think that they are always hard-done-by, without ever finding salvation,  because they will not hear  the mind of the Spirit.  We miss our justification, and "new life", because we will not hear what the Spirit would say to us. The gospel of Christ is the experience that justifies, heals, and delivers: equips, sends, and uses:  adopts, bestows, and blesses. The Word of the promise is the fruitful fulfillment of God's creative intention for the human "beings" of this world.  He speaks, and His glory comes forth. This is not about second-hand religion.  This is about first-hand experience with new faith and resurrection life.  The call of the gospel is alive for you ... personally. Paul, who was previously a devout religious person, one day had to come to an experience with the Spirit of Christ.  No longer would his dedicated good intentions be sufficient.  He now had an accountable Spiritual relationship with God. Don't be afraid of revelation.   But rather, be a good steward over it. _____   When we look closely  ...  at the difference between the real gospel,  and  what we hear commonly presented,  the difference is this: The traditional church,  with  its  "doctrine of substitution",  still faces the same corrective Word  that John was told to deliver in Revelation chapters two and three.  It's the same problem that most of the churches that Paul wrote to, faced. And, two thousand years later it still persists,  ... and is presented as the gospel. The individual has no  "hearing of faith"  relationship with the Spirit of God, and is  not  participating in  ... the "promised grace". They are holding fast to the written Word as law; and practice ordinance, tradition, seasonal festivals,  saint worship,  mission days, etc. (ch.4:9,10) :   but, do not know  "what the Spirit is saying to the church".  (Revelation chs.2,3) The real gospel promotes experience with the Spirit of God, Spiritual gifts, and relationship  with God.  (St. John ch.3, Romans ch.8) ____   As we have looked through the scriptures, and felt the message that these men were sharing, it's hard to miss the fact that it is about our "relationship with the Spirit of God. Jesus taught his disciples ... that "the Spirit of truth would lead us into this relationship".  (St. John 14:16,17,26)     If we are not ministering out of this "Spirit of truth", then our religion becomes nothing more than a dictatorship, and that is weak. When we sing about the cross, we need to ask ourselves, "what is the date of my crucifixion, and  resurrection" ? The apostle Paul said, "I die daily".  (1 Corinthians 15:31, Romans 8:13-18) The prophet Isaiah said that through the Christ suffering (intercession) many would be made  righteous.   (Isaiah chs.53,54) Jesus, speaking of the "Christ anointing",  said,  "abide in me, and I in you".  (St. John ch.15)   That's a daily process.  And even more than that,  ... this is abiding in "sonship". In Galatians we learned that we are living out of the faith of the Son of God:  and that we are adopted, and dead to all else.  (2:20)   What Does "Sonship" look like ? The difference between "Sonship" and religion, is the difference between "doing",  and "being". Religious people can be involved in all kinds of activity, work on committees, attend functions, give great testimonies, and teach; and still not know anything about Sonship.  I believe that they do this out of good intent;  but they still may not know anything about  the gospel of Christ, or the "hearing of faith". Being "just", is a life that is truly born ... out of the Just One.  We are not little god's judging the difference between good and evil: but rather, we are those that abide in His Spirit, and intent. Our "surroundings" are affected because of the Spirit of God, as we participate in what He is doing. The effect is of eternal purpose, and sees what we can't. It is the "hearing of faith". ____ In Isaiah chapter sixty-one, we see the progression of our effect, because of ... the Spirit of the Lord;   and then, he describes it. "For as the earth brings forth her bud,  and  as the garden causes the things that are in it to spring forth:  so, the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth  ... before  all the nations."        - Isaiah 61:11 In verses eight to ten, he talks about the effect upon our children, and future generations. Our eternal soul will be joyful, because we have had participation in that which lasts beyond our lifetime. Quite often throughout the Scriptures the emphasis upon God's relationship to our children is spoken of.    It's important.  It's His idea.   (compare:  Isaiah 53:11 and  54:13) It's not enough for the children to just learn church activity. The call is for ... relationship with the Spirit of God. "Our Father who is 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."                                             - St. Matthew 6:9-13 Growing in "this grace" may take you through some unforeseen situations; and sometimes it may not be too clear to our understanding just what God is doing. There may even be times when those around us seem to be doing what we think is contrary.    But, as we abide in Him, His truth will unfold for us to walk in. (2 Peter 3:17,18,  Galatians 2:13-14, and 3:13,14) _____ Our Ministry - the "Social Effect" We are called to effect our surroundings. That's the way God has chosen to introduce His redeeming message, and Spirit, to the people of the earth. But, as sons of God, we are tested in many forms.  Some challenge our faith in God's provision, and care. Other tests may come to prove the source of our leadership, and decision making.  While others, will test our practicalness, worthiness, and vocation. Jesus was tested in all of these, as the Spirit led him forth towards his ministry of "sonship".     (St. Matthew 3:16,17 and 4:1-10) This world is full of the opportunity to be a "deviant" (a sinner);  but we are to "be" the expressed image of God's son:  the present expressed image of His Spirit Word.  (St. Matthew 3:4, and St. John ch.1, Romans ch.8) _____   Spirit   Is pure,  and brings light to darkness.     Soul   Is eternal, and is either defeated in perversion, or transformed  by the light of God's Spirit.     Body   Is only the vehicle of activity,  and  expression.   ______	Pgs 173 - 195

Chapter ten
	Harvest        "Jesus said unto them, My nourishment is to do the will of Him that sent me,  and to finish His work. Do not say,  There are yet four months,  and then comes the harvest ?    Behold, I say unto you,  Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields;  for they are white ... already to harvest. And he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal:   that both he that sows, and he that reaps,  may rejoice together.  And herein is that saying true,  One sows, and another reaps. I sent you to reap that ... whereon you bestowed no labor:  other men labored, and  you are entered into their labors."                                                        - St. John 4:34-38 Just as "justification" is essential in the final harvest, it is of key importance in our participation in "this" harvest.   Jesus said, ... "that His essence was to do the will of Him that sent him,  and to finish His work." In another scripture, he says to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into His harvest.    (St. Luke 10:2) We are a part of God's intention for His harvest; and apart from hearing the direction of His Spirit, ... we are not doing His work.      (Acts 1:8,  St. Luke 24:47-49,  St. John chs.14-16) ____ Good intention, participating in group activity, or promoting a theological view,  does not equal "justification". As I beheld a vision of the harvest, God's Spirit spoke to me about the black plight of "legalism", and it's destruction.                                                  Legalism is an agreed upon system ... that a group believes in, and lives by.   There is reward, and admiration, for those that obey:  and there is disgust, and punishment, for those that break the rules. One can be involved in this type of lifestyle, and still not know a justified relationship ... with the Spirit of God. You have to find  "you" in the intention of God's Spirit.  What may be justifiable to one, may not be  justifiable to another. (Listen to what Jesus was saying)       "The works that I do in my Father's name,  ...  they bear witness of me.     But you don't believe,  because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,  and they follow me. I and my Father are one. If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.  But if I do, though you don't believe me, believe the works:  that you may know that the Father is in me,  and  I in Him."                      - St. John 10:25-38 "What do you mean,  Show us the Father ? 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. I say unto you, he that believes on me,  the works that I do he shall do also;  and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father. And I will pray the Father,  and He shall give you another Guide, that He may abide with you forever;  even the Spirit of truth,  whom the world cannot receive,  ... because it sees Him not,  neither knows Him:  but, you know Him,  for He dwells with you,  and shall be in you. At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me,  and  I in you."                                                        - St. John 14:9-20         ____ You see, a "justified" relationship is not one of legalism.  Legalism is man's carnal attempt to please God out of traditions, and understandings, that he has been taught:  and most times that soul is left groveling in fear.  Most churches function in legalism. The justified relationship is one of presence.  The Spirit of God dwells with you, and instructs and comforts your soul.   How many times throughout scriptures ... have the men of God instructed people to hear the Spirit of God ?   (St. John 10:27, Revelation chs.2,3) To see what the early apostles believed, read the following letters that they wrote to the people.   (Ephesians 1:13-19, ch.4, 1 Corinthians chs.2,12,14,  Romans chs.8,12,  1 Peter ch.4       Now,   let the Spirit of God  speak  to you) ____   As we move in this Spiritual relationship,  the harvest will be one of bringing people to relationship with God,  rather than joining a group and learning a philosophy of legalism and tradition. Now, do you understand what Jesus was saying to his disciples, in St. John ch.15 ?    He was telling them to abide in his Spiritual relationship with the Father.  (Comp: ch.14:10,11,20,26;  ch.15:1-27;  ch.16:23-33) He was the Word expressed (St. John ch.1),  and  so should we be. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."                                                              - Romans 8:14 ____ Much of the activity that we see going on in the name of church evangelism, is not harvest at all; but rather the promotion of tainted philosophy;  and an ambitious drive for new members.  We need to understand that the "glory" that we are talking about is born of the Spirit of God, and present Word:  rather than the legalistic teaching of rituals and tradition; ... and membership followed by good works and many Bible studies. This false agenda of man promising eternal life is deceptive, and misleading.   (see: St. Matthew 7:15-29; 23:13-39,  2 Timothy 3:5,7) ____ I would urge you at this point to stop and check your foundation:  for all that looks righteous, may not be so.   If you are clear in your own relationship with the Spirit of truth, you will be able to lead people into the same.   (St. Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:4-8; St. John chs.1,3) Relationship - is the gospel of Christ.  He came to seek, and to save,  that which was "lost";  and in Christ, we are to do  that, too.  (St. Luke 19:10) Just as Jesus introduced people to the Holy Spirit:  that is our ministry, also.   Growing up to "Be" When we are babies, discovery and comfort is everything.  But as we grow up, relationship and destiny begin to take on a new light. Our education, work, and ethics, begin to take priority;  and the "baby ideas" fall away.   Our purpose and vision comes alive, and we become aware that we are here to get involved.  Here's what the apostle Paul wrote to a group of Christians: "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;  and some, pastors and teachers;  for the perfecting of the saints,    for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we, from hereon, be no more children,  tossed to and fro, and  carried about with every wind of doctrine,  by the sleight of men; But, speaking the truth in love,  may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole  body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,    making an increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk no more as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,  because of the blindness of their heart:  who being past feeling have given themselves over unto desires, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But, you have not learned this in Christ;  if so be that you have heard him,  and have been taught by him,  as the truth is in Jesus: (and) that you put off the former conversation (and habit) of the old nature,  which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  and that you put on  the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."                                                   - Ephesians 4:11-24 Justification Because the essence of God's Spirit Word is eternal life, any thought of justification takes on a new meaning.  It is the power of His gracious character at work in the human life. It is the manifestation of grace and truth. (St. John 1:14,17)   It is the glorious "light" that shines in the midst of a dark place.  It is the outworking of God's peace in the life of an individual. Justification is much more than a "state of forgiveness". This justification is the resurrection power, and eternal life, and oneness with the Father.  It's a state of being that is growing, and alive.  (see: Ephesians ch.2,  1 Corinthians ch.2,  and  Romans ch.8) ____ Be careful about telling people to do "certain things", because you will push them into "legalism". Present your relationship, and Spirit Word, and let the Holy Spirit work it out. When the entities of the Spirit realm look at an individual, they can see "justification", because it is the living expression of the  "seed of God's Word". This divine grace bestows the authority of Sonship upon the new birth of the believer.  (St. John chs.1,3,14-16,  Romans 8:14) Do you need a touch of "justification" in your life ?   It is the eternal life of God's Spirit, breathing upon your soul, and speaking to your mind.  Let your faith take hold of each realization, and inspiration.  Check it out, and let Him build upon it.  (make it your own) "Out of your innermost being will flow rivers of living water"                                                - St. John 7:38,39 We have a lot of prayers.  "LORD, do this.  LORD, do that."       But, we need to listen. Jesus didn't do much public prayer.  He was a "light".   He saw what the Father was doing, and cooperated.   (St. John 8:26-32; 14:10) He was an expression of the Word.  He did his praying in private, and it was "shouted from the housetops".   (St. Matthew 6:5-8; 10:27) He was "light",  not carnal agenda. ____   The principal of success is on its way.  The Kingdom of God is within you. To learn to abide in this Kingdom one needs to learn to hold up the shield of faith and resist that doing agenda that wants to bombard the Word of the King that abides within you.   "The Kingdom of God  ... abides within you." - St. Luke 17:20,21 When the "Word" of the Kingdom asks you to do something, or speak something, then "do it", ... that the Word of God might be fulfilled.      Jesus, as he taught his disciples, said,  ... "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." - St. John 14:10,11 We "live" out of our justification by obedience of faith.  We are not justified by our religious opinion. Our justification is found in this grace of God, which abides within. Our righteousness is in this "Christ" (anointing):  not in part, but in full.    Complete. ____                                   - a Prophecy 2006 Unto "Myself"                                 "I have come  near to you,   that  I might  "reconcile"  you  unto "Myself". I have justified Myself in the midst of your  repentance;  for My Spirit is the Spirit of justification,  and this grace shall justify many.  This  "power of justification"  will  overwhelm you  in the  midst  of the  traditions,  and  legalisms,  of "man". Block them out;  and  let the Light,  ...  this  justifying  Light  of the Kingdom,  ... come forth.           Let  it  "Shine". These works will be judged,  ...  and the ones that remain will be the ones of  the "justifying Light".     These works will remain because they are eternal. They  are  righteous.  They  are born  out  of the Word  of the Kingdom:   the "Word expressed".   This  is the  "Light to all the nations"  (Isaiah ch.62) Don't worry.  Trust God.  Let obedience come "alive".   Let faith flow.  Let  it  loose.    God will reward you.    The power of God will  enrich  His Kingdom,  and  Creation.        That is  justification. ____ The Gospel "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,  who walk not after the flesh,  ... but,  after the Spirit. 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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,  they are the sons of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,  to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow,  He also did predetermine to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among ... many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predetermine, them He also called:  and whom He called, them He also justified:  and whom He justified,  ... them He also glorified. What shall we say to these things ?   If God be for us, who can be against us ? Who shall lay anything to the charge of ... God's elect ?    It is God that justifies."                                                    - Romans ch.8 (part)	Pgs 196 - 224

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