There are six fairly well defined seasons. They are mentioned in Genesis 8:22:
- Seed-time From the middle of October to the middle of December.
- Winder From the middle of December to the middle of February.
- Cold From the middle of February to the middle of April.
- Harvest From the middle of April to the middle of June.
- Summer From the middle of June to the middle of August.
- Heat From the middle of August to the middle of October.
Hebrew months were 29 or 30 days each. Their years consisted of 12 lunar moths or of 354 ¼ day. There, about every three years (7 times in 19 years) the 13th moth, VEDOR (also called Second ADAR), is added between ADAR and NISAN. It is known as an "intercalary month."
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
THE PLAN OF SAMATION
A long time ago, a Roman jailer asked of the Apostle Paul the most important question that could ever be asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
Paul answer was immediate, to the point clear, concise. He said. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved thy house" (Acts 16:30-31.)
That's how simple that it actually is. A man named Nicodemus pretty much asked Jesus the same question. Jesus answered him by saying, "You must be born again." (John 3:1-8).
All ARE SINERS
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that "All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." That means that are sinners, actually born that way, in desperate need of the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, there no exceptions to this. That means you and me, and all others for that matter.
Paul also said in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death!" so, that means that unless something is done about this terrible situation, that all will be eternally lost. However, God did not leave things there. He loves us, every one of us. It is his Desire that "Not any should perish, but that all should come into repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
WHAT DID GOD ABOUT
THIS SITUATION?
The Scripture plainly says, "And God so loved the world (so loved sinners, and that means) that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whoever believes on him shall not perish, but everlasting life" (John 3:16). What does that mean?
Man as a sinner could not save himself. In other words, such was and is impossible; com-sequent, God literally become man, came into this world born of the Virgin Mary, and then Died on to pay the price for man's Redemption. As should obvious, the price was high. But thank God, it was everlastingly paid by Jesus Christ, that "WHOSOEVER WILL, MAY COME AND TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY" (Revelation 22:17).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
Going back to the Scripture which we quote in the Foreword of this booklet, Paul says: "If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto Righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto Salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).
To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is more than just giving mental assent that he is the Son of God. Millions do that and aren't saved.
When the Scripture speaks of one believing, it simply means that one accepts who Jesus is, which is the Son of God and what he has done, which refers to him dying on Calvary, in effect taking our place, in order that we might be saved.
It means to accept him, and him Alone as your Saviors, resolving to make him the Lord of your life and to follow him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength as long as you live.
SUBTITUTIONS AND IDETIFICATION
As we have already stated, man being eternally lost and helpless to save himself, God had to provide a means of Salvation whereby sinful man could be made righteous. He did that by providing his Own Son gave his Life on Calvary, thereby paying the terrible price which we could we could not pay. That price was his Own Precious shed Blood.
He became our Substitute.
What does that mean?
It means he did for us what we could not.
WHAT MUST I DO BE SAVED?
"LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT GOD HAS RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD."
"You have said in your word which cannot life, 'for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved' (Romans 10:13).""I have called upon your name exactly as you have said, and I believe that right now, I am saved."If you have sincerely prayed these words, which I have written out for you and believed in your heart upon the Lord Jesus Christ, you are at this moment saved, and your name is written down in the Lamb's Book of life. Congratulations!
SOME THINKS YOU SHOULD NOW BEGIN TO DO
In the next few pages, I am going to give you same simple instructions that you should follow in order to live an overcoming, Christ than life. They are very important.
You are now a "new creature in Christ Jesus" (2 Peter 3:17). As such you, you have the Divine nature within your heart, which is the Nature of God. Which means that the Holy Spirit actually now resides within your heart and life.
The entirety of your life is now going to be different. You have been cleansed from all sin and have embarked upon the greatest journey that one could cover undertake. A whole new world is about to upon up to you.
You now have something to live for, and something to which you can look forward, living for Jesus is the most exciting life that one could ever live, the most fulfilling, the most rewarding, and the most wonderful. There is absolutely nothing in the world that can compare with this which you have just received and which will never end.
But of course, Satan, the enemy of your soul, is not happy at about you giving your heart to Jesus Christ; consequently, he will do everything he can to cause you problems, even attempting to turn back. However, if will heed carefully the following instructions that we will gave, Satan will not be successful in pulling you back, and total Victory with be yours.
DAILY BIBLE STUDY
We are directed by the Word of God to study the Bible. Jesus said, in John 5:39, to "search the Scriptures."
Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 2Timothy, said, "Study (the Scriptures) to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The only way that one can intellingtly divide the word of Truth, in order words, to know and understand sound Doctrine, is to know the word of God.
Jesus said, "Main shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
That means that as natural food in necessary for your physical well-being, likewise, the study and understanding of the word of God is necessary for your spiritual well-being. In other words, as much attention as you give to your three meals a day, you ought to give that much attention to the Word of God, and on a daily basis. As your natural food is necessary, so must be your spiritual food.
Everything that one want to know about God is found in the Bible. God has expended much time and energy over many years giving us his Word. He did it for our benefit, as should be obvious. However, He isn't going to inject that information into us. If we want to know God, to understand him, and to live for him, in other words, to live completely in harmony with him, we must read the instruction book actually to study it, which is the word of God.
When you were born as a little baby, someone poured milk into your system, and if they had not done so, you would have weakened and soon died. Nothing flourishes and grows without nourishment. And today, as a newborn (spiritually speaking), you must have nourishment if you are to stay alive spiritually, and flourish, and eventually grow into a mature person of strength and power and power in the power in the Lord. They Holy Bible is that nourishment. It is wonderfully conceived to afford both milk to the newborn, and meat to the more advanced.
Do for ourselves. There was a terrible sin debt owing due to man's fallen condition. As stated, that refers to every single human being, none excepted. With no way to save ourselves, God had to provide a savior, which he did. It was done simply because he loves us so much (John 3:16).
Jesus being the substitute, if we identify with him, which means to accept what he did at Calvary's cross on our behalf, we will be saved. It is that simple!
He became our substitute, and upon our identification with Eternal life (Romans 6:23).
FAITH AND NOT WORKS
The only and thing required to obtain this glorious and wonderful salvation is to simply believe on Christ, exactly as Paul said, which means to have Faith in him.
What does that mean?
It is actually very simple. The Lord made it this way in order that all may have equal opportunity.
It simply means that you believe or have faith in what he did, and accept it for yourself on a personal basis. That's all that God requires. But of course, to believe and have faith, even as we have already said, means to accept the Lord as your Savior and, as well, to make him the Lord of your life.
First of all, man must understand that he is a sinner. That includes al (Romans 3:23). As such, he needs a Savior. There is only one savior, only one who has paid the price for man's Redemption, and that savior is the lord Jesus Christ. In other words, if one does not accept Christ, one cannot be saved.
Millions attempt to earn their Salvation in many and varied ways other than accepting Christ. Or else they attempt to become saved by accepting Christ as well as adding other things to Christ.
The Scripture says: "FOR BY GRACE ARE YOU SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANYMAN SHOULD BOAST" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
That means the Church cannot save you, and neither can water baptism save you, or anything else for that matter, as important as those things may be in their own way are saved by being baptized in water, or joining a Church, or performing good works, etc.
While those things may be important in their own right, they have absolutely nothing to do with one being saved. One is saved simply by trusting Jesus Christ, even as we have already said.
That means that one can be saved anywhere: in Church, on the street corner, watching a Christian Telecast, listening to a Christian radio Program, or even reading this Booklet. Where one is doesn't matter. It is what one believes that really counts.
The moment that one confesses the Lord with one's mouth, and believes in one's heart, and does so truly, at that moment, and wherever you may be, you are saved. As we have stated several times, it is just that simple.
Incidentally, when the Jailer asked Paul the question, "What must I do to be saved?", he was actually at that time in the jail with Paul and Silas. Every evidence is that he at that moment, in that jail, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and was instantly saved (Acts 16:27-34).
IT IS TIME NOW!
In fact, if you have not already given your heart and life to Jesus Christ, it is time that you do so, and actually it can be done this very moment. I am going to ask you to read these words below, and actually say them out loud. As well, I am going to ask you to believe them with all of your heart, and if you will do so, you will be instantly saved. Please say them with me as you read:
"DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, I COME TO YOU TODAY AS A LOT SINNER."
"I AM ASKING YOU THAT YOU SAVE MY SOUL AND CLEANSE FROM ALL SIN."
"I REALIZE IN MY HEART MY NEED OF SALVATION, WHICH CAN ONLY COME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST."
"I AM ACCEPTING CHRIST INTO MY HEART AND WHAT HE DID ON THE CROSS IN ORDER TO PURCHASE MY REDEMPTION."
"IN OBEDIENCE TO YOUR WORD, I CONFESS WITH MY MOUTH THE
God in his infinite Wisdom designed one Book capable of astounding and delighting the newest convert, while absorbing and stimulating the most seasoned Believer in Christ. It is truly, of all things in this world, "all things to all men."
The psalmist said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my part" (Psalm 119:105).
I n fact, the word of God in the only true light and the only true Lamp that's in the world today.
You should start studying the Bible, beginning with Genesis and read it all the way through, exactly as you would read any other book. Admittedly, there are some things difficult to understand, especially for one who has just given his heart to the Lord; however, if you will ask the Lord to help you understand his word, he will surely do so. The Psalmist also said, "I have not departed from thy Judgment: for thou hast taught me" (Psalms 119:102).
As we've already stated, you now have the Holy Spirit living in your heart and life, and he will teach you how to understand the word if you will only ask for his help.
SOME THINGS THAT WILL HELP YOU.
I am going to encourage you to avail yourself of the opportunity of securing our commentaries written on the Bible, which will help you understand the word of God and, as well, to secure our other Teaching material, which is available on almost every subject in the word of God.
If you will write for a catalog, we will send you one instantly, which will give you all the information you need respecting these various different Bible Study Helps.
YOUR PRAYER LIFE
From the moment you accepted Christ as your Savior, your life has been charged. You have experienced a joy and peace which the cares of the word cannot take away. This "blessed assurance" was given to you as a free gift from god. Without doubt, you feel the compulsion to thank him for what he has done for you. It is completely fitting that you should feel this way. In order to properly thank him, which we should do constantly, we must develop a daily time of Bible Study. Prayer is communication with God. It is for the following:
- Praise: As stated, we should praise the Lord, which means to thank him for what he has done for us. The more we live for the Lord, the more we will realize the worth of our Salvation, and the more we will want to thank him for that.
- Communion: Prayer is one or the greatest ways to communicate with God. What a blessing to be able to talk directly to your Heavenly Father. As well, during times of prayer, the Lord will also speak to your heart, giving you leading and direction.
- Petition: we are admonished to ask the Lord for the things that we need. He, as our Heavenly Father, desires to do good things for us. However, we must remember that it is his will which we seek, and not our personal will. Consequently, all the things we ask him for whatever it is we need, should always be done with the idea in mind, that we want his will and not ours. Please read the followings Scriptures carefully (Matthew 18:18-19; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9-10; John 14:13-14; 15:7).
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Now that you are saved, you should ask the Lord to baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). While it is certainly true that the Holy Spirit came into your heart and life the moment of your salvation, still he now wishes to endue you with power from on high. Consequently, Jesus told all of his followers immediately before his Ascension, that they should "wait for the promise of the father" (Acts 1:4). He was speaking of being "Baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).
You must understand that there is a great difference in being "born of the Spirit" than being "Baptized with the Spirit." They are two different works altogether. To be "born of the Spirit" is that which took place at you is your conversion, as the Holy Spirit brought you to Christ to Christ to Christ and performed the work of regeneration within your heart and life. To be "Baptized with the Spirit" is in order that you may have power with God (Acts 1:8). Every Believer should ask the Lord to fill them with the Holy Spirit and expect to receive (Luke 11:13).
THE SING OF BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
Once one is baptized with the Holy Spirit, many things will transpire in our heart and life. In other words, there will be many telltale signs that we have been filled.
However, the initial physical evidence that one has been Baptized with the Holy Spirit, is that they will speak with other Tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:1-7). There is nothing Bible which suggests that this awesome indwelling power of the Holy Spirit has been declared unavailable in our day. We know there are literally millions of committed, fruitful, effective Christians, who give all the credit for their effectiveness to the experience of having been Baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues. In fact, for you to be what you ought to be in Christ, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity.
Jesus died on Calvary that men may be saved. The great salvation process includes the Holy Spirit taking up abode within our heart and lives. Every Christian needs him desperately. And to be sure. And to be sure, his full potential cannot be realized, unless we go on and be Baptized with the Holy Spirit, which as stated, will always be accompanied by the speaking with always be accompanied by the speaking with other Tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance (Acts 2:4). He is our "Helper," and well, "guides us into all truth" (John 16:7-15).
WATER BAPTISM
What is the significance of Baptism? Haven't we by confessing Christ with our mouths, done everything the Bible tells us to do to insure salvation? Is there any reason we should go further in providing the fact of our conversion? In truth, there are several reasons for water baptism. First for all, Jesus set example set the example for us by being baptized in water. He did it to "fulfill all Righteousness" (Matthew 3:13-15).
Water Baptism signifies the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, when he was baptized in water, his signified that which he would do in order to secure our salvation. We likewise are to be baptized in water, as a public proclamation or our submission to God, and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Savior. Water Baptism does not save us, or contribute anything toward our salvation, but is rather a sign that we have already been saved, which we wish to declare to the entirely of the world. In fact, water Baptism is the great symbol that one has his given his heart and life to Jesus Christ.
As well, it typifies our death to the old life, with all that was ugly and ungodly being Burien, and us being resurrected into a new life in Christ Jesus. That's the reason that water Baptism is by immersion. It signifies the old man being buried, and the new man being raised in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE
Now that you have become a child of God, the Lord has a perfect will for your life. In other words, you are very important in the Kingdom of God, and the Lord will treat you accordingly.
Inasmuch as you have given your heart and life to him, he will now open up the kingdom God to you, and your place in that Kingdom (John 3:3). In fact, one of the great works of the Holy Spirit in your heart and life, is to bring about "the will of God" for you (Romans 8:27).
In other words, the idea is that your will be swallowed up in the will of God, which is the most wonderful, fulfilling life there could cover be. If you will allow the Holy Spirit to have his ways within your life, he will bring about the will of God help you to walk in that will, doing what the lord wants you to do.
Actually, the Lord has a perfect will for every believer and that means you. What he has for you, cannot be done by will for every Believer and that means you. What he has for you, cannot be done by anyone else. So you are to seek the will of God, and you will find beautifully and wondrously, the Holy Spirit making Jesus more and real in your heart, and bringing you to the place in which God desires that that you be.
Isn't that wonderful to have such help, and above all, to such leading and guidance (John 16:13-15).
FAITH IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST
As a new Believers you were saved by putting your Faith in Christ and what he did by prayer the price for your Redemption on the Cross (John 3:16).
However, not only is Faith in the Cross necessary for Salvation, it is necessary, as well, that you continue to have Faith in the Cross even on a daily basis, which will guarantee you Victory in your everyday life. This is the answer for Victory over cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, uncontrollable temper, depression, gambling, jealousy, envy, greed, every type of immorality, and in fact, every problem that besets humanity (1 Corinthians 2:2).
As the Believer constantly exhibits Faith in the Cross and should do so forever, the Holy Spirit then provides all the help necessary, in order for Victory to be had in every capacity (John 14:16-17). In fact, there is no reason why any Christian should be dominated by any type of sin whatsoever. If Faith in the Cross is exhibited, the Holy Spirit will always guarantee Victory for the Believer. The key is the Cross, because it is through the Cross that the Holy Spirit works (Galatians 6:14).
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
The Church is the Body of Christ, not a particular building by the side of the road. Actually you are now a part of that Body, and Jesus Christ is its Head. So, if at all possible, it is very important that you join us The Holy Seed Church or find a good Church to attend near you.
The following is what should be taught and preached in the Church:
- Salvation through the Blood of Jesus Christ should be preached. Any Church teaching salvation by any means other than the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, in other words, what the Lord did on Calvary's Cross, in order to redeem humanity, is promoting something contrary to the word of God (Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
- The Church should teach the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, which is available to all Believers, and is received after conversion (Isaiah 28:11-12; Acts 2:4; 10:45-46: 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, 14-18).
- A victorious, overcoming Christian life should be preached (Romans 6:11; 1 Corinthians
THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
The following will help as it regards the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
- A person must accept Jesus Christ as Savior before he can experience the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. (John 14:17)
- The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an experience separate and apart from the initial Salvation experience, and is always received after one is saved. After the individual is saved, he is to ask the Lord to baptize him with the Spirit. (Luke 11:13)
- We cannot we cannot merit or deserve the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. It is a gift. Peter spoke of receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Jesus said: "If you then, being evil, know how to give to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)
- All Believers are commanded by Jesus Christ to receive. (Acts 1:4-5)
- When one is baptized with the Spirit, always and without exception, he will speak with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance. There are no exceptions to this. In fact, speaking with other tongues is the initial, physical evidence, that one has been baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 11:15-17; 19:2, 6; 1 Corinthians 14:39).
- The recipient of the Holy Spirit will then find that worshiping and praying in tongues will become a part of his devotion to God, and will be greatly restful and refreshing. (Isaiah 28:12; 1 Corinthians 14:4)
- The Holy Spirit Baptism is for all. Anyone and everyone who in saved should be Baptized with the Spirit. There are no exceptions. (Joel 2:28-29)
- After you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, you are to understand that the Spirit works within you according to your Faith in the Cross of Christ. In other words, what Jesus did at the Cross provides the parameters in which Holy Spirit works; consequently, you as a Believer, are to register Faith in the Cross of Christ at all times, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude within your life. (Romans 8:1-2)
SCRIPTURES ON THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people? To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing." (Isaiah 28:11-12).
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." (Matthew 3:11).
"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4)
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for tem, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"While peter yet Speke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heart the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. (Acts 10:44-46)
"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on the, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I , that could withstand God?" (Acts 11:15-17)
"He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heart whether there be any Holy Ghost. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the holy Ghost came on them: and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:2, 6)
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophecy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." (Corinthians 14:39)
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." (Jude vs. 20)
THE CROSS, YOUR FAITH, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
As the word of God bears it out throughout its entirety, God has provided only one solution for sinful, hurting humanity. That solution is "Jesus Christ and him Crucifer" (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 23; 2:2; Colossians 2:14-15). The Cross is the means, and the only means, and the only means, by which the sinner can be saved, and as well, the only means by with the Christian can walk in victory.
Most of the church readily understands the Cross as it regards the initial Salvation experience, but has little knowledge whatsoever as it regards the part the Cross plays in the victory of the Saint.
For lack of space I will have to be brief; however, the following information will be helpful:
THE CROSS
In the preceding article, I have dealt with Saltation for the sinner, so I will devote this section entirely to the solution of problems which all Christians face at one time or the other.
Every Christian must understand, that every single problem that faces humanity, was addressed by Jesus at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). This means that for every problem, the Christian should be directed to the Cross. He must understand that the solution is found there, and found only there.
The Lord gave to the Apostle Paul the meaning of the New Covenant, which pertains to what Jesus did for us at the Cross. So in effect, the meaning of the New Covenant is the meaning of the Cross.
In Romans Chapter 6, we are told as it regards the crucixion of Christ, who incidentally suffered as our Substitute, that we actually died with in his Crucifixion, were buried with him, and were raised him in "newness of life" (Romans 6:3-5). Of course we were not there as is obvious; however, upon faith being evidenced in Christ when we were initially saved, in Mind of God, this is actually what happened. We were literally "baptized into his death" (Roman 6:3). No, this is not speaking of water Baptism, which is actually a symbol of this of which we speak, but rather the actual Crucifixion of Christ.
After becoming a Christian, all the days of our lives, we are to continue to look to the Cross as the source of all victory. Actually, the very meaning of the crucifixion pertains to something that happened in the distant past, but which has continuing results, and in fact, results which will never be discontinued.
We are not speaking of putting Jesus back on a Cross, or us getting on a Cross either. In fact, Jesus is now seated by the Right hand of the Father, and in spirit, we actually seated with him (Ephesians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3). We are Speaking of the believer continuing to receive the benefits of the Cross, and to do so forever (Hebrews 13:20).
So the Believer is to understand, that the Source or all that he needs, is found entirely in the cross, and only in the Cross. Unfortunately, most Christians haven't been taught this, and they look elsewhere for help. Let the reader understand, that when we think of Christ we are not to think of him apart from the Cross. That's why Paul kept using the phrase "in Christ," or one of its derivatives such as "in Him," over and over. The phrase refers to what Jesus did at the Cross.
Unfortunately, many Christians are not actually serving the Jesus Christ of the Bible, but rather "another Jesus." This refers to the fact that they are looking to a Jesus other than the Cross. Hence Paul said: "For if he that cometh preached another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him" (2 Corinthians 11:4). Let the Reader understand, that if it's not Jesus and him crucified, then pure and simple it's "another Jesus," who is projected by "another spirit," which means it's not the holy Spirit, which amounts to "another gospel."
The Gospel of Christ is "Jesus Crist and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).
THE CROSS, YOU FAITH, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
That's why Paul also said: "But God forbid that I Should glory (boast), save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is Crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Galatian 6:14).
FAITH
Understanding what we've just said the Cross of Christ must always and without exception, be the object of faith as it regards the Child of God. His is very, very important! Paul devoted the entirety of Chapters 4 and 5 of Romans to these principles. He said: "who (Christ) was delivered (the Crucifixion) for our offences by whom also we have access by faith into this Grace" (Romans 4:25-5:2).
While it is Faith that God always honors, and every Christian understands that, when more particular, faith in they do not unto understand the Cross as the source of all their needs being met, able that they must ever have faith in the cross. This is the only type of faith that God will honor.
The reasons that most Christian get into trouble some Christians get into trouble in some way is because they do not understand the crosses the source of all their need being source of all their needs being met, and that they must ever have faith in this fished word of Christ. Thant's why Paul also said
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God: not of works, lest any should boast" EPHESIANS 2:8-9).
As we were saved by faith; however, Paul is speaking of Faith In the cross of Crist, and Faith in the Cross exclusive (Ephesians 2:13).
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Believer must understand, that the power of sin so great, that no individual that the power of is sin is so great, that no individual on earth, the strongest Christian can overcome this monster within his own strength and ability.
While it is true that every single Believers has the Holy Spirit, and more particular, all Believers should as well, be Baptized with the Holy Spirit, which gives even more power; still, the work the Holy Spirit within hearts and lives is not automatic. Let's first of all look at how he works.
The Spirit of God doesn't demand much of us, but he does demand we have faith in the cross of Jesus (John 16:13-14). Listen to what Paul said"
"For the law (this is a law by which the spirit works) of the spirit (Holy Spirit) of Life the Holy Spirit guarantees all the life that comes from Christ as a result of the cross) in Jesus Christ (what did at the cross) has made me from the law of sin and death" (Roman 8:2).
The reason that the Christian is in trouble in the first place, is because he doesn't understand how the spirit works. He needs the spirit's help, and needs it greatly; however, if we evidence faith in anything else other than the cross of Crist as it regards our victory, the Holy Spirit simply will not help us. In fact that is "the law."
If we function within this "law, "which is actually "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," which refers to what Christ did at the cross, which means that the cross must did at the cross, which means that the cross must ever be the object of our faith then we will walk in victory.
In Romans Chapter 8 and elsewhere, Paul constantly mentions "the flesh." What is he talking about? He is speaking of the Christian's ability and strength outside of the Holy Spirit. He is in effect saying, if we try to life this life by trusting in our own strength, i.e., "the flesh," we will fail and fail every time. Actually that's what he means by "walking after the flesh" (Roman 8:1). To make it simpler, walking after the flesh is trusting in anything other than the cross of Christ. "Walking after the Spirit," is placing our faith and trust in the Cross of Christ (Romans 8:1-2)
VICTORY AND RESTORATION
If the Christ is having problems in any capacity as it regards the world, the flesh, and the Devil, he is to be pointed toward the cross, making the Cross the object his faith, which will insure the help Holy Spirit.
If the Christian has failed miserably, which requires restoration, he is to be told why he failed, which means the he placed his faith in something else other than the Cross, which then means he was attempting to live this Christian life only by his own efforts and strength, which are always woefully insufficient.
He is to then be told that everything he needs is in the cross, and he must get his faith back in the cross, which, which will insure the help of the Holy Spirit. This true, Biblical restoration (Galatians 6:1-6).
For a complete of this all-important subject, please see our Commentaries on Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under law, but under Grace" (Romans 6:14).
Special Prayers for Deliverances
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere. Read More |
