Counseling and deliverance ministries

by Jannie

Prologue            

Bear in mind that psychology is a study that mainly concerns itself with man in his fallen state (Rom 5:12).

Now, first, with a receptive [humble] heart and prayerfully [honestly, genuinely], contemplate carefully the following: 2 Cor 5:15-21; 10:2-11; Eph 4:23-31; Col 1:13-23; 3:1-17; and also 2 Tim 3:1-7; Mt 7:15-23.

Observe carefully that worldly philosophies and reasoning tells you to [attempt to perpetually merely] “manage” the fallen state of man; while God on the contrary admonishes to kill [destroy; permanently crush] it.  God’s Word says, “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (higher things at the right hand of God where Christ is), not things that are on the earth.  For as far as the world is concerned you have died and your new real life is hidden with Christ in God… So kill (deprive of power) the evil desires lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]; sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God)…” – Col 3:2,3,5.  This is one reason why a believer’s baptism is symbolized by burial and the rising of a new-born creature (2 Cor 5:17) by immersion in water, not a sprinkling as a babe.

The error in managing misdemeanors such as outbursts of rage, anger or bad feelings towards other people is that you in effect still acknowledge [approve] a justification for its existence.  This persistence parading as being under control is a farce. The Word of God instead recommends total extermination of it (Jn 3:3,5-6; Col 3:1-17). To die to the old self is the only real psychological healing (refer to the meditation “Body, Soul, Spirit of man”).

In the meditation “Rapture raptured”, it is shown how the sign of a beast (Rev 13:16-18) is culminated in lust and greed, and that Solomon was possibly our example referred to there (his number 666 in 1 Ki 10:14,19-20 (KJV).  If he could fall in his wealth and wisdom, we should take heed to try and rely on our self-righteousness…)

Discussion

Most temptations are sudden, instantaneous impulses feeding the ego and thoughts of euphoric self-satisfaction; hence the blessing in disguise when we are distracted [from the self]; and is something we can do ourselves! (Jm 4:7; Col 3:1-13; Rom 12:1-3; and so on)

Be careful as well, of people capitalizing on weaknesses of other and misinformation.  Refer here to the meditation “Tithing” and Scriptures such as 1 Tim 6:5-7 (Mt 10:8); 2 Thess 3:7-12; Eph 5:1-7; even Col 2:18-23 with Mt 15:6-11.

Instead of “support groups”, that sets you up for despair (in which you identify not with God Who created [designed] you to be and exudes perfect love (1 Cor 13); but instead, you let people in the same messy situation [spiritual place of lack] define [limit] you).  No, we should believe Jesus in Mt 12:28-30 (Jn 8:32,36) – and then experience the new creature you become inside (scriptures in paragraph two above), in God’s image (1 Jn 4:4,8) and a consistent life that is lived in victory and authority (Jn 1:12-13; 14:12-18; Heb 13:5), radiating Jesus Christ.

As mentioned in the meditation “Christian suffering”, must we take responsibility for our [own] thought life [free will given by God]. Col 3:5-6 may sound so simple yet is so profound. For anyone to struggle with seeming perpetual battles against evil/wrong that keeps on showing its ugly head, even such as addiction – kill [crucify] it!  If the desire is dead, it can’t resurface, can it? Hence Rom 12:9!!! You cannot and will not be attracted [enticed by] what you really hate.  Look at the example from 1 Sam 15:3-11, 13-23.  What we are warned of by God and don’t kill will come back to haunt us.  Even what we just tolerate [approved in principle!].  Ask Abraham.  God instructed him to leave his kindred (Gen 12:1) but Abraham took Lot with (Gen 12:4-5) and got trouble (Gen 13:5,7-10) and eventually tragedy struck (Num 26:65; even Mt 21:42-43).  The point is that we ignore God (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:21) in for instance Rom 12:1-2 (2 Cor 5:14-17) by keeping the flesh (Rom 8:6-8,13) alive in our secret “psychological ICU” and when these struggles [shame and guilt despite 1 Jn 3:20) resurface we act surprised and overwhelmed as if by a supernatural force from outside and so we want to blame the devil and other evil forces that we insinuate outgun us. What happened to Js 4:6-7 or 1 Jn 4:4-6 (Col 2:15)? There are of course also Scriptures like 1 Cor 3:16-20; 6:15-20; and Heb 13:4 with Eph 5:32 (Eph 1:17-23; Phil 4:13; Rom 13:14) … No, if we crucify [make a permanent end to, annihilate] what we are told in God’s Word to be unadvisable and vile, will we not suffer its consequences for it was killed [dead]. Even the common sense God made available to us to not poison our body with substances bad for us (sugar, trans fats, artificial flavouring, colorants, etc.) and then complain about health and beg for healing (refer to the meditation so entitled and 1 Pet 2:24-25?); but also, by upsetting the delicate balance inside of us by creating our own detrimental hormones (such as an excess histamines or an excess cortisol) due to negative thoughts, strife, gossiping (attempting to shorten other by cutting off their legs so we can look tall)? Is this why we got Eph 4:17-23 and Phil 4:6-9,13 from our Designer that is Love? Please consider the other meditations on this website that are all hoped to form one whole gospel of our beloved Jesus Christ as our [only] Lord in His Kingdom right here on earth the the Spirit of Col 4:3-6 and Jn 8:32,36. (Note Jn 3:17-21!)

So then, when Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt 6:11), why would anyone want to try and change [the meaning of] His words to say, “Give us today the same bread as yesterday and the day before”? “This day” means “daily” that is not repeating the same ad nausea and ad infinitum, but “Every new day its own fresh and life-giving”. And then in context, as said above, with the understanding that Christ in us is that Bread (Jn 1:14,17; 6:47-50,63). Please think about this principle applied to what we have made of “counselling”. This again reiterates that Scripture explains Scripture.

Remember that God is Love.  Also, as a consequence, that if we don’t love our fellow man (even Mt 5:43-48) and self-torment us with self-centred emotions [offense, based on pride; see Rom 12:3 with Prov 8:13; 11:2; 13:10; 16:18; 29:23 and Is 2:11,17], it reveals that we don’t know God (Love, 1 Jn 4:8,16-21)!  Hear Paul in Rom 10:1-4.  Yes, despite what we might say or think (1 Jn 2:4)!  Also observe what real love does not display in 1 Cor 13!…  There is no way around this (Jn 14:6)!  Jesus Christ is the Truth that sets you free – no one and nothing else can spiritually [re-] position you other than our beloved Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 Pet 1:3) with His Spirit inside of you (With Jn 3:3; Lk 17:20-21 but note the Pharisees Jesus was addressing in Lk 17:21 did not have Christ in them but Jesus, the righteousness of God, was in their midst, available (Mk 10:15; Jn 3:3); ponder Rom 8:14)

Remember God is Love.  Love [God, God inside of you] is not needy (Acts 17:25).  In His image – in Christ – you should not (and cannot) be needy.  The only real solution [Truth] then, is to genuinely get re-born (Jn 3:3; see meditations such as “The Gospel” and perhaps re-consider Acts 17:27-31 with 1 Jn 4:4,8,16-21.) If you’re not personally and intimately acquainted with Holy Spirit, seriously consider Jn 4:24 and Rom 8:14.  Observe the acts (deeds of the first Christians) only through Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8; 2:4,38; 4:8; 5:32; 6:5; 8:15-17; 9:17-20,31; 10:38,44-48; 11:24.  Do not skip these scriptures!  Rom 12:9 says, “Let your love be unfeigned…”

Get the revelation that the love described in 1 Cor 13 is God (Christ) within you, and is the biggest of all, and is radiated outwards despite visible circumstances to those trapped [still] in the religious [perhaps even more than heathen] world around you. Again, take note of what this love does not do in 1 Cor 13…  and grasp 2 Cor 5:15-21… Once you’re truly re-born and filled by Holy Spirit [Love], your perception will change and sober up.

So, why [continuous] “deliverance” and “counselling” in the Body of Christ to the same people?

The [current] problem is that people need help.  This is true, but mainly due to ignorance, and not due to an inherent inability or DNA defect, once you are re-born from above (from God, 2 Cor 5:17).  Do you want to be delivered?  Are you looking at people to deliver [keep counselling] you?

Jesus Christ has delivered you [once for all] – Col 1:12-21; 1 Pet 1:18; even Eph 1:3!  He has also already equipped you – Eph 1:3; 1 Pet 1:3-4,18! Failure to totally accept this fact is because of error and probably even rebellion (Hosea 4:6,7,16), or in other words, distrust [unbelief] in the NT; also, a possible overly self-conscious attempt to attract [negative] attention (sympathy).  Jesus was buried so that we could inherit – not earn – a New Testament.  Believe it, faith is not a “work”, but absolute trust in Him.  What is His is ours – Rom 8:14-17.    Religion is used to manipulate where God has already provided deliverance – in our beloved Lord Jesus Christ on His Cross at Golgotha.  Just be open and see what God has to say on this subject (Mt 15:6-9; Mk 7:13; 12:24).  Shine with His glorious Light!  And this Light is Life (Jn 1:4)!

Take note however, that many say “counsel”, but actually mean “soothe”.  This then points to the root of their [self-created] problem, while the world (and they themselves) focuses on the symptoms. This is nothing other than shallow, superficial, self-centred laziness.  Rather choose the renewed lifestyle.  Believe Eph 3:13-21!

[Only] He that made us, can [really permanently] fix us. Jesus had to be buried so that we could legally inherit what no man can earn (Heb 7; 9).  Only Jesus could.  God does nothing “illegal”.  Are you perhaps thinking that God is too weak to really help you, to change you?  Think about Acts 7:48; 17:24; Ps 127:1; Is 66:1; Heb 9:11; Rom 9:6-8,16,24-27; et cetera.  Consider Jer 31:29; Ez 18:1-3; Rom 6:23; 8:1-3; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 10:10-14; Jn 10:10!

A new being, means a new being – loathe play-acting and helplessness!

 Ask for wisdom and discernment (Js 1:5-8) and consider the following:  Note how the world and worldly systems in church keep people in their problem.  The problem is the self. A psychiatrist would typically keep on asking, “and how does that make you feel…”  Well, feeling is emotion and part of the soul [emotion, intellect, will] that is self-centred.  The spirit is God-centred.  To use timeless “Bible language”, a “beast” is behaving in self-interest only [lust and greed] and therefore is this the sign of a beast – to exhibit lust and greed (What you think is your “forehead” and what you do your “right hand”).  To behave like a beast before God, is to be self-centred.  Don’t feel shy, Solomon in all his wisdom also made this mistake[1]!  Therefore, whenever someone is keeping a person that needs to be delivered [from self] focussed in self-righteousness they are aggravating the problem, not relieving it! In other words, when you are told to start performing in order to receive from God [based on your merit], you completely miss the point of salvation in Jesus Christ.  This is self-destructive/dull.

God is a Creator-Father Who is Love and Life and Light and who is interested in a genuine personal relationship with mature children [like Jesus] that choose to trust Him [love Him back, believe His words/teachings/precepts].  Love [God] will never manipulate, and this freedom to us is a gift from the Source of Love so that we can choose right, not to suspect Him of the worst crimes on earth (murder, calamities, a wicked and underhanded character that makes people sick to show us He can heal, etc.)!  If you come to realize this, you will also realize that only worldly religion uses scare-tactics or pity as therapy, God would never use that approach!  An example would be for a Christian to think his goal is to avoid hell, and for that matter, to end up in heaven as a destination!  Surprised?  Check 1 Thess 4:13-18; 5:23 – yes, those who have lost their bodies will get it back and be here on earth again, only better in the second time around because we will live (not die) in absolute faith in Jesus Christ as the Author of Life!

Going for the most attractive retirement village, is utterly self-focused.  Following Law in order to be saved, is utterly self-focussed and is saying that God made the biggest blunder in the universe (Gal 2:19-21; 5:4,18; Rom 10:9-10)!  God has more in mind for us in Christ (Heb 2:8-13; Rom 8:14-20,29-39…)!  Likewise does pity only show the superficial and ignorant message that God is dealing to harshly with someone while it was probably rather a case of Is 5:18 or similar.  Empathy is different.  Be mature (Mt 5:45…  see it?…).

A true child would trust his father and have a good relationship with him (at least converse with him regularly in dialogue, not monologues of self-pity and lust and greed).  A good child would not need shallow scare-tactics of, for example, the various sexually contracted diseases to deter him from sex outside a marriage [desire for self-fulfilment], but rather grasp [know] the beautiful intimacy of faithfulness and commitment and the prophetic image to the world with its obtuse perception of Love [God].  The problem with pornography, for example, is the false [destructive] alternative to Love [God].

A true child of God the Father would truly believe His Word of Life (see the meditation called “The Testimony” by the author, if you will).  Observe how the world and worldly religions all use the same self-centredness they themselves are trapped in to supposedly “deliver” you!  From what?  From what Jesus already over-paid for over 2 000 years ago?  Who do you believe (2 Cor 10:5; Rom 8:29-39)?

God spoke everything [except man] into existence, saying: “…Be!”.  God’s purpose [will] for us is to be mature children like Jesus was (Eph 1; 4:12-15; Col 1).  So be it!  He made us to be in His image…

According to 2 Cor 5:17 you become a new creature when you are born again (Jn 3:3).  When born [again] by the Spirit of God, it is because you have made a choice to take God the Person seriously.  To trust His Person, therefore rely on His promises (not those of men) and cling to God (not man), to remain committed like a Bride to her Bridegroom (in Love) – faithful and committed.  The Blood of Jesus covers all, no “DNA” defect can hinder your total deliverance (some are only fictional excuses anyway), nor can any “family curse” cling to you…  saying otherwise is unscriptural (1 Pet 1:18; Rom 8:1-3).  Jesus came to set you free (Jn 8:32,36) not a dogma or any institution , or hunger ego, or hunger for attention – of man.   Just by the way, sin is not a deed such as lying or stealing.  These deeds are the fruit of the act of distrusting Jesus, the Christ of God (Jn 14:1; 16:9).  Man lies, for example, in a feeble attempt to protect his “self”, and he steals out of distrust in what God has provided, even failing to see what a perfect Father has already provided in life, ability, opportunity… to appropriate by your will!

As a Spirit-filled child of God (Jn 1:12), you are recreated in His image (1 Cor 15:45) and you inherit – not earn – His Spirit dwelling inside of you, as part of His Body, the Church (Eph 1:220-23; 2:18-22; 4:12; 5:32; Col 1:24; 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Cor 3:16).  This is why your body no longer belongs to you (1 Cor 6:19,20).  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now supposed to be continually inside of you (Rom 6:4-7,14, 21-23).  Do you realize Who is inside of you?  He gave you the power to overcome:  Himself inside of you!  Now contemplate 2 Tim 1:5-7; Heb 4:10-14; and 2 Pet 3:11.  Selah with Acts 10:34 in mind. Come, let’s reason together…

Note that depression is a state of mind (a missing Seed, not a missing chemical!).  Confusion is also a state of mind – that is why you cannot trust your mind [intellect] or any other man’s mind (idea) – you can only absolutely trust the Word of God (Jn 1:1-3,14; Ez 21:27; Gal 3:16,29).  HE is the Author and Finisher of your faith (Heb 12:2), not man.  Note here that Jesus wants you back at His feet (submissive and open to receive from Him), and you can [have to make the choice and commitment to] get your mind renewed with your quickened spirit (2 Cor 4:16; Eph 4:23; Ps 51:10,11; 103:3-8; Is 40:31 Amp).  The man in Luke 8:35 was again in his right mind.  (1 Pet 5:5-7; Heb 13:5b).  Note words like “heal all diseases”, not “treat” or “live with” or “tolerate” all diseases or mental weaknesses (fear/distrusting Him).

The idea to need [continuing] counselling from man is a precarious line to tread.  Isaiah 11:2 teaches us that Holy Spirit Himself [God] inside of you, is continually available (Rom 8:14) – that is, if you know His voice (Jn 10:26-30).  “The Message” puts Gal 4:16,17 so beautiful and plain:  “…What happened to the satisfaction you felt at that time?  There were some of you then, who, if possible, would have given your very eyes to me – that is how deeply you cared!  And now have I suddenly become your enemy simply by telling you the truth?  I can’t believe it!  Those heretical teachers go to great lengths to flatter you, but their motives are rotten.  They want to shut you out from the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and direction, making them feel important”.

Jesus invites all [anyone] who are burdened, depressed, inflicted, sick, whatever, to come to HIM, not a man.  And this is for total and complete deliverance – once for all (Mt 11:27-30; Heb 10:1-17).

What does Heb 6:11 and 10:14 mean?  Is it true (2 Tim 3:16)?  Think about it!…

Jesus Christ is the [only] Head of His Church, no man (Eph 1:20-23; 2:20; Mt 23:9; 1 Tim 2:5).  Man and his institutions are control freaks distrusting God in their own fear (that is unbelief in God’s omniscient and omnipotent power, and His promises.  Unbelief in the fact that God has already provided complete healing for the whole man in body, soul and spirit).  They want to continue using a law that keep people in bondage.  This law was only for a specific purpose and a specific time (i.e., Moses until Jesus; study Galatians 3, especially verses 9,10,12,13,19,23-29).  Also, Rom 7:4; 10:4,9,10,12; 12:2; Heb 8:13; Is 1:18,19.  Consider the meditation by the author entitled “The Covenant and the Law”.

Note that this law (ten commandments) was given through angels, not by God directly as you might have thought (Acts 7:38,53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2).  The meditation “The Covenant and The law” expands on this. God’s original plan (1 Pet 1:20; Eph 1:4), was to just give us grace (unmerited favour) and mercy (that sets an enemy free) in His Love. You and I without Jesus Christ all fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23), so stop trying to fix yourself or to think some other man can fix your mind – give your Maker and Father a chance!  He has done it for you.  Accept it, and be free!  Not free to continue in sin (Heb 10:22-31; Jn 3:17-21) but be free from self [destruction] and sin! He came to give you an abundant, joyful life, not misery (Jn 10:10; 16:33).  Men and their institutions have throughout history messed up what God had begun through humility in the right attitudes of man.  All “revivals” have stopped the very moment men institutionalised it – it stopped there with men “in control”.  Man seems to be obsessed by the idea to control [be self-centred, manipulative, their own god].  If you choose this way, then suffer its consequences.  Only, stop blaming or suspecting a perfect Father-God (not god-father)!  God is a Spiritual Being, not a “movement” or a “wave” (Jn 4:24). Understand why the [O.T.] law (as a set of rules to live by) was a curse (Gal 3:9,10,19).

A missing chemical or a missing Seed?

When we trust the world’s knowledge on a subject, the result will be anxiety [fear, unbelief]; when we trust our Creator-Father-God’s knowledge on a subject, the result will be peace[2] and joy.

Most, if not all, conditions of illness [body, soul, and spirit], originate from the same source.  Symptoms are not causes; and symptoms might be hurt, depression, despondency, despair, hopelessness, depression, condemnation, unworthiness, and so on.  All these are feelings [self-centred emotion, part of soul].  Jesus came to set us free from this self.  All these feelings are actually caused by a spirit of rejection.  Before reading further, try to grasp Phil 3:9.

Consider Eph 6:12-18.  We must realize that this is about a spiritual warfare against evil spirits manifested in thoughts.  Refer to Is 54:13-17; and Rom 12:1-3,14,19[3].  Consider the possibility that “principalities” are actually principal principles that rule your thought-life (2 Cor 10:5; Heb 12:2; Eph 4:23)!  Remember that, especially negative thought, is part of the soul that is self-centred.  All confusion is in the mind, and therefore you cannot trust the mind – not yours or anybody else’s mind; you can only absolutely trust the Word of God, not your emotional self.

Note at Mk 5:8-9. From this we learn that there seems to be one [single] spirit [source, seed] that operates in the world (Job 1:7) that causes numerous problems for man.  Note that it only occurs when listening to [conforming to, or following the suggestions of] such spirit [thought entered] – for example, Js 4:7-10; Rom 12:9; 2 Cor 10:5; 1 Pet 5:8-9; Eph 4:27. The point is that no big theatrical show is required to get rid of [a] demon, or each individual demon, for demons manifests as bad [unholy] thoughts that are followed by choice! Refer to the meditation “Body, soul, spirit” for an exegesis on this subject. Contemplate even just Rom 8:29-39; 2 Cor 5:17 and 1 Pet 1:15-19 for provisional confirmation. Once the spirit that operates in the world is identified [revealed] we as Christians should remember and be able to demonstrate the reality of Col 2:15; Jn 19:30; Eph 1:3; 2 Pet 1:2-11 and Js 4:4-7! So as for this spirit [seed, source] operating in this “world”, even just the following gives a clue: Jn 1:10,29; 3:3,16-21; 8:15-16; 8:12,23-26; 12:25-26,31; 15:18-19; 17:13-26; Rom 12:1-2; 2 Pet 2:1-22.  So we see in Mk 5:2 that this pagan (vv 1 and 5 with 1 Ki 18:28) was apparently tormented by wanting to be free but tied up in error (Hos 4:6; Phil 3:9-10); he was up in the mountains (where pagans worship) but when he saw Jesus (Jn 14:6) he paid homage to Him (vv 6-7).  Jesus then commanded a single spirit to come out of the man (v 8) that admitted they are many (vv 9,13)! In v 15 we find the man in his right mind after, what was possibly a period of time longer than a few hours.  Jesus seemed to have spent time with this man (the hog feeders ran away first to tell people in the town and country about this meeting, v 14, and then came back to find this man in his right mind; so Jesus seemed to have ministered to him, teaching him [correcting his perception and so got him “in his right mind”].  Observe that before God’s Spirit was poured out (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor 2:10-16), there was a dire need to prevent what was described in Mt 12:29, 43-45 (with v 25 read Js 1:6-8), and that the only protection [even more so than today] was a renewed mind Rom 12:1-2 and verses in this paragraph above.  If we want to go further with lessons in Luke 16, there is in Lk 16:8 awaiting a shocking probability explained in the meditation “The Testimony” (p. 10/13).

If you have all in the world, but you do not have Jesus Christ, you have nothing still.  On the other Hand, if you have nothing except Jesus Christ, you have all (Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:13-17).

When you feel rejected (Heb 13:5!), the natural reaction is an effort to compensate for this offense taken [hurt].  The spirit so invited, is called a spirit of rebellion.  Rebellion has many forms and disguises.  Remember Eph 6:12 and Col 2:15; Jn 16:33; and so on – just keep standing in absolute trust in the Word of God, Jesus Christ.  Bear in mind that God probably view a hardened heart the same as witchcraft because of the element of manipulative will power and control.  God is Love and never manipulates, and so should we be (Rom 8:14,15).

When we feel rejected, in rebellion, will we try to fight for love [force acceptance]; and will we try to grasp at alternatives offered by this fowl spirit.  Out of this comes promiscuity, lust, basically all efforts to buy the lie of a sufficient substitute in traps like alcohol, drugs, pornography, sensuality, empire-building, homosexuality…  The mind perceives [accepts the lie] of a Spirit-Word rejecting us and so offers an alternative in the carnal, or sensual realm that decides [then] what is desirable [“good”] for self-satisfaction or pleasure to the self.  Note that this perception of what is good [then] may differ from what God knows to be really and absolutely good (Gen 3:6).  The paragraph on the two specific trees in the Garden of Eden is discussed in the meditation “Genesis to Revelation” p. 2-3. The proposal that boundless self-pleasing and self-righteousness is good is of course a lie from Satan.

Jesus Christ [God] will never reject any man (Jn 3:16-21; Rom 5:8-11,29-39; Heb 13:5; 2 Pet 3:9). He gave us a free will so that He can choose those who choose Him out of free will, and because He could know beforehand who this would be, He called us “pre-elect”.  So this feeling [lie] of rejection caused rebellion, and that make us reach for self-destructive alternatives (Is 5:18).

All these alternatives that Satan has on offer are extreme, perverted and part of the law of diminutive return.  The more you try [put in by own effort as a means to stimulate self], the less you get out [only end up with feelings of guilt, inferiority, condemnation, frustration, etc.].  The point the devil wants to get people to, is the point where you become insensitive to the Word of God, and so stop caring – from this point onwards, addiction [submission] is reached.

  1. πόρυος. Pŏrnŏs, is from πέρυημι [ρĕrnëmi], meaning to sell; akin to the base of 4097. Πιπράσκω [ρipraskö] which is from περάω [pĕrō] that means to traverse; from the base meaning to dispose of as merchandise or into slavery. 4203. Πορυεύω [pǒrnĕuö] means to act the harlot, indulge in unlawful lust or to practice idolatry, or to commit fornication. Basically, to corrupt the Spirit-Life into carnality because the mind has bought the lie that the alternative [lust] is a replacement for what it suggests real Love [God] lacks; and to enslave you in self.  Self-satisfaction/slavery is NOT Love! Beware of a feeling of rejection/offense – a troubled imagination fantasizing unrealistically and idyllically about a rotten and vulgar industry called pornography.

Can you see that it is about a lying spirit of rejection that invites his spirit-associate rebellion into your thought-life [mind]?  Can you see where trust [faith] in God’s Word [promises] come in (2 Cor 10:5)?  Note how rebellion rises a need to create storms and fantasies to “vent” frustration or self…  Rebellion is the most conspicuous and weak and beggarly way to reveal you are still trying to find your place in this creation.  Why?

So, the self is out to prove, and ultimately destroy, itself, that is why God advises Heb 12:1-3.  Consider reading the other meditations by the author, for expanding thoughts on this issue of self- vs  God-righteousness, called law.  Enough evidence exists to show that physical illnesses stem from a reduced state that is caused by a distressed mind, and all schizophrenia from rejection.  Often, cancer befalls a person after a divorce or some other trauma [“rejection”]. Now, have a look at Rom 3:24-27; 8:29-39.

A noteworthy point here is that the devil is behind homosexuality – a radical manifestation of rebellion against God’s creation idea (Gen 1:26-28; 2:24).  Archaeological finds show evidence from even Babylonian times that idol worshiping had much reference to equal male/female properties [role-acting perversion].  (The author wrote a short meditation discussing homosexuality).

Other symptoms from this spirit of rebellion manifest as offense, bitterness, resentment, hate, retaliation, murder…  Note the downward spiral of diminutive return that starts with offense [feeling of rejection that becomes offensive/attacking/rejecting the Love of God!].  The more you put into the law of diminutive return, the less [spiritual, eternal] return results.  For God’s idea about His law of increasing return, see Jer 29:11; 2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; Rom 8:1-3.  The less you try, the more you trust His Word (Jesus Christ) and the more you get!  So much for the world’s nonsense about “love at first sight” (it’s rather lust at first sight); or “love is hard work” (agape is about faithfulness and commitment and unselfishness); or “love is blind” (God is Love, and God is not blind, He warns us to not be spiritually blind! Someone once said that love is not blind, it merely sees more and then just choose to see less.)!  Trust in Him is called [following] faith, a personal relationship where you acknowledge Him when you hear from Him.  Thank Him when He guides your conscience!

As a matter of interest, observe how these fowl spirits of rejection and rebellion manifest another absurdity:  more often than not, do the same activists for “animal rights” or even “human rights” (Ez 21:27) have no problem with unborn babies being murdered, and even go so far as to promote these murders or claim there should be less humans (Gen 1:26-28).  Equally obvious, are the manifestations of exaggerated [false] responsibility; false worship [accent on ceremony, tradition, rituals, religion]; and so on.  Is our relationship with Jesus Christ or with the rituals and jewellery associated with this worshipping of Jesus Christ?  Is it about us seeing/hearing Him or how we look claiming Him?…

Jesus Christ [God] will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor leave you without support [non-manipulative provision].  Father-Son-Spirit is giving His Word to our spirit-soul-body, hence the three times repeat in Heb 13:5!  (Jn 17:25-26).  This is not a stutter, but a complete promise as a Trinity to a human to be perfectly whole.

An important associated aspect is forgiveness.  And if you have not forgotten, it is not forgiven!  This forgiveness is to set you free [in your mind, and from the results of our own irrational actions].  Un-forgiveness shows a total lack of understanding of what Jesus Christ came to do.  Contemplate Mt 6:14,15; Lk 23:34; 2 Cor 2:10; Jn 20:19-23).  Why keep yourself captive?  If God has forgiven [paid for] all sin once for all, why would you try to retain it? See the discussion further on in this meditation on Mt 5:27-29.

Note that forgiving does not mean you must repeat the same mistake [to trust bad people] like a fool!  If evidence show that someone will keep on hurting you, like a leopard that does not change its spots, then exercise your sound judgement by asking God [His Holy Spirit] for wisdom and discernment (Js 1:5).

See that addiction is when you reach this point of bluntness, of insensitivity, towards the prompting of Holy Spirit, to Jesus Christ, to the Word of God.  This is the point reached where you hear “I don’t care anymore”.  This while God as a Perfect Father, is waiting with open arms for us to get up and run back to Him in trust and in absolute submission (Mk 11:24; Rom 8:14-20).  When we are truly re-born, this will be a reality more so than the rotten alternatives offered by a defeated foe!  1 Cor 6:15-20; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Heb 10:14; Phil 4:13; Rom 8…

The choice then, is ours.  Who do you say is He?  How much weight do His Words have to you?

The Law

 

See the more comprehensive discussion in the meditations “The Covenant and the Law”; “Genesis to revelation”; “Mixing of Old and New”; “Messianic Jews”; and “The Gospel” by the author.  But for now, consider the following Scriptures:  If you are a child of God (Jn 1:12,17), would you also be guilty according to Rom 7:10 and Jn 19:7 – remember Heb 2:11; Rom 8:29; Gal 4:6.  Then see Heb 7:19; Gal 2:19; 3:10; Rom 2:4; 3:20; 7:6 with Heb 8:13; 9:8-28; Rom 8:1-3; 2 Cor 3.

The end of that legalistic mindset, that “world” has come on the cross (Heb 9:26)!  Are you still waiting for the end of that world?  You missed it [misread it], did you not?

Gen 1:26 has a list.  Did you see what is missing?  Man.  Man was never intended to have dominion over [other] man!  This is why dictatorship, manipulation and rape is ungodly.  The rulers, the powers, in church was the fig tree that Jesus came to do away with (Lk 13:6-10; Mt 21:18-29, and they “blossomed” when Jesus was crucified, Mt 24:32), but missed 1 Cor 2:8.

 

If we believe Jesus[4], that is, what HE said, more than looking at the law and prophets[5], we will get all we ask.  Why do we not get all we ask?  Our consciences are tainted by attempting to still do works to “obtain more favour”, get “bigger blessings”, and impress God with what we do to “deserve” mercy[6].  This shows unbelief, distrust and fear [unbelief].   Some people think that by “honouring” old Jewish rituals, N.T. believers can obtain “more blessings” from God.  This is plain stupidity and revealing a very poor understanding of what Jesus came to accomplish for us.  What a tragic and ignorant mistake!  Jesus either is all our righteousness and holiness and power, or none at all.  There can be absolutely nothing in between.  The Jewish rituals and ceremonies were only for a specific purpose and a specific time: mainly to give them an aid to recognize the Messiah when He came.  Contemplate carefully Mt 15:6-9; 22:29.  Then recognize a choice has to be made: try self-righteousness (law), or accept grace! That Door is what God opened (Jn 10:9), and no man can shut (Rev 3:8; 4:1); conversely, if you do not accept that open Door (Jn 14:6; 3:17,18); the others are shut by God [Jesus Christ on His cross, and His Blood on the mercy seat, the throne of God].

To be interested in O.T. rituals, ceremonies and traditions [religion] is fine and enriching, and as a study subject, very necessary; but to try and cling to those in the hope of getting “more blessings” or living a “more pure” Christian life, is actually achieving the opposite.  Hebrews 9 explains the last will and Testament of God for us as believers in Jesus Christ – the only Way, Truth and Life[7].  He had to be buried, for us to inherit what He gave [provided for] us to have.  As Romans 12:2 is saying!  Galatians 3 teaches the main purpose of the law:

  • We are all guilty by it (Rom 3:23; 6:23; Js 2:10). Only Jesus can set us free!
  • It quiet our mouths, humble us before God (1 Pet 5:5; Ps 51:17; Ez 21:26,27)
  • The law (rules) is a curse because of human nature[8]
  • Laws [rules] gives a mentality of minimum requirement [not excellence][9]
  • Law and rules are only [required] for the unruly (“free” is not “unruly”).

Adam implemented [set in motion, working] the idea (proposed by Satan first to Eve) of living by knowing [trying to apply] right from wrong.  This system is called [the] law, and essentially is self-righteousness, which really means spiritual death.  The fruits [words] of this tree promised falsely that Eve (and Adam) could live by it, but this is a lie (2 Cor 3, especially v. 7).  Then later, to Moses, the rules of this concept [law] was given as noted above; but ended with Jesus Christ.  The Law was only intended for the period from Moses up to Jesus Christ (Gal 3:19; Rom 10:4).

Just by the way, the term “Messianic Jew” contradicts Gal 3:26-29; 4:9-12; 5:2-6; and Rom 10:12, and is thus unscriptural.  See the meditation entitled “Messianic Jews” by this author, if you will.

Legalism

We have to be careful though, to understand legalism correctly (Mt 23).  To be rigorous and disciplined, is not a complete definition for legalism – the flesh [soul] needs discipline and correction (2 Tim 3:16,17; Rom 8:7; Heb 12, etc.).  Legalism is rather:

  1. The idea that I can change myself independent of God, and that a defined behaviour redeems me, such as acts of obedience in itself that “forces” God to save us. This neglects God’s grace [unmerited favour].  God does not need my help to complete Christ’s redemptive work – I must just accept [appropriate] it, and if I have, it will be reflected in my obedience [complete trust, full reliance and submission] to Him.  And as a result, because of being closer to Him (right there with Him), will I receive [spiritually and physically] more from/of Him – not because of my deed, but because of my [new] placing…  by His grace – His daily Bread, His daily providence, His sustenance, His Life, His opportunities given to me; and His Son.  My sins are not forgotten [still there], they are paid for [forgiven, wiped out, annulled as if they never existed thanks to Jesus’ Blood].
  2. Critical of weakness in others and impatient with the luke-warmness of others, but ignore their own. A legalist is self-vindictive, self-righteous, overly self-conscious [self-pleasing].
  3. Prides itself on own consistency.  A legalist measures himself against [his own] man-made standards, his own religious track record, and praises his own discipline and consistency [externalism].  He is self-satisfied and a man-pleaser [not a God-pleaser], jumping through man-made loops for applause of other humans.  He self-assuredly defends this “self”-theology.  Pride defends theories and fables whilst resisting Spirit Truth [Jesus Christ].
  4. Invents man-made standards and insists that all [other] men keep to that, not God’s. Legalists major on minors and minor on majors – and denies it.
  5. Neglects God (Holy Spirit) under a show of rituals, traditions and ceremonies [religion] that wants to measure by visible, quantifiable results. This is superficial and cannot measure Love of/for God, or spiritual depth, or a genuine relationship with a genuine Person.
  6. Neglects God’s sovereignty and righteousness, and will not submit to God while pretending to be consecrated to God (holy) – only to proof himself wonderful, not God. The legalist is religious, but not a friend of Jesus, nor a child of God.  God sees either Adam or the last Adam (Christ), in you…

Romans 5 tells us about this “one man – one Man” principle.  God was not caught off guard by sin or Satan – Satan just triggered [activated, necessitated, implemented] the principle, the amazing and perfect redemption plan of God [set before the foundation of the earth]:  Jesus Christ.

(Mt 13:35; Eph 1:4; 1 Pet 1:20; Rev 13:8; 17:8).  We either have Adam or Jesus in us.

There can be no real obedience, nor any moral virtue in obedience, unless a person recognizes the higher authority of the One to be obedient to.  To order with “you must” and “you will” breaks the human spirit, making it unfit for God.  A person is simply a slave for obeying, unless behind his obedience is the recognition of a Perfect God.  We come to the Father once we stop being religious – there is only one master of the heart:  Jesus Christ, not religion.  But “woe is me” if after seeing Him I still will not obey (Is 6:5,1).  Our Lord Jesus leaves us perfectly free to choose after our recognition (Rev 4:11).  It is simply unworthiness within me that refuses to bow down [submit] and LIVE for Christ [serve, give, rule destructive thoughts].  God often teaches us by using people who are a little more holy [consecrated to Him] than we are – until we choose.  My level of growth in grace is revealed by the way I look at obedience.  See Heb 5:8 – The Son was obedient as our Redeemer because He was (is) the Son, not to become God’s Son.

Thoughts on the purpose of this life on earth

How often have you come to God with your requests and gone away thinking you got what you wanted, and yet you go away with nothing.  This is because you went away…  He was welcoming you with outstretched arms not only to take [embrace] you, but for you to take [permanently embrace, cling to] Him.  Just think of the invincible, unconquerable, and untiring patience of Jesus, Who lovingly says, “Come to Me…”  We remain so stubbornly dedicated to-, and conscious of our own “self”…  or other men full of them “selves”… and frequently leave Him…

This whole experience in life is to enable us to enter into this eternal [lasting] closest relationship with Jesus Christ, not religion (tradition, ceremony, rituals, externalism) or self-consciousness.  Our battles are first won or lost in the secret places of our will [given by God] in God’s presence, never in full view of the world.  The Spirit of God seizes me and I am compelled to get alone with God and fight the battle against my own self-righteousness before Him.  Until I do this, I will loose every time.  The battle may take one minute or one year, but that will depend on me, not God.  I must first get the issue settled between God and myself in faith in His accomplished work in the secret places of my soul, where no one else can interfere.  Then I can go ahead, knowing with certainty that the battle is won.  Lose it there, and calamity, disaster, and defeat before the world are as sure as the [Spiritual] laws of God.  The reason the battle is lost is that I fight it first in the world.  Get alone with God, do battle before Him, and settle the matter once and for all. [1 Jn 5:4].  You are to love the Person, not a cause. To know God, is to love God, to trust [believe] God.  And then that Jesus Christ is all your righteousness for good.

We are to remain and rule [our thought-lives, 2 Cor 10:5] until Jesus Christ returns (1 Thess 5:23)!…

The law (the idea of winning or loosing favor with God through what I do or fail to do), is the “world” mentioned in the majority of places in the N.T. and the “world” [of Jewish rituals, traditions and law] that Jesus is not the King of (Jn 7:7 with Mt 23 and Mt 21:42-45; Gal 3 and especially vs 11,12,21-29; and Gal 4:11-31 Amp).  Contemplate Heb 8:13; 9:8 with Heb 10:11-17 and 1 Jn 3:18-24.

So then, be cautious with man-made institutions using teachings and dogmas of man that wants to [perpetually] “deliver”, “free” and “counsel”, all while they themselves are still in captivity [under O.T. law].  See 2 Cor 3:10-18.  Verse 18 says the old, former glory was fleeting and time-specific; and the N.T. glory inherited through Jesus Christ, is non-stop.  But only when you read the Bible as the Word of God [seeing it is all about Jesus Christ, not you].  In Christ you are God’s son…

You can discover who you are in Christ and He in you; be not below, but above – continually.

This “above” is where He is seated (Eph 2:6; Heb 2:7,8, above angels and the law they brought)!

By the way, often in the O.T., “law” actually refers to God’s “precepts” or “teachings of God”, and not “the ten commandments”.  Ponder seriously over 1 Sam 15:22; and Ps 40:6-8; and Ps 50:14,15.  While you are there, also contemplate Rom 5:17- 6:14 (remember Jn 16:9); with 2 Cor 10:5; and 1 Pet 1:14-19.  Now look at Jn 3:6 and 4:24.  Be blessed and be free.  Let 1 Jn 4:4; and Ps 23:6 show in your life to be true..  Honour your Father of Isaiah 41:4,10.

An example of someone in dire doubt (depression):  John the Baptist

Note at Mt 11:2:  Lk 7:19 tells us John summoned to him a certain two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord.  The significance of this is that it was serious enough for John to have, in the custom of the time, a second person as a witness [for accuracy of the message].  Furthermore, when these two men approached Jesus with John’s query, Jesus did not supply a direct [verbal] answer and possibly did not answer the question immediately [verbally], but continued to healing many, then said to them to go and tell John what they had seen (Lk 7:21).  People could also have asked why Jesus has not visited this special messenger of Him while he was in prison (Mt 25:36,39-46).  Remember that this is the John of Lk 1:39-41).

Note at Mt 11:7: It is very interesting to note that Jesus’ proclamation of John the Baptist as the greatest of all Old Testament prophets (Heb 9:16-18) came after the disciples of John had left. Why did Jesus wait to say these things until after John’s disciples were gone? Wouldn’t it have comforted John to hear Jesus’ announcement of him as the greatest of all the prophets? Instead, Jesus didn’t even give John a direct answer but told his disciples to go and show John the miracles that Jesus was performing. Jesus probably wanted John the Baptist out of Prov 15:15 (Hos 4:6), into Jn 6:48,69; 16:33; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Pet 1:3-10; 2 Cor 5:17; proving Heb 4:12.  As can be seen by John’s earlier testimony (Jn. 1:22-23), he was very familiar with the prophecies of Isaiah. When Jesus told John’s disciples to show John that “the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them,” Jesus was pointing John back to the prophecies of Isaiah (Is 29:17-19; 35:3- 6; 61:1-2). The faith John needed to banish his doubts would come from the Word of God (Rom 10:17; Eph 6:16-17). What might appear to some as Jesus giving an inadequate reply to John was actually Jesus ministering to John in the most powerful way possible. The Word of God is magnified above the name of God (Ps 138:2) and is more trustworthy than the audible voice of God out of Heaven (2 Pet 1:17-20) because some men seem to imagine what they hear (Jer 23:29-40).

Many times when we experience times of doubt and discouragement, we pray for God to do something special to lift us out of our despair. However, we should remember how Jesus responded to John in this situation by pointing him back to the Word, and receive the greater blessing of walking by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).  Recall here Jesus’ words in Lk 24:27; and Jn 5:39,40; also the fact mentioned in Acts 10:34, and Rom 3:4, Num 23:19, etc.  The world, and ideas of science of men in this world, can give one report – but what does Jesus [the Word of God] say on this subject you are dealing with?  Who do you believe?

Note at Mt 8:10: There are only two times in all of scripture that Jesus marvelled. They were (1) the centurion’s faith and (2) the Jews’ unbelief (Mk 6:6). A faith that made Jesus (who is the author and finisher of our faith [Heb 12:2]) marvel is worth examining. This centurion believed that the spoken word of Jesus was sufficient to produce his miracle. He didn’t need Jesus to come to his house. He had faith in Jesus’ word. Therefore, we can see that the person who simply believes the written Word of God is operating in a much higher form of faith than those who require additional proof. Compare this centurion’s faith with the “little” faith of Thomas in John 20:24-29.

Note at Mt 11:4: Jesus’ use of the word “again” shows that John had been kept well informed of what was happening in Jesus’ ministry (see Lk 7:18).

Note at Mt 11:11:  The context of Mt 11 is offence, and that it is something that has to be taken (cannot be given, forced into your thoughts), and offence can only be taken in pride [haughtiness], not in humility (see 1 Pet 5:5-6; Mt 11:29).  John the Baptist asked if Jesus was indeed the Messiah out of pride (v 6), and then Jesus implied in verse 11 that he fell from being the biggest of all prophets as His “announcer”, to less than the least in the kingdom of God.  Compare this to king David in 1 Chron 21:1,7,8 (he accepted the blame); 1 Kings 15:5.  Other examples such as Solomon exist as well (1 Cor 10:11) that show Acts 10:34; Rom 2:11 to be absolutely rue.  In all his wisdom, Solomon went lost (1 Ki 11:1-6).  More about this in the meditation called “Rapture Raptured”, page 7.

Note at Mt 11:12: The phrase “suffer violence” in this verse is translated from the Greek word “biazo” and means “to force, to crowd oneself into, to be seized, press and suffer violence.” The same Greek word was used in Lk 16:16 and was translated “press” (into it) in that instance. God’ written Word is above other manifestations (Gal 1:8; 2 Pet 1:17-20)!  The religious was trying to “press” into God’s kingdom [righteousness of Jesus Christ] with their own attempts [law] for those six months (Mt 11:12).

The idea that Jesus was communicating in both of these passages is that before the time of John the Baptist, the only way [for those under law] to approach unto God was through the Old Testament laws and sacrifices, which in Jesus’ time had become cold and cumbersome rituals in which the heart of the people was far from God (Mt 15:3-9). When John the Baptist came in the power of the spirit (2 Cor 3:6) preaching a turning away from sin (Mt 3:8; Jn 16:9) and faith in the coming Messiah (Mt 3:11), multitudes, who previously were not actively seeking God, began flocking to the wilderness to be baptized by John, confessing their sins and putting their faith in the coming Messiah. The interpretation here, however, needs careful consideration.  It is possible that those focussed on the coming Messiah were truly thinking they should be “pressing in” to the kingdom of Heaven in the sense of overcoming any obstacle or opposition posed by laws, traditions, unbelief, or any power Satan threw at them in order to receive the message that John preached. But note that this is none more than self-righteousness and own-effort; and not putting all faith only in the Messiah!  The religious were “violently resolved” in their zeal and forcefully attempting to press in to the kingdom of Heaven; but this is not how to enter!  You can only enter through Jesus Christ (Jn 10:7-10,25-29; 14:6)! You cannot force your way into it!  You enter by humbleness and submission to the fully accomplished work of Jesus Christ on His cross – for all of us in faith!  Today, as in the days of John the Baptist, Satan is opposing the preaching of the gospel of mercy and grace [life everlasting], and deludes religious people by making them think they are to be violently resolved to receive God’s best will by “pressing in” and then only they can have it.  This teaching is wrong – Jesus referred to them [the fig tree, the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes; the religious] that tried to forcefully enter (Mt 3:7-10) by their own efforts of self-worth (Mt 11:12-15)!

Note at Mt 11:15: Everyone present probably had physical ears. Jesus is referring to their ability to perceive spiritual truth. Spiritual truths can only be received if we “incline our ear” unto God’s Word (Prov 4:20). If we open up to [submit, trust], or already have received the Seed (God’s Word, Jesus) inside.  What we concentrate our attention upon is what we become sensitive to. If we fail to meditate upon spiritual realities, we will become dull of hearing (spiritually) or hardened towards those things (Ps 92:6; Lk 12:56; Jn 8:43; 1 Cor 2:14; Heb 5:11).

So, regarding Scripture pointing to John the Baptist, we can see the following:

  • Seeing is not believing. It is accepting what we would not believe (Heb 10:38; 11:1).  The “believe” God is looking for, is accepting HIS WORD without our “proof”.  See the meditation entitled “The Testimony” by this author.  We must be careful with our concepts of “right-mindedness”!…
  • Jesus is above, carnal thinking of man is below (the third heaven is speaking of the realm – all around us [Heb 12:1], not the planets and space). Jesus will not descend into a purely emotional “hug-giving” to give assurance of Who He is, but say “it is written”.  He is “I AM” (Heb 13:8).  He invites despondent man to come [up] to Him; above your emotions and circumstances (1 Jn 4:4; not Js 4:4)!  He – Jesus – lifts you up (Rev 4:1), if you hear from Him. In contrast with trusting God’s Word, His promises, you will find emotional overshadowment by a defeated foe [i.e. a lie that you are a looser] that is not from God, or a chemical (missing or present).  This is your own carnal thinking mind at work as your worst enemy.  Remember:  God leads by His Spirit, not circumstances [manipulation] – Rom 8:14; Gal 5:18; Jer 2:17 (Ps 78:53; 23:2; and so on).
  • Jesus [Who made John the Baptist, as well as you (Jn 1:1-3; Heb 1:1-3), said that you can get anything you want in Christ (Mk 11:24; Jn 14:11-14)! So what do you believe?  Modern medicine or the Word of God?  See again 2 Tim 1:5-7; Heb 4:10-14; and 2 Pet 1:3-10; 3:11; Heb 4:12. Selah.

Psychology will tell you an alcoholic stays an alcoholic as long as he is on this earth, even if he is “rehabilitated”.  They keep this poor person in bondage (a lie) only to try and be in control and look good (relative to these weaklings around them).  They tell this poor person he needs pills and, o yes, have to regularly go back to a pathetic little group testifying “I am an alcoholic, my name is…”.  Have any of them read Prov 18:21; Dt 30:19; Mt 12:35-37?  Have they heard it, but not taken it to heart (Mt 7:22-24)?  What about 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:5-10; 3:13-21 do you not understand?

There is one pill, and that is the Gospel [Truth about the good news of Jesus Christ]…  Forget the half-baked theories and ideas of man.  Look at the results (signs): are you really FREE?…

Suggested further reading is “The Gospel” meditation by the same author, to get the fundamental teaching of the NT – check it with your Bible to see what Scripture confirms.  Ask Jesus Christ yourself.

Note at Mt 5:27-29.  It seems that some highly religious people, when they become adamant to get out of a marriage, becomes so relentless [unforgiving] in their attack on the rejected partner that they possibly twist and misuse the Word of God [again?] by using scriptures such as these as their “proof” that they have a right to divorce (Mt 5:31-32; based on Dt 5:18; 24:1-4), “supporting” this “justification” with perhaps even 1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:7-10; Eph 5:1-12?  But what about Mt 13:15-17; Mk 7:18-23; Eph 4:20-24; 1 Cor 5:9-11?  Do these accusers realize that Eph 5:1-12 leads on to verses 13-17 in a similar way that Rom 3:20,23 leads to verses 24-27 (Jn 3:15-21)?  So, in other words, have this attacking “Christian” considered Mt 5:23-26 (1 Jn 3:15) as well? The NT Christian should be able to say [see, manage, demonstrate fruit of Holy Spirit inside that guides] – then came Jesus!…  These unforgiving “Christians” show a lack of understanding that reveals a shockingly shallow knowledge of Jesus Christ and His purpose [successfully accomplished mission, also Jn 15:12,17].  This is why they are at a loss to explain so many apparent controversies in their Bibles, such as Rom 9:13,18,25 (some would not even know what the apparent problem seems to be with these scriptures! The meditation “The Will” by the author expands on this). These very Scriptures (such as Eph 4:25-31) in fact reveals another side, namely how the self-righteous misuses the Law [and scripture] for retaliation when they feel wronged [rejected], instead of the intent with what God gave it – compensation!  Note how Gal 5:9 [also] warns about a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers, that can pervert the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church!  This is why we do not see Eph 1:22; 4:4-5; Jn 17:20-26 (Heb 10:12-13; 1 Jn 3:2; let alone 1 Cor 15:26, yet!)…

In Mt 5 we see time and again how Jesus (Jn 1:10-14!) pointed out to the scribes and religious play-actors that “It is written, but I say unto you…”.  Is this same blindness present in the religious today? Why else can the average pious and haughty church-goer today not know what Jesus meant (neither their “teachers” and “pastors”; unlike the One mentioned in Jn 14:26, hence Hos 4:4-9; 2 Tim 3:7; 4:2-4)?  Most don’t even recognize that there seems to be an apparent contradiction between Mt 5:40-44 and 2 Tim 1:7.  They are at a loss to explain how Jesus could apparently go against scripture [law].  This is linked to the phenomena mentioned in 2 Cor 3:13-18 (remember that Mt 5 was still in the OT era – Heb 9:16-18; 8:12-13!!). The “eye for an eye” and “tooth for a tooth” principle is meant to mean exactly the opposite as what the self-righteous religious people think, that’s why it is such a difficulty for their conceited minds.  Their shock will be to discover that Mt 7:19-23; 23:23; Lk 11:42-46; 17:3; 18:11-14 (Phil 3:9) actually applies to them [also]! Jesus was here also pointing out that if you start your argument with not yourself, but by considering the other person first, you’ll have more compassion.  In other words, if you take out someone else’s eye or tooth in a ruthless act, then you should allow them [others] to do the same unto you to be fair (thus Mt 7:1-5,12; Acts 10:34-35; Rom 2:11; 9:14-16-33… In other words, how can anyone expect God to treat them, as an unforgiving accuser, different than anyone else? If God forgave their sins, especially if they have truly repented, you have to also; otherwise you in effect think you can make God an accomplice to unfairness! Again consider the “IF” in Mt 6:14,15; 18:32-35; as well as Mk 11:25-26; Lk 6:37; 11:39,40,42; 17:3-4; 2 Cor 2:7; 1 Jn 1:9-10…

Now, when this person that wronged us, shows true remorse – even for allowing possibly only suspicion to grow in our self-righteous mind (1 Jn 1:10) – consider this:   The true Christian should grasp that the context is actually the issue of forgiveness (Mt 6:12,14-15)!!  Jesus admonished the religious play-actors (us?) in Mt 5:27-29 to (a) not think they are morally superior (Rom 3:20,23; 1 Jn 9:10; Jer 17:9-10) because neither are they themselves without the same sin to God’s standard. We should take care [admit that we need God’s guidance, 1 Pet 5:6] and rather be thankful to not end up in a place where we would have to face the same temptation than the persons we are so looking down upon for falling.  Incidentally, one can only be tempted by something you do not hate [loathe, detest] and the same goes for an unforgiving attitude – Selah. Then, (b) was Jesus also warning that this self-righteous and unforgiving attitude will give an illegal way for a defeated foe, Satan, the devil, the false accuser of mankind (Col 1:13-20; 2:13-3:25… please don’t be too lazy to honestly and carefully contemplate all these scriptures with the above paragraph in mind!). This is why the illegal entry into our hearts [minds, 2 Cor 10:4-6 (even onwards to v18); 1 Pet 5:5-11[10]; Is 54:13-17] is mentioned!… it is meant for our own protection against bitterness, resentment, hate… all the things stealing our joy in the Lord that can only be a result when we have inner peace [God’s Love with no resentment, bitterness, envy, hate…]. Amen?

Epilogue

As stated before, note that forgiving does not mean you must repeat the same mistake [to trust bad people] like a fool!  If evidence show that someone will keep on hurting you, like a leopard that does not change its spots, then exercise your sound judgement by asking God [His Holy Spirit] for wisdom and discernment (Js 1:5).

Let’s again truthfully consider the following Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17): 2 Cor 2:7-10,11; Jn 5:22-24,45; 8:3-12.  No Christian can claim to not be willing or able to forgive as this would in effect be a declaration that such a person has a higher judgment, morality and fairness that surpasses that of God! Consider the following Scripture to see if this statement is true: Rom 8:29-39; Col 1:11-21; 1 Pet 1:18; 2 Cor 5:17; Mt 18:21,33-35; Mk 11:25,26; Lk 6:36,37; 11:4; 17:3-6; 1 Jn 1:9-10-2:1; 1 Thess 5:8; Mt 6:13; Rom 3:20,23 and then vv 24-28; Jn 20:21-23; Lk 3:22; Rom 8:14; Mk 2:6; 1 Jn 2:1-2; Lk 24:27.

Epilogue

From the meditation “Homosexuality, a choice, gender or not”, the following excerpt about enslavement.

The worldly system culminates in lust and greed and is enmity towards God (Jn 15:18-19; Jm 4:4). The aim of the devil’s world is to lure souls away from Jesus Christ with false promises of provision, security and enjoyment; above all, a false and twisted (wicked) version of love (that is plain sexual perversion). This worldly system is doomed and a fatal waste to invest in. Consider the following scriptures: Jn 12:31; 14:17,30; 15:18-19; 16:11; 17:14-16; Rom 12:2; 1 Cor 1:20-21; 2:12; 10:11; Jude 1:19-21; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 6:12; 2 Pet 2:20; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Jn 3:8; 5:4,19.  The antidote to Satan’s lying and misleading tactics is the Love of God in His beloved Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. We should ask His Holy Spirit to help open our hearts to Him. See the unfathomable Love of God to all repenting sinners, realizing that sin in the OT referred to transgression (rebellion) and iniquity (perversion). For God so loved us that He paid with His life, His blood, for all our sins we lay down. Amen?

In the NT the mind behind enslavement (sin) is Satan (the devil). Jesus Said so (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11); as did Paul (2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 6:12) and John (1 Jn 5:19). The devil is currently head of this worldly system that dominates earth but when you receive our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, you do not receive (tolerate) the spirit of the world. Instead, God’s Holy Spirit opposes the worldly spirit(s) when He indwells you – 1 Cor 2:12. The worldly system is going to be destroyed by our beloved Lord Jesus Christ and His unshakable Kingdom will replace it for good (1 Cor 7:31).

May we all truly receive HIS Spirit and be baptized by His Holy Spirit – once for all, in Jesus’ Name.  And be free, by our Father’s grace and mercy – then help others to His Word as well… with our example of a genuinely victorious life everlasting!…

Consider Jn 8:32,36 with Scriptures such as Heb 8:13; 9:8,12,15; 10:10,14; Col 1:13-17…

You can also consider the meditation entitled “ABC myths, legends, lies” around page 19, if you will and “Christian Suffering” …

Peace and grace and joy to you, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

[1] The sign of a beast, a certain man.  Rev 13:18 with 1 Kings 4:29-34; 10:14 (KJV and Ampl),19; 2 Chron 9:13; 1 Ki 11:1-6; Dt 6:5-8; 10:12… This is very possibly simply saying that the sign of a beast is self-centredness [lust and greed] and how we think [sign on forehead] and do [act, sign on right hand]; and our example here is Solomon.  If he could fall with all his wisdom and riches [recourses], then we should take care to not be haughty and puffed up and full of pride [self-centred and self-righteous and immoral without a spirit-life and God’s Spirit like a beast]!…

[2] Col 3:15-17; 1:13-19; Phil 4:6-8; Eph 4:5-10,14-22; 1 Cor 3:10,11…

[3] Rom 5:9!; 1Thess 5… Jesus took all God’s wrath in making peace between God and man – the vengeance is His!

[4] Jn 14:1; 5:39,46,47 (Dt 18:15!); 1 Jn 5:10-14; Lk 16:31; 24:27.  Now see Rom 10:4; Heb 7:13; etc.

[5] Jn 16:9; Heb 12:2; At the mount of transfiguration Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (the prophets) impressed men more than Jesus fulfilling both!  Even today we grieve His Spirit this way.

[6] 1 Jn 3:20-24.  Your day of judgement is not to be confused with the “white throne judgement of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 5:10) – 1 Jn 4:17 says “… as He is, so are we in this world…”.  This “day of judgement” is when you approach the throne of Grace in prayer, and the enemy attacks you with thoughts of unrighteousness, desperately lying to you that you do not have righteous Jesus inside of you.  This is when you can become bold [confident] that what Jesus says is true and the bigger testimony of the two.

[7] Jn 14:6; Heb 9:8-14; 10:1-23

[8] God our Creator shows He knows us (Jer 1:5).  The moment you forbid, it controls your thoughts and you will be tempted by it out of your own doing (will, desire to please self) as a free moral agent.  Not God, but your own thoughts, thus showing your biggest enemy is your own old self [nature].  Jesus freed us from ourselves

[9] Mt 5:41 (the “extra mile” principle or attitude).  Jesus gave us more than we could ever deserve

[10] Note at 1 Pet 5:8 that the devil seek whom he can [may – Js 4:7!] devour.  The devil eats the dust [religious play-actors] of the earth! It is possible to find an analogy in a line that could connect Gen 3:14,19 (Lk 9:62?); 28:14 (Gen 22:17,18 – some like stars from above, others like dust from below);  Ps 22:15,29 (Mt 23?); 30:9 (even Ps 113:7; 119:25); Lk 10:10-11; Acts 13:50-52 and 1 Cor 15:50-52 (this then, could have a very possible symbolical connection [meaning, outcome, manifestation] to what is discussed in the meditation entitled “The Testimony” by the author.