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Writer's Voice! - April 24, 2019

5/4/2019

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The Enemy of Righteousness:
The Carnal Nature ... Part Two

What is Righteousness?
It is our right standing in God given in the New Birth.
What is the Carnal Nature?
It is the sinful nature inherited at conception because of Adam’s sin in the garden. The carnal nature desires to be its own god and is highly influenced by satan.

Our Redemption
What the last Adam, Jesus Christ, accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection is far, far greater than the curse that came upon man. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13-14)

Let’s go deeper in our contrast between our Righteousness and the Carnal Nature. Why? Because carnality must be dominated by your spirit man. "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
 
Paul’s first letter to The Church in Corinth gives us insight into the problems and struggles of born again Christians living in a pagan society. It is similar to the push toward lawlessness we are dealing with in our nation and is spreading into The Church today. When was the last time you heard a Pastor say that fornication is sin?  
 
THE CARNAL NATURE
Says The Cross is foolishness, and opposes it
Seeks earthly, sensual, worldly wisdom originating from demons
Is envious, self seeking, and covetous
Is boastful, spiteful, and lies against the truth
Is confused, lives amongst wars, fights, and lust
Desires friendship with the world
Will not submit to God
Makes all its own decisions
Speaks evil of and judges other Christians
Knows to do good but will not
Is prideful, full of hypocrisy, and self righteous
Always seeking but never attaining peace
Cannot receive the things of God
Has an unrenewed mind
Is not subject to the law of God
Is not submissive to governing authorities
Things of God are foolish to him
Lives for himself
If death comes without Christ they will spend eternity in hell
 
THE RIGHTEOUS
Knows the cross IS the power of God
Has a personal relationship with God and His Son
Seeks the wisdom of God through His Word
Willing to yield, willing to submit to God
Is dependent upon God for everything, every day
Has a renewed mind according to scripture
Is pure, peaceable, and gentle
Is merciful and without hypocrisy
Does not speaks evil of a brother
Submits and prays for government leaders
Is full of the Holy Spirit, the one who reveals wisdom and truth
Knows the things freely given by God
Has the ability to discern things spiritually
Has not received nor follows after the spirit of the world
Has faith in the power of God
Understands the wisdom of God
Has the mind of Christ
Is spiritually minded, full of life and peace
Is mature
Is humble
Walks in the fruit of the Spirit
Is a hearer of the Word
Is a doer of the Word
Is skilled in the “word of righteousness”
His senses discern both good and evil
Is not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine
Through patience inherits the promises of God
Knows the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
Knows who he is in Christ
Has eternal life
Is looking for the return of Jesus
 
This is that…
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
 
Scripture references:
1 Corinthians Chapters 1 and 2
James Chapter 1, and 3 & 4
Galatians Chapter 3 & 5
Romans Chapter 8
Hebrews Chapter 5 & 6
1 Thessalonians Chapters 4 & 5
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 4.24.19
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - April 1, 2019

4/1/2019

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The Enemy of Righteousness

The Enemy of Righteousness: The Carnal Nature
 
What is Righteousness?
It is our right standing in God given in the New Birth.
 
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
 
Therefore Beloved, “do NOT walk according to the flesh but live according to the Spirit.” This is how the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled: Jesus condemned sin in the flesh. Why? Jesus condemned sin in the flesh so that those in Christ would walk according to the Spirit who resides in them, and NOT live according to the “old” sinful nature. (See Romans 8:3-4)
 
But, the choice still remains with us…each and every day.
 
THE CARNAL NATURE
Desires to be its own God.
Is prideful and selfish.
Will not submit to God.
Sets its mind on living and satisfying only physical needs.
Is controlled by unholy desires.
Makes all decisions based on the senses (feelings) and natural reasoning.
Is hostile to God, His Kingdom, His purpose.
Caters to all appetites and impulses of the flesh.
Cannot please God and is His enemy.
The sinful mind (thought life) is against obedience to God.
The mind of the carnal nature is death.
There is condemnation to those who walk according to the flesh.
 
THE RIGHTEOUS
Yield to God, putting Him and what His Word says first place.
Submissive to His ways and His leading.
They desire to be “led” by the inner Holy Spirit.
They spend quiet time with the LORD every day.
They know they are a New Creation in Christ.
They live in agreement with the Holy Spirit.
They set their mind (thought life) to be obedient and live in peace.
They please God.
They are not controlled by the carnal nature; they rule over it.
They demonstrate the quality of holiness in Him.
There is NO condemnation to those who walk according to the Spirit.
They walk free from the law of sin and death.
They walk in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!
 
“And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Read Romans 8: 1-10 often.
 
THE UNSAVED
The lost can never become the righteousness of God because they were born with a sin nature as a result of Adam’s sin.

Righteousness is an attribute of God’s very nature.
Only through the New Birth can this be transferred.
 
And so the ungodly often find themselves making up their own religion and doing good works to establish their value and identity.
 
Peter’s letter to the Believers:
“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1:1)
 
THIS IS THAT…which righteousness will produce:
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
(Colossians 1:27-28)
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 3.30.19
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - February 26,2019

2/27/2019

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Taking the Kingdom

PRESSING THROUGH THE VEIL…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
 
You are a spirit.
You have a soul…(mind-will-emotions)
You live in a body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
 
“You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God.”
(1 Peter 1:23 AMPC)
 
Therefore, since you (spirit man) are born of an imperishable seed which is immortal, which is the Word of God, know that your second birth is NOT like being born from your parent’s seed, a body which will grow older.

The second birth, which is unseen, is from an incorruptible seed, the living and abiding WORD which is eternal!
 
Well, since God does nothing without speaking it first, when and where did God speak about this new birth?
 
Of course, we remember John 3:3:
“…I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 AMPC)
 
Since whatever Jesus did and said was based on what His Father says, was the new birth revealed in the Old Testament?
 
Yes!
 
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”(Ezekiel 36:25-27)
 
Man could not be born again until Jesus became the sacrificial lamb and was raised up from the dead. (See our opening scripture.) We could say that your new birth had to have Jesus in it.
 
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:12-14)

One thing that I want to emphasize here is that God does nothing apart from His Word. Whatever He desires to come to pass, He first speaks it.
 
“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:12-13AMPC)
 
It was spoken that it might be written.
It was written that it might be spoken.
 
PERILOUS TIMES ... 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5
You and I were called to run our race, or fulfill our assignment right in the middle of perilous times. Since God knows the end at the beginning, He knew He made an excellent choice when He chose you to be His, and to have you born in a generation that will usher in the return of Jesus Christ in the air and then His physical return seven years later at the end of the Great Tribulation.
 
HOW TO PRESS THROUGH THE VEIL (OPPOSITION) AND OVERCOME
GUARD YOUR HEART! The cares of this world will choke the Word of God. (Mark 4:19)

Therefore, stay in close fellowship with the LORD throughout your day. Study, pray, worship Him with anointed songs. Walk in love. Limit your time with the news and cast your cares onto the LORD. Your spirit is to dominate your soul (mind). Walk in the Spirit. You can jump over quickly by praying in tongues and listening to the shofar…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJwfsYxDgJ4
 
Love God…with all your heart.
Look for Jesus’ return.
 
This is that…for the end days.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”
(1 Peter 4:7 NASB)
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 2.26.19
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - January 19, 2019

2/1/2019

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Got Milk?

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
Remember the fun of your parents putting you on one of the carousel horses and hearing the loud organ music play? Excitement increased as the carousel began to move. Soon each horse was going up and down. Then we were going around faster and faster. You laughed and waved at your parents each time you went by. What fun!
 
REPETITION
Now, if your parents took you to the carousel every Sunday and every Wednesday, year after year, it might not be as thrilling as it used to be. After all, everything is exactly the same, over and over again.
 
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
The LORD gave me this analogy of the merry-go-around because many churches are going round and round every week while church-goers are happy one day, down the next. Gatherings of God’s people come to hear the same style music, bland teaching with little mention of scripture, then go their separate ways without any impact from the anointing or fresh fire from the Holy Spirit who has been sent to reveal the Kingdom of God to His children and the nations.
 
“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)
 
Someone said, “Well, at my church the Gospel is being preached and once in a while someone gets born again.” That’s great, for without being born again “you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) But Holy Spirit must be allowed to do ALL that He desires in our church services rather than being locked up at the back of the sanctuary.
 
The Church is not some place we go to every week, but rather who we are.
Our mission: Bring the Kingdom of God into every service and into every place we go… touch everyone you meet with His presence and joy.
 
THE END DAYS CHURCH: ADVANCE!
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Jesus won’t return until this is accomplished.
 
We who are on earth at this time are called to manifest the Kingdom of God as a witness, and we need to do it quickly as time is accelerating and the birth pangs are increasing. The fulfillment of God’s will must become first place in our lives so that when we stand before Jesus we will receive the crown of life. (James 1:12) Know the season you are in!
 
MANIFESTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus Christ, His twelve apostles, then the seventy disciples, then the believers in the Book of Acts, all MANIFESTED the kingdom of God. They didn’t only preach a salvation message; they demonstrated the power and authority of God’s Kingdom over the curse!
 
As the End Generation Church matures and “does the will of My Father in heaven,” and “hears these sayings of Mine and does them,” (see Matthew 7:21-27) we will advance to the next level. But, “… if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:11)
 
What are the true riches? The anointing of the Holy Spirit! That means miracles, sign, and wonders are in manifestation.
 
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38) Jesus was anointed and so are you. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20)
 
Jesus desires to work through His Body in the same manner He did while walking on earth. The Church in every nation has His assignment to fulfill.
 
TEACHING
PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM
HEALING
“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:35)
 
ASSIGNMENT 2019:
GET OFF THE MERRY-GO-ROUND!
DO THE GREATER WORKS!
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”(John 14:12-14)

Jesus has given you His Spirit…“the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
 
Ok, we are called to do the greater works. How do we change from going round and round, up and down, the same old thing at church every week?
 
You are vitally important. You must know who you are …in Christ. Jesus knew who He was in the Father.
“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30)   
 
Make changes in your lifestyle. Turn off your phone! Set aside more time in study/fellowship with Father. Fast and pray for yourself once a week. Seek the LORD with all your heart for an outpouring of His Holy Spirit in your life. Desire the Kingdom of God to be revealed through you. Look for opportunities to bless ... listen for the LORD'S direction.
 
PRAYER
The traditions of men choke the Word of God and block the release of His Kingdom into this realm! Pray for your Pastor to yield to God’s will. Some Churches and Church leadership are hindering the Holy Spirit. The Glorious Church is made up of many members with Jesus as the Head. It’s time for Holy Spirit to lead and move as He wills not as man wills.
 
If not, Jesus may remove His candlestick from that Church. (Revelation 2:4-5)
 
This is that…which must be released for time is short.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…”
(1 Corinthians 12:7)
 
Suggested Video
How to Keep the Devil Out of Your Life: about 30 minutes. Excellent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ten_1pL2iI4
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 1.29.19
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - January 4, 2019

1/9/2019

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God's Letter to His Children for 2019

There’s more of Me to know.
There’s more of you to know.
There’s no end to My Kingdom.
 
You were called before the foundation of the world.
You are My handiwork.
The creation is My handiwork.
The creation is calling for the sons to help. Speak the blessing to it.
Prayer releases the ability of God.
When you pray expect an answer.
 
The Bible is your mirror. See what you look like there, and not the world.
You were designed for greatness.
You are not your own. You were bought with a price.
There’s power in you.
Do not love this passing world.
Love the Father.

You are His workmanship.
You have received an anointing. It teaches you all things.
Live in faith, hope, and love.
Pay little attention to the “screaming” headlines.
There are many untruths spoken. Stay in the Word.
Live in truth.
 
You have a goal. We have a goal.
Everything is in Christ.
Follow your Leader.
Your life is hid in Christ.
You are a sojourner.
Please the Father. Walk by faith.
You haven’t seen anything yet.

The end is better than the beginning.
It’s already planned.
You’re standing on solid ground.
You are doing far more than you know.
You have abilities that are yet unseen.
The Kingdom is far, far greater than this world.
You are on the increase. Your favor is increasing.
 
You have blessed Me.
Do not be dismayed. Your best days are now.
Life is made of individual days. Enjoy life. Look at the birds.
My peace I give to you. My Kingdom I give to you.
My peace is My rest.
Be encouraged. Encourage the brethren.
Take no fear saying …
It’s all about faith.
Stay with what you know.
 
Your identity is in Christ Jesus, not the world.
Your everything is in Him.
Love is the key to fulfillment.
Faith is the substance. God does nothing without faith.
God communicates His faith by words.
His Word is His bond.
I give you the keys of My Kingdom.
 
It all adds up to: God loves you! And if God be for you who can be against you?
Romans 8:31
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 1.4.19
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - December 14, 2018

12/17/2018

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Eternity

What do the following words have in common?

TIME
MELCHIZEDEK
JESUS CHRIST
 
TIME
When did time begin? On the fourth day of Creation, God brought “time” into existence as He created the sun and the moon. A calendar year is completed as the earth goes around the sun. (Genesis 1:14-19)
 
Time is a created thing and exists only on earth.
In Heaven, in the spiritual realm, there is no time. Adam/man was created to have dominion over all the earth, including time. Example: During a fierce battle with Israel’s enemies, Joshua spoke and the “sun stood still, and the moon stopped,” for a whole day! (Joshua 10:12-14) Also, Hezekiah saw the LORD move the shadow on the sundial  backward ten degrees…about 40 minutes. (2 Kings 20:9-11)
 
God dwells in eternity.
God is always in the present where there is no future, no past. Didn’t the LORD re-name Abram to Abraham, Father of Many Nations when he was unable to conceive? (Romans 4:17) God calls things that be not as though they were because He sees the results before they are visible in the natural realm. God declares the end at the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)

The Apostle Peter revealed, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Peter 3:8)

Jesus taught His disciples to “believe you receive, when you pray, and you will have it.” (Mark 11:24) Faith reaches up into heaven to bring forth what is already done. Faith does not comprehend the limits of time, space, or matter. Faith overrides time and earthly circumstances. Faith operates on what God has spoken and is written. Examples: John 5:1-5, Matthew 9:28-29, and Luke 13:10-17 to name a few.
 
God’s spiritual realm does not operate according to the five-sense realm we are so familiar with, but functions in the higher realm of faith. This is how you received Jesus into your heart and became a new creation in Him.

Therefore, “the just shall live by faith.”
 
MELCHIZEDEK
Who is Melchizedek?
Only two Old Testament scriptures and a few in the Book of Hebrews give us information about Melchizedek. Here is a list of what we know of Melchizedek.  
 
After Abram’s victory over four evil armies, he retrieved his nephew Lot and all his possessions. (See Genesis 14:18-24)

  • Melchizedek is the King of Salem (Jerusalem,) which means peace.
  • Melchizedek came out to meet Abram with bread and wine.
  • Melchizedek is the priest of the Most High God.
  • The King pronounced "the blessing" upon Abram.
  • Abram gave the King a tithe of all he had conquered to the King.
 
David writes of Messiah’s reign in Psalm 110.
“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
’You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.’”
 
Melchizedek lived before the Levitical priesthood was established, before Moses and The Law.
 
JESUS CHRIST
There are only a few scriptures in the New Testament that give us more understanding on this Holy Priesthood.

Let the scripture reveal Jesus’ calling as High Priest.
 
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)

“As He also says in another place: ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek…’” (Hebrews 5:6)

“… (Jesus) called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek,’ of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.”(Hebrews 5:10-11)

“… where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:20)
 
As the Old Testament was pointing forward to Jesus Christ—God made flesh—Hebrews is looking back in time to get the fullness of the revelation of His assignment as eternal High Priest.
 
Hebrews 7:21-22
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated ‘king of righteousness,’ and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
 
“Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
 
“Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
 
“For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’”
 
“For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: ‘The Lord has sworn, and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’”), by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.”
 
TIME—MELCHIZEDEK—JESUS CHRIST
What do they have in common?

Was our Savior Jesus Christ the One who met Abram after his victory over the four kings? It is interesting to think about. We will know the answer for sure when we are with the LORD.
 
One thing is known right now, Jesus has made His body of Believers on earth right now, “kings and priests.” (Revelation 1:5-6)
 
This is that…which speaks of the Glorious Church.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9)
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 12.14.18
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - November 28, 2018

11/28/2018

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It's Up to You

The Professor was writing scriptures on the board as the students came in and took their seats. They were told to write the scriptures in their notebooks.
 
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore…'” (Matthew 28:18)
 
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons ….” (Mark 16:17)
 
“…(Jesus) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” (1 Peter 3:22)

“But to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool’”? (Hebrews 1:13)

Does anyone have any questions?

Ellie raised her hand.

"Professor, I don’t understand something. All authority has been given to Jesus. Why does the Father say to His Son, 'Sit at My right hand til I make Your enemies Your footstool?'”
 
That’s a good question, Ellie.
We could say it this way: “Sit at My right hand til I make Your enemies Your footstool through The Church.” You see, Father is continuing to deal with His glorious creation; Man. Man is to dominate earth, not satan. “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)
 
ADAM AND EVE
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:27-28)
 
ORIGINAL INTENT
God made man like Himself to rule and reign over the earth He had made. They were in charge! One thing was required of them: obedience. Out of all the many, many trees God made, one tree had fruit that they must not eat. If they did they would die.
 
DISOBEDIENCE IS SIN
The serpent, twister of truth, lied to the woman and she ate of the fruit, being deceived. She gave to her husband, who was NOT deceived, but chose to follow his wife and eat the fruit anyway. (1 Timothy 2:14)
 
And so satan became the “god of this world,” stealing man’s authority over the earth…that is until God’s Son was born of a virgin and until the Day of Pentecost: the Birth of The Church!
 
JESUS CHRIST: THE LAST ADAM 
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”
(1 Corinthians 15:45-49)
 
THE MAGNIFICENT BODY OF CHRIST
As man receives Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, man once again receives authority on earth through Jesus’ name and through His Holy Spirit that comes to live within us. That’s when we receive His anointing, the yoke destroying, burden removing power to prosper over the evil plans and schemes of the enemy. See Isaiah 10:27, Ephesians 3:9-11 & 6:10-18, & Matthew 16:18-19.
 
THE END OF THE AGE
Ellie, can you see that the original plan for man to have dominion on earth continues in our time? Through the Greater One who abides in us, Father is making man’s enemy Jesus’ footstool, and the Believer is learning to rule and reign in Christ Jesus.(Romans 5:17) Read all of Chapter 5 when you study.
 
Definition of footstool in Strong’s Concordance:
hypopódion (literally, "under the feet") – properly, a footstool; (figuratively)
(hypopódion) is a footstool used by a conquering king, to place his foot on the neck of the conquered (Souter) – i.e. those under his total dominion.
 
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
Students, you are very much like a Sheriff that has been deputized by the United States government to establish law and order. But many of you, through lack of knowledge, continue to beg God in your prayers to do this or that, then wonder why He doesn’t answer.

Remember, God will not do what He told you to do. 

Think of it this way.
A parent tells his son to clean up the mess in his room. The son complains about the mess and asks his dad to clean it up. And so…the mess remains because the son is not doing what he was told to do.

Each one of you has a divine destiny to fulfill. 
Get busy! Use your authority, bind and loose, in Jesus’ name. If you back down, you leave a hole, a vacancy. Don’t follow in the footsteps of the first Adam. You make the enemy Jesus’ footstool!

DOING FATHER'S WILL...OR NOT
Consider these two examples from the Old Testament.
Disobedience: The children of Israel would NOT go in to take the land. Why? Read Numbers Chapter 13 & 14.
Obedience to God: Joshua and the next generation went in to the land of Canaan and possessed it! Read Joshua 21:43-45.

This is that…which is delegated authority over satan.
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.’” (Luke 10:18-19)
 
If your Pastor is not teaching the Authority of the Believer, don’t think that is an excuse for being disobedient. There are many teachings on You Tube from godly men and women for you to study.

Recommended Video
Charles Capps: The Authority of the Believer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDVLIHamwRA
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 11.27.18
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - November 18, 2018

11/18/2018

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Works & Fruit

The Professor began His teaching this morning telling His students to walk in love and to walk in the Spirit, for when you do that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

Let’s study Galatians 5:14-26 to understand how it relates to us in the year 2018.
 
If you don’t “love your neighbor as yourself” and walk in the Spirit, you will have constant challenges because the flesh will continually challenge you. Your spirit and the Holy Spirit within you are to dominate the flesh. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” That means that now you are under grace and can dominate the flesh by walking in the Spirit.
 
Josh, come up and write "the works of the flesh" on the board.
 
Adultery
Fornication
Uncleanness
Lewdness
Idolatry
Hatred
Contentions
Jealousies
Outbursts of Wrath
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Heresies
Envy
Murders
Drunkenness
Revelries
 
What happens if you practice such things?
 
Josh answered, “You will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
 
Yes, that’s right. The following verse says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…” 

When you were born again your spirit became alive with love because the Holy Spirit took up residence in you. He is God the Spirit and He is love. “But he who is joined to the LORD is one Spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17)
 
Now Josh, write for us the fruit of the Spirit/spirit.
 
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self Control
 
Josh, please read verse 24.
 
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
 
Thank you, Josh.
 
Students, does this mean that because you are under grace that you can watch movies and listen to music that is immoral and think it will not affect you? 
Can you use foul language like the world uses? 
Can you participate in sexual behavior outside of marriage? 
Can you have close fellowship with ungodly people? 
Can you hold unforgivness toward people who have hurt you? 
Can you avoid attending church? 
Can you despise your neighbor?
 
WATCH OUT!
A lifestyle of any of the above will take you into the strong current of being worldly, going back to what you were delivered from!  “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22) 

Returning to the world can be very subtle. The Holy Spirit will prompt you before making a wrong choice, but if you ignore Him continually, your heart will become callous and deaf to His voice. That's dangerous!
 
The ball is in your court!
 
Paul writes in Romans 6:12-20:
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
 
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”
 
This is that…which bears fruit to everlasting life!
“What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (Romans 6:21-22)
 
Recommended Video
E.W. Kenyon Audio Book: The Hidden Man of the Heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUI5EwimvGI
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 11.09.18
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - October 30, 2018

10/31/2018

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Authority

The Professor began the day's teaching writing the following on the board:
 
Everything Satan has…
He stole.
 
He was able to persuade the first Adam to sin against God’s will, and so gained access to man and the earth.
 
JESUS CHRIST: The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)
Satan tried his best to persuade Jesus in the desert, offering Him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory.

“All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”  Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Matthew 4:9-10)

Resistance was required for Jesus to overcome His enemy…words needed to be spoken.Jesus spoke scripture! 

He did not start begging Father for deliverance.

THE GOSPEL AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER
The Church of the LORD Jesus Christ is empowered with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. 

The Holy Spirit raised Jesus. 
The Holy Spirit is within you. 

Resurrection power, power that makes alive something dead, dwells in your spirit — right now!
 
THERE’S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!
You have been deputized with power and given armor, weapons, and use of the name above all names: Jesus Christ! You are to enforce your rights as a citizen of God’s Kingdom against the enemy. 

Use your Sword…the living, powerful Word of God against him. Release words!
 
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
 
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)
 
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20)
 
WAKE UP CHURCH!
Most Christians gather together every week, hear a sermon, and then go home not knowing anything about their authority over the enemy. They keep begging God to help them with this or that, but God will not do what He told YOU to do. 

That doesn’t mean we go to the other extreme and think we have to depend on ourselves.No! 

We rely on speaking scripture and we depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us to take authority over the enemy. 

Heal the sick! Cast out devils! 
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
 
Everything the devil has — he stole! That means someone allowed it.
 
If you came into your house and saw a snake in your room, would you allow it to take up residence there…ignoring it day in and day out? Of course not! Then DO something about it!
 
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” (Luke 10:19 AMPC)
 
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” (Matthew 28:18) See also: 1 Peter 3:22.
 
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
 
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
 
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
 
Therefore, students, fight the good fight of faith. This is the victory that overcomes the world!
 
This is that…which has power…when YOU speak!
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)
 
Video for you: Faith Sees the Invisible…2002 — Gloria Copeland 
Powerful teaching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zUy-BNxFOA
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 10.30.18
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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Writer's Voice! - October 17, 2018

10/18/2018

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Food for Life

The Professor asked His students to read 1 Peter 1:23 out loud.
 
“… having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever ….”

Then, He walked over and stood behind a small wooden table that had three bowls on it, small, medium, and large, stacked on top of each other. Next to them was a large pitcher of water. (See John 4:14)
 
Today, I will give you a visual example of the Father’s “order of life.”
 
LIVING LIFE IN THE SPIRIT: Not the Fast Lane!
Believers are not like other people on earth. You are born of God’s Word!

You have learned that you are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23) Each of these three bowls represents the three-part being of a Believer in Christ.
 
The small bowl illustrates your spirit.
The next bowl illustrates your soul. (The mind, will, emotions.)
The larger bowl represents your body.
 
A Believer must discipline the soul and body, in order to sit, study, and pray every day. Fellowship with Father is the most important part of the day. 

This is where you receive your download of grace, love, and faith that fill your spirit man, just like when I take this pitcher of water and begin pouring water into the small bowl(spirit). As you can see, as I continue to pour the water it overflows, filling up the second bowl (soul). Your soul enters into rest as it is blessed with light and life. And lastly, as I continue to pour the water it overflows into the larger bowl (body). God’s Word produces health, strength, and medicine to all the flesh. ((See Proverbs 4:20-23) This Believer will be salt and light to the world!
 
DISCIPLES ARE DISCIPLINED
Students, this is an illustration of a true, mature disciple who has been born of the Word, the incorruptible SEED, which has every provision residing within it to meet every need you will ever have.
 
Provision was made for you before you came into existence. (Ephesians 1:1-5) And when you were born from above, you were given a Kingdom purpose to fulfill. Your life is a magnificent plan, born in Father’s heart before the earth was created! Those that remain connected to “the Vine” every day will experience adventures in the Spirit. “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” (Colossians 1:27)
 
But what would happen if that flow of water begins to diminish and cease to flow?
 
STEPS TO UNREST
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12)
 
“BUT, I AM SO BUSY.”
If time with Father becomes less and less because a Believer is too busy with work, children, ministry, TV, etc. — the small bowl, your spirit, will become depleted of life, leaving an opening for doubt, discouragement, and weariness to come in. This will have a nasty effect on the soul and functions of the body.

Have you ever seen the effects of drought on a large oak tree? It’s a slow death!
 
“BUT I’M SO CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THAT’S GOING ON.”
If the small bowl goes dry, the soul will start moaning and groaning about everything! Why? Your FAITH tank needs re-fueling! 

The true source of life only comes from the incorruptible SEED. Remember our opening scripture? You were born of the living Word of God! Receive the Word, receive rest for your soul! (Isaiah 26:3)
 
SATAN IS AFTER THE SEED
Days, weeks, and months of distractions can cause a Believer to be an open target for Satan’s influence and destruction. Lack of water produces dryness, and dryness can send a Christian looking for satisfaction in dark places.
 
You are a spirit, you have a soul, you live in a body. All three have needs. All three require time with Father…the Eternal source of LIFE!
 
This is that…which satisfies.
”So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
 
Study assignment:
Write these verses in your journal every day for the next seven days.
 
Isaiah 12:3
“Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.”
 
Psalms 19:7- 8
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…”
 
Romans 1:17
“The just shall live by faith.”
 
Romans 8:11
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Cory, Contributing editor
​Originally published as "This is that - 10.17.18
https://www.prayerwithpurpose.org/this-is-that
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    Writer's Voice!

    This is the blog of the  Christian Writers Guild of Santa Barbara. We hope you enjoy these timely articles about Christian writing and writers. Please let us know how these articles have helped you in your life as a writer for Christ.

    If you would like to contribute material or help in the production of Writer's Voice! please contact our editor-in-chief, Rev. Dr. Opal Mae Dailey. You can also leave us a note by making a comment to this blog.

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