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     The many who think they’re called don’t take it seriously, that is, they treat each day the same, and avoid sharing Jesus’ massage in conversation.

    (1Cor 1:24-29; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence.)

    Most denominations teach a method by which a person can turn ‘repent’ and become a Christian. That’s a problem when attempting to teach the seriousness of living Jesus’ commandments, because folks can then boast of their decisions. God’s calling is His choosing, so those who’re called can’t boast.

   God’s Church at Corinth should have realized their association with Paul, was to have part in Jesus’ message. Christians are sanctified in Christ and have purpose in God, to make their calling sure by living saintly. Paul called church members brethren with no strain or narrow sectarianism, because of their pureness in living, and Jesus called His apostles brethren, saying ‘He didn’t call them slaves because slaves aren’t given to understand what the master is doing.’ True believers should call each other brethren for the same reason.

    True Christian living is looking to Jesus Christ, as the Vine and they the branches. Our riches are in Him, awaiting our claiming and use. The riches of Christ are at each Christian’s disposal living as God’s heirs by grace and through the Holy Spirit. Called Christians know they can’t look to their fleshly minds to understand God’s truth but wait on His gifted revelations. It is sharing Jesus’ message, sorrows, sufferings, and labors for a world where knowledges will cover like water the sea. A world undivided, looking to the king of kings, ‘as God’s Church is One with Him now.

    (1Cor 1;10; Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.)

   Paul’s object in His Corinthian letter was to end strife among members. That Jesus is the Light of each.

   (John 1:1-5;  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.)

     When it’s known that we’re called for God’s purpose, there’s no thought of a lack of wisdom in His Word.

    See first paragraph page one, (1Cor 1:18-29) then see the conclusion.  

   (1Cor 1:31; But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, ‘He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.’) 

    Jesus Christ is the Lord God Moses referred to, saying, ‘One coming after me, ‘him you must obey.’

    Believing in Jesus implies the doctrine of Atonement, humbly bearing His way, ‘His life’s practices’ in daily living. Oh, to have the grace of knowing Jesus and never being ashamed, ‘to teach a crucified Savior in a humble crucified spirit as Paul did.’

    (1Cor 2:1-8; When I came to you brethren I came not with excellence in speech, of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 

    Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect, ‘being perfected’ yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nougat: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.) 

    Paul is saying to Christians, don’t depreciate yourself, but give yourself over; ‘Jesus will find a niche for you and make your life worth living through His faith.’ God the Father puts believers into a union with Jesus. Everything needed for life and godliness is in Him.

    Paul came to Corinth from Athens, where he first had sought to win people by studies, philosophy and preaching Jesus crucified. As he entered Corinth, he deliberately determined that his theme would be the crucified Lord, expressing His good news in the simplest phrases. When we speak Jesus’ truth the Spirit is ever at hand enforcing our testimony by demonstration and power.

    (1Cor 2:9-16; But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit search all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. 

   Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

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

   But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.)

    The mind of Christ doesn’t lead folks to look at images, denominations or clerics to worship.

    We’re instructed to try the spirits, compare scripture to scripture, allowing scripture to interpret scripture, but without spiritual guidance the many twist them to fit an agenda. (We know we’re in Jesus and He in us when we’re gifted to know His deity, ‘as the Son of God revealing His Father and Himself, that God the Father has allocated all things to Him: He being the prophesied sacrificial Lamb of God, the  Re-creator, Creator, Sustainer, Deliverer, Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, coming King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega inspiring the Holy Scriptures, making perpetual promises and sharing plans to God the Father’s chosen, plans that can’t be changed. The One who’ll subject all to God the Father when New Jerusalem comes down.

    Gifted to believe in Jesus this way through His gifted faith without reservation makes His chosen at One with Himself, God the Father and one another: it’s the family of God whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life. 

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    Every individual’s god compels an action or inaction. Internal beliefs have individuals in various comfort zones. Our English dictionary defines god as, (1) a person admired, as was rock music a god of the early seventies. (2) Something that dominates, taking over a person’s life. (3) A figure or image representing a god: used as an object of worship. (4) A supernatural being or group of beings of some religion which is worshiped as the personification or controller of some aspect of the universe.

     The holy scriptures define God as One, meaning God the Father and God the Son are family, One in planning, teaching, purpose, Re-creation, Creation, Sustaining all things, judgment and Satan’s demise.

     Anything idolized is a god. Many people’s god is their own intellect. All the above make for enslavement of people through superstitions, religions and governments. When our Creator God is supernaturally revealed as manifested to be in the holy scriptures; it’s freedom from all the above.

    Believing IN the true God is not a religion. Believing IN the true God is; “The only Way that makes individuals AT ONE with God.” Writing to followers of Jesus, His apostle John wrote.

     (1John 3:1-3; See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope focused on Him purifies himself, just as Jesus is pure.)

      When God gives recognition of one’s internal inherited fleshly nature for what it is; (it is despised, and a desire for change is desired.) Repentance of sin is a turning from our inherited from Adam nature, from demonically influenced indoctrinitions that are implanted by this world’s system of things. A turning begins when God opens one’s mind to the deceitfulness of our inherited nature. Only then do people recognize the susceptibility of the mind, to society’s erroneous teaching. People are susceptible to ideas planted from birth. ALL erroneous learning is Satan inspired indoctrination!

      Think how different you’d be, if you had been reared by different parents, a different educational system, or a different religion. (If spiritually led to seriously consider these questions, you are among the few.) Perhaps such leading is proof of being supernaturally called, because spiritual understanding is from above. Pray about this, and seek God’s freedom.

      Did our Creator God made Adam and Eve susceptible to deceptions purposely? He did; but God is not susceptible to deception. God is holy, pure, righteous, true, AND, He made the Way for His chosen to be clothed in the nature of Jesus, to a belief  IN God, and to be made AT ONE with Him. Being At One is to love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. Things holy to God are holy to Believers IN Him. The holy scriptures teach; ‘as we grow in His faith we are freed from this susceptibility to deception.’ God makes His chosen Saints.

     (Jesus says about Satan’s deceptions; if possible, even the Saints would be deceived.) (See Matt 24:24; For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the Elect.) Can we understand that, ‘believing IN Jesus is the only true freedom?’ That’s true because He’s our Creator. (Let’s review last study, and see Jesus’ inspired prophetic words to Jeremiah.

     (Jeremiah 17:9-10; The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it? I, the Lord probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.)

      People who aren’t led to be obedient to God’s way are deceived by Satan and their - ‘our’ - susceptible minds, and live according to the flesh. Thus most aren’t led to challenge this world’s system of things, or its erroneous deceptions; they’re susceptible to its erroneous teachings as Satan inspires and leads this worlds system of things. (Our natural inherited nature doesn’t lead us to a spiritual study, ‘one proving all things, and holding fast to what is good.) God leads His chosen to pay attention to His teaching through Isaiah.

      (Isaiah 66:1-2; This is what the Lord says; “The heavens are My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is the house you will build for Me? Where is the place where I will rest? My hand made them; that is how they came to be, says the Lord. I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respects what I have to say.)

      With this understanding in mind, what contributes to individuals having a humble, contrite mind, with respect to God’s Way? Can individuals independently conjure up such mental outlooks? A respect for and believe IN what God says? NO. (As David was called, granted a belief IN and respect for God, so must we be.) Consider this song of David’s. (Selah is a musical term – and its meaning is unknown.)

       (Psalms 32:1-4; How blessed is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! How blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the Lord does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. (So, how can one have a spirit in which there is no deceit?) When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. For day and night You tormented me; You tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. Selah.  A better translation is: (You try me, destroying my will as with intense heat of summer.) (Heat? ‘If one understands the form as a true plural, then one might translate’ in the times of drought.)

    David likens his torment to being uncomfortable as summer heat.

    (Psalms 32:5-7; Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts (my practice of sin) to the Lord. And then You forgave my sins. (Selah). For this reason every one of Your faithful followers should pray to You while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. You are my hiding place; You protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah). (David was led to repentance and, true freedom in the Lord.)

     (Psalms 32:8; I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye. Do not be like an unintelligent horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit. An evil person suffers much pain, but the Lord’s faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright!)

      What overwhelms those who trust in God, and The Lord’s faithfulness? Unbelievers and scoffers. They’re in bondage, going the way that seems right to themselves. Their way of living is based on, parental training, education, and belief in the system of things, ‘their particular society dictates.’ A systematic division devised by the demonic.

       What a paradox; that this world’s modern religious societies condones doctrinal division as the norm, and their point of view being; ‘we are all trying to get to the same place.’ These groups are NOT Believers IN, or followers of Jesus. They promote themselves as teachers of light. Jesus taught this truth through His apostle Paul.

      (2Corinthians 11:13-15; For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it’s no surprise that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.)

       Believers IN are led to study God’s Word, and recognize proofs of God’s control. They soon recognize the significance of God’s use of dates and times. Six days before Jesus’ death, ‘the 8^th day of His first month, ‘Nisan’ on Judea’s calendar. Jesus was at Lazarus’ house, and Mary, ‘one of Lazarus’ sisters anointed His feet. (See John 12) Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and give Himself for the remission of sin. In that same season many years before, Jesus was about to lead Israel from Egypt, and forty years after that, leading them across the Jordan River; about to celebrate the Passover.

      (Joshua 4:19; The people went up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month ‘Nisan’ and camped in Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.) Israelites crossing the Jordan was four days before Passover. Likely the same date Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem.

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      Most professing Christians would say they believe the three witnessing scriptures referred to in yesterday’s study. Fewer believe IN submitting to the subject matter of the text. ‘As in being immersed in; clothed with, and crucified with this Jesus. It’s the difference in ‘believing that’ and ‘believing IN

      Only God‘s Elect, are gifted to know and believe IN Jesus’ good news. The true Jesus isn’t taught when a part of His message is ignored. The Light of this world is “Jesus and His message.” Unbelievers prefer demonic miracles because Jesus’ whole message isn’t revealed. Because, as Jesus said; ‘they aren’t My sheep.’

    (John 11:9-10; Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks around in the daytime, he does not stumble, because he sees the Light of this world. But if anyone walks around at night, he stumbles, because The Light is not in him.) All not called and gifted with Jesus’ Light, ‘spiritual understanding’ are stumbling.

    (John 10:26;18; But you refuse to believe because you are not My sheep.) Now many are predestined to listen in the next age. 

     (John 10:14- I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me – just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father – and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold. I must bring them too, and they will listen to My voice, so that there will be one flock and one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves Me – because I lay down My life, so that I may take it back again. No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down of My own free will. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again. This commandment I received from My Father.)

   Future miracles like at the red sea; the Jordan river and knowledge covering the sea like water will make many believers IN.

     (Joshua 5:1; When all the Amorite kings on the west side of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the seacoast heard how the Lord had dried up the water of the Jordan before the Israel while they crossed, they lost their courage and could not even breathe for fear of the Israel’s) (Question; is Joshua’s God yours?

    (Joshua 3:9-13; Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God!” This is how you will know the living God is among you and that He will truly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. “Look! The ark of the covenant of the Ruler of the whole earth is ready to enter the Jordan ahead of you.” Now select for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one per tribe. When the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the Lord, the Ruler of the whole earth, touch the water of the Jordan, the water coming downstream toward you will stop flowing and pile up.)

     Before this Jordan River crossing, many Israelites had been killed because of their unbelieving attitudes. Jesus’ apostle Paul warned that we Christians and future believers should guard against such unbelief.

     (1Cor 10:10-13; And do not complain, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall. No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.)

    We don’t know all God’s reasoning, His principle about “the last becoming first applies,” but we to whom the end of the ages have come, have these many examples that should teach in many things, about the Ways of God.

     (Matthew 19:28-30; Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you ‘apostles’ who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.)

    Jesus’ good news is about (1) His Kingdom on earth! His twelve apostles judging the twelve tribes. (2) People being led to turn from the practices of sin, in this and the next life. (3) The resurrections, ‘first, second and perhaps more.’ (4) Peace on earth. (4) Satan bound for one thousand years, released for a time to test, “particularly Gog & Magog.” (5) New Jerusalem coming down with its twelve foundations named for Jesus’ twelve apostles, and its twelve gates for the twelve tribes of Israel. Its about God perfecting His people for His kingdom.

    (Revelations 20:7-10; Now when the thousand years are finished, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to bring them together for the battle. They are as numerous as the grains of sand in the sea. They went up on the broad plain of the earth and encircled the camp of the Saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and devoured them completely. And the devil, who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are too, and they will be tormented there day and night forever and ever.)

     (Jesus inspired Ezekiel’s prophecy about Gog & Magog. See Ezek 38. Lets consider Jesus’ revelations through Moses for His and our future. Written in past tense because it is certain; Jacob represents spiritual Israel.

     (Deuteronomy 32:1-12; Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of My mouth. My teaching will drop like the rain, My sayings will drip like the dew, as rain drops upon the grass, and showers upon new growth. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; you must acknowledge the greatness of our God. As for the Rock, “Jesus” His work is perfect, for all His Ways are just. He is a reliable God who is never unjust, He is fair and upright. His people have been unfaithful to Him; they have not acted like His children – this is their sin. They are a perverse and deceitful generation. Is this how you repay the Lord, you foolish, unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator?

    He has made you and established you. Remember the ancient days; bear in mind the years of past generations. Ask your father and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you. When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided up humankind, He set the boundaries of the peoples, according to the number of the heavenly assembly. For the Lord’s allotment is His people, ‘Jacob’ His special possession. The Lord found him in a desolate land, ‘EGYPT’ in an empty wasteland where animals howl. He continually guarded him ‘Israel’ and taught him; He continually protected him ‘fought his battles’ like the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, so the Lord spread out His wings and took him, ‘Israel’ He lifted him up on His pinions.

    The Lord alone was guiding him, no foreign god was with him. He enabled him to travel over the high terrain of the land and he ate of the produce of the fields. He provided honey for him from the cliffs and olive oil from the hardest of rocks, butter from the herd and milk from the flock, along with the fat of lambs, rams and goats of Bashan, along with the best of the kernels of wheat; and from the juice of grapes you drank wine.)

     The world will be ashamed for not trusting the Most High? God’s people will again be assembled and blessed as was Israel in the promised lands. King David was given future promises.

    (Psalms 18:46-50; The Lord is alive! My Protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king! The One true God completely vindicates me; He makes nations submit to me. He delivers me from my enemies; You snatch me away from those who attack me; You rescue me from violent men. So I will give You thanks before the nations, O Lord! I will sing praises to You! He gives His chosen king magnificent victories; He is faithful to His chosen ruler, to David and his descendants forever.)

     Allow the apostle Paul to close this study with encouraging words to all followers of Jesus, called out gentiles of Ephesus.

     (Eph 2:11-19; Therefore remember that formerly you, Gentiles in the flesh – who are called “un-circumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands – that you, were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, the One who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility, when He nullified in His flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of two, (one people of two) thus making peace, and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed. And He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near (Israelites) so that through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer foreigners and non-citizens, but you, are fellow citizens with the Saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Cornerstone. In Him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.)

     All Believers IN are now heirs with Abraham and David, and will be in the first resurrection. Study first Corinthians 15:

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   Jesus’ good news, ‘gospel’ is twofold. (1) Understanding His deity, His pedigree, His relationship with God the Father? (2) The individual promises made through His prophets and apostles, with gifted faith understandings imputed to one’s mind, is the foundation to all truth revealed in three witnessing of scriptures. See John 1:1-5, Heb 1:1-4 and Colossian 1:15-20.

  1st Witness of scriptures. (John 1:1-5; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. In Him was life and the Life was the Light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.)

   2^nd Witness of scripture. (Hebrews 1:1-4; After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days He has spoken to us in a Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He created the world. The Son is the radiance of His glory and the representation of His essence and He sustains all things by His powerful word, and so when He had accomplished cleansing for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Thus He became so far better than the angels as He has inherited a name superior to theirs.)

   3^rd Witness of scripture. (Colossian 1:15-20; He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by Him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through Him and for Him. He Himself is before all things and all things are held together in Him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that He Himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in the Son and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross – through Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.) There’s no division when we believe IN these three witnessing scriptural text.

    Jesus was asked; ‘how long will You keep us in suspense?’ (John 10:25-29; He replied, “I told you and you do not believe. The deeds I do in My Father’s name testify about Me. But you refuse to believe because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from My Father’s hand. The Father and I are One.) (The called believe in these four witnesses.)

   Our Father does the calling, He gives the called sheep to Jesus and Jesus gives eternal life to those believing IN Him. Jesus is the first to be spiritually born in a fleshly body. He holds all things together, meaning, He is Sustainer. God the Father created all things through God the Son, thus Jesus is Creator, reconciling all things to Himself and making peace through His shed blood.

   Through Jesus’ shed blood He redeems believers to Himself, ‘from eternal death inherited through Adam’ to ‘eternal life inherited through belief in Him.’ (Believing IN this Jesus is to be born from above, redeemed from sin’s result and to eternal life. (So, how can one believe in and not practice?)

   Heavenly Father: thank You for the gift of believing in faith. Thank You for gifted knowing faith; ‘the persevering nature that waits on Your promises.’ In the name and nature of Jesus we praise, honor and ask. AMEN

   Whether for the Israelites during Moses/Joshua’s time or in Jesus’ physical time with His apostles, miracles were done, ‘so all nations might recognize the Lord’s power, ‘so Believers might always obey the Lord our God.’ It’s a miracle when we’re led to believe IN God, ‘His Word, promises, and gifted faith that waits on Him.’ These miraculous gifts can’t be earned, learned or conjured up through denominational participation. Jesus revealed through Isaiah.

   (Isaiah 41:20 I will do this so people will observe; recognize so they will pay attention and understand that the Lord’s power has accomplished this, and that the Holy One of Israel has brought it into being.)

  Believers IN follow Jesus’ commands, and are gifted with knowing faith, that the miracles recorded in the holy scriptures are true, ‘know in their original writings that the scriptures can’t be broken.’

    Many unbelievers and scoffers will be led to be Believers IN, ‘after Jesus’ second coming.’ It seems, NOT many of Abraham’s descendents will experience the second death. Four times in Jesus’ revelations to His apostle John, He says; ‘conquers – overcomes’, will not experience the second death. Study the four.

   (Rev 2:11; The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ‘The one who conquers will in no way be harmed by the second death.’)

  (Rev 20:6; Blessed and holy is the one who takes part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with Him for a thousand years.)

   (Rev 20:13-15; The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death – the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.)

   (Rev 21:5-8; And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new!” Then He said to me, “Write it down, because these words are reliable and true.” He also said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life. The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But to the cowards, unbelievers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol worshipers, and all those who lie, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death.)

   Miraculous prophesies, ‘Jesus’, His prophets and apostles’ past and future miracles, are for physical and spiritual Israelite; “so all nations of the earth might recognize the Lord’s power and so we’ll always obey the Lord our God.”

   Many have heard of God’s miracle at the red sea; when the Israelites were led from Egypt; fewer know of the like miracle when they crossed the Jordan river. Again it occurred in God’s first month. (Study Joshua 4)

   The Lord told Joshua to have the people purify themselves and prepare to cross the Jordan. The Priest are to carry the Ark of the Covenant and when they step in the river the waters will stop flowing, heap up; so they could cross on dry land.

   (Joshua 4:19-24; The people went up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped in Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. Now Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Joshua told the Israelites; “When your children someday ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones represent? Explain to your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you while you crossed over. It was just like when the Lord your God dried up the Red Sea before us while we crossed it. “He has done this so all the nations of the earth might recognize the Lord’s power and so you might always obey the Lord your God.)

    (The 10^th day of God’s first month is also the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.) Believe God’s planning is just and marvelous?

    Worldly populations and most professing Christians do not believe these miracles, at the Red Sea and the Jordan, scoffers and unbelievers will know when Jesus returns, and many called will have these truths revealed before. Similar miracles are prophesied when all Israel will be delivered to their lands promised Abraham. (HOWEVER, we’re warned ‘demonic powers will also perform miracles. Jesus said; ‘For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the Elect. Remember, I have told you ahead of time.’ Matt 24:25-25)

    Remember Jesus called those who’s minds He opened to understand the scriptures ‘friends’ because slaves aren’t aware of their masters plans.

     (John 15:14- You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from My Father. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. This I command you — to love one another.)

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   Long time subscribers to God’s Church’s teachings know we have no personal, political or religious agendas. Our message is to people being called to follow Jesus. No bells, whistles or advertisements. It’s God’s Word as originally presented & correctly divided, we mostly use the ‘Net Bible Translation’ because of it being English friendly. Commentary is spiritually revealed with Godly principles, demonstrating that God doesn’t change, “Jesus is the Lord God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, His twelve apostles, the one written about by His called prophets and David.  

    Satan induced theories through gullible people have been dividing the word of God and deceiving populations since he caused Eve to ponder, “whether or not her Creator had her best interest in mind, or if He held back?” Eve and Adam’s doubts was sin, and their disobedience brought on God’s promised result of sin, which is eternal death. But God had a redemptive plan based on Godly love for His created in His image. (The Lord God and Creator, ‘Jesus’ would personally take on the nature of man and give His life for His chosen’s redemption from sin.) ‘Jesus’ life being worth more than the sum total of all others was given to save those being led to trust Him.’ Saved from the result of our inherited from Adam disobedient nature; ‘that is, be redeemed from that sin nature’s result through Jesus’ shed blood’, be converted to the obedient spiritual nature of Jesus’. (God’s gifted spirit living in the called, ‘is the mystery unbelieving populations can’t understand’ until it’s gifted.) (The English word, ‘redemption’ means, “the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, corrupted state, and restore it to a new condition.) It’s what believing IN Jesus accomplishes through gifted faith.

    This life blood sacrifice of the Son of God for the remission of sin was pre-planed, for the particular time of God the Father’s choosing. All blood sacrifices from Adam’s time, looked forward to the Son of God’s blood sacrifice. Blood is life. God instructed at Genesis 9:4-6; “But you must not eat meat with its life (that is its blood) in it. For your lifeblood I will surely exact punishment, “from every living creature I will exact punishment.” From each person I will exact punishment for the life of the individual since the man is his relative. “Whoever sheds human blood, by other humans must his blood be shed; for in God’s image He has made man.”

    (Leviticus 17:10-12; Any man from the house of Israel or from the foreigners who reside in their midst who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats the blood, and I will cut him off from the midst of his people, for the life of every living thing is in the blood. So I Myself have assigned it to you on the altar to make atonement for your lives, for the blood makes atonement by means of the life. Therefore, I have said to Israel: No person among you is to eat blood, and no resident foreigner who lives among you is to eat blood.)

   God has respect for life, ‘particularly for His selected people.’ Not only was it pre-planed that the Son of God would sacrifice His blood, ‘His life,’ for the world, ‘His followers would spiritually immerse themselves in Him to the degree’, “they’d depend on His life blood for their saving.”

    It’s about being Christ like. (John 6:52-58; Then the Jews who were hostile to Jesus began to argue with one another, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood resides in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who consumes Me will live (eternally) because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.)

   It’s the nature of unbelieving people to theorize everything, and Satan doesn’t have to push people to think and mimic Eve’s thinkig. Only when God reveals Himself and we understand His love, can we love Him in kind. Satan and this world’s system is about indoctrination. It’s in our so called advanced societies, programmed in children and leads to acceptance of evolutionary theories. Indoctrination planted in minds, can only be miraculously opened by God, who replaces errors with His truth. Jesus, His prophets and apostles all said as much! Satan’s deceptive indoctrinations began with Adam and Eve. Job understood, so consider Job’s comments to his friends, who were attempting to discover the reason for his dilemma.

    (Job 12;4-6;I am a laughing-stock to my friends, I, who called on God and whom He answered – a righteous and blameless man, a laughingstock. For calamity there is derision ‘mocking’ ‘according to the ideas of the fortunate.’ (Fortunate? The Hebrew word means ‘easy in mind, carefree and happy.’) A fate for those whose feet slip! But the tents of robbers are peaceful, and those who provoke God are confident – who carry their god in their hands.)

    So it is in our demonic indoctrinated world. A righteous and blameless person (in God’s view) is foolish to unbelievers, living carefree and confident in their little god to themselves mentality. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers. Jesus’ apostle Paul expressed it best.

    (But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.) 2 Cor 4-3-4. (Satan wants people conformed to this world’s system of things, ‘the unbeliever’s way.’) Paul advised.

    (Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.)

   (1Cor 1:18-25; For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will thwart the cleverness of the intelligent.” Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching. For Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks ask for wisdom, but we preach about a crucified Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.)

   This world’s system, education, entertainment, judgments and religions all lean to the demonic doctrine of evolution. Prophecies and teachings of Jesus are discounted as foolishness. (Jesus’ second coming and His purpose in sacrificing Himself is not understood by unbelievers, those who teach Jesus, but not His Way and message.) (Those who ‘believe that’, but don’t ‘believe IN.’) (For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ, and they will mislead many.’ Matt 24:5) (And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matt 24:11-14)

       WHAT END? The end of lawlessness! End of NOT believing IN God and His Way; NOT believing God is absolute, that He’s One and His truth absolute. The love of many grow cold because of demonic lawlessness! People evolve to a “believing that” and away from “believing IN.” Prophecies like that found at Zacharias 12: are discounted as fables.

One with God the Father, Jesus & one another, chapter 18 

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    God the Father’s commandment is eternal life. A quote from Jesus. at John 12:50) Obviously Jesus isn’t speaking of doing or keeping the ten commandments as the way to obtain eternal life. If He were that’d be, ‘by keeping the ten commandment one could earn eternal life’ and boast about it. If eternal life could be earned by good works many could boast. Followers of Jesus are spiritually led to understand, “the root” “the foundation” of God’s commandments is LOVE and “through believing IN Jesus is eternal Life!” God the Father’s commandment is that we believe IN God the Son, “Jesus.” Not a ‘belief that’ but a ‘belief IN’ that compels obedience. Loving God is to love His commandments and live immersed in Jesus. Jesus repeatedly said; “He and God the Father were in agreement.” At One with one another. 

   (John 12:49; For I have not spoken from My own authority, but the Father Himself who sent Me has commanded Me what I should say and what I should speak.) We can’t love Gods Way independent of His spirit and revelations. Jesus inspired these teachings through His apostles. 

    God the Father and God the Son are Spirit. They host and command many loyal angelic beings, ‘angels.’ Through God’s Spirit is “eternal Life.” God imputes His Life Giving Spirit, ‘immortality.’ Described as, ‘being born from above’ or ‘fathered.’ Without His fathering no one can enter the kingdom of God. So, let’s attempt to understand the workings of God’s miraculous spirit. 

    (Gen 1:2; Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. Genesis 1:2) Here, spirit is likened to, ‘wind from the breath of God’ or ‘mighty wind’ the Word of God” representing the superlative. Elsewhere in the Old Testament, the phrase refers consistently to the divine spirit that empowers and energizes individuals. (EXAMPLE: Exodus 31:1-11; The Lord spoke to Moses; “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in skill, in understanding, in knowledge, in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work with gold, with silver, with bronze, with cutting, setting stone, with cutting wood and to work in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, “I have also given him ‘Oholiab’ son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, and I have given ability to all the specially skilled, that they may make everything I have commanded you: “the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the atonement lid that is on it, all the furnishings of the tent, the table with its utensils, the pure lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar for the burnt offering with all its utensils, the large basin with its base, the woven garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and garments for his sons, to minister as priests, the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the Holy Place. They will make all these things just as I have commanded you.) 

     God also gives us the example of Balaam’s spirit gifted prophecy and his being tempted with riches. His is looking back to a millennial prophesy. 

    (Numbers 24:1-8; When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at the other times to seek for omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam ‘lifted up his eyes’ he saw Israel camped tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Then he uttered this oracle: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor; the oracle of the man whose eyes are open; the oracle of the one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, although falling flat on the ground with eyes open: ‘How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, and your dwelling places, O Israel! They are like valleys stretched forth, like gardens by the river’s side, like aloes that the Lord has planted, and like cedar trees beside the waters. He will pour the water out of His buckets, and the descendants will be like abundant water; their king will be greater than Agag, and their kingdom will be exalted. This Lord God brought them out of Egypt. 

   They have, as it were, the strength of a young bull; they will devour hostile people and will break their bones and will pierce them through with arrows. They crouch and lie down like a lion, and as a lioness, who can stir him? Blessed is the one who blesses you, and cursed is the one who curses you.) 

    As with God’s spirit gifting Bezalel with special talents in craftsmanship, “through His spirit” God caused Balaam’s eyes to be spiritually opened, “he then understood the words of God and gave true prophecy regarding God’s chosen people:” later Balaam was tempted with riches. (A gentile ruler; “Balak” played with Balaam’s vanity and asked him to curse Israel.) As Israel continued to be blessed, Balak became angry with Balaam. 

   (Num 24:10-14; Then Balak became very angry at Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have done nothing but bless them these three times! So now, go back where you came from! I said that I would greatly honor you; but now the Lord has stood in the way of your honor.” Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, ‘If Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord to do either good or evil of my own will, but whatever the Lord tells me I must speak,’ And now, I am about to go back to my own people. Come now, and I will advise you as to what this people will do to your people in the future.) 

    By gifting His spirit to individuals, God can give talents beyond natural abilities, open minds, reveal Himself, give people like Abraham, Moses, David and Isaiah prophetic visions. (Remember Psalms 69: from our previous study?) Through His spirit God gave Isaiah a vision of Jesus’ coming rule. 

   (Isaiah 42:1-7; Here is My servant whom I support, My chosen One in whom I take pleasure. I have placed My spirit on Him; He will make just decrees for the nations. He will not cry out or shout; He will not publicize Himself in the streets. A crushed reed He will not break, a dim wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully make just decrees. He will not grow dim or be crushed before establishing justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait in anticipation for His decrees.” This is what the true God, the Lord, says – the One who created the sky and stretched it out, the One who fashioned the earth and everything that lives on it, the One who gives breath to the people on it, and life to those who live on it: “I, the Lord, officially commission You, “Jesus” I take hold of Your hand. I protect You and make You a covenant Mediator for people, and a Light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to release prisoners from dungeons, those who live in darkness from prisons.) 

   Through His spirit, God emits spiritual understanding. Through His spirit God gives breath and life. Through His spirit God the Father resurrected Jesus who will establish justice on earth, through God the Son, “Jesus.” May we be led to praise Him. 

    When explaining ’being born from above” to Nicodemus, Jesus said; (John 3:7-8; Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’ The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.) We can’t earn salvation or conjure up God’s mind opening spirit. 

    JESUS was the One revealing His Father’s commission to Himself, “His own status and characteristics to Isaiah.” Next God reveals through Isaiah, Jesus’ powers and Israel’s future millennial promises. 

   (Isaiah 49:1-13; Listen to Me, you coastlands! Pay attention, you people who live far away. The Lord summoned Me from birth; He commissioned Me when My mother brought Me into the world. He made My mouth like a sharp sword, He hid Me in the hollow of His hand; He made Me like a sharpened arrow, He hid Me in His quiver. He said to Me, “You are My servant Israel, through whom I will reveal My splendor.” But I thought, “I have worked in vain; I have expended My energy for absolutely nothing.” But the Lord will vindicate Me; My God will reward Me. So now the Lord says, “the One who formed Me from birth to be His servant – He did this to restore Jacob to Himself, so that Israel might be gathered to Him; and I will be honored in the Lord’s sight, for My God is My source of strength – He says, “Is it too insignificant a task for You to be My servant, to reestablish the tribes of Jacob, and restore the remnant of Israel? I will make You a light to the nations, so you can bring My deliverance to the remote regions of the earth.” This is what the Lord, the Protector of Israel, their Holy One, says to the One who is despised and rejected by nations, a servant of rulers: “Kings will see and rise in respect, princes will bow down, because of the faithful Lord, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen you.” This is what the Lord says: “At the time I decide to show My favor, I will respond to You; in the day of deliverance I will help You; I will protect You and make You a covenant Mediator for people, to rebuild the land and to reassign the desolate property. You will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those who are in dark dungeons, ‘Emerge’ They will graze beside the roads; on all the slopes they will find pasture. They will not be hungry or thirsty; the sun’s oppressive heat will not beat down on them, for One who has compassion on them will guide them; He will lead them to springs of water. I will make all My mountains into a road; I will construct My roadways.” Look, they come from far away! Look, some come from the north and west, and others from the land of Sinim! Shout for joy, O sky! Rejoice, O earth! Let the mountains give a joyful shout! For the Lord consoles His people and shows compassion to the oppressed.) 

    Through His spirit, God revealed these things to Isaiah and through His GIFTED spirit, “Believers IN are trusting through gifted faith in His Word.” Jesus is the subject of Isaiah’s prophesy. (Now Jesus reveals His suffering.) 

    (Isaiah 50:4-11; The sovereign Lord has given Me the capacity to be His spokesman, so that I know how to help the weary. He wakes Me up every morning; He makes Me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do. The sovereign Lord has spoken to Me clearly; I have not rebelled; I have not turned back. I offered My back to those who attacked, My jaws to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from insults and spitting. But the sovereign Lord helps Me, so I am not humiliated. For that reason, I am steadfastly resolved; I know I will not be put to shame. The one who vindicates Me is close by. Who dares to argue with Me? Let us confront each other! Who is My accuser? Let him challenge Me! Look, the sovereign Lord helps Me. Who dares to condemn Me? Look, all of them “THOSE WHO CONDEMN ME” will wear out like clothes; a moth will eat away at them. Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys His servant, “Jesus?” Whoever walks in deep darkness, without light, should trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God ‘Jesus.’ (Look, all of you who start a fire and who equip yourselves with flaming arrows, walk in the light of the fire you started and among the flaming arrows you ignited! This is what you will receive from Me: “you will lie down in a place of pain.) 

     This world’s populations are walking in deep darkness, rely on their thinking and practiced way of living. This world’s populations ignite their own way and equip themselves. 

      Through His spirit, God reveals His promises and truths to followers of Jesus, and Jesus reveals God’s is love, ‘that His commandment foundation is from His Life, “spirit.’ 

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      When Satan’s demise is near, he’ll send a flood to destroy God’s Elect, but God will open the earth and swallow it. (See Rev 12:12-18) Remember last study and how the Egyptians were destroyed.

    Why were the Israelites stubborn, prone to look to other gods and desire a king like the pagan nations? Why do pagans worship god’s heavenly created bodies, statues and images? Why do people prefer worshiping a god of their imagination and attempt to make our Creator fit an image to their liking? THE ANSWER IS everyone inherited Adam’s lawless nature, that desires what seems right to the fleshly mind. SO, the reality is; “people MUST have a nature change,” a changed outlook in order to be mature in God‘s View; be born from above in order to inherit eternal life. See John 3:3-8.

    Nicodemus ask Jesus about His performances and teaching. (John 3:3-8; Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, can he?” Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’ The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.)

Nicodemus first thought Jesus was talking about a second physical birth, when He was in fact referring to a new spiritual birth: how can this be?

(John 3:10-12; Jesus answered, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you don’t understand these things? I tell you the solemn truth, we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I have told you people about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

Jesus said, “as the wind blows, so is everyone born of the spirit.” It’s a miracle that we don’t know how the desire came, or how our minds changed from a fleshly outlook to a spiritual one. When we’re called God reveals our despicable inherited from Adam nature to us, its result being eternal death, and grants our desire to turn - repent.

Jesus continued; (John 3:13-16; No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven, ‘the Son of Man.’ Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.)

It’s by God’s grace when we believe, by grace we’re saved, and we must be gifted with a nature change in order to believe IN Jesus as He manifested  Himself to be. The many believe a deity exist, many use Jesus’ name, but only the called are gifted with the desire for a supernatural nature change, ”thus able to truly BELIEVE IN.”

(John 3:17-18; For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. The one who believes IN Him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.) Each recipient of God’s spirit is saved through Jesus’ shed blood ‘His life’ and His being our Mediator. We must be gifted to abandon what seems right, and adapt to what Jesus says is right.

(John 3:19-21; Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds ‘desires’ were evil. For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God.)

People hating the light want to live and practice deeds according to their fleshly desires. Thus the love of money is the root of all evil. Jesus gave Paul to understand and Jesus reveals to the called.

    (Romans 8:5-11; For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, (followers of Jesus) however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the One who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through His Spirit who lives in you.)

Until called and supernaturally born from above, each person is an unbeliever that can’t please God, because their inherited nature is hostile to God’s Way. Unbelievers are a stubborn lot, but believers desire a oneness relationship with God.

Since Adam people have been choosing to live according to the dictates of their inherited from Adam nature, rather than looking to their Creator for guidance. The few exceptions are, a people chosen by promise for God‘s purpose. Luke 3:23-38; gives the chronology of Jesus’ physical ancestors, and those desiring a oneness relationship with God. These had little in common with the world, as Jesus was in, but not of the world.

Friendships with communities are strained, when we believe IN God. It’s natural that many called out people try to straddle the fence for a time, only to find; “sooner or later they’re as strangers.” By God’s calling and our believing IN Jesus’ blood sacrifice for the remission of sin, Jesus is able to presents us holy, blameless and without blemish before God the Father on that day. NOT a faith in some denomination, but “believing IN God faith.” A Faith that waits on Jesus’ promises. Paul taught, we individually need to prove, examine all things and have faith that the Father will make us holy, IN Jesus.

(1Thess 5:16-24; Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is trustworthy, and He will in fact do this.)

Jesus’ Gifted Faith, teaches us; “God does it all!” Followers of Jesus are asked to pray for, have patience with denominationalist and those weak in faith. Paul taught it to Believers IN Jesus at Rome and around the world.

(Romans 15:1-6; But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on Me.” For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.) (Insults of those who insult Believers have fallen on Jesus, is a quote from Psalms 69.

After we’re called, a continual examination of self in Jesus’ Light begins. A responsibility of each Believer IN Jesus is to; “overcome our inherited nature to the end.” After gifted with a belief IN Jesus, we’re spirit led to overcome our self serving inherited nature! that yields to our fleshly nature’s pulls, those bad examples to the world. The Psalmist realized this and shared his Faith.

(Psalms 69:6-9; Let none who rely on You be disgraced because of me, O sovereign Lord and king! Let none who seek You be ashamed because of me, O God of Israel! For I suffer humiliation for Your sake and am thoroughly disgraced. My own brothers treat me like a stranger; they act as if I were a foreigner. Certainly zeal for Your house consumes me; I endure the insults of those who insult You.)

Followers of Jesus soon discover, “Having a zeal for God’s Way causes insults from unbelievers. Remember Jesus’ words, “they will hate you because they hated Me.”  

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   Remember Jesus spoke in parables so majorities wouldn’t understand. Parable of a poor and rich man’s plight was; ‘one went to Abraham, the other to a place of torment, so he ask that Lazarus be sent to his father’s house, so that they don’t come into this place of torment.’ (Luke 16:29-31; But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they must respond to them.’ The rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’) So it is, Jesus came and warned of sin’s result. Not only that, Jesus was the Deliverer of Israel through Moses, and shared the same with him for His chosen people.

   (Exodus 14:1-4; The Lord spoke to Moses: “Tell the Israelites that they must turn and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you are to camp by the sea before Baal Zephon opposite it. Pharaoh will think regarding the Israelites, ‘They are wandering around confused in the land – the desert has closed in on them.’ I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them. I will gain honor because of Pharaoh and because of all his army and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So this is what they did.’ When the Israelites saw the Egyptian army coming after them they were fearful. (Remember ‘Israel’ means ‘God fights.’

    (Exodus 14:13-31; Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians that you see today you will never, ever see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. And as for you, lift up your staff and extend your hand toward the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites may go through the middle of the sea on dry ground. And as for Me, I am going to harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will come after them, that I may be honored because of Pharaoh and his army and his chariots and his horsemen. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I have gained My honor because of Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.) After they crossed, the Lord said: “extend your hand toward the sea so that the waters may flow back on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen!” So Moses extended his hand toward the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state when the sun began to rise. Now the Egyptians were fleeing before it, but the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. The water returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen and all the army of Pharaoh that was coming after the Israelites into the sea – not so much as one of them survived! But the Israelites walked on dry ground in the middle of the sea, the water forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. So the Lord saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore of the sea. When Israel saw the great power that the Lord had exercised over the Egyptians, they feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.)

    What does it take for some to believe IN the Lord? Remember the apostle Thomas? What did Jesus say to him before His ascension? (John 20:29; Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.)

    After wondering 40 years the Lord God was about to deliver the Israelites across the Jordan to the land promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord God appeared in a cloud informing Moses that he was about to die and after his death the Israelites would corrupt themselves. Call a meeting with Joshua; “I will commission him.” God knew the Israelites’ intentions, what they and all people have in mind today, even before He would deliver them to the land I have promised.” Moses called a meeting and said; (Deut 31:27-31; “for I know about your rebellion and stubbornness. Indeed, even while I have been living among you to this very day, you have rebelled against the Lord; you will be even more rebellious after my death! Gather to me all your tribal elders and officials so I can speak to them directly about these things and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them. For I know that after I die you will totally corrupt yourselves and turn away from the path I have commanded you to walk. Disaster will confront you in the days to come because you will act wickedly before the Lord, inciting Him to anger because of your actions.” Then Moses recited the words of this song from start to finish in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel.) Note the prophetic words in the following song.

   (Exodus 15:1-4; Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said, “I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously, the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. The Lord⁷ is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, My father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is His name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army He has thrown into the sea, and His chosen officers were drowned in the Red Sea.

   The depths have covered them, they went down to the bottom like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power, your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. In the abundance of Your majesty You have overthrown those who rise up against You. You sent forth Your wrath; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, the flowing water stood upright like a heap, and the deep waters were solidified in the heart of the sea.”

    “The enemy said, ‘I will chase, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire will be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand will destroy them.’ But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You – majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders?

    “You stretched out Your right hand, the earth swallowed them. By Your loyal love You will lead the people whom You have redeemed; You will guide them by Your strength to Your holy dwelling place. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will seize the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be terrified, trembling will seize the leaders of Moab, and the inhabitants of Canaan will shake. Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as stone Until Your people pass by, O Lord, until the people whom You have bought pass by.”

    You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance,

in the place you made for your residence, O Lord, the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established. The Lord will reign forever and ever! For the horses of Pharaoh came with his chariots and his footmen into the sea, and the Lord brought back the waters of the sea on them, but the Israelites walked on dry land in the middle of the sea.”

    “Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a hand-drum in her hand, and all the women went out after her with hand-drums and with dances. Miriam sang in response to them, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.”

    “Then Moses led Israel to journey away from the Red Sea. They went out to the Desert of Shur, walked for three days into the desert, and found no water. Then they came to Marah, but they were not able to drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter. (That is why its name was Marah.) So the people murmured against Moses, saying, “What can we drink?” He cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When Moses threw it into the water, the water became safe to drink. There the Lord made for them a binding ordinance, and there He tested them. He said, “If you will diligently obey the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and pay attention to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, then all the diseases that I brought on the Egyptians I will not bring on you, for I, the Lord, am your healer.”

    Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the water.)

    God knows the intent of hearts and nations. When God isn’t directly involved, people become vulnerable to demonic divisions and to what seems right to their inherited from Adam nature. That Lord God speaking to Moses was Jesus, and He came as prophesied and proclaimed that His words would be our judge.

   (John 12:44-50; But Jesus shouted out, “The one who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in the One who sent Me, and the one who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me should not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My words and does not obey them. I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects Me and does not accept My words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. For I have not spoken from My own authority, but the Father Himself who sent Me has commanded Me what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told Me.)

   The Father’s command is that we believe IN His Son and His words will Judge us “at the last day.” Jesus is revealed to many now, and during His millennial reign, He will be revealed to the world. Seemingly many will reject Him. Now back to Paul’s summations.

    (Acts 13:40-41; Watch out, then, that what is spoken about by the prophets does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!) (See Revelations 19:, 20:10-15, & 21:8) God’s ultimate desire for His people is that righteousness and pureness be theirs. It’s what the Father revealed through Jesus. Proofs that the holy scriptures are God inspired are numerous. (David like Abraham, believed in the Lord.)

    (Psalms 145:13-21; “Your kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord supports all who fall, and lifts up all who are bent over. Everything looks to You in anticipation, and you provide them with food on a regular basis. You open your hand, and fill every living thing with the food they desire. The Lord is just in all His actions, and exhibits love in all He does. The Lord is near all who cry out to Him, all who cry out to Him sincerely. He satisfies the desire of His loyal followers; He hears their cry for help and delivers them. The Lord protects those who love Him, but He destroys all the wicked. My mouth will praise the Lord. Let all who live praise His holy name forever!)

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    When the Lord God Jesus called Moses He said; “I am that I am.” And He said, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” The God of your fathers has sent me; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “This is My name forever, and this is My memorial from generation to generation.” “I have promised that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’

     The Lord promised Moses; (Exodus 6:7-8; I will take you Israelites’ to Myself for a people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from your enslavement to the Egyptians. I will bring you to the land I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob – and I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord!’) (He hardened Pharaoh’s heart and made Moses as a god to him.

     See Exodus 4: through 11: After numerous plagues on the Egyptians, and after the night to be much remembered, the Egyptians were ready to thrust Israel out. They gave the Israelites riches and hastened their departure. Israel traveled a long way on that 14^th day of Nisan.

    The Lord said; (Exodus 13:8-10; You are to tell your son, ‘on that day’ ‘it is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ It will be a sign for you on your hand and a memorial on your forehead, so that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt. So you must keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.)

     After witnessing the Egyptian’s drowning the Israelites gave the Lord praise. (Exodus 15:6-9; Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. In the abundance of your majesty You have overthrown those who rise up against You. You sent forth Your wrath; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, the flowing water stood upright like a heap, and the deep waters were solidified in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, ‘I will chase, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire will be satisfied on them.’) (These things are forerunners of Israel’s future deliverance and Jesus’ new Passover ordinances.) Remember this covenant making Lord God Jesus had to die in order to make that first covenant void, and establish a new spiritual covenant.

    (John 13:1-17; Just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that His time had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now loved them to the very end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus. Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to Him and that He had come from God and was going back to God, He got up from the meal, removed His outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around Himself. He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel He had wrapped around Himself.

    Then He came to Simon Peter. Peter said to Him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.” Peter said to Him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus replied, “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you.) (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray Him. For this reason He said, “Not every one of you is clean.)

    So when Jesus had washed their feet and put His outer clothing back on, He took His place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example – you should do just as I have done for you. I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.)

       Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was prophesied.

    (John 13:31-35; When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself and He will glorify Him right away. Children, I am still with you for a little while. You will look for Me, and just as I said to the Jewish religious leaders, ‘Where I am going you cannot come,’ now I tell you the same. “I give you a new commandment – to love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are My disciples – if you have love for one another.) (So, how can all followers of Jesus love God and one another? By each being recipients of the same spirit.

   (John 13:36-38; Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? I tell you the solemn truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times!”)

   Jesus’ apostles practiced all Jesus instructed. Some in the Corinth church of God didn’t comprehend the spiritual significance of Passover, so Paul explained.

    (1Cor 11:20-33; Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk. Do you not have houses so that you can eat and drink? Or are you trying to show contempt for the church of God by shaming those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you for this!

    “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread and after He had given thanks He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, every time you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

    For this reason, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself first, and in this way let him eat the bread and drink of the cup. For the one who eats and drinks without careful regard for the body eats and drinks judgment against himself. That is why many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few are dead.

   But if we examined ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned with the world. So then my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat wait for one another. If anyone is hungry let him eat at home, so that when you assemble it does not lead to judgment. I will give directions about other matters when I come.)

The Passover season is about examining ourselves in Jesus’ Light. Put that which puffs up out from our fleshly nature, consider how pulls of the fleshly nature imposes its will on our character. Putting leavening agents out was a strong physical reminder. Remember sin is lawlessness in God’s view. David’s experience is for our learning.

   (Psalms 1:1-6; How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers. Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on His commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts. Not so with the wicked! Instead they are like wind-driven chaff. For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly. Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.) (Remember followers of Jesus are spiritual Israelites, (see Gal 3:29) and the word “Israel” means God fights.)

    (Acts 2:29-35; Brothers, I ‘Peter’ can speak confidently to you about our forefather David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. So then, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, David by foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His body experience decay. This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it. So then, exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He, ‘Jesus’ has poured out what you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord, (God the Father) said to My Lord, (God the Son) “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for your feet.)

    Jesus’ enemies aren’t His foot stool yet. That day is soon coming. Remember Jesus said; “of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven.” God the Father and God the Son have been planning it all since the foundation of the world.

    Matthew recorded Jesus’ end of age prophecies: re-study Matt. 24: Jesus inspired His apostle Paul to write Timothy.

     (2Tim 4:1 I-8; I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. You however be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry. For, I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on His appearing.)

       We hope many of you are praying for Jesus’ soon return. 

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    Mark 14:65; 15:19; Matt 26:67; 27:30 and Luke 18:31-34, Tells us that it was on or about the 10^th of Nisan when Jesus pulled the twelve aside to explain the reason for their going to Jerusalem. Explaining that He’d be handed over to the Gentiles be mocked, spat on and mistreated. They’d kill Him and on the third day He would rise again. They each thought ‘how could this could happen to Him’ if He’s really God’s agent.

   On or about the tenth day of this God’s first month, Jesus rode to Jerusalem on the donkey He’d foretold long before and had ‘Zachariah proclaim it.’ Zachariah’s prophecy jumps to Jesus’ second coming after telling about His humble ride to Jerusalem. Let’s review.

  (Zach 9:9; Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Look, Your king is coming to you; He is legitimate and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey – on a young donkey, the foal of a female donkey. Next

    (Zach 9:10-17; He will remove the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be removed. Then He will announce peace to the nations. His dominion will be from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

    Moreover, as for you, (Israel) because of our covenant relationship secured with blood, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, you prisoners with hope; today I declare that I will return double what was taken from you. I will bend Judah as My bow; I will load the bow with Ephraim, My arrow! I will stir up your sons against you Zion, Greece, and I will make you, Zion, like a warrior’s sword.

    Then the Lord will appear above them, and His arrow will shoot forth like lightning; the Lord God will blow the trumpet and will sally forth on the southern storm winds. The Lord who rules over all will guard them, they will prevail, and overcome with sling stones. Then they will drink, and will become noisy like drunkards, full like the sacrificial basin or like the corners of the altar. On that day the Lord their God will deliver them as the flock of His people, for they are the precious stones of a crown sparkling over His land. How precious and fair! Grain will make the young men flourish and new wine the young women.) (Study chapter 10 to discover more.)

    (John 12:9-16; Now a large crowd of Judeans learned that Jesus was there, and so they came not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too, for on account of him many of the Jewish people from Jerusalem were going away and believing in Jesus.

     The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast (Passover and Unleavened Bread) heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. They began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Do not be afraid, people of Zion; look, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!) (His disciples did not understand these things when they first happened, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that these things had happened to him.)

   (John 12:17-19; So the crowd who had been with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead were continuing to testify about it. Because they had heard that Jesus had performed this miraculous sign, the crowd went out to meet Him. Thus the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you can do nothing. Look, the world has run off after him!”)

     The whole world will look to Jesus in a soon to be future, but until His second coming, allow Jesus’ apostle Paul tell of Satan’s worldly successes opposed to Jesus’ imputed spirit.

    (Galatians 5:17-21; For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!)

    Paul is NOT saying that every unbeliever practicing these things are evil, but like faith. Generally unbelievers do appreciate people’s overcoming these inherited characteristics, but give little consideration to things that are an abomination to our Creator.

    (Gal 5:22-25; But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.)

    Jealously is a fleshly inherited characteristic! Jesus is the only child EVER born, that never practiced the characteristics of jealously. Jesus was spiritually fathered, had an obedient spirit, but learned from experience.

    Christians are heir to Jesus’ spirit, and Heirs with Abraham. (Review Galatians 3:29) All Jesus’ apostles’ letters are to the churches of God, a people gifted to understand the scripture and overcome as Jesus did.

    (Galatians 5:13-16; For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.)

    God does not change. This command was also recorded in, “the letter of the law.”

    (Leviticus 19:18; You must not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people, but you must love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.)

     Israelites before Jesus’ ascension were God’s called out people, but were NOT “born from above.” By virtue of being Jacob’s heirs ‘Israelites’ they are God‘s chosen by promise as was Isaac. The difference? called out followers of Jesus are spiritually “born from above”, by promise as Isaac, and spiritual Israelites who like Jacob’ name implies, ‘God fights for.’ (The word ‘Israel’ means ‘God fights.’ Allow Jesus’ teaching through His apostle Paul.

    Romans 8:1-14; There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened through the flesh. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.

    For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, (called believers) however, are NOT in the flesh but in the Spirit, IF indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

    Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to Him. But IF Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover IF the Spirit of the ONE who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the ONE who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through His Spirit who lives in you.

   So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, NOT to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, (for IF you live according to the flesh, you will die), but IF by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God ARE the SONS of God.)

    By demonic deception and mankind’s fleshly logic Satan has been astronomically successful at shielding these truths.

     Proofs that the holy scriptures are God inspired are numerous. Jesus and His apostles quoted from the Old Testament often. Jesus’ apostle Peter considered David a prophet and believed David was speaking of Jesus in Psalms 16:8-11, also see Ps 30:9; 49:9; 55:24; (103:4; You lead Me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in Your presence; You always give Me sheer delight.

    On the day of Pentecost, after God’s gifted spirit entered people; Peter proclaimed, (Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through Him, just as you yourselves know – this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing Him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles. But God raised Him up, having released Him from the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held in its power. For David says about him, ‘I saw the Lord always in front of me, for He is at My right hand so that I will not be shaken. Therefore My heart was glad and My tongue rejoiced; My body also will live in hope, because you will not leave My soul in Hades, (Hades too, is the equivalent of the Hebrew term Pit -Sheol) nor permit your Holy One, (Jesus) to experience decay. You have made known to Me the paths of life; You will make Me full of joy with Your presence.) Acts 2:22-28)