FAR ABOVE ALL
282.0506
scottSTANLEY
(For purposes of clarity, brackets [ ] indicate either the author's paraphrase of scripture or editing for transcription.)
Jeremiah 3:18-19
18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel , and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.
19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
OPENING REMARKS
As we go through this study together, I pray that you search your heart, experiencing the grace of God, as He has mercy on us in giving us higher revelations of Himself higher revelations of Himself helps give us a depth of earth, helping us see our need of Him understanding how He can reach out and help us and believing that He is. The study I want to share with you today is the real thing. This will change your life the concepts I want to share with you really do work and the reality of the scriptures that were going to read are really coming home to me in a new way. It seems like the more I study and the more time I spend with the Lord, the more real the spiritual things become. Im so blessed to be in this place; Im so blessed to have the trials that Im having, and Im blessed to know my Heavenly Father. Im blessed to know there are people out there listening to these things, contemplating these things and allowing changes to happen to them also.
Like I say, this study will change your life and I pray that you have your bibles open that you not simply read the text Im going to be putting on the screen, but read all of the chapter take the time to spend with God that He may reveal Himself to you. This study is the capstone of all of the things the Lord has been teaching us, and in fact, it will help you understand how to move out and live in the power of God. You know, I make these studies and I give you experiences I give you testimonies of experiences and I know for each one of us, the Lord is moving each of us His way and the way things happen to me may not be the way things will happen to you, but I pray that when you hear these concepts, or when you read them in the scripture, that you search your heart. Seek for that impression of God; let Him give you a yea or a nay and then believe it then cling to it and let the seeds, and the heavenly understanding that waters them, spring to life. Let it change you forever.
HOPE OF HIS CALLING
This study begins in Ephesians, chapter one, the prayer the apostle Paul wrote the first prayer in Ephesians. Let me just simply begin reading this, and again, I think some of the concepts that were going to cover are so far out there theyre so wonderful, theyre too wonderful, maybe, to believebut we must believe, and we must let the Lord have His way. Ephesians, chapter 1, I want to begin reading at verse 15:
Ephesians 1:15-17
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you [a] spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Now, let me say a couple of things about this: Several months ago, we were studying in Romans, looking at the Spirit of Christ, and the Spirit of the Father reading in Romans 8, starting at verse 9, going through to 11 how, if you have the Spirit of the One who raised Christ from the dead, this will quicken even your mortal flesh, and were talking about the Spirit of the Father. When we talk about having the Spirit of the Father, youre talking about having the understanding He has youre talking about having the mindset that He hashaving the knowledge of God, having the character of God as that knowledge is applied, and the text we just read in Ephesians, Paul wrote this in a letter to a group of people that were on a particular, a certain level of understanding. You see, in Pauls day, if he led you to the Lord, you understood the Son of God; you understood why He died; you understood how the old man would be put to death. For you and I, we are still coming out of the dark ages, to be truthful about it, and all of my Christian life, Ive read these texts, thinking they applied to me simply because I believed in Jesus well, that isnt the case.
If youve gone through the process that God has laid out, the steps He has laid out in Revelation, looking at the seven churches from Ephesus to Laodicea , then these things apply to you and Im going to prove that to you in a minute. For the first time in my life, I know this applies to me in a new way. Its as if Paul wrote [it] this morning and handed this to me. Again, as we go through the texts, I want you to see it I want you to understand the reality of this book it literally is for you if you understand [that] Christ is the Son, you know you can hear God, you understand your sin nature, and God has called you and lifted you up out of the sea of lies.
Another thing about this scripture is the word glory now this is key: Glory in the New Testament the Strongs number is [1391] its rooted in a word thats numbered [1380]. Glory means thought, understanding, ideas, concepts. The glory of God is what lies between His ears its in His mind. The glory of God is His understanding. At one point in my life when I thought of glory, I saw light beams shooting out of His head or out of His arms, or something. Now I recognize the light is the truthits the truth He possesses, and were going to be keying on the glory of God in this study, and the glory given [to] you.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
GLORY [1391]
opinion, judgment, view
From the root word [1380] translated think
Ephesians 1:17
17 That the God of Jesus , [who is] the Father of glory, may give unto you [a] spirit of wisdom and revelation [knowledge] in knowledge of him:
Revelations of truth coming to you do you know how that happens? It means you spend some time thinking about it youre not just walking down the street and all of a sudden, zap, you have a thought that is revelation knowledge. You spend time in prayer; you spend time studying; you spend time with Him, and He will begin to unfold truth for you. But notice, this is in the knowledge of Him Him, who? The Father of glory, the Father and the God of Jesus Christ now remember, in Romans 8:11: If you have His Spirit, it quickens your mortal flesh. If you possess the knowledge of God, Paul lists some things that youll come to understand, and he lists them in this prayer verse 18 possessing the knowledge of God:
Ephesians 1:18
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; [youll begin to understand, knowing, thinking, perceiving the way God does] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that [you] may [perceive that you may know that word is [1492], its to perceive] the hope of his calling [you],
Stop what is the hope of His calling you? When I understood the love of God; when I understood that He had never condemned me when I understood [that] He had always accepted me, I knew this was the hope of His calling. But since then, the Lord has increased my understanding of that. Let me tell you the hope of Gods calling as I perceive it now, and this is something I can tell you with a clear conscience God has revealed this to me: The hope of Gods calling is that you might possess all knowledge that you might possess and understand everything He does. Think about it: The riches of God is the understanding He possesses, and He has given us an infinite mind were able to contain anything and as much of anything He wants to give us. He wants you and [me] to have it all!
Consider this with me: The most powerful thing about you is your mind thats the most powerful tool that you have. What is it that makes the mind work and function? Thoughts hopefully light, truth, pure understanding coming from God. If youll look and begin to grasp the power of the mind, youll begin to understand the power that is directed toward you if your heart is open to receive from God. He isnt holding anything back from you. Do you remember in the gospel of John, chapter 3? Lets read this speaking of Jesus Christ let me begin reading at verse 31:
John 3:31-35
31 He that [comes] from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and [speaks] of the earth: he that [comes] from heaven is above all [and we know, speaks of heavenly things].
32 And what he [has] seen and heard [in heaven], [is what he is testifying]; and no man [is receiving] his testimony.
33 He that [has] received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [Why?]
34 [Because] he whom God hath sent [speaks] the words of God: for God [gives] not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father [loves] the Son, and [has] given all things into his hand.
When Christ was on this earth, our Heavenly Father held nothing back from Him He gave Him His Spirit without measure. Well, what about in eternity past? I believe we can safely say the Father gave Him His Spirit without measure. For God to give you His Spirit without measure doesnt mean that you receive it all and you understand it all, but you can only take in what youre capable of He holds nothing back from you. He gave the only begotten Son His Spirit without measure. Now, turn to 2 Thessalonians, and I want you to look at chapter 2, verse 14:
2 Thessalonians 2:14
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Whats glory? The thoughts, understandingall of the things that He possesses God has called you to receive the glory of Christ. What is the hope of His calling you? The hope of His calling is that He may give you all things, all understanding just like any parent on this planet the riches they have, they pass to their children. The riches He has is truth the riches He possesses, He can never lose. These riches, the more you give away, the greater His kingdom becomes. It isnt like earthly riches money you give it away, and you dont have it anymore. The riches God is giving meas I give these riches away, only increase the kingdom of God and I dont lose a thing. In fact, as I share, I grow in my understanding, too. The hope of His calling is to give you all things to give you His Spirit without measure. Hes called us unto the glory of Jesus Christ. Let this sink in, what Im saying to you: The most powerful thing is your mind; if you let Him have it and let Him fill it with truth, what are you capable of? Nothing is holding you back but you.
He wants you to have all knowledge we know this is true when we look at Jesus. Let me tell you, Jesus is a symbol of you. Israel is His firstborn. He has called us to be joint heirs with the Son of God. He brought forth one only begotten He birthed one Son, that He might use the only birthed Son to reveal to us, to manifest to those who have ears to hear, the mighty love that He has for us the firstborn, the true firstborn, the spiritual firstborn and by using His only begotten, He can convince us, too, that He loves us, even as much as He loves Jesus. Now you tell me, what would happen to you to have the understanding God possesses come into your heart what would happen to you? Jesus is our example, and remember the very last verse of John, chapter 17:
John 17:26
26 I have declared [your] name, and [I] will declare it: that the love [that you have] loved me [with might] be in them,
Think about it think of Jesus Christs knowledge of His Father, seeing His Heavenly Father face to face, eye to eye touching Him, feeling Him, caressing Him, coming to a deep understanding of how much the Father loves Him, and then Christ turning around and saying: This love that Hes loved me with might be in you as I declare His name, as I declare His character. He is loving us to death that we might have life He is loving you and [me] in not condemning us. He is loving you in wanting you to receive it, and let me tell you something its unconditional love. He loves you anyway, and if you dont receive it, that is your problem I should say, that is the problem of the world: God loves humanity, but if they dont hear the declaration of the name, if they dont come to an understanding of Gods character, if they dont possess the knowledge God possesses, then the love He is loving them with is not in them, and they will not possess the power of love in their lives.
THE INHERITANCE
Back to the prayer, Ephesians, chapter one, lets read verse 18 again:
Ephesians 1:18
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that [you may perceive] the hope of his calling, and what [are] the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
The riches of the glory think about it the riches of the glory. Lets back up to verse 12:
Ephesians 1:12-14
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom [you] also trusted, after [you] heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after [you] believed, [you] were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Now, write beside that verse Romans 8:23 , and let me read this Romans 8:23 :
Romans 8:23
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
The earnest of the Spirit is the down payment until the redemption of the body. But what is it to receive Holy Spirit? Well, at one time in my life, I thought as I abide, as I listen and He speaks, His words, His thoughts, His understanding coming into me was Holy Spirit. In a sense it is but that isnt what Hes talking about in Ephesians. What He is talking about is the effect Christs words have on you. As you understand the love of God and you understand no condemnation all of the truths God has been giving us lately, that changes you your mind is set apart. Your mind changes from where it used to be you have a new foundation of love. The earnest of the Spirit is the effect the truth has on you in giving you a Holy Spirit, and that is the earnest that He is giving you, until the redemption of the body until the redemption of this purchased possession, which is all of us, all of us spirit, soul and body. Our Father wants it all, and He wants it all pure and He wants it all holy, and He wants it all perfect and complete.
In this prayer (Ephesians 1:18): That youll perceive the riches of the glory of the inheritance in the saints, you see, that first part, that youll know the hope of his calling, I believe, leads into the second part the hope of His calling is that you might have it all, that you might perceive the riches of the glory. And that leads into the third part of this prayer.
POWER TOWARD US
Starting at verse 19:
Ephesians 1:19
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power [toward us] who believe, according to the working of [King James has put:] his mighty power, [or the ability of His strength]
Now, as we read these texts, this English word power is going to keep coming up, but there are at least three Greek words that were actually reading here. The first one, the number is [1411], translated power, it is the word dunamis and the root of that word simply means to be able a-b-l-e able.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
POWER [1411]
strength, ability, power
From the root word [1410] translated able
For some reason, when I read this word, [1411], I think of power because Ive always thought [that] this is where they took the word dynamite dunamis, and when I would read that, I would see this power. And it may be that, but what I want to do is tone it down a little bit, [so that] when we see [1411], we simply read it as the ableness God has the ableness He has, and the ableness He gives you. He makes you able, He gives you power; He makes you able to achieve things. I think thats a good starting point for me taking a little baby step, and as the truth increases in my heart, maybe one day it will become this big explosion of power, but that is the word [1411].
Another one that theyve translated power is [1849] and its better translated authority and were going to see that a lot in this study.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
POWER [1849]
authority
From the root word [1832] translated lawful
Another one that weve just read is [2904] translated power and this one is seen in verse 19: The working of His mighty power that word is actually strength its the ability of His strength.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
POWER [2904]
strength
Now, having said that, lets read verse 19 again:
Ephesians 1:19-23
19 [That youll perceive] the exceeding greatness of his power [or His ability thats [1411]toward you] who believe [underline that toward you who believe], according to the working of [the ability of His strength], [2904]
20 Which he [showed] in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the [heavenlies],
21 Far above all principality, and power [that word power is authority [1849] above all principality, authority], and might [thats [1411] again or ableness], and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 [Hes] put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that [fills] all in all.
Now, let me paraphrase what Ive just read to you Paul is writing to the Ephesians that they would know He says: I pray that you would know the hope of Gods calling and the riches of the glory of this inheritance that Hes giving us, and that you would perceive the power used when He raised Christ from the dead and set Him far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Now, I used to read that and I would think: He wants me to know resurrection power, and in my mind I would stop at that resurrection, missing the point that hes making. What Paul is saying is that when you know the hope of Gods calling and youre perceiving the riches of the glory, youll begin to perceive the power that He used when He literally set Christ far above all principality, power, might and dominion, meaning that He is going to set us far above all principality, power and dominion at the right hand of God.
This power that He used, the ableness He had when He raised Christ up and literally put Him there, youll begin to perceive this in your life toward you who believe this will change your life. If youre not already perceiving in your heart the way these concepts are going to change you, this is where its going to become practical.
INTO HEAVENLY PLACES
Now let me start reading again Ephesians, chapter two and just read a few verses to get to a certain point. Remember, Paul is talking to a group of people who understood the truth as we are just coming to understand:
Ephesians 2:1-6
1 And you [the King James put:] hath he quickened [Those words are not there. And you], who were dead in [your faults] [3900] and sins; [Not trespasses faults, character traits, character faults you were dead in these things]
2 Wherein in time past [you] walked according to the course of this world [Notice, in time past you did this], according to the prince of the power [that word is authority] of the air, the spirit that now [energizes] the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our [conduct] in [time past in the lust of the flesh], fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and [we] were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, [because of] his great love wherewith he [loves] us, [Not because somebody paid a debt and appeased His anger, but because He loves you: God, who is rich in mercy because of His great love wherewith He has loved us]
5 Even when we were dead in [our faults our [3900s], [Hes] quickened us together [in] Christ, [you see,] (by grace [by the impression of the heart youre] saved;) [by grace, by receiving His truth, you are saved.]
6 And [He has] raised us up together, and made us sit together in [the heavenlies] in Christ Jesus:
Now, remember who Paul is talking to people who already understood what we are just now coming to understand. These people he wrote to literally were not in heaven they were seated at the right hand of God, seated with Christ in the heavenlies in their understanding. They sat with Him in their heavenlies. Now, Revelation, chapter 3, the message to Laodicea is key, because if you are a true Laodicean, you began at Ephesus at Thyatira you understood Christ was the Son; Sardis, you received the abiding truth; you became Philadelphia and He began to give you all the truths, everything that had life and then you become Laodicea, and He says, You have a sin nature. The message to Laodicea , next to the last verse, Revelation 3:
Revelation 3:21
21 To him that [overcomes Laodicea] will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Or, Ephesians, chapters 1 and 2 will become a reality for you. You see, that message to Laodicea, because were still coming out of the dark ages, we had to deal with falsehoods that the first century church did not have to deal with, and our Heavenly Father laid out a seven step plan that would give you a new foundation of understanding the foundation of His love and the apostle Paul is writing to people who were already on this level of understanding. The message is to you you can be seated at the right hand of God if you know the love of God. What does that mean? See, back to the prayer in Ephesians 1, that you would perceive this power that sets you far above all principality and power, that you would begin to understand [that] youre over the principalities and the authorities that have been governing the world that have governed us all of our lives. Coming to this understanding seats you at the right hand of God Coming to this understanding elevates you above the principalities and powers.
PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS
What are the principalities and powers? The word powers, of course, is [1849] authorities, but the word principalities is [746]. Let me show you one of the places it is used Luke 20, verse 20:
Luke 20:20
20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
Well, there are your words principality and power. King James put: power and authority the word authority is [1849] authorities. But the word above it is [746] the principalities and powers of the governor. You see, the governor, the man in charge had his rules and regulations and laws he wanted people to follow. Those were the principalities and powers of the governor. Look at Hebrews, chapter 6 here the word is used again, [746], verse 1:
Hebrews 6:1
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ
Theres your word principles [746]. The word is arche it would be applied to archangel, archenemy. Arche it means to be the first or the highest in time, place, rank its the first, the beginning.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
Principalities [746]
Chief in order, place, time, rank
From the root word [756] translated begin
Remember in John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word? Thats the word arche thats [746]. Here, its translated principles.
Hebrews 6:1-2
1 Therefore leaving the [beginning] principles of the doctrine of Christ, [the beginning principles that He has laid down for us. Lets look at what they are for a second] let us go on unto perfection [Leave these beginning principles; lets go on to completion]; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 doctrine of [immersions], laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
You see, Christ has His principles the beginning principles that He gives His church. This is the word used in Ephesians, talking about where Christ was raised high above all principalities and authorities, and its what Paul uses in Ephesians 6. Lets start reading at verse 10, Ephesians 6:10:
Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the [ability of His strength King James put: ] power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that [you] may be able to stand against the wiles of [diablos] the devil. [Diablos is between your ears the adversity that you have.]
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against [here are our words] principalities [746], [and] against powers, [or authorities. Now listen, youre not wrestling flesh and blood. Youre wrestling principalities and authorities here hes going to define it], against the rulers of the darkness of this world.
Now, the word that the King James translated ruler is [2888] and its two Greek words put together, and it means a holder of the world.
DTG Word Definitions
Taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon
RULERS [2888]
What rules the world
From the root words [2889] world
and [2902] have power or rule
Youre not wrestling flesh and blood, youre wrestling principalities and authorities that hold down and restrain the world in darkness
Ephesians 6:12
12 against spiritual wickedness [King James put] in high places.
That is the same word translated heavenlies its [2032]. Its between your ears its the same place where you are seated with Christ. Christ is far above all principalities and authorities. If youre perceiving the power He used when He raised Christ up, that gives you power and authority over these things, too. Principalities and authorities are those things that have been governing you all of your life the lies that have governed you all of your life believing that youre sick, believing you cant do certain things, believing you cant eat certain things. All of these things that have been governing you, that have held you back from serving God lust, your envy, your jealousies, your anger Every time a man lusts after a woman, he has given that woman authority over him. Every time you get angry and you cant forgive, youve given that person authority over you. The principalities and authorities of this world are now under your feet if youve come to the place of Laodicea and overcome, and you are sitting at the right hand of God with Jesus Christ, receiving the glory that God has called you to the glory of Jesus. Look at Ephesians, chapter 3 let me read, starting at verse 8:
Ephesians 3:8-12
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [unsearchable youre not going to pick up the bible and go figure it out The Lord has to reveal it to you.]
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world [has] been [hidden] in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now [circle the word now] unto the principalities and powers [the principalities and authorities in your heavenlies in the heavenlies in peoples minds] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence [through] the faith of him
The understanding God has given Him perceiving the mind, perceiving the darkness that was going to come on the world. Gods eternal purpose was to use His Son to elevate us far above the principalities and powers that we might know the wisdom of God, and be free those who have ears to hear. You see, Im telling you, the mind governs every person we are governed by our mind, and the darkness of the world is what has held us down, held us back, made us think were less than, were something that were not. The principalities and authorities that have held you down have held me down are holding down all of the world. But only the love of God can elevate us far above that and set us free and I mean spirit, soul and body. I mean every aspect of our lives can be touched by the hand of God and will make you completely different than who you are right now.
SEATED WITH CHRIST
Imagine yourself literally being in heaven, seated with Christ what do you expect that to be like? If you can believe it, you can have it now As He is, so are we in this world as He is in heaven, so are we in this world [1 John 4:17 ]. Look at Colossians, chapter 3 I used to read this, thinking that he was talking about baptism: If you then be risen with Christ Now I realize [that] he is talking about this very understanding of being seated at the right hand of God:
Colossians 3:1-4
1 If [you] then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ [sits] on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For [youre] dead, and your life is [hidden] with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall [you] also appear with him in glory.
What is at the right hand of God? Well, let me begin telling you by telling you what isnt there envy, jealousy, anger, malice think of all of these things that hold us down and keep us in bondage, and recognize that the apostle Paul wrote something 2000 years ago that applies to the church right now. For the first time, were truly experiencing what it is like to be the remnant church the remnant the first to go on, the last to come off we are the remnant church, and we can believe that we are seated at the right hand of God. When you believe that, when that becomes a reality to you, that begins your Feast of Trumpets that is your Pentecost. You receive and understand [that] you possess Holy Spirit and the reality that youre seated at the right hand of God, that youre far above all principality and powers all of the things that hold the world down in darkness, youre now above it. Are you experiencing that? Are you experiencing a freedom in Christ? Ill tell you, if youll spend some time with the Lord and let Him make this a reality to you, you will be different as of right now this will change your life right now.
Youre already, some of you already are above it, but we live like were below it. We allow these things to govern us, and it shouldnt be the lusts, the desires, all of these things that keep the world in darkness, have governed us all of our lives but now we can be free in fact, now we are free, and we need to wrestle our way through it. You see, the Lord, showing me the anger Ive had all of my life, is taking that away but Im discovering habits and desires and things I have created to live in my anger but with the anger gone, Im now seeing the way I was dealing with life, and searching the Lord to set me free from these principles that have been governing me, from these authorities that I have given authority over myself, and break these habits and its easier said than done, I know, but now I have tools to use [that] I never realized I had. Im seated at the right hand of Jesus Christ.
The Lord moved on me a few days ago, helping me to understand this, and spoke to my heart that this power He is manifesting toward Christ in raising Him from the dead, this power, I have entered into. When He spoke that to my heart, I had such a peace come up, such a calmness, and the Lord spoke to me and said: Its over. And I realized, to begin dealing with my problems in a different way believing in my Heavenly Father. Let me tell you something else the Lord revealed to me: The Lord spoke to my heart that I was His child and that He was serving me, and I instantly knew what He meant. When I think of my daughters and how Martha and I serve them day by day, our Heavenly Father is serving us, [so] that we might better serve Him. There is such humility and love, and softness and acceptance in our Father. He is reaching for you He is serving you in every way, [so] that you might better serve Him. And just think of how much better we can serve our God when we have a testimony to give of His love, as we give away these riches and increase His kingdom, as people want what you have.
But youve got to have something to give them you need a testimony to give. You need to be able to explain how you got this way how the Lord set you free. Just think how powerful that is.
THE BROKEN BODY
I would like to talk to you about healing in the atonement. You see, I have a Pentecostal background and I was taught that when Christ purchased our salvation, He also purchased our healing when He died to pay our debt, He also bought our healing. Now, the Lord has shown us the folly of Christ dying to pay a debt, but what about dying to purchase your healing? Is there healing in the atonement? I would like to tell you there is, but in a different way than what Ive ever understood before. In 1 Corinthians, Paul discusses the last supper. Thats interesting to me because he wasnt there, and he writes of an account that he begins by saying this is what the Lord showed him. So here we have Jesus Christ explaining to the apostle Paul the last supper what happened and what it means. 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, I want to begin reading, starting at verse 23 he says:
1 Corinthians 11:23-31
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he [broke] it, and [He] said, Take, [and] eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as [often] as [you] drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as [you] eat this bread, and drink this cup, [you] do [show] the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that [eats] and [drinks] unworthily, [eats] and [drinks] damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [Now notice what he says pay close attention to this:]
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Now, let me paraphrase it, let me just sum it all up: Jesus Christ holds up bread and breaks it and He says, This is my body. I know His body is the church and I also know that this bible is bread I know that because the church wrote it. As the Spirit of Christ moved through these men, they wrote the book giving us the bread, [so] that when we sit and listen to the voice, letting Christ give us understanding, we partake of the Bread of Life and can receive it through the bible. And when Jesus Christ broke the bread and said, This is my body which is broken for you, He was speaking of His literal, physical body but even He is a symbol of the church. Just as His body is broken, so is the body, the church to be broken, that we might be saved. He broke His body, then poured out His soul unto death hence, the cup with the blood. He breaks His body first, then pours out His soul unto death, and the breaking of the body and the pouring out of the soul is what happens to each one of us.
As He reveals to us the things in our life, the principalities and powers that bind us, that hold us, He must break us, allowing us, then, to pour out our soul unto death, just as He did. And when we partake of the Lords Supper unworthily, it means youre not coming to Him broken. To partake of this in an unworthily manner means youre not broken. You see, by His stripes youre healed why? Because that is when they were breaking His body, and you look at Him and His brokenness as a picture of our being broken. And then Paul says, thats why many of you are weak, and sick some of you have even died, not discerning the Lords body, because when He breaks you, and you pour out your soul unto death and you turn from that principality and power thats been governing you, that will so affect your mind and your brain that, I believe, it will bring health to your body. You will begin to experience health the Spirit of the Father quickens the mortal flesh. The power He used when He raised Christ far above all principality, power and might, is directed toward those of us who believe, and the power of your mind to cause disease, to cause headaches, to keep you overweight, to keep you feeling unhappy and bad about yourself, keeping you held down and bound by the things that hold the world in darkness the power of your mindwhen he sets that free, will make you whole: Spirit, soul and body, and that is what I am expecting to happen in my life. And as I give this message to people who have ears to hear, I expect healing; I expect miracles; I expect it because it is the power of God, and either we are the remnant church or we are not. Either we are bringing this message to the world or were not.
Ive often looked at myself and thought: Listen, either Im insane or this is the most awesome truth given to man, and He has made us responsible for it. Now, if you can sit down and pick this apart and show me where Im wrong, lets do it. But if you cant, then there is power directed toward you who believe there is healing power in this understanding. I think of the hypnotists that I have seen as a kid growing up, and the power of suggestion and what can happen to the human body when somebody hypnotizes you the power that your mind has over your physical body, and imagine giving this mind to God and letting the light and the power, the truth, the holiness, the purity of God come in there and rearrange your thinking and teach you [that] you are no longer governed by the powers of this world, you are governed by a heavenly truth based on the love of God, and you can be free in Jesus Christ.
My God, think about what Im saying! If youre called to the glory of Jesus Christ, what does that mean to you? What does it mean to know the hope of His calling? What does it mean to be a child of God and understand, perceiving the riches of the glory of this inheritance? What do you think youre going to be like when He changes this vile body and makes it like unto His glorious one? What will you be like? If youre the 144,000, youll have it before it takes place youll have the spiritual the power, the glory of Jesus Christ before He changes your physical body and He is giving us an understanding: We dont have to live in this darkness. Think of the anger some of you have had, the resentment that youve had those things will cause disease in you; those things will keep you down. Spend some time with the Lord; ask Him to release you from all of these things that have held you back and quit being angry and resentful. Let go let go of it and let the Lord have your heart. I dont care what they have done to you.
When Jesus Christ, on that cross, said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, He was manifesting the Spirit of His Father, and what did His Father do? He quickened His mortal flesh and raised Him from the dead, setting Him far above all principality, power, might and dominions above every name that is named, and He will take you, right now, and set you at His right hand. What are you waiting for? Receive the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. Im telling you now, as sure as Im standing here, it will bring healing spiritually and physically and you are the one keeping yourself tied to the darkness of the world, believing the lies of the world.
Reality is in the things you cannot see that is reality. Youre not living in reality when you live in bitterness. Youre not living in reality when you think youve got to live a certain way you cant be this, you cant do that youve been beaten down, maybe, all of your life. Maybe your parents belittled you. Maybe these things have been happening to you even from the womb, and its time to be set free of it. Satan is cast down; the prince of this world is cast out, and the church of Jesus Christ needs to stand tall and inherit the promises, and realize the promises our Heavenly Father is giving us. My Heavenly Father is a very personable guy He loves me. He has spoken to my heart, that I am His child He has spoken to my heart [that] He is serving me He serves me that I may serve Him. He has spoken to my heart that I have entered into the understanding of His ableness and being made able to rise above it. I expect great things to happen in my life. I know there will be trials I know there will be trials huge trials, but I also know, if I can stay connected to Him, I can make it through anything.
STAYING CONNECTED
Let me share something with you out of Jeremiah, chapter 17, and I want to read starting at verse 5:
Jeremiah 17:5-8
5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that [trusts] in man, and [makes] flesh his arm [or his strength], and whose heart [departs] from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good [comes]; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
7 Blessed is the man that [trusts] in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that [spreads forth] her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat [comes], but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Now notice, in verse 6, the man who makes flesh his arm shall not see when good comes; the man who is trusting in Christ shall not see when heat comes. I realized in this sense, heat was a negative force, and I thought about it, and I thought you know, heat takes away your moisture moisture is spirit. And in our trials by fire, theres a lot of heat and the trials that were facing can make us lose our hope in God. The trials were facing can turn us from God, but notice this again lets read this again:
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 Blessed is the man that [trusts] in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 [Hell] be as a tree planted by the waters, that [spreads] out her roots by the river [what if I just said The River of Life?], and [you wont] see when [the] heat [comes],
Why? Because the hotter the trial, the harder the trial if youre plugged into the River of Life , youll have all of the Spirit, listen. Youll have it without measure, because you are his firstborn. You are the love of His life He loves you with an open heart. With the power and authority of heaven behind you, you can change your life in Jesus Christ and be set free from all of these things that have held you down. You can be free from all of the problems the weight problems, the food problems, the headaches lets just make the list, or if youre going to trust in that doctor or trust in these psychologists, or trust in these things making flesh your arm, youll not see when good comes. Let me tell you something, good is here right now. Im telling it to you and if you want to continue to trust in the darkness of the world, youre missing the goodness of God, but if you can trust in the Lord and the power of His ability to change your mind (the most powerful tool you have), then you wont see when the heat comes youre going to flourish and more so, youre going to save others, pulling them out of the fire and helping them realize a loving God, a loving Savior and a loving church.
Its time the church love one another its beyond time. Its time the resentment end; its time to come to meeting its time to get together, love one another let this other stuff go its killing us, and lets bring some people into this movement based on the love of God. Let them see a loving church and I mean truly loving from the heart. Let God be glorified in your life. Let God be glorified in His church.
Ephesians 3:20
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Mark 9:23
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
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Ascending from the east,
Having the seal
Of the living God