General
I Corinthians 12: 12-31
I CORITHIANS 12:12-31
In I Corinthians 12:12-31 we have a unique example or a parallel of the human body and the
spiritual body of Christ. Although it is an example it is, in actuality, true!
1 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV)
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body: so also is Christ.
This is absolutely amazing to me that something as magnificent as this is explained here in
Corinthians, an epistle of correction and not in Ephesians which is a doctrinal epistle. The
Epistles are full of this information and, yet, we haven’t seen it or if some of the more learned
folks out there have seen it it was to big to believe. Let me expound upon this.
In Ephesians and in Colossians we see that the head of the body is Christ. We have taken that to
mean that Christ is the head much like a CEO is the head of the organization. NO, no, no. It is
much more than that! Christ is the head like my head is “head” of my body and your head is the
“head” of your body. I know that seems a little obvious, but, stick with me and hear me out.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (KJV)
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished here on Earth he is not just the head, BUT, he is part
of the body! He is no more a part of the body than we are and he is no less a part of the body
than we are. That is why in Romans chapter eight it says that we are joint heirs with Christ. Do
you know what joint heirship means? It means that each and every Christian enjoys every benefit
that Christ has as a son of God. Let me give you an example. When a parent makes out a will and
he has three children. He may say to my son Bobby I give $20,000.00, to Mary I give $25,000.00
and my car and to Joan I give my house and $50,000.00. They are all heirs, but, they are not
“joint heirs.” To be a “joint heir” all the money, cars, houses, etc. go into one big pot and the
three children, Bobby, Mary and Joan all share what is in the pot. An even easier understanding
is a bowl full of M&M’s.
If Dad had an endless supply of M&M’s and he made all three children “joint heirs” then they
could take as many M&M’s as they want because they share fully everything that was made
available. That is the joint heirship that we have with Jesus Christ, but, our inheritance is much,
much more than an endless bowl of M&M’s.
Romans 8:15-17 (KJV)
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer
with him, that we may be also glorified together.Because of what Christ accomplished and because he became the head of the Body Jesus Christ
could say to the Apostles and every Christian ever born:
John 14:12 (KJV)
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater
works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished and because he became the head of the Body you are
already seated in the heavenlies.
Ephesians 2:6-8 (KJV)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished and because he became the head of the Body no
Christian will go through the great tribulation or suffer the wrath to come. WHY? Because we
are the body of Christ and members in particular!
1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV)
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us
from the wrath to come.
This is the Great Mystery that had been kept secret from before the foundations of the World
1 Corinthians 2:7-9 (KJV)
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the
world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the
Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the
things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV)
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to
his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Here is another great truth! The whole of the Old Testament is about God’s favor and covenants
being on and to Israel. It is not until the Day of Pentecost that the Gentiles are allowed into the
fold.1 Corinthians 12:14-26 (KJV)
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the
body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of
the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where
were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I
have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow
more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given
more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care
one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured,
all the members rejoice with it.
I wish Christians would believe this! When one member hurts we all hurt! The greatest healing
salve, the greatest glue of fellowship is LOVE.
Colossians 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for
as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father,
and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Verses 27-31 explain how the ministries in the Body, the Church, work.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (KJV)
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,
after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
A literal translation of verse 28 is: And God has set (placed) in the Church (the Body of Christ)
some having the ministry of apostles, prophets and teachers. He has placed some in the Church
that minister more effectively as miracle workers, some minister most effectively ministeringhealing. Some are very capable as helps and governments and some minister most effectively
with a diversity of tongues.
The word “diversities” in the Greek is the word “genos” or genus in English. This means that
that person brings forth a variety of different tongues.
Ephesians 4:7-18 sheds more light on this subject.
Ephesians 4:7-18 (KJV)
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto
men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the
earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill
all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even
Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint
supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the
body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the
ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 (KJV)
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Verses 29 and 30 are rhetorical questions. “Are all apostles?” Of course not! Neither are they all
prophets or teachers. Not everybody is adept at ministering miracles etc.. Why? Because,, even
though we are all members of the Body of Christ we all have differing strong suits or in some
cases ministries.1 Corinthians 12:31 (KJV)
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Remember, there are only six gifts, charismata, the gift of holy spirit and the five gift ministries apostles,
prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. What we are to “covet” or to earnestly desire are the
ministries that the body of believers, in our particular areas, need most.
In the last half of verse 31 it says there is a “more excellent way” and that is to be found in chapter
thirteen.
I Corinthians 12:7-11
We are, again, dealing with pnuematicos, things of the spirit. Specifically, we are looking at the
operation of God’s gift of holy spirit. We continue our study with verses seven through eleven in chapter
twelve of I Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (KJV)
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
The word “but” changes the train of thought. We were talking about this BUT now we are going to talk
about something else. In the previous verses the Bible was talking about diversities of gifts but the same
God, differences of administrations but the same God and differences of operations but the same God.
But, But, But, Now the Bible is talking about manifestations, operations, exhibitions of the gift of holy
spirit.
Remember there is The Holy Spirit, which is God, and there is the holy spirit, which was first given to the
Apostles on the day of Pentecost and has been available to every person regardless of the stature, color,
nationality or religious background who confesses Jesus as lord and believes in his heart that God has
raised him from the dead. Romans (10:9,10) Therefore what is the Bible talking about when it says
“manifestation of the Spirit?” Is it talking about operating God? No, no, no. It is talking about God’s gift
to the believer. The word “Spirit” should be lower case “spirit.”
The word “manifestation is the Greek word phanerosis which means “exhibition.” What are the
manifestations or exhibitions of holy spirit? There are nine: speaking in tongues, interpretation of
tongues, prophesy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, miracles and gifts of
healings.
The word “to” is the Greek word “pros” which means “with a view to immediate and long term.” So the
words “to profit withal” means that it profits the individual immediately as well as long term.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 (KJV)
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same
Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healings by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another
divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The words “For to one” in verse eight are the Greek words “gar ho” which should be interpreted “For
one.” For one what? “For” sets verse eight in conjunction with verse seven. So, the profit, not prophet,is given for benefit. Therefore vs.8 is better understood “For a word of wisdom is given by the Spirit for
profit or benefit;
A word of knowledge is given by the same Spirit (God) for another (allos) profit;
Faith (believing) by the same Spirit for another (heteros) profit;
Gifts of healings are given by the same Spirit for another (allos) profit;
The working of miracles is given by the same Spirit for another (allos) profit
Prophesy is given by the same Spirit for another (allos) profit;
Discerning of spirits is given by the same Spirit for another (allos) profit;
Kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit for another (heteros) profit.
Interpretation of tongues are given by the same Spirit for another (allos) profit;
The words allos and heteros are used with unerring accuracy. The word allos is used when there may be
more than two involved. For example, when the manifestation of prophesy is operated then it is a
benefit, it is profitable to the person operating as well as all others listening. So, the ones who are
involved are God, the individual and other(s) listening.
However, the Greek word heteros is use when only two are involved. In this case only two
manifestations have the word “heteros” associated with them, faith and speaking in tongues. These two
manifestations are between God and the man operating them. Others may benefit from the result of
the operation, but, not from the direct application.
What must be understood here is that even though the individual believer has the gift of holy spirit he
cannot, of himself, without God, manifest/exhibit holy spirit in the senses World. The individual is not an
“island unto himself.” WHY? Because who gives that person the knowledge, the wisdom etc. GOD does!
The individual has the gift, but, the operation the exhibition of that holy spirit, in the senses world, is in
conjunction and unison with God. God gives, God energizes. The gift IS holy spirit, but, the manifestation
IS God and the individual working together.
So, that brings us to the next issue. Who chooses? Who makes the decision of what is to be exhibited?
1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV)
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The word “worketh” is the Greek word “energeo” which means energized. Look, I build houses for a
living. In the winter time we have no heat in the house, but, we have to heat the house while we are
drywalling and painting the inside. So, I get a long extension cord and a big electric heater, I plug the
extension cord into the power pole and unravel it. I bring the other end into the house and plug the
heater into the cord. When I do this the heater starts running. The heater was energized!The word severally is the Greek word “idios” it is translated “his own” 48 times, it is translated “their
own” 13 times, it is translated “severally” once! The word idios should be, must be translated “his own.”
A more accurate translation is “But, all these manifestations are energized, by God, dividing to every
man his own as he, the man wills. Who chooses the manifestation? The individual! Who energizes that
manifestation? God does! If it were any other way it would be possession and God is not in the business
of possession!
What an opportunity the born-again believer has to walk the walk of power and of love knowing that
God is with him and energizes the Christ within as he the man wills
OUR IDENTITY
We received a “Happy Holiday” card from a lady this past week and it saddened me. It was a picture of
this woman and her little boy. What saddened me is that the focus of this picture was not the little boy
or the mom holding the lad, but the focus was on the tattoo that ran from the woman’s shoulder down
to her wrist. It wasn’t a tattoo of flowers or birds, but, of black markings that to me were nondescript.
This brings me to why I am sharing this with you. The reason this woman had this tattoo was to help her
identify herself and to belong!
The identification was not for others, but, for her! People today are lost. They have no anchor. They
have no identity, no reason for why they are here, no answer to the question “who am I?”
The World will give cheap answers, plastic diamonds that will not stand the test of time, but, will leave
the individual’s heart empty and alone.
People will gather to themselves philosophies, religious concepts and thought patterns that are built on
shifting sands. In Jeremiah these are called broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV)
13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and
hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
This poor woman thought that her tattoo would give her identity and give her a sense of belonging, but,
it won’t. This is like a ship without a rudder being tossed to and fro by the waves of life. You don’t have
to go through life in a boat without a rudder because when you were born again, Romans 10:9,10 you
became a member of the Royal Household of God. Your identity is WITH and IN Christ Jesus our lord.
This membership is not only life long, but, everlasting.
Ephesians 2:19 (KJV)
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
You are OF, OF, OF the household of God. We are members one of another. You’re not just an “empty”
floating by, you are royalty!
1 John 3:1 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the
sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Now, Now, Now are you sons and daughters of God Almighty. And look at the rest of that verse,
the world doesn’t know you as what you really are. It looks at you just like it did Jesus Christ! It
saw the man. It could not see what was inside. When the world looks at you it is blind to the
reality of who you are and the Christ within.
1 John 3:2 (KJV)
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that,
when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.Ephesians 1:4 (KJV)
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before him in love:
It is time to stand up, throw your shoulders back and proclaim “I AM a child of God and I AM a member
of the Royal Household of God!”
The world will try to tell you that you’re no good or that you can’t make a difference. Don’t listen! Look,
God doesn’t condemn you (Romans 8:1,) God loves you! (John 3:16) Jesus Christ doesn’t condemn you
so why would you condemn yourself? DON’T!
Romans 8:31-39 (KJV)
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely
give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the
right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the
slaughter.
37 Nay,( AND NAY MEANS NO!) in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are children of God. We are free from condemnation. So, now, we can walk with enthusiasm and
boldness because it is God that walks with us every step of the way. It is God in Christ in YOU!
Colossians 1:25-27 (KJV)
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation (administration)of God which is given to
me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to
his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:We don’t need tattoos or material objects to identify us because we are SEALED with the holy spirit of
promise.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV)
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom
also after that ye believed, ye 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.
Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Not only are we sealed and sealed means no one can take us out of the loving hands of God. We are
KEPT, until Christ returns for us. But in God’s eyes we are already seated with him in heaven. It’s not a
matter of “if” it is a matter of “when”!
Ephesians 2:4-7 (KJV)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus.
You have so much as a child of God and a member of the Royal Household of God that you can love
others with a love that the World is devoid of. A love that will warm anyone that gets near it. This is the
love that heals, this is the love that binds, this is the love that passes all understanding! This is the love
that builds the Church.
1 Peter 1:22 (KJV)
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
It is not our haircut or clothes or tattoos or piercings. It is not the material things that we own that mark
us out as part of the Royal Household of God. It is love
Poems that Bless Your Life
THE OLD LAMP
A lamp once hung in an ancient town
At the corner of a street.
Where the wind was keen, and the way was dark,
And the rain would often beat;
And all night long, its light would shine
To guide the traveler’s feet.
The lamp was rough and plain and old,
And the storm had beaten it sore;
‘Twas not a thing one would care to show,
Whate’er it had been before.
But no one thought what the lantern was,
‘Twas the light that, within, it bore.
The lamp is a text for young and old,
Who seek in a world of pride
To shine for their lord and to show him forth,
And never their light to hide;
You are the lantern,
But Christ is the light inside.
Author Unknown
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Nobody knows the power of prayer,
But somebody must be listening there
With a friendly ear for the heart that calls Someone Who knows when a sparrow falls.
Miracles lie in the power of prayer;
Faith can banish the souls despair!
Hope that can shine like a holy light
And brighten the spirit’s darkest night!
When earthly help is of no avail
There is one friend Who will never fail;
Just lift your eyes – the answer is there,
For nobody knows the power of prayer!
Author Unknown
SPEAK FOR JESUS
You talk about your business,
Your bonds and stocks and gold;
And in all worldly matters
Your are so brave and bold.
But why are you so silent
About salvations plan?
Why don’t you speak for Jesus and speak out like a man?
You talk and about the weather,
And the crops of corn and wheat;
You speak of friends and neighbors
That pass along the street;
You call yourself a Christian,
And like the Gospel plan Then why not speak for Jesus,
And speak out like a man?
Are you ashamed of Jesus
And the story of the cross, That you lower his pure banner
And let it suffer loss?
Have you forgotten his suffering?
Did he die for you in vain?
If not, then live and speak for Jesus,
And speak out like a man.
I’d like to tell the story sweet
Of Jesus. Wouldn’t you?
To Help some other folks to meet
Their savior. Wouldn’t you?
I’d like to travel all the way
To where I’d hear my Jesus say:
“You’ve helped my work along today.”
I’d like that wouldn’t you?
Author Unknown
TAKE TIME TO PRAY
I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled around me
And heavier came each task.
I whined “why doesn’t God help me?”
He said you didn’t ask.”
I groaned and shouted and grumbled,
I tried every key in the lock.
I cried “Why doesn’t he open?”
He Said, “Son, you didn’t knock.”
So, I got up early this morning
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
I had to take time to pray.
Author Unknown
IT COULDN’T BE DONE
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
“But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed, “oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it”;
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start in to sing as you tackle that thing
That “cannot be done” and you’ll do it.
Edgar A. Guest
The Coming of Chirst
I am going to interrupt the series on I Corinthians Chapter Twelve to share with you “The Coming of
Christ.”
The coming of Christ was the most anticipated event in all history for the believers. Ever since the fall of
man in Genesis man has been looking forward to the coming Redeemer. It starts in Genesis 3:15.
Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise
thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
This is the Lord God talking to Adam and what He is saying is that the devil will hurt the Coming
Redeemer, BUT, the Coming Redeemer will destroy him, the devil. Also, if you know biology you know
that the woman supplies the egg and the male supplies the seed. Why God says “her seed” is that He
knew way back then that a woman, one woman, would come to the place where she would/could say
“be it unto me according to thy word” and God would create in her the seed that would fertilize the egg
and bring forth the Messiah. How do I know this? Because the Bible tells me so.
Hebrews 2:14 (KJV)
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he (Jesus Christ) also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the
power of death, that is, the devil;
Jesus didn’t partake, he “took part.” The part that he took was the flesh. The seed supplies the blood
and the egg supplies the flesh! That is why Jesus Christ was able to save us from our sins and that is why
Judas said “I have betrayed THE innocent blood.”
Colossians 1:21-22 (KJV)
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath
he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his
sight:
This Jesus that had been sought throughout the ages this Jesus that was born in a manger was called:
Emmanuel, God with us, in Isaiah 7:14 and in Matthew 1:23
Isaiah 7:14 (KJV)
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and
shall call his name Immanuel.
Redeemer, because he paid the ultimate price to for you and for me, Isaiah 59:20.
Isaiah 59:20 (KJV)
20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the
LORD.He is the Ruler of Israel that should come out of Bethlehem. Micah 5:2
Micah 5:2 (KJV)
2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee
shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting.
He is the Messiah, the anointed one, the High Priest forever.
Daniel 9:25 (KJV)
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to
build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince…
Jesus Christ was the Messiah, the High Priest as explained in Hebrews.
Hebrews 6:20 (KJV)
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
Jesus Christ is called the “Saviour,” he is called the “Branch,” He is called the “Seed of David.” Men and
women for thousands of years looked for the coming of Jesus in the stars and in the scriptures.
Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there
came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and
are come to worship him.
1 Peter 1:10-12 (KJV)
10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the
grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,
when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things,
which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy
Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Even the angels wanted to know about Christ! That is why in Luke chapter two the angels brought good
tidings. They were as excited as the wise men that rejoiced with exceeding great joy! The Messiah, the
Redeemer, Christ the Lord had finally come! For thousands of years he was foretold, for thousands of
years he was anticipated and finally he was delivered of Mary. Shout HALLELUYAH! REJOICE WITH
EXCEEDING GREAT JOY, BECAUSE CHRIST THE LORD IS COME!
Throughout the generations of Old Testament Believers they looked forward to what Christ would
accomplish! WE, WE, WE look back at what he accomplished. WE ARE REDEEMED! Jesus Christ is our
lord and our brother and because of HIM and what HE accomplished we are now SONS OF GOD!Galatians 3:13-14 (KJV)
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed
is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive
the promise of the Spirit through faith.
1 Peter 1:18-21 (KJV)
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from
your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times
for you,
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith
and hope might be in God.
Romans 8:29 (KJV)
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 John 3:2 (KJV)
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that,
when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Galatians 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba,
Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
So, shout it loud not only on December 25th, but, every day of the year. JESUS CHRIST IS COME!
Love the Brethern and Shine As Lights
We put up our holiday tree tonight and afterward sat in the dark and looked at the lights on the tree and
visited, talking about things in our lives. It was really enjoyable. This got me to thinking about all of the
things that are wrong with Christmas and all the things that are right. So, in my euphoric mood I am
going to share the good, the bad and the best about Christmas.
I was listening to a biblical teaching from the 1970’s where the teacher said that some day they, those
who are anti-Christ, will work to get rid of the usage of A.D. and B.C. because that is the usage of Jesus
Christ as a marker for telling time. I heard this teaching twenty years ago and thought that was a little
farfetched. However, there is a movement, currently, to do just that! Do away with B.C. and A.D. for
something like B.C.E. or other such nonsense just to get Christ out of the thoughts of any and everybody.
So, what Christmas does is to bring to remembrance, to the average person, Christ! Although shrouded
by commercialism, still the underlying tone is of Christ. For this I am thankful.
Now the bad. Jesus Christ was not born on December 25th! This was instituted by the Roman Catholic
Church to take advantage of the pagan holidays. You see, the pagans worshipped the sun god and
December 25th was the first day that a person could tell that the sun was starting to rise in it’s zenith
rather than continuing into oblivion and consequently utter darkness for those on Earth. So, the pagans
would have a festival on December 25th to the sun god. Because the Roman Catholics were lacking in
enrollment they decided to change the date of Christ’s birth from September, actually September 11th to
December 25th turning the festival of the sun god into the festival of the son of God, thus, getting more
converts. Pretty shrewd I would say. Not accurate, shrewd.
So, most of the things that we relate to Christmas are pagan. The tree is a phallic symbol. The
decorations and the presents date back to a time of phallic embellishment. Santa Claus was given his red
suit by Coca-Cola back in the 1940’s in an add campaign. Now commercialism has taken over and makes
you feel guilty for not spending enough money on presents. Where can you read that in the Bible? You
can’t!
If this is truly a Holy Day than all would be or at least could be blessed during the season. However, this
time of the year, to be happy, is predicated on having loved ones, basically, boyfriends, girlfriends,
husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, etc.. However, how many people are in the perfect position
to enjoy the “holiday season” as promoted? Not very many I can guarantee you.
So, other than a remembrance of Christ what is Christmas and the holiday season good for? Well, if you
look at it from a biblical point of view, a lot! First, let me put in perspective, what the Bible says about
this.
Colossians 2:13-23 (KJV)
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and
took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing
over them in it.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new
moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment
ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in
the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of
the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
What Colossians is saying here is that the Christians live above the commandments of men as well as
their ordinances. Not only that – we live above the law.
Galatians 3:23-29 (KJV)
23 But before faith (the faith of Jesus Christ) came, we were kept under the law, shut up(shut off from)
unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto (until, it was the schoolmaster UNTIL)
Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith (of Jesus Christ) is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye
are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
John 8:36 (KJV)
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Have you confessed Jesus as Lord believing in your heart that God has raised him from the dead? Then
you are free from having to observe days and times. So, what can we do to make this holiday season
blessed and accurate according to God’s Word? Let me just say it in one word “family.” WHAT? Well
didn’t I just say a lot of people don’t have family to spend the holiday with? Yep, I did! However, God
designed the Church of Grace so that WE take care of our own! When you read the Pauline Epistles you
will see that much of the epistles are dealing with how the Household of God is to treat one another.
Romans 15:14 (KJV)
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all
knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
1 Corinthians 16:20 (KJV)
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering (patience,) forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV)
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Peter 1:22 (KJV)
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 John 1:7 (KJV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV)
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (KJV)
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the
body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of
the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where
were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I
have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow
more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given
more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care
one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured,
all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and
be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God and the Father by him.
The Christians are to take care of each other! We are to love one another. We are to admonish
one another. We are to love one another. We are to cherish one another. We are ALL part of the
body of Christ and if one member hurts we all hurt. I can relate to this. My wife and I took the
dogs out to the desert for a walk the other day and being 80 pound puppies, they started wrestling
behind me and bowled me over in less time than it takes to say “Wow.” I had a few parts of my
body hurting and you know what? My whole body hurt because of those parts that were hurt.
The Body of Christ is like that. When one of us hurt we all hurt!
This holiday season we can make it better for Christians by doing what is taught by God. Love
one another with a pure heart fervently. Not just your natural family, but, your spiritual family.
By doing this you will fill the voids in peoples lives and truly make this a blessed season.
There is one last thing. I have been teaching you to love one another, however, we, as Christians,
have enough love to bless the unbelievers, those outside the pail, as well.
Matthew 15:22-28 (KJV)
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have
mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for
she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.
And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Do those things that the Bible teaches and whether it is a holiday or not you will bring light and
love to those in a dark and oppressing world!
Philippians 2:12-16 (KJV)
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a
crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in
vain, neither laboured in vain
I Corthians 12: 1-6
1 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
The word “spiritual is the Greek word “pneumatikos.” Pneumatikos means things of the spirit or
spiritual matters. The word “gifts” is in italics in the King James version of the Bible. This is one
of the reasons I like the King James version, it italicizes most of the words add by translators to
try to make the sentences and thoughts whole. Since the translators put the words in they are
devoid of authority and as such we can either leave them in, if they line up with the rest of the
Bible, or delete them, if they run contrary to the Bible. In this case the word “gifts” is in error
and needs to be removed. Also, if you look in a Greek interlinear Bible there is no corresponding
Greek word for the word “gifts.” The first verse would be more accurately translated “Now
concerning things of the spirit (or spiritual matters) brethren I would not have you ignorant.”
1 Corinthians 12:2,3 (KJV)
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
What does it mean “speaking by the spirit of God?” Well, we can ponder this all year, but, unless
you come to the realization that there is no private interpretation when it comes to rightly
dividing God’s Word then you will be in the dark for a lifetime.
2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.
So with that in mind what DOES it mean “speaking by the spirit of God?”
On the Day of Pentecost the Apostles were all filled with the spirit of God and spoke in tongues.
Not only did they speak in tongues, an unknown language(s) to them, but, there were many
witnesses that heard them and they testified that they were speaking “the wonderful works of
God.” Time and again the Bible shows that, in the first century, when people were born again of
God’s spirit, they did one thing that was an infallible proof that they were born again, they spoke
in tongues.
Acts 2:4 (KJV)
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.Acts 2:5-11 (KJV)
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that
every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak
Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and
Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews
and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
The next thing that verse three says is that no one speaking by the spirit of God calls Jesus
accursed. In other words people that speak in tongues cannot curse Jesus Christ. That seems
axiomatic, but people seeing and hearing didn’t understand what those born again were saying
when they spoke in tongues, so, they said that the people speaking were cursing their gods. Just
because people understood the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost doesn’t mean that people will
understand what is being said all of the time. When a person is speaking in tongues they are
speaking the language of men or of angels. (I Corinthians 13:1)
The last part of vs. three states very plainly “that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by
the holy spirit.” This is the dividing line! This is where you either believe God’s Wonderful
Word or you stand with church doctrine. Your choice. I don’t know how people have missed it
all of these years, but, then again, I do know. They have not had one to teach them. Centuries of
church doctrine and tradition, but, very little truth and no power.
1 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are only six gifts in the Bible. The first is the gift of holy spirit. As part of this gift we have
eternal life (Romans 6:23) and we have righteousness (Romans 5:17.)
The other five gifts are gift ministries.
Ephesians 4:10-12 (KJV)
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all
things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The gift of holy spirit is to an individual. The five gift ministries are to the body of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:5 (KJV)
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.What this is saying is that differences in ministries, but, God chooses. It is God’s choice. A man
is not a Pastor or a Teacher just because he went to school. True Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists,
Pastors and Teachers are chosen and energized by God.These ministries have different roles,
different strengths, but, their goals are exactly the same. They are for the perfecting of the
Christians, for building and building up the Christian Church and to teach the Christians the truth
of God’s Word.
Ephesians 4:12 (KJV)
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV)
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
There are differences of operations, energema, but the One True God that energizes that spirit
within. That is why Apostles bring new light to the World as well as the light of truth that has
been lost, prophets bring people back to the accuracy of God’s Word. He tells them where they
are off and tells them how to get back in fellowship with God. Evangelists have great ability to
get the unsaved to repent and be born again. Evangelists build the believing of the people.
Pastors bind up the wounds of the Church whether they be physical or spiritual. They nuture the
congregation. Teachers have a long suit in teaching. They open the Bible and expound the Word
of God so that by the time they are done no one has a question. Let me say, all of these men
whether or not they have a PHD or a grade school education teach so that everybody regardless
of education or background understands the Word taught. Any time a person stands up in a pulpit
or sits in front of a group of people and teaches, using words that the people don’t understand, he
is teaching from his own arrogance and should be thrown out.
As we unfold the accuracy of I Corinthians 12-14 the underlying theme is God energizing the
gifts given whether it is the gift of holy spirit or the gift ministries.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV)
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure
Principles for Deliverance
I have a friend that has a physical ailment and wants, no, needs deliverance and he asked about
deliverance for God’s people according to the Bible. I am here to tell you that, YES, there is deliverance
for God’s people and tonight, by the grace of God, I will give you keys that will start you on the road to
deliverance.
Your healing, from whatever malady that is affecting you no matter what it is, is dependent on what you
think of the Bible! Is it the Word of God or not? Some people say it “contains the Word of God,” but that
is not it! The Bible does not just contain the Word of God for if it did it would, by default, contain things
that are “not” the Word of God. Then, you would be in a mess trying to figure out what is and what isn’t
the Word of God. People, it is either all of God’s Word or none of it is God’s Word. Your deliverance,
your freedom, your very fellowship with God is absolutely dependent on your belief that the Bible IS the
revealed word and will of God.
Once you come to that conclusion then all of questions, all of the doubts melt away and then you can
look to God’s Word for truth regarding your deliverance. This is the Great Foundational Principle
regarding deliverance. The second principle is FEAR NOT.
It is amazing to me how people take the word of a doctor as truth in spite of what God says. Let me
explain. My father was in a car wreck back in the late 60’s. He broke his hips and right leg and his pelvis.
All of the doctors told him that he would not walk again and so he started thinking that maybe he
wouldn’t walk again, but, a new doctor took over his case. The doctor at the time was the orthopedic
surgeon for the New England Patriots. So, on his first visit my dad and he started talking and my dad told
him that all the other doctors told him he would never walk again and the doctor, my dad called him
“Doctor Jack,” looked my dad right in the eye and said “it is up to you! If you want to walk Walk!” From
that moment on my dad worked on walking and within six months he was walking and he walked for
close to fifty years after that!
The point in this little story is the doctors don’t know and their opinions change. I am not disparaging
doctors, but, if I am going cling to something as if it were truth I, my friends, would prefer that it be
truth itself! Wouldn’t you? Let me show you something in Luke.
Luke 8:40-42 (KJV)
40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all
waiting for him.
41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down
at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he (Jesus Christ)
went the people thronged him.
Luke 8:49-56 (KJV)
49 While he (Jesus Christ) yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to
him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made
whole.
51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and
the father and the mother of the maiden.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Jairus had a choice, he could have gotten angry with Jesus for being distracted on his way to Jairus’s
house, he could have sat down and cried or he could do the ONLY thing that would bring deliverance, he
could BELIEVE the words of Jesus Christ! Jairus chose wisely. The circumstances hit Jairus square in the
face or perhaps it would be better to say square in the heart. The words must have come like a mac
truck “your daughter is dead.” I am sure that Jairus couldn’t hear much after that, but, Jesus got his
attention and contradicted the circumstances and the experts by saying “fear not, believe only and she
shall be made whole!”
I will tell you that God’s Word and God’s Will contradicts the circumstances and the negatives of this
world because God’s desire for YOU is wholeness , complete and utter wholeness just like Jairus’s
daughter.
My dad didn’t have the Word of God. There was nobody there to show him the greatness of God’s love
for him. All he had was the opinions of doctors and, yet, he defied all of the doctors that came before
doctor Jack and he walked. How much more you that are reading this because you know, beyond a
shadow of a doubt, that God is with you waiting for you to believe so that He can pour His blessing of
health and wholeness on you.
Jesus had to wait. It may not have been long, but, he had to wait for Jairus to make up his mind. Once
Jairus made up his mind, once Jairus committed to believing the Words of Christ, Jesus went into action
and Jairus and his daughter got their deliverance. How long will it take you to believe God’s Word? No
matter how long it takes God will be with you ready to give you that deliverance.
In Ephesians chapter six is the list of the weapons of our warfare. One of them is the shield of believing
to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:13-17 (KJV)
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:So, the second great principle is “Fear Not!” And the third great principle is “Believe Only.”
Now what are you to believe? Jairus knew. It is the Word of God and specifically that Word that is
addressed to you! Let me give you some verses.
1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live
unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Romans 8:37 (KJV)
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
The term “more than conquerors” is more accurately translated “super conquerors.” We are super
conquerors when we believe God’s Word.
Colossians 1:12-13 (KJV)
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the
saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his
dear Son:
All the negatives, all sickness, all defeat has to go when you believe!
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
A literal translation is “Believing is the title deed of things prayed for, the evidence that they are yours
before they are seen.
Psalm 103:2-4 (KJV)
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Ephesians 1:18-19 (KJV)
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of
his mighty power,
Matthew 21:22 (KJV)
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Mark 11:23-24 (KJV)
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thoucast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall
come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them,
and ye shall have them.
Now that you understand the first principles in deliverance, from anything, you must focus on what you
want. Get a vivid picture in your mind of the thing that you want in your life and keep that picture of
your deliverance in your mind and heart and don’t let anything else sway you from your goal. Focus on
that image of deliverance and then go to God’s Word to build the truth of God’s love and deliverance in
your life.
Use the verses of deliverance to change your mind. The salesmen of today use this technique before
they go out for the day. They will get in front of a mirror and repeat a positive saying until their mind
changes and they believe what they are saying. Christians can do this to a greater efficacy because when
they repeat a verse out of the Bible they are repeating the truth that is backed up by God.
Here is a simple statement that you can use. “ Adversary, you are defeated and I claim my rights as a son
of God to health and wholeness.” Or, how about “I confess that I have been delivered from the power of
darkness by my lord and savior Jesus Christ. How many times do you say it? Until you mind changes.
How many days do you do this? Until you get your deliverance.
The last principle in the understanding of deliverance is found in I Peter.
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Give it to God! Let God carry the burden. God loves you, God wants to give you the deliverance that you
want and need greater than you want it. Pray to God and expect that He will deliver you.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV)
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let
us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.
Thoughts About Thanksgiving
It is almost Thanksgiving Day and I got to thinking about Thankfulness and so I thought I would share
with you a little about being thankful.
My wife was teaching children’s fellowship the other day and she read the story about the first
Thanksgiving to the children and it really struck a chord with me. A small group of people persecuted for
the way they worshipped God and what they believed, so, they hire a ship and head off to the new
world in search of religious freedom. When they get there they didn’t have adequate food or shelter and
a lot of them died that first winter. Fortunately, the Indians were friendly and taught the pilgrims how to
hunt, farm and fish. By the end of summer, the harvest was good and the people invited their Indian
friends to a feast. The Indians brought deer and turkey and a lot of other food for the banquet.
So, yes, they had food to eat, but, really what were these people thankful for? Think about it! They had
been persecuted, chased out of their homes, they took a small ship, by the way, have you seen the
replica of the Mayflower, the ship they sailed on? I would hardly call it a ship. There are personal water
craft that are twice the size of the Mayflower. They were stuck down below deck for about 90 days,
many got sick, some died. Many of their friends and family members were dead from the boat ride or
the first winter. So, why were they giving thanks? Oh, and to whom were they giving thanks?
Maybe, the answer is in Psalm 103.
Psalm 103:1-2 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
After the harrowing experiences to get to the New World and after that horrid winter they still
remember some of God’s benefits. You see, it is a matter of perspective. Are you going to look
back at the past or are you going to keep looking forward. They saw something more in the
future. Paul was like that.
Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
13 Brethren, I (Paul) count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
If you know anything about Paul you know he had it made. He was highly educated, had a wife
and at least one child. He had status in the community and in his religion and was on the fast
track to the top. Yet, he gave it all up so that he could worship God and heed the calling of God.
He saw something beyond this World and strove for that prize.It is an easy thing for me to point out verses in the Bible that tells us to be thankful, BUT, it is
another thing for you to see what Paul, the Pilgrims and many others saw and were committed to
rather than the world in which they lived. When you have the perspective of the Pilgrims thanks
wells up from deep inside!
In Hebrews chapter eleven God gives a list of Old Testament believers that stood through some
of the worst of conditions and it says of them…
Hebrews 11:13-16 (KJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were
persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the
earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had
opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called
their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
These were servants of God, we are sons of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ! The Bible says
that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the eternal weight of glory
that awaits us. (II Corinthians 4:17) They, in Hebrews chapter eleven, looked forward to the New
Jerusalem. Christians look forward to going to Heaven!
It is impossible to keep standing for God and moving forward in the things of God unless you
know, unless you are convinced, unless you are committed to the truth of God’s Word telling
you that you are a son of God and that you are going to heaven where you will be in the presence
of God, His son Jesus Christ and with all of those who were born again of God’s spirit. Where
you will be rewarded for your stand here on Earth.
1 Corinthians 15:51-58 (KJV)
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the
dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.With that in mind it made it easy for the Pilgrims to thank God for all that they had here on Earth
and what they will receive at the return of Christ for his Church. What a joyous occasion that
first Thanksgiving was. Most people think it was just for the food, for the friends and family still
alive with them, but, it was much much more.
So, when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner where will your commitment lie and what will
you be thanking your God and Father for?
Psalm 100:1-5 (KJV)
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his
people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Records of Speaking in Tongues – Part 5
The last record of people receiving the holy spirit and speaking in tongues is in Acts chapter 19.
But, to get the full understanding of this record we start in Acts 18:24.
Acts 18:24-25 (KJV)
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the
scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and
taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
When it says “the baptism of John” what does it mean? To understand this let’s start in Mark 1:4.
Mark 1:4 (KJV)
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Repentance unto the remission of sins is NOT confessing Jesus as lord. It is a change of heart and life
practices and because of this their sins are remitted. John lived under the Law of Moses. It was and is
the law of works. Confessing your sins is works!
Acts 13:24 (KJV)
24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Mark 1:7-8 (KJV)
7 And (John) preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I
am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 1:5 (KJV)
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many
days hence.
Understanding the mathematical axiom that if A=C and B=C then A=B we see that John’s
baptism is water baptism which is the baptism unto repentance for the remission of sins. All of
which are in the works category. Romans 3:20-28 explains the difference between the old
baptism, the baptism of John and a new baptism.
Romans 3:20-28 (KJV)
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his (God’s) sight: for by the law is
the knowledge of sin.
John’s baptism, is it in the category of deeds of the law? Yes!
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the
prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness
for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which
believeth in Jesus.
Because of what Jesus Christ did there is a new way into remission of sins. That way is Romans 10:9,10.
It is by believing on the lord Jesus Christ and comes by grace, God’s unmerited divine favor. We cannot
work for it. It is not by works!
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Hallelujah! If this weren’t the case then the Gentiles would be excluded from being a Christian because
each and every Christian would have to do the works of the Law of Moses. What do you think the
“repentance” part of John’s baptism is? It is changing their ways and coming back to doing the Law of
Moses. You can read, in the Bible, how time and time again the Jews strayed away from God and served
other god’s. John was calling them back to walking in the Law of Moses. However, there is a NEW
baptism.
Again, let’s look at Mark 1:8 and Acts 1:5, but, let’s focus on the back half of the verses.
Mark 1:8 (KJV)
8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 1:5 (KJV)
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many
days hence.
The baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins, the baptism of water, John’s baptism was
done away with! Why? Because a better baptism came! That is why Peter, in Acts chapter ten,
was going to baptize the new Christians with water, BUT, but, but, but, didn’t because he came
to his senses and realized the baptism into God’s GRACE and POWER was greater than the
baptism in water unto repentance!
Acts 11:15-16 (KJV)
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell (the baptism into God’s grace and power) on them, as on
us at the beginning.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye
shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
So, all Apollos knew was the John’s baptism, the baptism of works and the Law of Moses.
Acts 18:26-28 (KJV)
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard,
they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.What is the “way of God more perfectly?” It is the baptism of holy spirit and that Jesus is the
Christ that Apollos hadn’t heard of. If he hadn’t heard of it could he have been teaching the
Gentiles? Nope! He must have been teaching the Jews!
Now, what Apollos did borders on the miraculous. He actually listened to two simple disciples
and learned about the baptism into God’s grace and mercy! How many ministers today are
willing to listen and learn?
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to
receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Holy smokes! Look at that! Apollos, the silver tongued orator changed from preaching John’s
baptism to the teaching of the New Birth, the baptism of believing through grace!
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus
was Christ.
Before we go on let me explain that in Acts 18:25 it says that Apollos was instructed in the “way of the
lord” and that he “taught diligently the things of the lord.” What things was he teaching? He was
teaching the things of GOD just like John did! Apollos did not know that Jesus was the Christ until Acts
19:26 when Aquilla and Pricilla took him home for dinner. THEN, in Acts 19:28, the Bible says that he
shewed by the scriptures “that Jesus was Christ!”
So, now Paul comes to Ephesus and meets the disciples taught by Apollos when all Apollos knew was the
baptism of John. What do you think they knew? The baptism of John! People, you can only go as far as
you have been taught.
Acts 19:1-7 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper
coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Apollos, after his meeting with Aquilla and Pricilla, moved on. He left Ephesus and went to help
the believers in Achaia.
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him,
We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people,
that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
What had Israel been looking forward to? The coming of Christ! His coming had been foretold
since Genesis chapter three! All the prophets of Old foretold of the coming Messiah! Apollos
wasn’t teaching something new it was the same message that echoed down through the centuries CHRIST IS COMING! However, what Paul taught WAS NEW because the baptism of holy
spirit had been hid from before the foundations of the World!
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake
with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
These “about twelve” people had been baptized in John’s baptism, but, it didn’t do a thing to help them
enjoy the benefits that Jesus Christ made available, not to the Jews, only, but, to the Gentiles as well.
The baptism of holy spirit is the baptism into God’s grace and power.
By speaking in tongues these believers, these Christians, showed forth the power of the baptism of holy
spirit for they spoke the wonderful works of God.
No wonder it was expected of the first century believers to speak in tongues. What a privilege. What an
honor. What an opportunity.
