Distortion of Truth

Distortion of Truth

Recently, only days and hours ago, I was called a teacher of a false gospel. This, I was in the process of walking away from, when church tonight was on the very topic. Yes, the Holy Ghost has a sense of humor. I am a trumpet of the Lord, ordained and sent to give His message and truth. In love, I reveal this to all that were in this discussion, hoping it shall show His truth and shed light in the dark places. I do not this, for my defense, I need none. Let the word speak.

Are we sinners? Religion would tell you yes, definitely. God, says different in many places. We shall work through the Pauline revelation for this time in the truth.

One of the scriptures that is mistaken so often is Romans 3:10. As it is written, There is none righteous, NO, not one.

Why exactly why, that tradition has us embrace this "we are sinners" is beyond me. What is to be gained by being a sinner or called a sinner? “I’m just an ol sinner, saved by grace” I don’t think any other than, this is an identity crisis! You will never be what Father wants you to be, until you see yourself as Father see you. Now back to task. The teachings of Paul are so very consistent, it is difficult to think we could mistake him. The people he wrote to were old covenant people. They had been living under the law. Paul said. “there is no one righteous, as to the law, no not one. King Jimmy has done us no favors in the translation department. Although this is what was said, often, it is not the way it is translated. We have to look at the whole of Paul's teaching to see his intent. Why don’t most drop on down to verse 21, in the same chapter and pick up on what the Apostle is writing; 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: 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. The AMP says the redemption that is provided by Christ Jesus.

All were sinners as to the Law, yet none are as to the grace and redemptive work of the cross. Wow, hallelujah!

Further, the wages of sin is death. Where there is no law how can there be sin. Where there is resurrection, how can there be death! God can not exist or dwell in the presence of sin. He lives in us! How can we be sinners?

II Cor 5: 15-17 amp

And He died for all, so that those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a purely human point of view, in terms of natural standards of value(sinner). No even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now we have such knowledge of Him that we know Him no longer in terms of flesh. Therefore if any person is ingrafted in Christ he is a new creation( a new creature altogether); the old previous, moral and spiritual condition{SINNER is a moral condition} has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come. This is us inChristed! Since Jesus died on the cross, we are not even to refer to ourselves, as to flesh. Sin is of the flesh. We are not sinners! Are you beginning to see Father’s truth?

We are sinners as to the Law, but righteous as to God’s grace and the finished work of the cross. Hallelujah and glory

Also curious, is the wide spread definition of sin. How can there be any sin when there is no law. We put iniquity, failings, contempt, anger, deceitfulness and all such, into one big bundle and call it sin. It never was. It had to violate the law to be sin. This sin could be atoned via sacrifice. All sin HAS BEEN atoned in this way, through Jesus. The ultimate sacrifice, Jesus, the only begotten Son. The Lamb slain, before the foundation of the world. One man’s action of pride of life, brought sin into the world and one Man’s action of love took sin out of the world.

I am certainly not a false teacher. I am a trumpet of the Lord, ordained by Him to take His message and spread His truth. I have only scratched the surface, in this. Search for yourselves, please. Paul is very consistent in God’s teaching. Let’s look at who he wrote to and when it was written. Rightly dividing God's word of truth. All are sinners when the law is the measure, None are, when grace is the measure. We live under GRACE! For He, who is the source of our prophesying, is not a God of confusion and disorder, but of peace and order. As is the practice of all God's people. 1 Cor 14:33

II Cor 5:19-21 amp

It was God, personally present in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself......taking away the sin, my wording.....not counting up and holding against men, their trespasses, but canceling them, and committing to us the message.......that sin has been canceled, my wording

As He is, so are we in the earth……We are one with Him….He is Jesus and He is no sinner.

Neither are we. Amen

Thank you brethren for hearing the word of the Lord

GW

Who am I who was I

Who am I ? Who was I ?

I was corrupt and in the world.......He cleaned me up and seperated me for His pleasure and purpose
I was overwhelmed and fell short.......He forgave me and showed me His love
I lost my mind......... He gave me His
I was affraid and fled the light.............He made me the light and told me to shine to the world
I was sickly and weak.......He healed and restored me, whole, forever
I had many enemies.....He promised; no weapon formed against me, would prosper
I had no confidence...He assured my success...Whom shall I fear?
I had no knowledge or understanding....He revealed Himself to me and made me complete
I thought I dissapointed God.... He loves me and is well pleased...wants to spend time with me, daily...He knows my name...HE IS NOT MAD AT ME
I sought to gain His approval...It was a wasted effort, He created me in His image
I didn't know He trusted me......He gave me dominion over the world
I did not know if I would win......He won for me and allows me victories, every day
Tradition had me lined up to fail....He allowed His word in my heart and I overcame tradition
I did not know what to believe.....I was delivered from unbelief
I wondered where I'd end up...He made me a citizen of the kingdom.
I needed a purpose......He ask me to follow Him and made me a part of the Royal Preisthood
I was accused by the world......He made me righteous
The enemy said, "yeh, but you are still poor".....He told me I was delivered from lack, it had been defeated and He owned the cattle on a thousand hillsides, And I...(AM), joint heir
I thought I was empty....He gave me All things, filled me with His Spirit, and surrounded me with His love
I then ask for blessing....He said all is yours, already...only learn to receive what has been given
I needed direction.....He illuminated my path and ordered my steps
I needed strength..........He gave me His power
I hadn't enough faith....He gave me His
I wanted assurance.......He gave me His promises....and had them written down
I wanted to get through to God....Jesus Is my intercessor
I cried because I was alone.....He sent, the promise of God, His Spirit, to live in me
I wanted a family.....He called me son

.......Thanks Dad......

I CAN'T

......"Yes...yes you can".....

"I will never leave you.....The Holy Spirit lives in you....We are ONE!"



He had to go away.......

He ask me to be Him... until He comes back

How will I know If I am doing it right?......


Signs and wonders will follow you


Are You sure???....



YES.... Do it in MY NAME






Love you
GW

The Nicolaitanes

Greetings Saints,
As promised, A study of this false doctrine and it's spirit. This spirit is alive and thriving in the body today. This is a source of confusion and is readily grasped by many church goers, today. So let's get into it, and please, as always, get confirmation in God's word.
The word Nicolaitanes is given to describe a group of adherents to a christian heresy. This is a wrong teaching, with false doctrine, hence the word heresy is appropriately applied. The word is greek. A compound word made of three root words. Because this is a proper noun, it is translated to English in the form you read here. The first root word, from the greek is, Nikos. This is defined as; a conquest; triumph; conquered; and by implication, dominancy over the defeated. The second root word is, laos, people. The Nikos-laos, another use is Nicolas (english), means; one who is victorious over the people. Laos, means laymen and further, laiton; a Greek phrase meaning the laity. The third root in Nicolaitanes, is ton, as we seen in laiton. This, Nickos-laos-ton, becomes Nicolaitanes, a proper noun, in English, meaning; the bishops and prelates of the Church have gained a triumphal victory or conquest over the laiton, or laity, until they have been compelled to submit to the arbitrary dominion of men who have become that thing that God hates! The saddest thing thus far, may be, that there are those in the Christian Church, who do not hold to the doctrines of the Nicolaitanes, yet practice their deeds of dominating the laity by lording it over the Church of Jesus Christ, no matter the denomination. This Church, which should be subject only to one Divine Master. It is worthy to note that often, these have assumed this lordship because they are esteemed very highly in love for their work's sake, but have become vainly puffed up, in their fleshly mind. Brothers!, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees."

Now, moving on, I could easily go deep into history and tell of the first Roman Church and say much of the first seven deacons, in the early church. One of which was named Nicholas, who is often credited with Nicholaism. He was granted this title, not by his own will, but by others seeking to lend credibility to the doctrines. And we could hang about and discuss much history. This not the purpose, at all, let's speak of more relevant matters. Getting to the beginning and on to today, with understanding. Nicolaitane or follower of Nicolas, had its origin in Nimrod. Nimrod was the first Nicholas. Genesis 10:8 Nimrod, with in 200 years of the flood, had conquered the people and founded civilization. During his life, he commanded his subjects to worship him, rather than God. He was later, after his death, called Baal. Now I'm not going to try to get you to stop your Christmas traditions, but another name for him was Santa. YES, Saint Nicholas is Santa Claus. Many unknowingly honor Nimrod every December 25th. This is not the focus of this study, yet it could not be omitted. We all know Santa is not dominating us......hopefully.
Lets go to a few scriptures. 1 Timothy 5:17. Let the elders that rule well, meaning to guide - lead - preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. Wonder why to lead and guide is stressed and nothing of drive, dictate or dominate is referenced. The way Matthew states it in Matthew 23:8-11 There is but one Divine head and all else are servants. The Nicolaitanian spirit is active today. Church boards and deacons out of scriptural harmony with God, ruling over, and stating who may and who may not. God hates their deeds, I tell you. There have been many denominations started on the precept of a man being over another. How did we get so far out of wack? Deacons, who are supposed to be lower than any member and serving all, helping others above themselves, how did this office get to become the chief administrators in traditional churches today? Having more say than anyone and most assuredly, giving a false pretence of authority in any church, exercising dominion over the laity. And, albut forsaking the qualifications of this office, while replacing them with others, that were never intended, but make one feel superior today. Well he is man of one wife! Some will gladly add living wife....But he don't read, study or pray. If he did, understanding of those last two entries would be known. Must be filled with the Holy Ghost! Don't even know Him and openly refute His gifts. Must be an example in life as one who has experience, spiritually. Yet, lives defeated, sick feeble, and little or no witness, not apt to teach and does not know. Deacons were not meant to lord over or run the church, any church. A dictator bishop is just as common and just as out of line. Lead, guide, and submit to the head>>.. No not you pastor, not you teacher, wait a minute, Elder, the Holy Ghost is the head. The clergy is not to be exalted. We all have done it, one way or another. Let's go with what Jesus says, "he who desires to be first, must be last."
These doctrines are not only limited to leadership. Lets talk of some others. Jude 1:4 warns of ungodly men, who were,"turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness." The Nicolaitanes were willing to accept Jesus as their savior but not their Lord and Master. Sound familiar? Luke 6:46 Jesus ask why do you call me Lord and not do what I say. Like other false teachings, of that time and this, the Gnostics shared a common view of spiritual knowledge through mystical experiences. They foolishly believed that this knowledge alone was sufficient for salvation. Sorta like today, tradition speaks; believe in Jesus and go to heaven. Leaving out much needed repentance and confession. How many line the church benches, having not a relationship or experience that is genuine. Do you see how dangerous and why Jesus hates the deeds of this doctrine. The Revelation of Jesus Christ mentions, Nicolaitanes twice in chapter 2. It is both, deeds and doctrines, mentioned to the two churches in Verses 6, and 15. The Lord demands repentance on the part of those who hold and practice these things and He threatens drastic punishment if they do not obey Him:
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth," (Revelation 2:16).
We must be on our guard, always, for false doctrines. In a religious setting, laced with some good old familiar tradition and a sensation of comfort, we just may not see it right off. God is not the author of confusion and His word is plain. You can't think your way saved and man is not to have dominion over another in an ecclesiastical setting. This is easier to see in some denominations than others, but, none are exempt. Anywhere there is authority, there is an opportunity for it to be mishandled. ALL authority is given of God. And anywhere salvation is explained without repentance, it's a miss. You can ABC til the cows come home and it won't mean a thing until there is repentance. Salvation is a gift of Grace and can not be earned. Believe in your heart...not your head. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Confess Jesus! and Speak Life to everyone, Jesus came, so that we may HAVE...Life. My hope, is that this ministers to you.
Love ya

GW

The Wall Of Life

The Wall of Life

Consider this heavily, brethern. Jesus, is the corner stone. The stone, by which all is aligned and supported. This is figurative, but quite literal, as it pertains to construction and our lives. Now the corner stone is in place, (it is finished) and we start to lay more stones to the structure and add to the kingdom, by our works. Going from the first cornerstone to the next, it is fairly easy to get the next stone straight, level and plumb. We can lay one stone to another almost identical and same in results. We can go....one day, in life without messing up.....maybe. A funny thing......If we get out of line or level or plumb just the slightest fraction of a little bit, we have altered the "course". A block wall that is out of line 1/8 inch in a foot, will be out be out a whole inch in 8 feet.......10 inches in 80 feet.....100 inches in 800 feet. I think you get the picture. Compare this wall to life, for a moment. Note some, will not even acknowledge the corner stone. What possible chance do they have of staying in line and on course? We go, find the corner stone, (reborn) start laying our wall ( building the kingdom). The corner stone (Jesus) is the perfect expample, it is easy to lay a (1) stone next to it (for a short time) and make it the same. But one stone is not near a wall (short time is not a life) and we got to build a wall (LIVE), not easy. We have to work. That alone may help some. Some who would think they do not have to. The preacher will do it. Right? Somebody else will. I can't, just now. Maybe later. Maybe? Going on; The world will offer different models, different ways to measure, maybe even try to get you to substitute lessor materials, than the stone you've been told and know, to use. Lure you with promise of profit. Burden you with material bills. Impede your progress in many ways. Hinder labor, effect desire to excell, get you more focused on playing than working. Your flesh may hurt, your strength may vary, your desire to accomplish, may be clouded by weariness and fatigue. Excellence is mostly the last thing on your mind.......... Did you forget to go back and take note of the corner stone? Is your wall straight? Are you getting anything done, for the kingdom? If we would take note of Jesus, before every work, we could start to see excellence, in our wall. The Bible in Matthew 6 tells us; to put our stores in the kingdom first. Hard to get side tracked when God's kingdom is the focus. Amen? Sometimes these walls are so far out.....they have be completely torn down. The Bible says we must be broken to yield, to Him. When the wall is destroyed, the original project remains,(God's call is without repentance) so how then are we to get started back building the wall, how will we begin, what do I need to start, I don't want to, I can't! but what am I gonna.........It has been such a long time since I was on track> my wall is awful, what can I do with this mess! WHAT SHALL I DO!!!.......OH, yesss. Mmmm. The corner stone.....It (He) is still intact. Still straight, still level, and still plumb. STILL ON THE THRONE! Glory!!Waiting. Waiting for us to build on Him. You know, Block and brick layers use a string line to keep their work straight. They refer to it with every action. That string is the very thing, that keeps them on course. This string can establish; right from left and up from down. If this string is used properly......the wall (your life), will not be out of line. Yet, this string, it is not their foundation, but a guide. IT IS, required, for excellent accomplishment. There is another thing that layers use......mortar. This is soft at first then sets up hard, to hold the stones in place. A great assistance, in the integrity of any wall (life). This mortar... is our understanding. Until we apply the mortar, we are not solid in our construction. I contend to you all, who would hear and read; The corner stone is JESUS CHRIST.......The string, is the WORD OF GOD (Bible).........and the wall of accomplishment is YOUR VERY LIFE! And the mortar is your UNDERSTANDING/ APPLICATION! See, All through time, God has wanted us to build and establish His kingdom....here. It is established, in heaven, just not here....yet. This is evident in Jesus teaching us to pray...."Thy kingdom come". In the earliest of times men jacked it up, plenty. So God sent His Son to be the corner stone of the church and to provide a way for us to be saved from death and sin. We have to "lay hold" of the commissioned work, set before us. Build and quit tearing down! LOOK at Jesus (cornerstone), stay lined with God's Word (string line), and accomplish your intended abundant life (straight, level, plumb wall), in the CONSTANT (never ceasing) pursuit of excellence! Applying understanding and wisdom (mortar)! It is inconceivable to lay a wall (live) with out these guides. All else is merely the stacking of stones. Action without result.................... Not really living........at all.
I hope this has blessed you.
Love to all

GW

Judgements

Greetings,
I have received a lot of questions about the "afterlife", as it were, lately. I confess, I have not looked at it as an afterlife, in quite some time. Life is eternal and the realization of this has made it's view more in stages than segments. I don't think of the "after", anymore than I wonder about life in my 50's- 60's and beyond, here, still in this earthen vessel. It is only another level of growth. Advancement, even. I delivered a teaching on the judgements, not long ago. Here, I recall, a summerization of that teaching. This is written in the Bible, yet few do the research for themselves. I hope this helps you.
Here goes;
There are 3 judgment places and 3 thrones
1)The "Judgment Seat of Christ" 2 Cor 5:10For believers only "In the Air"
2)The "Throne of Glory" Matt 25:31-32 For the Nations "On the Earth"
3)The "Great White Throne" Rev 20:11-12For the wicked dead"In Heaven"

There are 5 judgments in all;
1) Believers for sin
2)Believers for works
3)The Jews
4)The Nations
5)The Wicked DeadJudgment

1*Believers as to sin, AD 30 at CalvaryBased on finished work of ChristJesus died to justify the believer. This judgment is past. Rom 10:4 - There is now no condemnation (judgment) to those that are in Christ. Rom 8:1-2 & John 5:24 - It was settled at the Cross! The judgment of believers is 3 fold, however. We are judged as a"sinner", a "son", and as a "servant", all three. As before stated the judgment as a sinner is past, already. As soon as a sinner accepts Jesus as personal saviour that settles sin judgement for them. Because our iniquities were laid on Him and are not on us. (Isa 53:5-6) This is atonement, for Adam's disobedience in the "Garden of Eden". The tendency to sin does not leave us with the new birth. We do get a counter force known as, the "new nature or new man". We become dual personalities, old and new together. The predominate nature depends on which we feed and which we starve. We take in this nourishment through the ear gate, the eye gate, mostly. Paul tells of this warfare in Romans7:1-25. This is continual until death of the flesh, then the old nature is gone. "Sins" are different than sin. Sins are outward acts of wrong doing. We give in to these because of our tendancy to sin. These are put away, daily, by confession. 1John 2:1 and 1John 1:9 tell of this.
Our judgement as "Sons" is for unconfessed sins. Heb 12:5-11 - We should then, judge ourselves. It is our duty as Sons. 1 Cor 11:31-32 Confess our sins. We judge our selves and confess and He is just to forgive. Jesus is our advocate with the Father. In the judgement as a "servant", we move to the 2nd judgement, 2*believers for works. This is future and results in reward or loss. This takesplace after the Church is caught out, "in the air", at the JudgementSeat of Christ. 2 Cor 5:10 -Believers only 1Cor 4:51 Thess 4:17 This judgement is not a trial or test. Saved or lost, pass or fail, Heaven or Hell, has already been answered.1 Cor 9:24-271 Cor 3:11-15 The Crownings 1)Crown of Life ,A martyr's crown, Jas 1:12 Rev 2:10 This refers to martyrs of the tribulation period 2)Crown of Glory, For Elders or Pastors, 1Peter 5:2,4 3)Crown of Rejoicing, Soul winners crown,1 Thess 2:19-20 Phil 4:1 4) Crown of Righteousness, For those who love his appearing 2 Tim 4:8 5) Crown Incorruptible, Victor's crown, Those who do not give in to fleshly lust but "keep under their body"1 Cor 9:25-27 1 John 2:28 The Third Judgement, 3*For the Jews in the time of the Great Tribulation, takes place in Jerusalem and surrounding area. It is based on the rejection of the Godhead and will result in their conversion as they receive Christ as their Messiah. This is future. References of refusal 1 Sam 8:7. God the Father refused, Luke 23:18 God the Son refused, Acts 7:51,54-60 God the Holy Spirit refused. This is fairly involved and we not Jewish, we are "the church", so I move on. Judgement Four, 4*The Nations are judged in the revelation of Christ at the Throne of Glory, on Earth, in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. It is based on the nations treatment of Christ's brethren, the Jews. The result will be,some are saved and some destroyed. This is future. Matt 25:31-46 Joel 3:1-2 Rev 21:24 Judgement Five, 5* The wicked dead will be judged during the renovation of the Earth byFire, before the Great White Throne. This is based on their works and will result in being cast in the Lake of Fire. This is future. Rev 20:11-15 This takes place at close of millennium, a thousand years after the judgement of the nations. The Great White Throne will not be on the Earth. The earth will be on fire. 2Peter 3:7 This is a sad judgement. It will include many "good" people. Only they refused Christ. There will be varing degrees of punishment, but none will escape. Jude 6 says the fallen angels (not the devils angels) will be judged at this time also. Again fairly deep. We aint angels either. I hope this is helpful. Please receive it well. I'll be available, if you want to talk about it further. Pray on this, and if there is any who differ, please, I am open to your convincing me otherwise, through His Word. This is what I have found and referenced.
Life, Now, is all that may effect these judgements. It may be of benefit to learn of such things. I only say this because it is in God's Word, and that for us.


Love to All


Gregg
Speaking Life Ministries.

If you loved me

Hey there,
I missed last posting date. I am very "not happy" about it. I was out of town and stuck without pc. It is possible to do from my blackberry, but difficult. The topic is going to hit us square in the where we live area. Jesus said, If you love me, keep my comandments. Do we? Love is more than a verbal confession. If you say you love your wife and never show it or put that into action, then do you really? If we love Jesus, I'd say much would need be, put into action, now. Do you honor Him? Do you meet His commission? Are you obedient? Is He first and you and all else, second? Good questions, huh? What He wants come before what you want? Well..... That's tough isn't it. Is it possible to love someone and not believe in them? Do you believe in Jesus? Why do you love Him? Are you thinking yet? Jesus loves us! So very much, that He gave His life for us. He did this willingly. He wasn't trying to bargain or trade with us. He gave us a gift. To not acknowledge that gift is not honour> It is not Love> and most certainly not obedience. We must learn to love. That's right. We must learn to love, Him. When people are cross with you, Are they loving you? Probably not. When denominational differences cause friction, how are we showing love? When we hold a grudge against, are we showing love? No! If love cannot be seen in us or our actions, Is Christ in us? Whew, good one, you say. Do we love Him when His love is not in us? When we judge, do we show love? If you form an opinion and follow through with a certain action, based on that opinion, DO WE show love? Not even> There is no trading, in love. You don't love someone because they do something for you or act as you approve. We should pursue agape love. God's true and perfect love. Really unconditional. No matter what.
Paul talks about love, a lot, in his Epistles. Find an example in 1Cor chapter 13. All the gifts and fruits of the Spirit are love based. How may we have anything without love. If we truly love Jesus, we should surely show it and by loving all others, if for no other reason than, He told us to.
If we struggle with this, how can we show love? How can we say, We love Him. If people are most always at contention with you and your beliefs and are always talking bad about you, do you think they love you? I'd say not! And if not, then how can they possibly love Jesus? The straight of it, THEY CANNOT. The Word tells us we cannot love Jesus and hate our brother. We spend a lot more action showing just how much we don't love Jesus, than we ever could otherwise, in this. Hey Mr Methodist, do you love me? Howdy Mr Catholic, any love for me? Hmm, Mr Baptist, can I meet you in heaven? See...Jesus is the way, not ANY denomination! If you love me, it wouldn't matter what faith I was or how I'm dressed or even what my past is. Your love could simply meet mine and we could be of 1 accord. You do know that is the church, don't you? Please see the lesson on church. Let's show love. If that be too difficult, just step aside and let the Love of Jesus, be seen in you. That is how it is supposed to be anyway. Too hard? Maybe you need to check yourself. Do you love Jesus? Do you love.....me? Jesus loves you, He is not mad at you either. Put love into action. Today! Love the Lord,, by doing what He said.



Love You,
really, really


GW

The Resurrection of Jesus

How 'bout cha people of God,
Do any of you meditate on the resurrection? On Easter Sunday? This Truth is more than a once a year reminder. It is the very foundation of Christian faith. Is it not? I'll go farther and state that it is not merely a belief, but, a fact. A fact of history and an ever present reality, for us, the church. Paul tells us, by way of his first epistle to the Corinthians, that if Jesus be not raised then our faith is in vain and we are still in our sin. Chapter 15:17. This is recorded in all four gospels, His raising. This fact, proves His "Deity". If He had not been raised, how would we know He was who He said He was. Jesus declared it to us(who He was), while walking on the earth. This is recorded five times in the New Covenant; Matthew 12:39-40, 20:17-19, 26:30-32, Luke 18:31-33, John 2:19-22. Paul says, "He was demonstrated, the Son of God, by His resurrection, from the dead", in Romans 1:4.
Jesus came to take the sinner's place and to satisfy the "law", fully, with God. By taking our place, He became us, and died, as us. He could not die as God and had not a need to. I hope you got that. Read it again, and consider, we died with Him......in Him. And, in Him, we AROSE. This fact is proof that death has been conquered. Is not this, "the good news"? I exhort, that it IS. Jesus appeared to the Apostle John, on the isle of Patmos, and declared, "I am He that lives and was dead; and behold, I am alive for ever more, amen: and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev 1:18.
Because the Spirit of Him, who raised up Jesus, lives in us, He that raised Christ from the dead, shall quicken our mortal bodies, by His Spirit, that lives in us. That is, raise US from the dead. Romans 8:11.
There really can be no question, as to Jesus' death on the cross. All four gospels, tell us that Jesus yielded up His Spirit. Death did not conquer Him. He gave His life, of His own will. He said, "I have the power to lay down my life and I have the power to take it again". John 10:17-18.
There are many accounts that verify this truth. There were many witnesses, and not all believers, that Jesus died. The centurion told Pilate, that Jesus was dead. When the spear was removed, after the piercing, water and blood came out, showing His heart had been pierced. If Jesus had been only passed out, as some have scoffed, He would have suffocated in the burial wrappings. All the precautions that were taken, the tomb being guarded and sealed, so His body could not secretly be stolen away. Matthew 27. Many seen Him die, yet there was not an eye-witness, that seen Him come out of the sepulchre. By this there were many stories fabricated, to discredit His resurrection. Although He appeared to many, in the coming 40 days, after His raising, I find the most compelling testimony to come from John and Peter, as to the physical resurrection of the body of Jesus. When John and Peter came to the empty tomb, after Mary had told them, they went in to inspect and examine it. they found the linen clothes, that the body of Jesus had been wrapped in, lying on the stone slab, where it had been laid, "and the napkin that was about His head, not lying with the linens, but wrapped together in a place by itself." John 20:6-7. The grave clothes are a silent witness, that His body was not stolen. The napkin, tells another story. (Maybe we'll get to that later) We also know, the disciples did not steal the body, because they were so difficult to convince, by Mary, the resurrection had in fact happened. Knowing, as we do, having the New Testament, to read, that Jesus told them, repeatedly, that He would die and raise the third day, They either forgot in their grief or disbelieved, else they would have been waiting at the tomb, at the morning hour. Even the women that went to the tomb, that morning, were only taking things to further embalm the body. They were even concerned, who would roll the stone, for them. Mark 16:1-3. As I ponder this, I see God at work here. If the disciples had hung around the tomb, it would have surely been easier to blame them and label them grave robbers.
Yes, even so, there was not an eye-witness, to the actual coming out of the tomb, there were eye-witnesses to His having been raised. Not days, weeks, months, later, mind you, but that very day! I also find it particularly lifting to know that when Jesus died, He was scarcely recognizable. Beaten and wounded, bleeding and fatigued, not at all, as He appeared to the disciples. He appeared, the picture of wellness, with only scars, to remind us, I suspect. You know.....He was HEALED! And recall that we raised with Him? WE TOO ARE HEALED!Amen and amen. This resurrection is more than a story, I assure you. Life....restored! Health.....restored! Adam's fall and our separation....RESTORED! Through and by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I could go into the accounts of Jesus' appearances to all the disciples and the 500 and such, but I will not here. Please read and meditate on this for yourselves. Only know, that He taught and counseled for 40 days, and appeared to many, teaching, showing and leaving us, what is the Great Commission. Our commission. We have not, in written record, what exactly He taught. We do, however, have a record of what they did(as a result of His teaching), after His Ascension. The book of Acts is testament to this. I exhort that this is the way and means of our ministry. Not judgement and tradition, but love and encouragement. Not where we are at, but where the lost and poor are at. Take it to them! Just a little bit more, please.
In the Old Testament, the exodus, was God's Power, manifested. In the New Testament, the Resurrection(of Jesus) is our exodus. We are no longer bound! WE ARE Free! Everything IS changed! Yet we must allow the change, in our lives. We must not remain ignorant or unbelieving. You cannot change from Sabbath Saturday to First Fruits Sunday and wave your hands in the air while saying...Glory, thinking all is well while living so defeated. Hear this brothers and sisters, please. The battle IS over! Believe it........Live it. IT IS FINISHED.

What a Joy
Love You


GW