This interview with John Rich lays it all out where society is at today.
Archive for the ‘Truth’ Category
Confronting Darkness
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024Pursuing Holiness- Part 76
Monday, July 22nd, 2024FATHER has provided each of us with the blueprint to walk in HIS Glory.
As we have withdrawn to hear, we must pay close attention to the details of the blueprint given to us by The Holy Spirit. FATHER will only show us what we can retain and carry out based on our level of understanding and maturity, in other words, our ability to hear.
When an architect has drawn up house plans, they are precise down to under an inch. A carpenter who frames the house must follow each detail of the plan so that the house will have no structural issues. He must seek perfection if at all possible. He must use an appropriate plumb line or level to assure the walls are vertical to the floor. The quality of his work will determine the quality of other tradesmen who install plumbing, electrical, sheetrock, cabinets, exterior bricks, etc. All of the workers are to follow the blueprints in the greatest precision possible.
It is written by THE SPIRIT in Exodus chapter 25:
1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
3 And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair;
5 ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;
6 oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;
7 onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.
8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
9 According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.
FATHER gave Moses a very specific set of instructions in every aspect of the Sanctuary to be built as well as all its contents. There was nothing left to assume by the workers. Colors, materials, and sizes were all included in the blueprint given to Moses.
When we are led by The Holy Spirit, we should expect to walk in revelation with specifics based on our individual callings. There will be times to speak out and there will be times to remain silent. We must not be led by our souls, whether by logic or emotions. We must maintain control of our flesh at all times.
We are not to allow compromise when FATHER gives us instructions concerning the blueprint for our lives.
Jesus referred to this Truth when He spoke in Luke chapter 6:
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:
48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
First, we must come and be still, then hear, and finally do what we are instructed. We can be sure that the storms of life will come and challenge us. If our foundation is built on both the Spoken Word and written Word, we will overcome every challenge set before us.
Pursuing Holiness- Part 75
Sunday, July 21st, 2024As we walk in Holiness, we will build the “temple” for HIS Glory to manifest in us!
FATHER has provided us with the blueprint to walk in HIS Glory.
However, in order to follow the blueprint, we must first withdraw and be still in order to hear HIS Instructions. Be still, hear, then do!
It is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 46:
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
In other Words:
10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” AMP
How can you know, recognize, and understand WHO GOD IS if you don’t quiet your mind and be still?
Jesus provided us this blueprint for knowing FATHER.
Mark recorded by The Holy Spirit in Mark chapter 1:
35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there.
If Jesus found it necessary to separate HIMSELF early in the morning, I will do the same.
Before Jesus started His ministry, He separated Himself as recorded by Luke in Luke chapter 4:
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Prior to selecting His disciples, Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 6:
12 Now it came to pass in those days that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
I have learned over the years to not be pressured into making a decision without first separating myself from the situation. Once separated, if FATHER gives me peace about moving forward, then I do. Otherwise, I pass.
After an exhausting day, Jesus found it necessary to withdraw and be still before FATHER in communion.
Matthew wrote by The Holy Spirit in Matthew chapter 14:
23 And when Jesus had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Luke also recorded by The Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 5:
15 However, the report went around concerning Jesus all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.
16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
You cannot busy your way to GOD. Your mind wants to go “do” which is a distraction to being still and KNOW GOD. Stop your anxious striving!
How many miracles had Jesus done before He was baptized? None.
However, as Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 3:
21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the Heaven was opened.
22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a Voice came from Heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
FATHER was well pleased with Jesus before he had done one miracle. HE Loved Jesus for Who He is, not what He has done.
The very next thing Jesus did was to spend time with HIS FATHER, forty days and forty nights.
There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality! We are to intentionally seek the Presence of Our Heavenly Father and HIS Glory. The blueprint in this example is to:
Be still, listen, then do.
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 6:
6 But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to Him in secret. And Your Father, Who sees all you do, will reward you openly.
Pursuing Holiness- Part 74
Saturday, July 20th, 2024As we walk in Holiness, we will build the “temple” for HIS Glory to manifest in us!
FATHER has provided us with the blueprint to walk in HIS Glory.
This series has been focused on “the doing”! We are to follow the blueprint:
First, the promise; then the instructions (the commands); then the doing of it; and finally, the Glory manifests.
Most believers will find a promise but will not follow the associated commands. Then they wonder why FATHER did not manifest the promise. Claiming a promise from Scripture does not simply cause it to come to pass. You are to follow the blueprint to receive manifestation.
It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in 2nd Kings chapter 5:
1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.
2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife.
3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” (The Promise)
4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.”
5 Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.
6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.
7 And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.”
8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” (The Instructions)
The instructions are challenged by “the flesh”:
11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’
12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
14 (The Doing): So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean (The Glory manifested).
These steps are repeated over and over in Scripture, yet believers attempt to bypass the commands and doing. We are to consecrate or “set apart” ourselves unto Holiness as FATHER has commanded. We are then to walk in Holiness and not allow ourselves to be “desecrated” by the world’s values. As we do, HIS Glory will manifest Itself in our lives.
It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2nd Chronicles chapter 7:
1 When Solomon had finished praying, Fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the Glory of the LORD filled the temple.
2 And the priests could not enter the House of the LORD, because the Glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house.
3 When all the children of Israel saw how the Fire came down, and the Glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For HE is good, For His mercy endures forever.”
If our temple has been properly prepared to receive HIS Glory, be assured that HIS Glory will fill our individual temples!
Pursuing Holiness- Part 73
Friday, July 19th, 2024Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit what Jesus instructed in Acts chapter 1:
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Jesus, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The ministry began in Jerusalem, then expanded to all of Judea, then Samaria, and finally encompassing the uttermost part of the earth. This is where Paul’s ministry is focused. Paul’s primary enemies have the Jews at the front.
In Acts chapter 13:
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.“
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus (Hebrew name),
7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought (desired) to hear the Word of God.
8 But Elymas (Aramaic name) the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
Sergius wanted to hear The Word of GOD but Elymas attempted to turn him away from hearing The Word.
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
By The Holy Spirit, Paul used the severest of titles in addressing Elymas in a direct confrontation. Those who stand between men and Truth and, those who stand between men and GOD, will be called out and exposed by The Holy Spirit.
11 And now, indeed, the Hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
The name Elymas is Aramaic and means: an Oriental scientist, magician, a sorcerer, a false prophet. His intent was to turn people away from the Faith in Jesus Christ. How would he gain credibility? By sorcery.
Jesus proclaimed eight woes against those who promoted superficial spirituality as He spoke specifically concerning blindness in Matthew chapter 23:
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
Elymus wanted to keep his status which surely brought a stream of revenue to sustain him. His blindness confirmed to the proconsul that Paul was preaching Truth.
As we confront perversion and the Truth, The Holy Spirit will bring forth judgment to the enemies of Christ. We are simply the messengers of The Good News.
The opposition of the supernatural and the occult is one of the gravest perils threatening the Christian faith.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Timothy chapter 3:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the Truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
Paul warned of the confrontations ahead. Let us solely rely on The Holy Spirit to deal with these ungodly people.
Pursuing Holiness- Part 71
Wednesday, July 17th, 2024Be assured that there will be spiritual resistance as we walk in Holiness. Jesus dealt with it, Paul dealt with it, and others who were called by FATHER. Moses confronted sorcerers in Pharaoh’s court when he was walking out FATHER’S instructions.
It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Exodus chapter 7:
1 So the LORD said to Moses: “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.
2 You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel out of his land.
3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.
8 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
9 “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.'”
10 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the LORD commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
13 And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said.
The sorcerers and magicians accessed the spiritual and manifested serpents in the physical realm. Neither Moses nor Aaron denied this but rather dealt with it by the Power of the Rod of Authority given to them by GOD.
The second challenge:
20 And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the LORD commanded. So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
22 Then the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments; and Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said.
The third challenge:
8:5 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.'”
6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.
7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.
The fourth and final challenge:
16 So the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.'”
17 And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
18 Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast.
19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.
When we are confronted with lying signs and wonders that appear “equal” in power, we must not succumb to them. The power and authority granted unto us is greater to any power or authority given by the adversary… without exception!
The Holy Spirit will give us discernment in dealing with each spiritual challenge that confronts us. This is why it is vital that we act according to His instructions and not rely on past experiences in dealing with the adversary’s actors.
Pursuing Holiness- Part 70
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024As you may now realize, the Book of Acts contains many examples of what to expect when we walk in Holiness. Has FATHER changed in HIS Divine Intent for increasing the Kingdom of GOD on earth since the first century? NO!
The fruitfulness of those walking in Holiness is accurately described by Luke as he recorded the events and results throughout the land. Why aren’t we seeing and hearing of such dramatic true spiritual growth in our times? The problem isn’t FATHER withholding HIS Hand.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 11:
19 Because of the persecution triggered by Stephen’s death in Jerusalem, many of the believers were scattered. Some reached as far as the coast of Lebanon, the island of Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria, but they were still only preaching The Word to Jews.
20 However, some of the believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, who had come to Antioch in Syria, preached to the non-Jews living there, proclaiming the Message of salvation in the Lord Jesus.
21 The Mighty Power of The Lord was with them as they ministered, and a large number of people believed and turned their hearts to the Lord.
We see that when GOD pours out HIS SPIRIT and HIS Hand is upon the work of the church, the church grows numerically quantitatively hundreds and at times thousands, are added to the community of believers! Nowadays, some churches use human tactics to build their congregation by soulish means. Refreshments in the foyer, loud music with smoke and flashing lights, and other devices do not reflect The Hand of THE LORD.
22 News of what was happening in Antioch reached the church of Jerusalem, so the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch as their emissary.
23 When he got there and witnessed for himself God’s marvelous grace, he was enthused and overjoyed. He encouraged the believers to remain faithful and cling to the Lord with passionate hearts.
24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Spirit of Holiness, and he exuded a life of faith. Because of his ministry even more crowds of people were brought to the Lord!
Barnabas walked in Holiness and in faith! Isn’t that what has been lacking in most ministries today? In the 1970’s, the focus was on faith, yet many ministries did not emphasize Holiness. Some were brought down by sex scandals, misuse of finances, and other unrighteous acts. On the other hand, Barnabas was above reproach.
25 Barnabas left for Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch.
26 Together Saul and Barnabas ministered there for a full year, equipping the growing church and teaching the vast number of new converts. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first revealed as “anointed ones.” (Christians)
Barnabas did not try to exalt himself in any manner. He sought out Saul (who is Paul) to assist in ministering to the vast number of new converts. He did not seek out a reputation for himself. He was a Holy, acceptable living sacrifice unto GOD for the benefit of others. We are to be the same! The fruitfulness of our walk in Holiness will be seen by all.
Pursuing Holiness- Part 69
Monday, July 15th, 2024What good is the Royal Scepter if we don’t use It to overcome the enemy in all areas?
Moses recorded by The Spirit in Exodus chapter 19:
3 And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My Voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
6 And you shall be to Me a Kingdom of priests and a Holy nation.’ These are the Words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
The primary purpose of redemption is to bring GOD’S people to HIMSELF! FATHER’S primary desire is for a personal relationship with each of us. If we choose another path from Holiness, we cannot have the most important and intimate relationship with HIM.
GOD gave Moses to basic requirements: Obey HIS Voice and keep HIS covenant. These two requirements have not changed, from the Old to the New Testament.
Jesus spoke in John chapter 10:
27 My sheep hear My Voice (hear), and I know them, and they follow Me (obey).
28 And I give them Eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand.
29 My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s Hand.
30 I and My Father are One.”
Even though sin and satan can delay the outworking of GOD’S purposes, they can never ultimately frustrate them.
Job received this revelation as is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Job chapter 42:
1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”
As mentioned yesterday, Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit referring to Exodus 19 in his Epistle, 1st Peter 2:
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
There is a notable difference: A ROYAL priesthood. We are to hold both callings: kings and priests.
John recorded what he heard and saw as he recorded by The Holy Spirit in Revelation chapter 1:
5 from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him Who Loved us and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood,
6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
And in Revelation chapter 5:
8 Now when He (Jesus) had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your Blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
We are given the Royal Scepter to reign on the earth in Holiness!
Pursuing Holiness- Part 68
Sunday, July 14th, 2024Jesus is giving those who have embraced the walk of Holiness, the power to overcome the enemy in all areas. In our hands will be the Royal Scepter of Divine Power.
John recorded by The Holy Spirit what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 2:
26 To everyone who is victorious and continues to do My works to the very end I will give you authority over the nations
27 to shepherd them with a Royal Scepter. And the rebellious will be shattered as clay pots—
28 even as I also received authority from the Presence of My Father. I will give the morning star to the one who experiences victory.
29 So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches.
We must not allow our natural eyes to prevent us from accepting the Royal Scepter of power and authority from On High. Spiritual power is superior to physical power in every circumstance.
And as it is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Isaiah chapter 11:
1 The Rod of Jesse will sprout, and a fruitful Branch will grow from his roots:
2 the Spirit of YAHWEH will rest upon him,
the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom,
the Spirit of Perfect Understanding,
the Spirit of Wise Strategy,
the Spirit of Mighty Power,
the Spirit of Revelation,
and the Spirit of the Fear of YAHWEH.
3 He will find His delight in living by the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord. He will neither judge by appearances nor make his decisions based on rumors.
4 With righteousness He will uphold justice for the poor and defend the lowly of the earth. His Words will be like a Scepter of power that conquers the world, and with his breath he will slay the lawless one.
5 Righteousness will be His warrior’s sash and faithfulness His belt.
The same attributes of Jesus described by Isaiah are meant to describe us who walk in complete Holiness! Holiness will not be our second nature, it will be our first nature.
Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle in 1st Peter chapter 2:
9 But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.
Our ultimate destination is to the Throne of GOD as HIS royal priesthood. HE desires us to always be in HIS Presence. Only those who are Holy are able to go before HIM.
In the Old Testament, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies. His responsibility was to offer a sacrifice before GOD.
By revelation, Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 12:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God.
In contrast to the sacrifices offered in the Old Covenant that were temporary in nature, we are to offer up ourselves as living sacrifices. This is our reasonable service.
In other words, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender ourselves to God to be His Sacred, living sacrifices. And live in Holiness so that we experience all that delights His Heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.
We will stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around us, but we will be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think. This will empower us to discern God’s will as we live a productive life, satisfying and perfect in HIS Eyes.
We will then walk with the Royal Scepter of HIS power and authority to overcome the enemies of Christ!
Pursuing Holiness- Part 67
Saturday, July 13th, 2024The Holy Spirit had no problem in interrupting Peter as he was sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard The Word.
Notice the word “all” is used just as it was used in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit’s gift is available to ALL who will hear The Word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with Tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
47 Peter said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
What a great confirmation of the importance of the Baptism of The Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in Tongues. Many people today believe that there is difficulty in receiving the Baptism. Some believe that it was only for the early church. Some even deny its existence.
What I have observed over that last 52 years is that unbelief is a primary hindrance to receiving the Baptism of The Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in Tongues.
Luke had already recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty Wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided Tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts chapters 10 & 11 may be two of the most important chapters in the New Testament!
The Disciples received the Baptism of The Holy Spirit first and later, Cornelius and his household experienced the same Baptism… prior to being water baptized.
So, Jews and Gentiles alike are offered this Blessing from Above.
When FATHER wants to remove any question, HE will repeat the importance of what HE is revealing.
Luke again recounts the essence of chapter 10 when he recorded by The Holy Spirit in chapter 11:
1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him (challenged him),
3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
It was necessary for Peter to recount the events found in chapter 10.
4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.
6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’
9 But the Voice answered me again from Heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’
Peter challenged FATHER because of his previous mindset. FATHER gave Peter a triple witness. This translates to an emphatic command!
10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into Heaven.
11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.
12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
Peter was able to hear The Holy Spirit and did not doubt His instructions. This is critical to our walk as well.
13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,
14 who will tell you Words by which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
16 Then I remembered the Word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
The Holy Spirit will bring His Word to remembrance as we walk in Holiness.
17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
Do any of us dare contend or challenge The Word of GOD?
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to Life.”
The apostles and brethren who were in Judea listened to Peter testify of the work of The Holy Spirit concerning the Gentiles who had also received the Word of God. This confirmed to them that the Gentiles were included in Jesus’ command to go throughout the world and preach the Good News to ALL MANKIND! These two chapters set the stage for a true worldwide ministry for all believers.
As we walk in Holiness, let us not be surprised when The Holy Spirit moves unexpectedly in our midst.