It's up to us!

Worshiped with Church in The Now online this morning. It was a good service and message. Jon Scott sang a very good song I think was his own "Love is not a thing, love is a verb" very moving, love it, I felt strong moving of the Holy Spirit as the group did the song.

The message was on the text of Isaiah Chapter 11 and Acts 3:21.

Acts 3:21 (NKJV)

whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

Isaiah 11:1–9 (NKJV)

11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

3 His delight is in the fear of the LORD,
And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,
Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor,
And decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth,
And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,
And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD
As the waters cover the sea.

Bishop was speaking on reconciliation or the reconciliation of all things and how he and most, even now do not see this but think of salvation as a personal thing in the future mainly. I suppose it is personal in one aspect but this is not the *Big Picture* God has in mind for the work of Christ. I even believed this at one time. We can see more and more as we study this message that it has always been God's intention to reconcile creation to himself and His Kingdom eventually as in these verses in Isaiah 11:1-9 and as is stated in Acts 3:21, Eph 1:9-12, Col 1:20, 2 Co 5:18-20 and others even in the book of Revelation.The bible speaks of this happening to the whole world not just individuals. This lead into how we need the Holy Spirit which Jesus said He would send after He went away so that we could, believe it or not, do even greater things than he had! Amazing! Bishop mentioned how the name of the Holy Spirit is the PARAKLĒTOS (3875) literally, called to one’s side, i.e., to one’s aid, is primarily a verbal adjective, and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid - a helper, advocate, comforter. we should take note that the meaning is "one called" to ones side. therefore it stands to reason he is there, but waiting for our call for help. This in turn leads to the realization that we need to ask the Holy Spirit for help and accompaniment every day and in all we do. This was an eye opener for me even although it is so simple. It seems it is the simplest things I miss most often straining to see the deeper things. He went on to explain how that if we applied these things to our daily lives it could literally change the world into the utopian that the book of Isaiah speaks of, and bring about the reconciliation of all things. Bishop Swilley also mentioned something called "THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT" and how that relates to this. I need to look this up on the internet and see what he was talking about.

"Holy Spirit, I ask you now to invade my life with your presence and power. Fill me now, mind, body, spirit and soul with Yourself. May I become The Christ in my world to bring about the reconciliation of all things in my realm of influence. Heal me, enlighten me, give me revelation, wisdom, power, comfort, grace, favor, and guidance in all my ways and life. May it be obvious to all those with whom I have to do. Not to build me up or put me on a pedestal or make much of me; but to glorify YOU in the world bringing Glory to The Father and The Son. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You; effecting Good to all those around me and those who hear and see me. In The Mighty Name above all names - Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!"

Amazingly, just now, after praying this prayer; for the first time, I can now see clearly why it says in Acts 3:21 that "Jesus must remain in heaven" - until.. the reconciliation of all things as is foretold in Isaiah and other prophets - because God sent the Holy Spirit of Christ to us for *US* to accomplish this wonderful work in us and by us; as Jesus said "I must go away so the Spirit can come to take my place, ( John 14:26 )( John 16:7 ) so then you will do even greater things than I" ( John 14:12 ) This is speaking of US FINISHING WHAT HE STARTED TO DO! I have always been quite bewildered by the words of Acts 3:21 asking myself "why does it say that Jesus must stay in heaven until then…" It has all become so clear to me now. Thank God for Bishop Jim Swilley and his teaching; what a blessing and enlightenment this morning! I have a whole new perspective now on these things; Praise God!

Acts 3:21 (NKJV)

whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

Ephesians 1:9–12 (NKJV)

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Colossians 1:20 (NKJV)

and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (NKJV)

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

John 14:26 (CEV)

But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

John 16:7 (CEV)

But I tell you that I am going to do what is best for you. That is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.

John 14:12 (GW)

“I can guarantee this truth: Those who believe in me will do the things that I am doing. THEY WILL DO EVEN GREATER THINGS because I am going to the Father."

Hallelujah!!!

Pastor Dennis DDC

HOLD MY HAND LORD!

He does not lead me year by year, nor even day by day;
But step by step my path unfolds; my Lord directs the way.
—Unknown

"GOD LEADS US ALONG"
[Words and Music by George A. Young, 19th century]
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along; where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads His dear children along.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along; sometimes in the valley, in the darkest of night, God leads His dear children along.
Tho sorrows befall us and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along; thru grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Chorus: Some thru the waters, some thru the flood, some thru the fire, but all thru the blood; some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long.

Job 35:10 (NKJV)
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, 
Who gives songs in the night,

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV) 

¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing, 

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert.  

When things look bad and there's no way out; The Spirit knows a way! The Spirit not only knows a way out but will comfort you now before you get out. For this was the very purpose Jesus said He would send the Spirit. Do not look to man or any earthly resources but to the One Who holds all these in His hands. He is ready and willing to give to all who ask, all who seek, all who knock on the door to the heavenly realms. The door will open and light will come bursting in! You will see clearly and confidently the path to take as The Lord lights the way one step at a time!

Matthew 7:7–8 (NLT)

 ⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

PEACE

Pastor Dennis

What are we to Believe?

 

 

I have been studying and making bible notes in Logos 4 Bible Research Program this morning. Reading about How that Jesus’s message was mostly about the kingdom of God and that that is what we are to repent and believe the good news about.

 

 

Mark 1:15 (NRSV)

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 

 

There are two facts and two imperatives in this verse.

Facts:

1. “The time is fulfilled” (Complete)

2.”The Kingdom of God has come near” (At hand, very close)

Imperatives:

1. Repent (change your mind, the way you think)

2. Believe the Good News. (About the Kingdom being at hand)

 

 

Another Translation has it:

 

 

Mark 1:15 (GW)

He said, “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”

 

 

This change of mind would first and foremost involve Believing the Gospel about the Kingdom of God having come; (Not just believing in Jesus; which He does not say here at all) which would then “Result” in a change of action; not a “forced” change. It would be God doing it in you; not you doing it for God. This is quite a different view than the traditional teaching of his message. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God/Heaven had come and this is what we are to believe. Oddly, most of Christianity is here 2000 years later is waiting on it. So, therefore, they don’t believe it; because Jesus Just said it was beginning then! I am reluctant to say it but is looks like most claiming to be Christian are unbelievers and prove it by their doctrines! I suppose God just looks down from heaven and shakes his head and continues to pour out his mercy on our ignorance and stupidity; including mine. I realize Just how little I must know; the more I study the less I know I know…. Hey! That’s a catchy phrase! 

 

 

Jesus illustrated this type of repentance and faith qualifying one for the Kingdom of God in Matthew 18:3

 

 

Matthew 18:3 (NKJV)

and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Becoming  Childlike is showing true total trust and belief a child has in a parent; not necessarily perfect obedience as any parent knows. Jesus was continually trying to change our view of God to a “Heavenly Father”.

 

 

Also where Jesus said that in order to inter or see the kingdom of God one must be born from above. 

 

 

John 3:3 (NRSV)

Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”

 

 

This is obviously a spiritual birth that takes place on the inside as the seed of God is deposited into our spirit and soul. This Rebirth from above has absolutely nothing to do with outward appearance or good works of any kind. And would be completely unknown to the casual observer. Although if it truly takes place the seed of God’s Spirit (Born Strong’s No: 249 Springing up) will sprout on the inside and begin to reproduce God like fruit - works, which are not your own but are of God who works in you both the will and the doing of his good pleasure Phil. 2:13, Heb. 13:21   Believing, trusting, and relying on the Spirit of God within to be at work in you presently producing the mind of Christ resulting in true un-hypocritical Godly works by the power of the Spirit not the flesh. These will most likely take you by complete surprise since they will not be according to your (fleshly) nature or natural character, power or will. Here is where the majority jump the track in teaching that the word in the passage where it says to “repent’ and “believe” the Gospel in order to be born from above; means to; as one commentary put it; “Turn from all our sin” This is not the meaning of the text by no means or stretch of the imagination. the word for repent, Strong’s No: 3340, means to “change your mind”. Then Jesus says “Believe” which would involve a change of mind… they are the same thing. So repent means to believe as apposed to not believing - in the Kingdom present NOW. The fundamentalist have really missed it on this one because of their legal mind set since they mostly preach a gospel of religious works salvation and don’t even know it. This is why they immediately take the word repent’ to mean quit sinning and start keeping the law; which is far from the original intent. All Jesus was saying was to Believe what he was saying about the Kingdom of God being present here now and could be experienced on a spiritual level, which yes, would produce good works. Although these good works would not be from ourselves as I said before; but God working in us both to do and to will his good pleasure Phil 2:13 and Heb 13:21 all OUR righteous acts are as filthy rags in God’s sight Isaiah 64:6 because God knows that somewhere down deep inside of you; no matter how good you or your good works are or seem to be; your fleshly nature will always have selfish motives you may not even be aware of. At the heart of our fleshly natural selves every act ends up being all about ME, save ME, sanctify ME, bless Me. So God does it All and no one can boast - about anything!

 

 

Oh don’t worry Jesus often equates the Kingdom of God with being saved one instance is Matt. 19:23-26 there are more.

 

 

Are you in!? Can you claim membership in the Kingdom!? Are you saved!? Do you know it? I do! But I’m sure not going to claim I had anything to do with it… And I Happily add:

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:28–30 (NET)

 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something,  so that no one can boast in his presence.  He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

 

 

Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:7–10 (The Message)

7–10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do.

 

Peace, Grace, and Love to You,

Pastor Dennis