grace abounded much more

God’s Much More – Pastor Sandra Kennedy

November 10, 2013       http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=wholelife&eID=32                                                              ⁹ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰ For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹ And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.                                            ¹⁵ But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.                                                ¹⁷ For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)            ²⁰ Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, ²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.　

journey on 2014: In this you rejoice

1 Peter 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

Greeting

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Born Again to a Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, ¹¹ inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Called to Be Holy

¹³ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ¹⁷ And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸ knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰ He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹ who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
²² Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³ since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;


 ²⁴ for

“All flesh is like grass
    and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
    and the flower falls,
²⁵ but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

 

Footnotes:

1. 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind

Cross references:

1. 1 Peter 1:1 : See James 1:1
2. 1 Peter 1:2 : Acts 2:23; [Rom. 8:29; 11:2]
3. 1 Peter 1:2 : See 1 Thess. 4:3
4. 1 Peter 1:2 : Heb. 10:22; 12:24
5. 1 Peter 1:2 : 2 Pet. 1:2
6. 1 Peter 1:2 : Dan. 4:1; Jude 2
7. 1 Peter 1:3 : 2 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:3
8. 1 Peter 1:3 : Titus 3:5
9. 1 Peter 1:3 : ver. 23
10. 1 Peter 1:3 : ch. 3:21; [1 Cor. 15:20]
11. 1 Peter 1:4 : Rom. 8:17
12. 1 Peter 1:4 : [ch. 5:4]
13. 1 Peter 1:4 : [Col. 1:5; 2 Tim. 4:8]
14. 1 Peter 1:5 : Eph. 2:8
15. 1 Peter 1:5 : [ch. 5:10; Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; Heb. 12:11]
16. 1 Peter 1:6 : James 1:2; [ch. 4:12]
17. 1 Peter 1:7 : James 1:3
18. 1 Peter 1:7 : Job 23:10; Ps. 66:10; Prov. 17:3; Isa. 48:10
19. 1 Peter 1:7 : 1 Cor. 3:13
20. 1 Peter 1:7 : Rom. 2:7, 10; 1 Cor. 4:5; [2 Thess. 1:7-12]
21. 1 Peter 1:8 : [1 John 4:20]
22. 1 Peter 1:8 : [Heb. 11:27]; See John 20:29
23. 1 Peter 1:9 : Rom. 6:22
24. 1 Peter 1:10 : 2 Pet. 1:19; [Dan. 8:15; Matt. 13:17; Luke 10:24]
25. 1 Peter 1:11 : Dan. 9:24-26
26. 1 Peter 1:11 : Rom. 8:9; [2 Pet. 1:21]; See Acts 16:7
27. 1 Peter 1:11 : See Matt. 26:24
28. 1 Peter 1:11 : Isa. 52:13–53:12; Luke 24:26; Acts 3:18
29. 1 Peter 1:12 : Dan. 12:4, 9, 13
30. 1 Peter 1:12 : [Matt. 13:17; Heb. 11:39, 40]
31. 1 Peter 1:12 : Acts 2:2-4
32. 1 Peter 1:12 : [Dan. 8:13; 12:5-7; Eph. 3:10]
33. 1 Peter 1:13 : See Luke 12:35
34. 1 Peter 1:13 : ch. 4:7; 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:6, 8; 2 Tim. 4:5
35. 1 Peter 1:14 : ch. 4:2, 3; Rom. 12:2; Titus 3:3
36. 1 Peter 1:14 : Acts 17:30
37. 1 Peter 1:15 : 1 John 3:3; [2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thess. 4:7; Heb. 12:14]
38. 1 Peter 1:15 : James 3:13
39. 1 Peter 1:16 : Cited from Lev. 11:44
40. 1 Peter 1:17 : Jer. 3:19; Mal. 1:6; 2 Cor. 6:18; [Matt. 6:9]
41. 1 Peter 1:17 : See Ps. 62:12
42. 1 Peter 1:17 : See James 2:1
43. 1 Peter 1:17 : ch. 3:15; 2 Cor. 7:1; [Rom. 11:20]
44. 1 Peter 1:18 : [Ps. 49:8; 130:8; 1 Cor. 6:20; Titus 2:14; 2 Pet. 2:1]
45. 1 Peter 1:18 : See Eph. 4:17
46. 1 Peter 1:19 : See Acts 20:28
47. 1 Peter 1:19 : See John 1:29
48. 1 Peter 1:19 : Heb. 9:14; [Ex. 12:5]
49. 1 Peter 1:20 : See Rom. 16:26
50. 1 Peter 1:20 : Heb. 1:2
51. 1 Peter 1:21 : John 12:44
52. 1 Peter 1:21 : [Rom. 10:9]; See Acts 2:24
53. 1 Peter 1:21 : Acts 3:13; Heb. 2:9; [ch. 3:22]; See John 7:39
54. 1 Peter 1:22 : Rom. 12:9; See Heb. 13:1
55. 1 Peter 1:22 : 1 Tim. 1:5
56. 1 Peter 1:23 : ver. 3; [John 3:3; James 1:18]
57. 1 Peter 1:23 : John 1:13
58. 1 Peter 1:23 : Heb. 4:12
59. 1 Peter 1:24 : James 1:10, 11; Cited from Isa. 40:6, 8
60. 1 Peter 1:25 : [Matt. 24:35]
61. 1 Peter 1:25 : Isa. 40:9

A Christmas present: Life, Spirit, Glory, Peace, Joy, Healing, Freedom!

Many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ around this time although they know that Jesus was not born on 25th December. Most churches too, do not want to be left out of this man-made tradition or culture. One Biblical way of celebrating this season is to read the whole Bible in one continuous sitting, from beginning to the end. Jesus said, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Reading the whole Bible together as a church (a group of Christians taking turn) would take about 72 hours depending on the language proficiency of those who read. While waiting for their turns the participants can sit around or rest anywhere within hearing distance. Be awed by the presence of the spiritual God. The Word is God. The Word became man as Jesus. Be transformed while you abide in Him and His words abide in you during this season of waiting upon the Lord as the ultimate celebration of Jesus’ birth. Let the Holy Spirit breathe life on you.
 For those who gather together as one family or a few families (as in house church), you may choose to read the New testament only. It will take about 17-19 hours in one sitting. The result will be great for each participant. This is the best present you can receive from your heavenly Father! This blogger has done this on my own and it took me about a week, resting in between reading. Something broke through.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 
 John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
 Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Peter 2:24  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 
 John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

First verse of the Bible: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Last 2 verses of the Bible: Revelation 22:20-21 ²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! ²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

______________Luke 24:35-49 (highlight added by this watchman)

³⁵ Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. ³⁶ And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. ³⁷ But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

³⁸ “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? ³⁹ Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” ⁴⁰ As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
⁴¹ Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he ate it as they watched.
⁴⁴ Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. ⁴⁷ It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of all these things.
⁴⁹ “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Journey to see God: how He treats our tears...

God will wipe away every tear from your eyes

2 Kings 20:5

1. Turn back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your [forefather]: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
   2 Kings 20:4-6 (in Context) 2 Kings 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Esther 8:3
   And Esther spoke yet again to the king and fell down at his feet and besought him with tears to avert the evil plot of Haman the Agagite and his scheme that he had devised against the Jews.
   Esther 8:2-4 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Job 16:20
   My friends scorn me, but my eye pours out tears to God.
   Job 16:19-21 (in Context) Job 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Job 31:38
   For if my land has cried out against me and its furrows have complained together with tears [that I have no right to them],
   Job 31:37-39 (in Context) Job 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Psalm 6:6
   I am weary with my groaning; all night I soak my pillow with tears, I drench my couch with my weeping.
   Psalm 6:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Psalm 39:12
   Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears! For I am Your passing guest, a temporary resident, as all my fathers were.
   Psalm 39:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 39 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
7. Psalm 42:3
   My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?
   Psalm 42:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 42 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
8. Psalm 56:8
   You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
   Psalm 56:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 56 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
9. Psalm 80:5
   You have fed them with the bread of tears, and You have given them tears to drink in large measure.
   Psalm 80:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 80 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
10. Psalm 116:8
    For You have delivered my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling and falling.
    Psalm 116:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 116 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
11. Psalm 126:5
    They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.
    Psalm 126:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 126 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
12. Isaiah 16:9
    Therefore I [Isaiah] will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vines of Sibmah. I will drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for upon your summer fruits and your harvest the shout [of alarm and the cry of the enemy] has fallen.
    Isaiah 16:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
13. Isaiah 25:8
    He will swallow up death [in victory; He will abolish death forever]. And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the reproach of His people He will take away from off all the earth; for the Lord has spoken it.
    Isaiah 25:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 25 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
14. Isaiah 38:5
    Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add to your life fifteen years.
    Isaiah 38:4-6 (in Context) Isaiah 38 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
15. Jeremiah 9:1
    Oh, that my head were waters and my eyes a reservoir of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
    Jeremiah 9:1-3 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
16. Jeremiah 9:18
    Let them make haste and raise a wailing over us and for us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids gush with water.
    Jeremiah 9:17-19 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
17. Jeremiah 13:17
    But if you will not hear and obey, I will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive.
    Jeremiah 13:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
18. Jeremiah 14:17
    Therefore [Jeremiah] you shall say to them, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin daughter of my people has been smitten with a great wound, with a very grievous blow.
    Jeremiah 14:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
19. Jeremiah 31:16
    Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; and [your children] shall return from the enemy’s land.
    Jeremiah 31:15-17 (in Context) Jeremiah 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
20. Lamentations 1:2
    She weeps bitterly in the night, and her tears are [constantly] on her cheeks. Among all her lovers (allies) she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.
    Lamentations 1:1-3 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
21. Lamentations 1:16
    For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, because a comforter, one who could refresh and restore my soul, is far from me. My children are desolate and perishing, for the enemy has prevailed.
    Lamentations 1:15-17 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
22. Lamentations 2:18
    The hearts [of the inhabitants of Jerusalem] cried to the Lord. [Then to the congregation, I, Jeremiah, cried, addressing the wall as its symbol] O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give yourself no rest, let not your eyes stop [shedding tears].
    Lamentations 2:17-19 (in Context) Lamentations 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
23. Lamentations 3:48
    My eyes overflow with streams of tears because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.
    Lamentations 3:47-49 (in Context) Lamentations 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
24. Ezekiel 24:16
    Son of man [Ezekiel], behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes [your wife] at a single stroke. Yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears flow.
    Ezekiel 24:15-17 (in Context) Ezekiel 24 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
25. Malachi 2:13
    And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favor at your hand.
    Malachi 2:12-14 (in Context) Malachi 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
26. Mark 9:24
    At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!
    Mark 9:23-25 (in Context) Mark 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
27. Luke 7:38
    And standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed them with the ointment (perfume).
    Luke 7:37-39 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
28. Luke 7:44
    Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
    Luke 7:43-45 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
29. Acts 20:19
    Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity (affliction and trials) which befell me, due to the plots of the Jews [against me];  Acts 20:18-20 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

 

Hold fast the pattern of sound words: be In Christ

A lot of “IN CHRIST” verses to meditate on. Stay in Christ. Be in the Holy Spirit. He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)

John 15:4-7 (NKJV)

⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
“IN CHRIST” VERSES__________________

Romans 3:24

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 5:12

[ Death in Adam, Life in Christ ] Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Romans 6:11

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:1

[ Free from Indwelling Sin ] There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:39

nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 9:1

[ Israel’s Rejection of Christ ] I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,

Romans 12:5

so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Romans 15:17

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.

Romans 16:3

[ Greeting Roman Saints ] Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

Romans 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:9

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

Romans 16:10

Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

1 Corinthians 3:1

[ Sectarianism Is Carnal ] And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

1 Corinthians 4:15

For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:17

For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 15:18

Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

1 Corinthians 15:19

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

1 Corinthians 15:22

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:31

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

1 Corinthians 16:24

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:21

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,

2 Corinthians 2:12

[ Triumph in Christ ] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:14

But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:19

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.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:2

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:19

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.

Galatians 1:22

And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.

Galatians 2:4

And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),

Galatians 2:16

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Galatians 3:14

that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:17

And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.

Galatians 3:26

[ Sons and Heirs ] For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Ephesians 1:1

[ Greeting ] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:3

[ Redemption in Christ ] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Ephesians 1:10

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.

Ephesians 1:12

that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:20

which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 2:6

and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2:7

that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 3:6

that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

Ephesians 3:11

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Philippians 1:1

[ Greeting ] Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Philippians 1:13

so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

Philippians 2:1

[ Unity Through Humility ] Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

Philippians 2:5

[ The Humbled and Exalted Christ ] Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Philippians 3:9

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Philippians 3:14

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:21

[ Greeting and Blessing ] Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:3

[ Their Faith in Christ ] We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Colossians 1:4

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;

Colossians 1:19

[ Reconciled in Christ ] For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Colossians 1:28

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:5

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:7

for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1 Timothy 3:13

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:1

[ Greeting ] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 1:9

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

2 Timothy 1:13

[ Be Loyal to the Faith ] Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1

[ Be Strong in Grace ] You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 3:12

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:15

and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Philemon 1:6

that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Philemon 1:8

[ The Plea for Onesimus ] Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,

Philemon 1:23

[ Farewell ] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Hebrews 6:13

[ God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ ] For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

1 Peter 3:16

having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

5 am lesson: seeing God from the will of His good pleasure

The 5 am gathering of brethren in Christ learned that seeing God, that is, reading His words, require starting from the end (the goal and end result intended by God). That is how they were led in the Spirit to read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
When they read chapter one this way the eyes of their hearts opened, just as Paul had prayed (which prayer the brethren copied and prayed daily). The key verses of the first prayer are: Ephesians 1:17-19. without the opening of our spiritual eyes we cannot understand this letter at all.
What does God want to achieve as the end result for His people? A glorious body of Christ, holy and without blemish, presented to Him, be the praise of His glory, fulfilling the will of His good pleasure! That makes sense of all the blessings He has given to those who believe just to make sure they make it to the end goal, all in Christ and filled with Christ to the full!
How can they make it? That is exactly what Paul’s letter is about.
Here are some of the findings received by us:
God created humans. He knows what we are made of and what we can and cannot in our natural capacity and capability.
He has a good plan for us so He has given us what we cannot have in the natural so that we may make it to reaching His final goal for us in Christ.
1. He has given us Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus has completed everything He needs to complete (the whole salvation package which encompasses all things, the entrance into the kingdom of God and the power and authority to live as children of God).
2. In Christ He has given us all spiritual blessings, pertaining to living the victorious life of the children of God.
3. In Christ He has given us the power to do so, that is, the power of the Holy Spirit. (This is the same power that He raised Jesus from the dead).
“and [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places]. far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name…not only in this age and in this world, but also…to come.” (1:19-21)
4. God wants us to know this. Why? Because only by knowing we can live accordingly, manifesting His power in and for us who believe.
5. God provided the Holy Spirit for us. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. He gives us understanding and the mighty strength to live out the title and entitlement of children of God.
6. Through the Holy Spirit we can access every spiritual blessing (which in KJV is described as “all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places” 1:3) giving by the Holy Spirit.
7. By faith we are joined to the Lord and be one spirit with the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:17). By faith we become members of His body, of His flesh and of His bone (6:30). By faith we reach into the spiritual realm (heavenly places) and receive all blessings which God has given us (Ephesians 1:3) to enable us to live for the praise of His glory, according to the will of His good pleasure.
This means we will not subject our body and soul (body, mind, emotion included) under the bondage of the evil power (all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name…) which rule this world (physical and spiritual). How do we do this? By the power of God in us and for us and all the spiritual resources readily available for us to use (using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and taking the authority of the Son of God Himself, which has been given to us as children of God).
Watchman’s suggested readings: from KJV, NKJV, AMP; Ephesians 1; 1 Corinthians 2; 2 Corinthians 3.;