The watchman was asked to read the Gospel of John again during these last few days that remain in this year. He was told that he would read and receive new revelation. So he obeyed. On 26th December morning, he read from Chapter one to four. Then he was asked to stop. He saw what the Lord wanted him to see. There is one type of real food that gives life at the end time. The food according to Jesus is "“is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work."
What is the will of the Father? What has Jesus just done prior to saying this to His disciples? He demonstrated how it was done.
The watchman read the following passage again with fresh revelation. His comments are in brackets.
________________________
John 4 Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
(He was sowing the seeds of God's Words and reaping the harvests)
3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
(How Jesus sowed the Seeds (God's Words)
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
(How Jesus reaped the ripe Harvests - many Samaritans' souls through one fruit: the Samaritan Woman)
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
(The woman became conveinced when jesus showed that He knew more all about her secret)
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
Jesus spoke about true end time worship: only in Spirit and in truth
(The Samaritan woman was concerned with cultural and religious differences based on political and traditional differences)
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
(The disciples were preoccupied with physical living like food, and were concerned about man's religious tradition and practice. They were no different in their lack of true worship like the Samaritans. They missed out the whole demonstrations of the two essential works for Jesus' disciples: sowing and reaping!)
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
(How The One Fruit of Jesus sowed and reaped more harvests!)
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
___________________________
(Jesus spoke on two end times essentials:
1. true worship: only in spirit and in truth.
2. true disciples of Jesus: doing the will of the Father in heaven.
what is the will of the Father in heaven? They belong to only two professions:
1. The Sower of Seeds (Words of God) for the advancement of the kingdom of God
2. The reaper of the crop for eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Observe that the disciples were asked to reap what Jesus (and the prophets until John the Baptist) had sown. "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it." Matt11:12)
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
(Many Samaritans Believed and became sowers and reapers themselves!)
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
_______________________________
There are only two jobs left for end times. Are you doing one of the two? If not, you need to seriously consider what Jesus has said to His disciples to enter the kingdom of God.
END TIMES VACANCIES FOE KINGDOM OF GOD:
A watchman/intercessor is a sower.
An evangelist is a reaper.
There are currently many vacancies for both types of jobs. Anyone applying?
Showing posts with label kingdom of heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kingdom of heaven. Show all posts
December 27, 2011
June 21, 2011
End Times Witnessing: God’s demand of a kingly man
The watchman found the key of what the Lord wants in a kingly man. He was led to read the passage in David’s last words to his son, Solomon. In the last days, believers of Jesus Christ are required to reign as kings and royal priests. Indeed, we have become sons of God through being in Christ Jesus. This is the most honorable position and powerful status. We are princes by being members of the body od Christ!
But are we living the way of princes and princesses? Reading what David has charged his son how to be a kingly man in the eyes of the Lord, we can see how far we are short of this standard (the plumbline of God)…
Brethren, when next we sing or proclaim our royal positions, look deep into our lives and ask, am I living the life as described and demanded by the Lord in the following passage?
1 Kings 2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1WHEN DAVID’S time to die was near, he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2I go the way of all the earth. Be strong and show yourself a man;
3Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,
4That the Lord may fulfill His promise to me, saying, If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and mind and with all their soul, there shall not fail you [to have] a man on the throne of Israel.
1 Kings 2 New International Version (NIV)
David’s Charge to Solomon
1When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
_____________________________
Watchman’s comment:
The name of Solomon means “peace”. Take heed how powerful our Kingly Ruler -the God of peace is! Watch how you live, live in obedience to Him!
2.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.
3.Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
4.1 Thessalonians 5:23
[ Blessing and Admonition ] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5.Hebrews 13:20
[ Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell ] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
But are we living the way of princes and princesses? Reading what David has charged his son how to be a kingly man in the eyes of the Lord, we can see how far we are short of this standard (the plumbline of God)…
Brethren, when next we sing or proclaim our royal positions, look deep into our lives and ask, am I living the life as described and demanded by the Lord in the following passage?
1 Kings 2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1WHEN DAVID’S time to die was near, he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2I go the way of all the earth. Be strong and show yourself a man;
3Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,
4That the Lord may fulfill His promise to me, saying, If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and mind and with all their soul, there shall not fail you [to have] a man on the throne of Israel.
1 Kings 2 New International Version (NIV)
David’s Charge to Solomon
1When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
_____________________________
Watchman’s comment:
The name of Solomon means “peace”. Take heed how powerful our Kingly Ruler -the God of peace is! Watch how you live, live in obedience to Him!
2.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.
3.Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
4.1 Thessalonians 5:23
[ Blessing and Admonition ] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5.Hebrews 13:20
[ Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell ] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
April 28, 2011
Three Battle grounds: the mind, the church and the heavenly places
The watchman had to wait for someone outside a Christian Bookshop one evening. As usual he waited in the car as he knew from experience and in the spirit that he could not find any suitable book there. However this time the Spirit prompted him to go in. He was led straight to a bookshelf which most Christian readers would not notice. There he bent down and found three Spirit-led must-read books. Alas, all were in another language.
He bought them anyway. When he finished reading the first book, he knew this is the book for his end times class to read this season. So he ordered the original which arrived a week later. He read the book and is now led to share with his blog readers. This is an essential text for all at this end time!
The Three Battlegrounds - An indepth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church and the heavenly places (by Francis Frangipane, 1989)
Here are some excerpts and quotations from the first three chapters of the book.
“This is a book about spiritual warfare.” “After spending much time with struggling pastors, I have seen a common trend in most: They failed to discern the assault of the evil. They stood unprotected against an ancient, treacherous foe.” “Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold. Do not presume it cannot happen to you. Our enemy has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Our experience, on the other hand, spans but a brief moment. It is wisdom to recognize that we do not know all there is concerning warfare.”
Part One: The Battleground of the Mind
“Indeed, the uncrucified thought life is the beachhead of satanic assault in our lives. To defeat the devil, we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds!”
Chapter 1: Satan’s Domain: The Realm of Darkness
“Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.”
“Jesus warned: “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35)” “Satan has a legal access, given to him by God, to dwell in darkness. The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian’s heart.”
“If we will be effective in spiritual warfare, we must be discerning of our own hearts; we must walk humbly with our God. Our first course of action must be “submit to God.” Then, as we “resist the devil…he will flee.” (James 4:7)
“There is a recurring precept throughout this book. It is vital that you know, understand, and apply this principle for your future success in warfare. That principle is this: Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart.”
Chapter 2: The Stronghold of The Godly: Humility
“Satan fears virtue. He is terrified of humility. His hair stands up when Christians kneel down (before God), for humility is the surrender of the soul to God. The devil trembles before the meek…there stands the Lord, and Satan is terrified of Jesus Christ.”
Chapter Three: Pulling Down Strongholds
“What men call “salvation” is simply the first stage of God’s plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Christ.“
“Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the actual presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.”
“A demonic stronghold is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual’s life.” (2 Cor.10:3-5)
” Christians can be oppressed by demons, which can occupy unregenerate thought-systems, especially if those thoughts are defended by self-deception or false doctrines.” “Your rebellion toward God provides a place fo the devil in your life.” “A number of Christians are tormented by various fears. They needed more than prayer; they needed deliverance.”
“Any area of our heart or mind not surrendered to Jesus Christ is an area vulnerable to Satanic attack.”
“Repentance precedes deliverance. The pulling down of strongholds begins with repentance.”
“When Jesus sent out His disciples, “They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” (Mark 6:12-13) “Note the sequence of recovery…”
“If you are truly walking with Jesus, many areas of your thinking processes will be exposed. Yet, there will be power from God to enable you to repent and receive His virtue into your life.”
______________
You can buy this book and read or listen to. here are some of the links for purchase on the internet.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Battlegrounds-Depth-Spiritual-Heavenly/dp/1886296383
http://www.elijahshopper.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DL_EB-FF004
http://stores2.faithhighway.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=API&Product_Code=FF2-001&Category_Code=Books
He bought them anyway. When he finished reading the first book, he knew this is the book for his end times class to read this season. So he ordered the original which arrived a week later. He read the book and is now led to share with his blog readers. This is an essential text for all at this end time!
The Three Battlegrounds - An indepth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church and the heavenly places (by Francis Frangipane, 1989)
Here are some excerpts and quotations from the first three chapters of the book.
“This is a book about spiritual warfare.” “After spending much time with struggling pastors, I have seen a common trend in most: They failed to discern the assault of the evil. They stood unprotected against an ancient, treacherous foe.” “Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold. Do not presume it cannot happen to you. Our enemy has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Our experience, on the other hand, spans but a brief moment. It is wisdom to recognize that we do not know all there is concerning warfare.”
Part One: The Battleground of the Mind
“Indeed, the uncrucified thought life is the beachhead of satanic assault in our lives. To defeat the devil, we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds!”
Chapter 1: Satan’s Domain: The Realm of Darkness
“Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.”
“Jesus warned: “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35)” “Satan has a legal access, given to him by God, to dwell in darkness. The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian’s heart.”
“If we will be effective in spiritual warfare, we must be discerning of our own hearts; we must walk humbly with our God. Our first course of action must be “submit to God.” Then, as we “resist the devil…he will flee.” (James 4:7)
“There is a recurring precept throughout this book. It is vital that you know, understand, and apply this principle for your future success in warfare. That principle is this: Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart.”
Chapter 2: The Stronghold of The Godly: Humility
“Satan fears virtue. He is terrified of humility. His hair stands up when Christians kneel down (before God), for humility is the surrender of the soul to God. The devil trembles before the meek…there stands the Lord, and Satan is terrified of Jesus Christ.”
Chapter Three: Pulling Down Strongholds
“What men call “salvation” is simply the first stage of God’s plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Christ.“
“Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the actual presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.”
“A demonic stronghold is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual’s life.” (2 Cor.10:3-5)
” Christians can be oppressed by demons, which can occupy unregenerate thought-systems, especially if those thoughts are defended by self-deception or false doctrines.” “Your rebellion toward God provides a place fo the devil in your life.” “A number of Christians are tormented by various fears. They needed more than prayer; they needed deliverance.”
“Any area of our heart or mind not surrendered to Jesus Christ is an area vulnerable to Satanic attack.”
“Repentance precedes deliverance. The pulling down of strongholds begins with repentance.”
“When Jesus sent out His disciples, “They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” (Mark 6:12-13) “Note the sequence of recovery…”
“If you are truly walking with Jesus, many areas of your thinking processes will be exposed. Yet, there will be power from God to enable you to repent and receive His virtue into your life.”
______________
You can buy this book and read or listen to. here are some of the links for purchase on the internet.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Battlegrounds-Depth-Spiritual-Heavenly/dp/1886296383
http://www.elijahshopper.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DL_EB-FF004
http://stores2.faithhighway.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=API&Product_Code=FF2-001&Category_Code=Books
April 11, 2011
End Times Witnessing: What is Righteousness? (a young ruler missed heaven too)
When a rich young ruler (almost perfect in man’s righteousness) came to Jesus he knew he still missed out something and he wanted to know what that missing act was, so he could make it up and enter heaven. But when Jesus talked to him he still missed seeing the truth, that is, no man has the physical ability to attain God’s righteousness. So he went away sadly because he was still thinking in the physical and mental perfection realm. He could not meet the righteous plumbline of God.
But Jesus assured His disciples, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God”!
How sad it was that the rich young ruler did not see God (Jesus), who was right in front of him, talking to him so patiently, full of grace (undeserved favor for the young ruler) and mercy. If only he had lingered on and not in a hurry to go away…Alas, God had time for him but he had no time for God!
Luke 18:18-30
18 Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a]
21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
With God All Things Are Possible
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all[b] and followed You.”
29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
But Jesus assured His disciples, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God”!
How sad it was that the rich young ruler did not see God (Jesus), who was right in front of him, talking to him so patiently, full of grace (undeserved favor for the young ruler) and mercy. If only he had lingered on and not in a hurry to go away…Alas, God had time for him but he had no time for God!
Luke 18:18-30
18 Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a]
21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
With God All Things Are Possible
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all[b] and followed You.”
29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
April 9, 2011
End Times Witnessing: What is Truth? (how a man missed entering heaven)
A life time one-off opportunity to encounter God and have a discourse with Him came to one man. Pilate was such a blessed man (even if momentarily).
The Jews brought Jesus to Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) as he had the authority to judge and pass death sentence to a criminal. (The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus be crucified and dead.) So Pilate had a rare occasion to encounter Jesus. The following is the conversation between Pilate and God (Jesus):
John 18:33-38 (New King James Version)
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
______________________
Pilate and Jesus were talking on two different levels. Pilate asked questions and Jesus answered. But Pilate could not understand what Jesus was telling him.
1. Pilate’s Question: “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus’ Answer: “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
What Jesus was interested was Pilate’s motive behind the question. What was he trying to find out? Was he seeking God for himself? Or was he just repeating what others had accused as a routine part of the interrogation? Jesus was also trying to alert Pilate to ponder and see beyond his narrow vision.
2. Pilate’s Question: “Am I a Jew?” (meaning: what you are is none of my personal concern. I am not interested in who you are. I am just doing a job here) “What have you done?” (another interrogation question)
Jesus’ answer: ““My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (Jesus told him plainly who He is, so Pilate had a chance to rise to a higher level)
3. Pilate’s Question: “Are You a king then?” (Alas, he remained uninterested, merely continuing his usual interrogation)
Jesus’ answer: “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (Jesus gave Pilate another chance to know Him, the King of kings, Lord of lords)
4. Pilate’s Question: “What is truth?” (Pilate missed the chance. He was still engrossed in doing his normal usual mundane mortal chores as a governor. He missed the once in a life time opportunity to know God, whom he had encountered face to face!) He wasn’t looking for an answer to life. He remained a sceptical, hardened, pragmatic military-political-administrative man.
After this discourse, Pilate thought he had done his job and told the Jews his conclusion. “I find no fault in Him at all.” He told them.
The kingdom of God had come so near to Pilate but he missed it. Why? He was just a natural human, walking according to what can be seen and perceived by the senses. He could not understand the supernatural (spiritual) realm and its reality.
1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
So, this is how you can get so close to entering the kingdom of God and and yet miss entering the narrow gate…
The Jews brought Jesus to Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) as he had the authority to judge and pass death sentence to a criminal. (The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus be crucified and dead.) So Pilate had a rare occasion to encounter Jesus. The following is the conversation between Pilate and God (Jesus):
John 18:33-38 (New King James Version)
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
______________________
Pilate and Jesus were talking on two different levels. Pilate asked questions and Jesus answered. But Pilate could not understand what Jesus was telling him.
1. Pilate’s Question: “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus’ Answer: “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
What Jesus was interested was Pilate’s motive behind the question. What was he trying to find out? Was he seeking God for himself? Or was he just repeating what others had accused as a routine part of the interrogation? Jesus was also trying to alert Pilate to ponder and see beyond his narrow vision.
2. Pilate’s Question: “Am I a Jew?” (meaning: what you are is none of my personal concern. I am not interested in who you are. I am just doing a job here) “What have you done?” (another interrogation question)
Jesus’ answer: ““My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (Jesus told him plainly who He is, so Pilate had a chance to rise to a higher level)
3. Pilate’s Question: “Are You a king then?” (Alas, he remained uninterested, merely continuing his usual interrogation)
Jesus’ answer: “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (Jesus gave Pilate another chance to know Him, the King of kings, Lord of lords)
4. Pilate’s Question: “What is truth?” (Pilate missed the chance. He was still engrossed in doing his normal usual mundane mortal chores as a governor. He missed the once in a life time opportunity to know God, whom he had encountered face to face!) He wasn’t looking for an answer to life. He remained a sceptical, hardened, pragmatic military-political-administrative man.
After this discourse, Pilate thought he had done his job and told the Jews his conclusion. “I find no fault in Him at all.” He told them.
The kingdom of God had come so near to Pilate but he missed it. Why? He was just a natural human, walking according to what can be seen and perceived by the senses. He could not understand the supernatural (spiritual) realm and its reality.
1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
So, this is how you can get so close to entering the kingdom of God and and yet miss entering the narrow gate…
October 13, 2010
End Times Narrow Gate: Church, Never Presume that God will Hear Your Prayers!
The watchman heard this urgent message, “Wake up! Do you know whose prayers are being heard by God? What make you presume that God hearsyour prayers because you are a Christian or a Jew?”
He was led to read about the Roman Officer, Cornelius, who was not a Jew, so he was not under God’s Covenant with Abraham. He was also not a Christian when he was living a righteous life, so he was not covered under the New Testament Covenant (i.e. having the right to use the name of Jesus to pray to God). But the Bible recorded that God heard his regular prayers and took note of his righteous deeds (looking after the poor, livimng a life well respected even by the Jews).
What happened to Cornelius revealed God’s heart. He looks into man’s heart and man’s deed. True worshiper worships in truth and in spirit. Cornelius took the bother to learn all about God’s laws and practice them diligently. He truly fears God. He respects and honors God by maintaining a close relationship with God through his regular daily prayers, and a righteous relationship with men, giving honor to God. For example, he knows the time of public prayers at the temple of Jerusalem is three o clock in the afternoon and he also prays at that hour. He knows that God’s laws require charity and kindness in action to the poor and he obeys and carries out regularly. His belief and faith in action influence not only his own family and relatives, also his friends and even his subordinates/soldiers!
Wake up, church, God is looking for such men to honor His name! Stop your mere lip service or fantastic worship, singing lies, offering your unrepentant, un-regenerated selves which are totally unacceptable and unholy offerings (lame, blind, defective) to God. (Read Malachi and tremble)
__________________________Below are excerpts from Acts of the Apostles chapter 10, on what happened to Cornelius.
4 “And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”
22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.”
24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.
28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
9 “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,[c] 40 but God raised him to life on the third day.
42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.
Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
__________________________
The end times countdown clock is ticking fast…Don’t presume anymore, church! Do you know that some poor men out there are crying out to God against your injustice, your unrighteousness? Why do you think Jesus reminds us of the narrow gate?
February 23, 2010
Chapter Seventy-Two: A watchman on the wall cries out, “Enter through the narrow gate!”
The more Jack seeks God the more he knows that time is short and there is a sense of increasing urgency for God's people to know God. Jesus defined "eternal life" as "know God the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom God has sent". (John 17:3) So there is no other more important matter than this, making sure that one knows God and Jesus.
Has God made it difficult? No. As God has so loved the world that He has given His only Son Jesus to die for and has thus redeemed the lost world (including the whole human race). It is only logical that he would similarly make it easy for those who believe to get to heaven. There is only one problem for Christians. The problem of unbelief.
What Jack has been learning lately has cried out to him loudly, "What makes you think you know God? If you know God can you still harbor unbelief in your heart? Unbelief is not believing in all the word of the Lord and still preferring to do things the usual worldly way!"
His greatest unbelief is not living fully by the Holy Spirit. The teaching from his previous Churches do not believe in the absolute requirement by God that Christians live in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. The churches teach that Christians are considered as having complied in their mind. They teach that it is risky to try to really follow the Holy Spirit and live in the Spirit. They do not believe that God (the power of the Holy Spirit) can protect His children who have come to Him by faith and trusting and obeying His word by faith, and exercising the spiritual authority that Jesus has given to all His followers.
Yet, it is so clear in the whole Bible that there are no other way to obey God and His word except through the Holy Spirit. Jack has discovered that Jesus Himself and the Apostles (inspired by the Holy Spirit) have given Christians clear instructions (on how to enter the kingdom of God through the narrow gate) in this respect.
The First Clue: You can only enter heaven like the wind.
Jesus told Nicodemus (a high positioned political official and authority on Jewish religion) that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6)
This clue clearly says that one can only enter the kingdom of God in spirit (born of the Holy Spirit).
Jesus in fact illustrated how this will happen. "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8) This means when one is born of the Spirit one can enter the kingdom of God as free as the wind blows and as unencumbered by flesh (a body and/or a mind that is against God). (Romans 8:7)
Conclusion: If you do not want to become involved in the matter of the Holy Spirit, you cannot get there.
The Second Clue: You can only enter heaven living the spiritual, supernatural life.
The Apostle Paul further explained clearly in Romans 8:1-16 how there is no alternative for a Christian but to be led by the Spirit and walk according to the Spirit.
How to know you are one of them? Those who are in Christ Jesus have the Spirit of Christ dwell in them, walk according to the Holy Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit, are spiritually minded, and are led by the Spirit of God. These are Christians (sons of God) who can live the supernatural life of Christ (living divine and empowered by the Holy Spirit).
How to know you are not one of the above? These are people who do not have the Spirit of Christ, walk according to the flesh (following the world and its system/way, loving the world and the things of the world, only seeing and caring for the things that can be seen), setting their minds on things of the flesh, knowing only how to do deeds of the body (not of the Spirit).
If you think that you can be led by the Spirit in your mind, you are wrong. The mind is carnal and is against God. (Romans 8:7)
Conclusion: You just have to practice living in the spirit on earth as it is in heaven.
The Third Clue: Christians are elected to worship God. God is seeking true worshipers. There is a place for you in heaven if you are one!
Jesus told the Samaritan woman by the well this truth. "But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24)
It therefore makes sense to practice worshiping in spirit and in truth when on earth. A pastor thus challenged, "What makes you think you can suddenly become a true worshiper on that Day when you do not practice now on earth? What makes you think you will like worshiping day and night there when you never like it here?" Indeed, there is no way you can fit into the elect group when you heart does not desire to worship God. How many minutes can you bear worshiping God? Are you worshiping God even when you are alone, at any moments? Be honest as it is a life and death matter!
Conclusion: You can only enter heaven if you are a true worshiper. If you cannot worship in spirit (not in mind/mere emotion, but in the Holy Spirit) and in truth (based on the word of God and in Jesus who is the Truth), then you do not qualify.
The Fourth Clue: You can only enter heaven with Jesus.
Jesus told His disciples that He would come again and receive them to Himself. He also told them clearly that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6). He then gave an important key : "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7) He promised them that He would pray the Father to send the Spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit) to guide them into all truth, and tell them things to come. The Holy Spirit will dwell with them and will be with them.
There is a further crucial clue. Jesus told them, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) Here, a Christian is promised of the presence of God Himself, with the condition that the Christian keeps God's word.
Conclusion: You need the Holy Spirit and the word of God to enter heaven.
Summary: in all four clues, you need the Holy Spirit to take you to heaven!
Christ is our real life. How to live the real life? Jack has been learning to practice this in his journey in the Holy Spirit. He prays that you too may find the desire in your heart to do so. You do not have any alternative, really.
December 2, 2009
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: CONTINUE TO ENTER THE NARROW GATE TO HEAVEN
Due to the constant flow of traffic of readers to read my blog on “chapter nineteen: narrow gate and difficult way to heaven? Journal Day 22-24 Enter by the narrow gate”, I am led by the Holy Spirit to write further on this subject just to remind myself and my loved ones the urgency and importance to know how to enter into heaven at this end time.
I list below the Bible verses on this life and death matter. I also append my observations in the brackets following each set of verses.
1. The narrow Gate: Jesus spoke these famous sayings in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
(Contrary to the general and popular teaching of other religions and most modern churches, a lot of people are being excluded from entering heaven, simply because they have chosen the broad and easy way).
2. The seeker of God: “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come”. (John 7:34)
(Although many seek God/Jesus, read up on the subject, study religious materials and Bible, and take part in evangelical rallies and other forms of spiritual pilgrimages, not every one who seeks God/Jesus could find Him or go to heaven where He has gone).
3. The doer of “religious good deeds”: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” “And then I will declare to them, I never know you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21, 23)
(Although many practice some forms of religions including Christianity religion, follow the required religious rituals, practice religious living, believing that they are serving God, not all who call God/Jesus as Lord and think that they have served Him could enter heaven).
4. The knower of religious knowledge: There are people who claim that they know God/Jesus because they read up the Bible, take part in church or other religious services, religious activities, religious ceremonial meetings, and so on. (Luke 13:26) but Jesus said, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity,” (Luke 13:27)
(Not all who think they know God/Jesus in their physical senses and their minds are known by God/Jesus. To God they are workers of iniquity!)
Who are those who are being disqualified by God/Jesus?
1. They are lawless and workers of iniquity: Proverbs described the characteristics of these people. They hated knowledge (of God), did not choose to honor and fear God reverently, would have none of the Lord’s counsel, and despised God’s every rebuke. (Prov. 1:29-30) Jesus warned: “Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; they will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me.” (1:28)
(Take note that these people also seek God diligently but could not find God. Why? They go to church physically without really going with their hearts. They do not believe or want to follow God’s words. They continue to live by the world’s standards and values, and not the values and standards of the kingdom of God).
2. The prophet Hosea also stated that the people (with their flocks and herds) shall go and seek the Lord, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. Why? God said they had dealt treacherously with Him. They had begotten pagan children, indulging in pagan worship and idolatry. (Hosea 5:6-7)
(These religious people try to look for God bringing their whole family too. They go to church like any other Christians do. But God said they have married the world and begotten pagan children! They have lived the lifestyle of the world, be in close intimate relationship with the world, and produced pagan offspring instead of citizens for the kingdom of God!)
3. Jesus warned about the false prophets (pastors and preaches of today’s churches) of His days. Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Jesus also said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (eternal damnation). (Matthew 7:19)
(Only where Jesus and His salvation are being preached, then people can be saved. If a preacher/pastor preaches anything but Jesus and His salvation, there will be no production of Christian (good fruit in God’s eyes) for the kingdom of God, thus resulting in eternal damnation of his followers/members of the so called “church”).
How to enter the narrow gate to heaven?
Jesus said, “I am the gate/door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own”. (John 10:14)
Jesus said, “The sheep hears His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” (John 10:3-5)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14)
(There are no other way, but to learn to know Jesus, follow His voice, and be led by Him into the narrow gate, into the kingdom of God living.)
Jack’s application: Practice living daily the sheep life (kingdom of God living) by faith. Follow Jesus daily. Make sure He knows me. Watch and pray as Jesus has commanded His followers.
2009-12-02
I list below the Bible verses on this life and death matter. I also append my observations in the brackets following each set of verses.
1. The narrow Gate: Jesus spoke these famous sayings in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
(Contrary to the general and popular teaching of other religions and most modern churches, a lot of people are being excluded from entering heaven, simply because they have chosen the broad and easy way).
2. The seeker of God: “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come”. (John 7:34)
(Although many seek God/Jesus, read up on the subject, study religious materials and Bible, and take part in evangelical rallies and other forms of spiritual pilgrimages, not every one who seeks God/Jesus could find Him or go to heaven where He has gone).
3. The doer of “religious good deeds”: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” “And then I will declare to them, I never know you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21, 23)
(Although many practice some forms of religions including Christianity religion, follow the required religious rituals, practice religious living, believing that they are serving God, not all who call God/Jesus as Lord and think that they have served Him could enter heaven).
4. The knower of religious knowledge: There are people who claim that they know God/Jesus because they read up the Bible, take part in church or other religious services, religious activities, religious ceremonial meetings, and so on. (Luke 13:26) but Jesus said, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity,” (Luke 13:27)
(Not all who think they know God/Jesus in their physical senses and their minds are known by God/Jesus. To God they are workers of iniquity!)
Who are those who are being disqualified by God/Jesus?
1. They are lawless and workers of iniquity: Proverbs described the characteristics of these people. They hated knowledge (of God), did not choose to honor and fear God reverently, would have none of the Lord’s counsel, and despised God’s every rebuke. (Prov. 1:29-30) Jesus warned: “Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; they will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me.” (1:28)
(Take note that these people also seek God diligently but could not find God. Why? They go to church physically without really going with their hearts. They do not believe or want to follow God’s words. They continue to live by the world’s standards and values, and not the values and standards of the kingdom of God).
2. The prophet Hosea also stated that the people (with their flocks and herds) shall go and seek the Lord, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. Why? God said they had dealt treacherously with Him. They had begotten pagan children, indulging in pagan worship and idolatry. (Hosea 5:6-7)
(These religious people try to look for God bringing their whole family too. They go to church like any other Christians do. But God said they have married the world and begotten pagan children! They have lived the lifestyle of the world, be in close intimate relationship with the world, and produced pagan offspring instead of citizens for the kingdom of God!)
3. Jesus warned about the false prophets (pastors and preaches of today’s churches) of His days. Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Jesus also said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (eternal damnation). (Matthew 7:19)
(Only where Jesus and His salvation are being preached, then people can be saved. If a preacher/pastor preaches anything but Jesus and His salvation, there will be no production of Christian (good fruit in God’s eyes) for the kingdom of God, thus resulting in eternal damnation of his followers/members of the so called “church”).
How to enter the narrow gate to heaven?
Jesus said, “I am the gate/door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own”. (John 10:14)
Jesus said, “The sheep hears His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” (John 10:3-5)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14)
(There are no other way, but to learn to know Jesus, follow His voice, and be led by Him into the narrow gate, into the kingdom of God living.)
Jack’s application: Practice living daily the sheep life (kingdom of God living) by faith. Follow Jesus daily. Make sure He knows me. Watch and pray as Jesus has commanded His followers.
2009-12-02
September 24, 2009
CHAPTER FORTY ONE: FASTING, PRAYER, WARFARE AND BREAKTHROUGHS
Trying to fast seriously has brought spiritual breakthrough. Setting the right goals for fasting is essential. When confronted with a life threatening crisis, people are more willing and sincere in fasting and prayer. On the other hand, when one’s goal is to get close to God and obeying His command (as in the Bible), to be more spiritually discerning (so as to obey His command/will), to breakthrough in applying Biblical living, the fasting is just as effective. These are some of Jack’s recent findings through readings and personal experience.
After fasting partially he felt his body lighter and not as cumbersome. He found that he could concentrate more on spiritual matters (matters pertaining God). He was more focused in worship and prayer. He renewed his enthusiasm for intercession for others, and even the big issues like the salvation of the world. When interceding for smaller things, like for families, he was more discerning and was able to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Unlike what he had feared previously, there was not much bodily discomfort other than the usual mild hunger pang at certain intervals (possibly more induced by psychology and habits). Even the slowing down of life did not bother him much. He felt more relaxed as he no longer needed to worry about what he should eat for the next meal.
He had more quality time on hand and could do more work and more Bible reading (in addition to prayer). He had less strife when dealing with people and situations. Somehow, his world seemed changed for the better. Reading the Bible is another big gain. He had never been able to read so much in the same time frame before. This time he had no agenda and read at ease, as led by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, as he read, he received the messages that God was speaking to him. So he prayed in response as he read.
Prayer-wise there were breakthroughs too. He interceded as led by the Holy Spirit. For example, one morning he thought he had finished praying as he woke early and had almost two hours with the Lord. However, when he returned from an assignment, he was led to intercede further and spent another two hours! He was not even aware of the time.
This morning he wanted to pray for a relative urgently so he woke early and spent time before the Lord. However, when he thought he needed to intercede more, the Holy Spirit led him to pray for one particular big nation/one big religious group) on an urgent matter. So he obeyed. At the end of that prayer, he was shown a vision about the relative whom he had wanted to pray for. The vision was positive and answered his earlier concern.
He learned from this experience that we cannot limit God. When we put ourselves in the flow of the Holy Spirit, life becomes effortless and the spiritual reality becomes clearer and discernable. This is part of Kingdom of God living and living in the Spirit as instructed in the Bible.
It is like heaven come down and life has such a clarity as he has never seen before. It is indeed wonderful!
September 17, 2009
CHPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LIVE BY THE SPIRIT
For those who want to live a victorious Christian life, a life as the son of God, in the kingdom of God, you have no choice but to live by the Holy Spirit. When you ignore the Holy Spirit and His work, you end up living a substandard Christian life.
This is what Jack has discovered in his quest to live Biblically an in the Spirit. He struggled all the way and tried to be good when Jesus Himself has clearly declared that no one is good (except God). Not living the Kingdom life means not living as sons of God. Instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit, a Christian chooses to continue patterning his lifestyle after the world, compromising with ungodly standards and living lives of no eternal value.
If you want to live by the Holy Spirit, please join Jack in this prayer:
“Dear Lord God and Heavenly Father: Thank you that I can come before You and repent of our failing to live by the Spirit as sons of God. On behalf of myself and Your people, I repent for living in rebellion and disobedience to Your word. Please forgive us for not allowing the Holy Spirit to take charge and rule over us (the church).
Please forgive us for trying to do Your work in our own strength when Your word clearly proclaims that it is not by might, nor by power but by Your Holy Spirit alone. We now repent for living by the flesh and not living by the Spirit. We call ourselves sons of God but we live like the world, when Your word clearly states that living according to the flesh (the world) will die. Please forgive us of all our sins of rebellion and disobedience, of living in the flesh and not living in the Spirit, and for taking You for granted.
Please forgive us for our ignorance of Your word. We pray that You will help us to go back to Your word, learn to live by the Spirit and no longer live by the flesh.
Thank you Father God that we can be sons of God led by the Spirit of God, no longer patterning our lives after the world but after our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for hearing our prayer. In Jesus’ awesome name we pray. Amen.”
September 5, 2009
CHAPTER THIRTY: HOW NOT TO LOVE YOUR LIVES TO THE DEATH?
When Jesus began to preach, He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) He told the disciples His mission on earth, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” He taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (which was followed by “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt.6:10) He proclaimed His mission on earth was to do His Father’s will. Jesus’ famous teaching about blessings was centered on the characteristics of the kingdom of heaven citizenship. (Matt.5:3-12) When He commissioned His disciples to go out to preach He instructed them, “And as you go, preach saying, ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ His disciples asked Him what will be the sign of Him coming and of the end of the age. Jesus answered, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt.24:14)
Since Jesus had focused His ministry on earth on preaching the good news about the kingdom of heaven/God, it makes sense for us to know and live this kingdom life, Jack reckoned. Recently when he received a notice of seminar on “Thy kingdom come” training, he enrolled immediately.
It was a four days intensive course daily seventeen hours stretching from morning to night and early morning with three hours dinner and bathroom break in the evening and another four hours sleep and breakfast break in the morning. They fasted lunch. He drove for about three hours on a Sunday afternoon, had a hasty light dinner and joined the marathon kingdom training at 8pm. The course went on until 4am in the morning. By then his mind was saturated. So he gave up and drove back to the hotel to take his sleep. The second day started at 9am. He missed the hotel breakfast and had his own snacks in the room. It was tough going as he went along. But he was prepared to sit out the whole course.
This time he found that he could be part of the worship, as he had trained hard in the prayer house during the last six months. He had no back ache or body sore whatsoever (unlike six months ago when he first attended the same seminar). He also managed not to fall asleep although he did feel sleepy once or twice.
The worship in the Spirit was powerful. On one night he was worshipping in the Spirit through singing spiritual songs. On occasions when he was led to sing in words like, “hallelujah”, “worthy”, “mighty God”, he found the song leader (a Spirit-filled elderly pastor) similarly burst forth in singing such words too in her spiritual songs. He was amazed and knew that the Holy Spirit indeed was leading them as he was not singing loudly and many people were singing or praying aloud in tongues so the noise would have drowned his own utterance.
On the last day when they were worshipping Jack prayed in his heart for the Holy Spirit to come and burn off whatever chaff he still had in him that was hindering him from God, and he also pledged that his life would not be the same again. Immediately after he prayed, the songs that followed were all about the Holy Spirit, like fire, coming to burn off the chaff in people, and their lives would never be the same again!
It was a confirmation from the Holy Spirit to Jack that he could hear the Holy Spirit more clearly now.
The course was taught by two senior lady pastors (in their 60s?) who live practically on divine health and divine stamina. They teach on how to prepare for the coming of Christ and how we ought to live as kingdom citizens. At the end of the seminar they imparted and anointed the students in two areas of spiritual zeal: the zeal to pursue God and the zeal to pray and intercede for all nations.
They were given three charges: to re-structure their prayer lives; to pray as a family (at home); and to pray for all nations.
What Jack was urged to commit up to this point was not difficult to follow. However, he was troubled by the definition of a overcomer. In Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
The first two verses are alright for him but the third verse was not for a coward. He knew he had to go home after this course and think hard on this matter.
The key question is: why does he love his life on earth?
Why do you love your present life so much? Don’t you know no one can be an immortal on earth? In fact these are the questions he had been asking himself during his quest to live Biblically and in the Holy Spirit.
Now that he knows the kingdom of heaven is real and that he can hear the Holy Spirit (God Himself), he is not so worried about life on earth. On the other hand he still needs to find out the key purpose of his present life and make sure he has lived that purpose before he can move on.
During the seminar he saw a vision of Jesus carrying two items: a sword in one hand and a jar (of incense?) in another hand. He had the perception that they meant the word of God and prayers. Are these meant to be his key purpose in life? Was this why he had been thus far led to seek God and an answer for his existence?
AAA Jack
9-5-09
August 10, 2009
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY HEALED
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and He will only guide Jack as Jack sought Him out. The Holy Spirit never forced Himself on anyone. This is Jack’s discovery in his quest of living Biblically and in the Spirit. The exciting thing about being a Spirit-filled Christian is that he is no longer two-dimensional (living in his body and his mind). He is now a multi-dimensional being, with his life in the spiritual realm becoming real to him.
He now knows he is secure in God, and does not fear anymore of the unknown. He can deal with physical and mental problems more confidently and indeed take the spiritual authority that Jesus has already given to every believer through the Holy Spirit without hesitation. He now understands what Jesus means about the more abundant life.
There are so much more to live now. He takes stock and lists out a summary of what had happened to him so far in living in the Spirit:
1. Body: he has overcome the addictive and compulsive spirits: long term sickness of allergic rhinitis, irregular and extremely high heart rate, hypertension, bone and muscle weakness, joint pains, injured lower back ache that kept recurring, gluttony for sweet food and addiction to caffeine.
2. Soul (mind and emotion): he has overcome problems with a host of mind related issues, pessimistic outlook, spirit of fear (fear of rejection, fear of authority, worry, sensitiveness, insecurity, nervousness, persecution, indecision).
3. Spirit: he has overcome the spirit of heaviness (despair and hopelessness).
He knew it was not him who overcame. The Holy Spirit in him manifested and overcame for him as he became more and more aware of, sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit.
It is now a joy to live each day with the Holy Spirit being a real companion for Jack.
______________________________________________________
JACK’S JOURNAL DAY 89: THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT
Today I woke reluctantly after the alarm had sounded its second round. I felt tired and sleepy despite the fact that I had gone to bed early. Why? Have I lost the burst of enthusiasm to seek God? Am I not led by the Holy Spirit?
I continued to read the Gospel recorded by John inspired by the Holy Spirit. I went through the section about Nicodemus. (John 3:1-21) Every Christian knows this story. What is there to read? What is there to know? I was still sleepy and disinterested. I prayed and told God that I could not see anything there that had not been known by practically every Christian since young, and I needed the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Then I was led to read again the red letters words spoken by Jesus. This time I was led by the Spirit. The words came real and I saw what I had never seen before! I record below what I discovered.
1. Nicodemus (a highly respected, important senior official and religious teacher) had recognized that God is with Jesus because he has seen all the supernatural signs that Jesus has done. Nicodemus wanted God to be with him too. He wanted to see and enter the kingdom of God too. But Nicodemus did not know anything about the Holy Spirit. He did not know that what Jesus did was a display of the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not know that God is a trinity God (the Father, the Son-Jesus, and the Holy Spirit).
2. Jesus explained to him that we need the Holy Spirit to see and enter the kingdom of God, in the following way:
Be born of the Holy Spirit. Become a spirit.
(We can then come and go as the wind blows where it wishes.)
3. Jesus speaks what He knows, testify what He has seen (with His Father and the Holy Spirit together as God).
4. Jesus speaks of heavenly things.
5. Jesus who is in heaven has come down from heaven to the world for a purpose.
a. God loved the world.
b. God’s plan is to give everyone eternal life.
c. The world can be saved through Jesus.
d. Jesus is the light.
e. All who come to the light will be saved.
f. He who does the truth comes to the light. His deeds have been done in God.
g. He who believes in Jesus will not be condemned.
Who will be condemned?
1. He who does not believe in Jesus is condemned already.
2. Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.
3. Everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Jesus told us that God loved us. He loved us to the extent that He gave His only Son to die for us so that we might live and not perish eternally. There are only two endings assigned when one dies. Either one goes to God’s place, which is heaven, or one goes to hell (the only alternative) which is the devil’s place. There are many descriptions of the devil’s place in the Bible and other records.
Is it difficult for one to enter heaven? No. There is one condition: one has to be born of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because you can only enter heaven as a spirit (of God).
How to be born of the Holy Spirit? By coming to Jesus and believe in Jesus.
As human flesh or as a spirit not of God, un-believer cannot enter heaven.
As a “Christian”, how do we know whether we can enter heaven? How does one know whether one is truly of God? Examine whether you are under the above category of “who will be condemned”.
If you are, repent NOW! (1 John 1:9)
AAA Jack
1 June 2009
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