The Sons of GOD . Meditation; John 1: 6-14

1. John was sent by GOD to bear witness about Christ. (V7)
2. He was not Christ, but was sent as a witness for CHRIST. (V8)
3. Jesus Christ is the true light who can light any man who comes into the world.( v9)
4. He made the world. But the world knew him not. ( v10)
5. He came for his own people but they did not receive him ( v11)
6. But if we can receive him as CHRIST believing in his name, he gives us the power to become the SONS of the most high GOD. (V12)
7. As we are not born by the will of man or flesh or blood, but by God himself. (V13)
8. The WORD of GOD himself became flesh as JESUS CHRIST and he dwell among us.(v14)
9. He was full of grace and full of truth (v14)
10. His glory was the same as that of the Father's glory. ( v14)

Life application:
1. What do you think about John the Baptist?
2. Have we been personally enlightened by the light of Christ?
3. Do we know our creator?
4. Did we believe and receive him as CHRIST.?
5.  Do we believe that we have power to become the SONS of God?
6. Can we see Christ as the WORD OF GOD?
7. Can we see Christ being glorious, full of grace and truth?

The WORD became flesh : A Meditation John 1: 1- 5

1. Jesus is THE WORD.
2. He was in there in the beginning in the form of the word.
3. Jesus was there in the beginning when the world was created in the form of THE WORD.
4. Everything on Earth is made by him, through him and for him.
5. He is life.
6. This life in Jesus is a light to all men.
7. Where this light (life) is,  there can be no darkness.
8. This is one light that darkness can never swallow.

LIFE APPLICATION:
1. Can we equate the Holy scriptures  to Christ Jesus who came in flesh?
2. Do we still live in darkness not allowing the light of Christ to shine through us?
3. If light is life then darkness is death. Which side are we.?
Let this word of God work in us and through us that we will be able to walk in the light as children of the most high God.

333 - your helpline 24/7 - Jeremiah 33:3

Being Partakers of Christ - Hebrews Chapter 3

BE A PARTAKER OF CHRIST JESUS

My beloved in Christ! It is my ultimate pleasure to bring unto you the next article on our Hebrews series  .....to help you assimilate the wonderful mysteries hidden in the word of God. Chew the cud and be blessed!!!

CHRIST  - FAITHFUL OVER HIS OWN HOUSE:

1. Being the partakers of the heavenly calling Paul urge us to consider the life of Christ Jesus as an apostle         and high priest. (3:1)
2. Christ was faithful to God who appointed him just as Moses was faithful in all his house. (3:2)
3. The one who has built the house has more honor than the house itself. In a similar way, Christ being God        is worthy of more glory than Moses. (3:3).
4. Every house is built by some man, but it is God who built all things. (3:4).
5. Moses was faithful as a servant in all his house, pertaining to the testimony of those things that were yet to     come. (3:5)
6. Christ is faithful as a son over his own house. (3:6).
7. If we hold fast to the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm till the end, then we are the house of        Christ. (3:6).

GRIEVING THE HEART OF GOD:

8.  This is why the Holy Spirit tells us that, today if we will hear God`s voice (3:7), we should not harden our       hearts and provoke God, as it happened in the day of temptation in the wilderness in Moses` times.               (3:8).
9.   Our fore-fathers tempted God, they proved him and saw his works for forty years. (3:9).
10. Hence, God was so grieved with that generation and said in his wrath that they always err in their hearts         and have not known God`s ways. (3:10) and that they shall not enter into God`s rest. (3: 11).
11.With whom was God grieved for forty years? Whose carcases fell in the wilderness? To whom God              sware that they should not enter his rest? (3:15 - 3:17).
12. He did so for those who had sinned and them that believed not. ( 3:18).
13. Hence, we see that they could not enter into the promised land because of their unbelief. (3:19).

HOLDING ON TO CONFIDENCE:

14. This is why brethren, we need to take heed not to have an evil heart of unbelief, thereby departing from         the living God. (3:12).
15. We need to exhort one another everyday, that we will not be hardened by the deceit of sin. (3:13).
16. For, if we hold on to the confidence we had in the beginning, steadfast till the end, we are made to be           partakers of Christ. (3:14)

PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus! thank you for edifying us through your word in Hebrews Chapter 3. Lord! give us the grace not to have an evil heart of unbelief, thereby departing from the living God. Help us Lord! not to harden our hearts by the deceit of sin, thereby provoking you as it happened in the day of temptation in the wilderness. Enable us Lord, to exhort one another and hold on to the confidence we had in the beginning, till the end that we may be partakers of Christ Jesus...... In Jesus mighty name we pray,
Amen.

THE ANOINTING OIL AND THE HOLY SPIRIT - Contd (Chapter -3)

Chapter -3

         JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH: MESSIAH – “THE ANOINTED ONE”

          The word Messiah gets its origin from the Hebrew word, (maw-shakh'), meaning “the anointed one”. This got the name, Christos when it was transliterated to the Greek in the New Testament. Since the first century AD the word “Christ” originating from the Greek word “Christos”, is being used to describe Jesus of Nazareth, as the “anointed one” of the Lord.

Ø  The Lord God anointed Jesus, to preach good tidings to the meek. Because of this anointing, THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD was upon Jesus. (Isaiah 61:1)

1.      The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2.      To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3.       To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

God anointed Jesus with Holy Spirit and power. (Acts 10:38)

³⁸ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT:

Jesus explains about the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and the Spirit of truth in John 14:16, 17;

 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father himself, when Jesus prayed to him. (John 15:26)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Jesus had to depart for the spirit of God to be sent unto us. (John 16:7)

 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Jesus Christ himself is the one who baptizeth us with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:32, 33)

³² And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

³³ And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit is given to a person when he believes. (John 7: 38, 39)

³⁸ He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

³⁹ (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The Revelation behind the garden of Gethsemane:

Jesus Christ had to depart to his father, so that the Holy Spirit can be poured on the one who believes. (John 14:16; 16:7); But for this reason, Jesus had to pay a bigger price. He had to bear the agony of the cross, the sins of the whole world, upon him, shedding his blood as a ransom for our sins. (Hebrews 10:14-22). He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him as in (Isaiah 53:4, 5)

⁴ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

The Mount of Olives, where Jesus spent his last night praying, (Matt 26:36) was named Gethsemane. (Gat shemen meaning a “press of oil” in Hebrews), for the numerous Olive groves, and Olive oil presses at its base. Jesus Christ was crushed, (Psalms 22; Matthew 36: 38, 39) on this Mount of Olives, so that the exquisite oil of the Holy Spirit was poured out from him.

When Jesus was crucified, water poured out from his side, denoting the Holy Spirit as it is explained in John 19:34;

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

The Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Christ:

The Holy Spirit was the power behind the resurrection of Christ.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

After the resurrection of Jesus, He told his disciples to wait and pray till they receive power from heaven, i.e. the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

And this verse came to pass when the disciples waited in the upper room as in Acts 2:1-4

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

An Insight into the book of Hebrews - Chapter 2

           This chapter clearly explains, the plan of salvation of how Christ suffered for our sins and redeemed us by his blood. This blog is intended to make the understanding of the word of God a little easier. Hence, I urge you to meditate this Hebrews Chapter-2, straight from the Holy Bible, and use this post only as an aid for better understanding of the scriptures. Also, take a glance of An insight into the book of Hebrews - Chapter 1, for better continuity. Be blessed.

Be Serious about your Salvation:

• We should give heed to the things that we have heard. (refer Hebrews Chapter 1) or else, at any time we might let them  slip. (Heb 2:1)
• In the past, even the words spoken by angels were considered so important that every transgression and disobedience to that word was judged and punished. (Heb 2:2)
• But, in later times, the message of salvation was spoken by the Lord himself; (Heb 1:2). It was also confirmed to us, by them that heard Christ speak. (Heb 2:3)
• God himself bore witness and proved the words of Christ, with signs, wonders, miracles and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his own will. (Heb 2:4)
• Then how much more we need to be serious of the salvation through God`s only son, Jesus Christ Of Nazareth? How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Heb 2:3)

Man made to be a little lower than angels:

• God did not subject the world unto angels. (Heb 2:6)
• But God has put all things in subjection under man`s feet, though  all things are not yet under him. (Heb 2:8)
• God has made man a little inferior to angels. Yet he has crowned him with glory and honor, setting him above all of God`s creation. (Heb 2:6,7)
• This is what is written in one place about man, revealing the position of man and angels; "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:" (Heb 2: 6,7)

Jesus Christ took the form of man so that he can taste death for us:

• Jesus Christ took the human form, a form that is a little lower than the angels yet crowned with glory and honor, so that he can take the Suffering of death. ( Heb 2:9)
• He took the human form, so that he can taste death for every men, by the grace of God. (Heb 2:9)
• All things are made for Christ and by Christ. Yet, being the captain of salvation, God chose to perfect him through sufferings, so that he can bring many sons (people), into glory. (Heb 2:10)
• He took a human form so that, he who sanctifies (Christ himself) and the one being sanctified (us) are all one. Hence, he is not ashamed to call us his brethren. (Heb 2:11)
• This is what is written in verse 12 and 13 as, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me". 
• He did not take the form of angels, but took on him the form of a man, the seed of Abraham. (Heb 2:16)
• In all things he took the form of his brethren, so that he can be a faithful and merciful high priest in all things pertaining to God and to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Heb 2:17)

Jesus` victory over death:

• We, being children are in flesh and blood, Christ himself took the same form, so that through his death he can destroy the devil who had the power of death. (Heb 2:14)
• Thus he is able to deliver anyone subjected to a lifetime bondage to the fear of death. (Heb 2:15)
• Because he himself suffered being tempted and took victory over it he can help everyone of us who are being tempted too. (Heb 2:18)

Life application:

1. We need to be serious of our salvation, as it is brought unto us by Christ himself.
2. Through the sufferings of Christ, we have been made children of the most high God.
3. Christ took all sufferings on the cross, that he can sanctify us by his blood.
4. He took the form of a man, so that he can be a faithful and merciful high priest to reconcile for our sins.
5. As children of the most high God, we need not be under a lifetime bondage to the fear of death. The power of death, the devil himself was DEFEATED, by the death of Christ.
6. Last but not the least, Because Christ went through various temptations and overcame them, he is more than able and more than ready to help us out in our temptations too.

Dear Child of God, if you are under a lifetime bondage to the fear of death, or caught up with various temptations rest assure, we have a merciful and faithful high priest, who can deliver us from the pangs of the evil one. If you are a victim, please, repeat this prayer with me.

" Dear Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the son of the most high God. I believe that you came in flesh and blood, so that you can sanctify me and give me victory over sin and death. Lord! I acknowledge that I am under the bondage of ------------------- (Ex: Sin, fear of death, drugs, self mutilation, shame, rejection, etc).  and I want to be set free from it. I strongly believe that you tasted death, that I can be free form the power of death, in its every form. I believe that you were tempted yet you took victory in all and  I believe you can help out in my temptations and weaknesses too. Wash me one more time by your blood. Cleanse me and make me whole. Thank you Jesus! for being the captain of my salvation and setting me free. In Jesus mighty name I pray.
Amen.
   If you are new in Christ and want to more about the greatest gift of salvation, Kindly read my blog on the prize of salvation in http://christlovelovelin.blogspot.ae/2015/01/the-prize-of-salvation.html 

The Anointing Oil and The Holy Spirit - Contd

                                                             Chapter -2

THE OIL – A METAPHOR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

The oil is used as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, throughout the scriptures.

   Let us consider the example of the ritual cleansing of the leper, as described in Leviticus 14:14-18;

¹⁴ And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

¹⁵ And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand:

¹⁶ And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord:

¹⁷ And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:¹⁸ And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord.

I would like to explain the hidden mysteries in this chapter, with the light of the Holy Spirit. The leper is a poor and humble sinner, seeking the face of God for his spiritual cleansing. The High Priest, being Christ himself, who offered himself as a trespass offering for our sins, (Hebrews 10:14-22), applies the blood over the sinner. AND….. Upon the very place where the blood is applied, the oil of the Holy Spirit is applied, for the further sanctification of the sinner.

·         The oil in the parable of the ten virgins, as Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 25, also refers to the Holy Spirit.

·         The oil in the parable of Good Samaritan in (Luke 10:34), denotes the pouring of the Holy Spirit and the wine being the blood of Christ

.

The other metaphors used to describe the Holy Spirit in the Bible include, the water, the fire, the wind, dove and many such.

The anointing and the Holy Spirit:

The Hebrew word for anointing is mashach (maw-shakh'), meaning to smear or paint. This word is derived from a primitive root, “to rub with oil”. The word “anoint” is found to have strong association with the Holy Spirit throughout the scriptures. Here below are some instances from the word of God that describe the correlation of the anointing oil with the Holy Spirit of God.

1.      When Samuel anoints Saul as King, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. (1 Samuel 10)

1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

² When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

³ Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

⁴ And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

⁵ After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

⁶ And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

2.      Similarly, when David was anointed by Samuel to be the King, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. (1 Samuel 16:13)

¹³ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.