PROCLAIMING THE NAMES OF GOD

 “Those who know Your name will put their trust in You!” –Psalm 9:10 

“Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.” –Psalm 44:5

 Jesus said, “whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” –John 14:13   

Proclaim the Name of God today!

Adonai-Jehovah 
(Sovereign Lord; Master Jehovah) 
Gen. 15:2,8
Advocate 
1 John 2:1
All in All 
Col. 3:11
Altogether Lovely 
Song of Sol. 5:16
Ancient of Days 
Dan. 7:13-14
Angel of His Presence 
Isa. 63:9
Apostle and High Priest 
Heb. 3:1
Apostle of Our Confession 
Heb. 3:1
Arm of the Lord 
Isa. 51:9-10
As Rivers of Water in a Dry Place 
Isa. 32:2
Author of Eternal Salvation 
Heb. 5:9
Author of Our Faith 
Heb. 12:2
Balam of Gilead 
Jer. 8:22
Banner of the Nations 
Isa. 11:12
Beginning 
Col. 1:18
Beginning of the Creation of God 
Rev. 3:14
Bishop of Your Souls 
1 Pet. 2:25 (KJV)
Blessed and Only Potentate 
1 Tim. 6:15
Branch of Righteousness 
Jer.23:5
Branch out of His Roots 
Isa. 11:1
Branch of the Lord 
Isa. 4:2
Bread of God 
John 6:33
Bread of Life 
John 6:35
Brightness of His Glory 
Heb. 1:3
Bundle of Myrrh 
Song of Sol.1:13
Captain of Our Salvation 
Heb. 2:10 (KJV)
Captain of the Host of the Lord 
Josh. 5:14 (KJV)
Chief Cornerstone 
Ps118:22;1Pe 2:6 
Chief Shepherd 
1 Pet. 5:4
Chiefest among Ten Thousand 
Song of Sol. 5:10
Chosen of God 
Luke 23:35
Christ Our Life 
Col. 3:4
Christ the Power of God 
1 Cor. 1:24
Cluster of Henna Blooms 
Song of Sol. 1:14
Commander 
Isa. 55:4
Consolation of Israel 
Luke 2:25 
Consuming Fire 
Heb. 12:29
Counselor 
Isa. 9:6
Covenant to the People 
Isa. 42:6 
Cover from the Tempest 
Isa. 32:2
Creator of All Things 
Col. 1:16
Creator of the Ends of the Earth 
Isa. 40:28
Crown of Glory 
Isa. 28:5 
Day Star 
2 Pet. 1:19 (KJV)
Dayspring from on High 
Luke 1:78
Deliverer 
Rom. 11:26
Diadem of Beauty 
Isa. 28:5
Door of the Sheep 
John 10:7
Elect One 
Isa. 42:1
Elect Stone 
1 Pet. 2:6
Eternal Life 
1 John 5:20
Eternally Blessed God 
Rom. 9:5
Everlasting Father 
Isa. 9:6
Faithful and True 
Rev. 19:11
Faithful and True Witness 
Rev. 3:14
Faithful Witness 
Rev. 1:5
Father of Mercies 
2 Cor. 1:3
Finisher of Our Faith 
Heb. 12:2
First and the Last 
Rev. 1:17
Firstborn among Many Brethren 
Rom. 8:29
Firstborn from the Dead 
Col. 1:18
Firstborn over All Creation 
Col. 1:15; Rev 1:5
Firstfruits of those Who Have Fallen Asleep 
1 Cor. 15:20
Flame 
Isa. 10:17
Forerunner 
Heb. 2:20
Foundation 
Isa. 28:16
Fountain of Living Waters 
Jer. 17:13-14
Friend Who Sticks Closer than a Brother 
Prov. 18:24
Garden of Renown 
Exek. 34:29
Gift of God 
John 4:10
Glorious Lord 
Isa. 33:21 (KJV)
Glorious Throne to His Father’s House 
Isa. 22:23
Glory of Your People Israel 
Luke 2:32
God Full of Compassion 
Ps. 86:15
God Manifest in the Flesh 
1 Tim. 3:16
God My Savior 
Luke 1:47
God of All Comfort 
2 Cor. 1:3
God of All Grace 
1 Pet. 5:10
God of Glory 
Acts 7:2
God of Hope 
Rom. 15:13
God of Love and Peace 
2 Cor. 13:11
God of My Life 
Ps. 42:8
God of Patience and Comfort 
Rom. 15:5
God of Peace 
Rom. 15:33
God of Recompense 
Jer. 51:56
God of the Whole Earth 
Isa. 54:5
God of Truth 
Deut. 32:4
God the Judge of all 
Heb. 12:23 
Good 
Ps. 34:8
Good Shepherd 
John 10:11
Good Teacher 
Mark 10:17
Governor 
Matt. 2:6 (KJV)
Grain Offering 
Lev. 2:1-10
Grain of Wheat 
John 12:23-24
Great High Priest 
Heb. 4:14
Great King above All Gods 
Ps. 95:3
Great Light 
Isa. 9:2
Great Prophet 
Luke 7:16
Great Shepherd of the Sheep 
Habitation of Justice 
Jer. 50:7
He Who Fills All in All 
Eph. 1:23
He Who Lives 
Rev. 1:18
He Who Will Come 
Heb. 10:37-37
Head of Every Man 
1 Cor. 11:3
Head of the Body 
Col. 1:18
Head Over All Things 
Eph. 1:22
Heir of All Things 
Heb. 1: 
Help of My Countenance 
Ps. 42:11
Hidden Manna 
Rev. 2:17
Hiding Place from the Wind 
Isa. 32:2
High and Lofty One 
Isa. 57:15
Highest 
Luke 1:76
His Only Begotten Son 
John 3:16
Holy 
Isa. 57:15
Holy and Awesome 
Ps. 111:9
Holy and True 
Rev. 6:10
Holy One and the Just 
Acts 3:14
Holy One of Israel 
Isa. 29:19;49:7
Hope of Glory 
Col. 1:27
Hope of Israel 
Jer. 17:13
Hope of Their Fathers 
Jer. 50:7
Horn of Salvation 
Luke 1:69
I AM 
John 8:58
Image of God 
2 Cor. 4:4
Image of the Invisible God 
Col. 1:15
Immanuel (God with Us) 
Matt. 1:23
Jehovah-Elohay (The Lord My God) 
Zech. 14:5
Jehovah-Eloheka (The Lord Your God) 
Exod. 20:2
Jehovah-Elohim (The Eternal Creator) 
Gen. 2:4-25
Jehovah-Elyon (The Lord Most High) 
Ps. 7:17
Jehovah-Hosenu (The Lord Our Maker) 
Ps. 95:6
Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) 
Gen. 22:8-14
Jehovah-Mekaddishkem (The Lord Our Sanctifier)Lev. 20:8
Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord My Banner) 
Exod. 17:15
Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord My Shepherd) 
Ps. 23:1
Jehovah-Ropheka (The Lord Your Healer) 
Exod. 15:26
Jehovah-Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) 
1 Sam. 1:3; Is 6:3
Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Our Peace) 
Judg. 6:24
Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord Is There) 
Ezek. 48:35
Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord Our 
Righteousness) 
Jer 23:6; 33:16
Jesus Christ the Righteous 
1 John 2:1
Judge and Lawgiver 
Isa. 33:22 Judge of the Living and the Dead 
Acts 10:42
Just One 
Acts 7:52
King 
Zech. 14:16
King In His Beau 
Isa. 32:17
King of Glory 
Ps. 24:10
King of Israel 
John 1:49
King of Jacob 
Isa. 41:21
King of Kings 
Rev. 17:14
King of Peace 
Heb. 7:2
King of Righteousness 
Heb. 7:2
King of the Saints 
Rev. 15:3
King over All the Earth 
Zech. 14:9
King’s Son 
Lamb in the Midst of the Throne 
Rev. 7:17
Lamb of God 
John 1:29
Lamb Slain 
Rev. 5:12
Lamb without Blemish 
1 Pet. 1:19
Leader 
Isa. 55:4
Life-Giving Spirit 
1 Cor. 15:45
Lord Our Maker 
Isa. 10:17
Light of Israel 
Light of Men 
John 1:4
Light of the City 
Rev. 21:23
Light to the Gentiles 
Isa. 42:6; Lu 2:32
Light of the Morning 
2 Sam. 23:4
Light of the World 
John 8:12
Lily of the Valleys 
Song of Sol. 2:1
Lion of the Tribe of Judah 
Rev. 5:5
Living BreadJohn 6:51
Living Stone 
1 Pet. 2:4
Lord 
Rom. 10:13
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 
2 Pet. 3:18
Lord of Both the Dead and the Living 
Rom. 14:9
Lord from Heaven 
1 Cor. 15:47
Lord God Almighty 
Rev. 4:8
Lord God of Truth 
Ps. 31:5
Lord God Omnipotent 
Rev. 19:6
Lord Mighty in Battle 
Ps. 24:8
Lord Most High 
Ps. 47:2
Lord of All 
Acts 10:36
Lord of All the Earth 
Zech. 6:5
Lord of Lords 
Rev. 17:14
Lord Our Maker 
Ps. 95:6
Lord Our Righteousness 
Jer. 23:6
Lord over All 
Rom. 10:12
Lord Strong and Mighty 
Ps. 24:8
Lord Who Created the Heavens 
Isa. 45:18
Lord Your Redeemer 
Isa. 43:14
Love 
1 John 4:8
Maker 
Isa. 17:7
Maker of All Things 
Jer. 51:19
Man Attested by God 
Acts 2:22
Man of Sorrows 
Isa. 53:3
Man of War 
Exod. 15:3
Manna 
Exod. 16:31
Master of the House 
Luke 13:25
Mediator 
Job 9:33; 1 Ti 2:5
Mediator of a Better Covenant 
Heb. 8:6
Mediator fo the New Covenant 
Heb. 12:24
Messenger of the Covenant 
Mal. 3:1
Messiah 
John 4:25
Mighty God 
Isa. 9:6
Mighty One 
Ps. 45:3
Mighty One of Israel 
Isa. 30:29
Mighty One of Jacob 
Isa. 60:16
Minister of the Sanctuary 
Heb. 8:2
Morning Star 
Rev. 2:28
Morning without Clouds 
2 Sam. 23:4
Most High 
Ps. 18:13
Most Holy 
Dan. 9:24
My Beloved 
Matt. 12:18
My Elect One 
Isa. 42:1
My Fortress 
Ps. 12:2
My Glory 
Ps. 3:3
My Help 
Ps. 115:11
My Helper 
Heb. 13:6
My High Tower 
Ps. 144:2
My Hope 
Ps. 71:5
My Lamp 
2 Sam. 22:29
My Lord and My God 
John 20:28
My Maker Job 35:10
My Portion 
Ps 73:26;119:57
My Power 
2 Sam. 22:33
My Righteous Servant 
Isa. 53:11
My Rock of Refuge 
Ps. 31:2
My Salvation 
Ps. 38:22
My Shepherd 
Ps. 23:1
My Shield 
2 Sam. 22:3
My Song 
My Strength 
2 Sam. 22:3
My Strength and My Song 
Isa. 12:2
My Support 
2 Sam. 22:19; Ps. 18:18
My Well Beloved 
Isa. 5:1
Of Lord God of Hosts 
Ps. 59:5
Offering 
Eph. 5:2
Ointment Poured Forth 
Song of Sol. 1:3
One I Love 
Song of Sol. 3:2
One Shepherd 
John 10:16
One Who Shall Have Dominion 
Num. 24:19
Only Begotten of the Father 
John 1:14
Only Wise God 
1 Tim. 1:17 (KJV)
Our Hope 
1 Tim. 1:1
Our Great God 
Titus 2:13
Our Lawgiver 
Isa. 33:22
Our Passover 
1 Cor. 5:7
Our Peace 
Eph. 2:14
Our Potter 
Isa. 64:8
Peace Offering 
Lev. 3:1-5
Physician 
Luke 4:23 Polished Shaft 
Isa. 49:2
Portion of Jacob 
Jer. 10:16; 51:19
Portion of My Inheritance 
Ps. 16:5
Precious Stone 
Portion of Jacob 
Jer. 10:16; 51:19
Portion of My Inheritance 
Ps. 16:5
Precious Stone 
1 Pet. 2:6
Priest Forever 
Heb. 5:6
Prince and Savior 
Acts 5:30-31
Prince of Life 
Acts 3:15
Prince of Peace 
Isa. 9:6
Prince of Princes 
Den. 8:25
Propitiation for Our Sins 
1 John 2:2
Rabbi 
John 1:49
Rain upon the Mown Grass 
Ps. 72:6
Ransom 
Mark 10:45
Redeemer 
Isa. 59:20
Refiner and Purifier 
Mal. 3:3
Refuge from the Storm 
Isa. 25:4
Resting Place 
Jer. 50:6
Restorer 
Ps. 23:3
Resurrection 
John 11:25
Resurrection and the Life 
John 11:25
Rewarder 
Heb. 11:6
Righteous Judge 
2 Tim. 4:8
Rock of My Salvation 
2 Sam. 22:47
Rock of Offense 
1 Pet 2:8; Is 8:14
Rock That is Higher Than I 
Ps. 61:2
Rod from the Stem of Jesse 
Isa. 11:1
Root of David 
Rev. 5:5
Root of Jesse 
Isa. 11:10
Root Out of Dry Ground 
Isa. 53:2
Rose of Sharon 
Song of Sol. 2:1
Ruler 
Micah 5:2
Ruler over the Kings of the Earth 
Rev. 1:5
Sanctuary 
Isa. 8:14
Savior of the World 
1 John 4:14
Shade from the Heat 
Isa. 25:4
Shadow of a Great Rock in a Weary Land 
Isa. 32:2
Shelter for His People 
Joel 3:16
Shepherd 
Gen. 49:24
Shepherd of Israel 
Ps. 80:1
Shield 
2 Sam. 22:31
Shield of Your Help 
Duet. 33:29
Shiloh (Peacemaker) 
Gen. 49:10
Sign 
Luke 2:34
Son 
1 John 4:14
Son of God 
John 1:34
Son of Mary 
Mark 6:3
Son of the Father 
2 John 3
Son of the Highest 
Luke 1:32
Son of the Most High God 
Mark 5:7
Spirit of Justice 
Isa. 28:5-6
Star Out of Jacob 
Num. 24:17
Stone 
Matt. 21:42
Stone Cut Out without Hands 
Dan. 2:34-35
Stone of Israel 
Gen. 49:24
Stone of Stumbling 
1 Pet. 2:8
Strength of My Life 
Ps. 27:1
Strength to the Needy 
Isa. 25:4
Strength to the Poor 
Isa. 25:4
Strong Lord 
Ps. 89:8 (KJV)
Strong Tower 
Ps. 61:3
Stronghold 
Nahum 1:7
Sun and Shield 
Ps. 84:11
Sun of Righteousness 
Mal. 4:2
Sure Foundation 
Isa. 28:16
Surety 
Heb. 7:22
Sword of Your Majesty 
Deut. 33:29
Teacher 
Mt 23:8;Jn 13:13 
Tender Grass 
2 Sam. 23:4
Testator
Heb. 9:16
That Eternal Life 
1 John 1:2
That Spiritual Rock 
1 Cor. 10:4
Tower of Salvation 
2 Sam. 22:51 
Prov. 8:14
Unspeakable Gift 
2 Cor. 9:15 (KJV)
Upholder of All Things 
Heb. 1:3
Vine 
John 15:5
Way, the Truth, the Life 
John 14:6
Wisdom 
Prov. 8:12
Wisdom of God 
1 Cor. 1:24
Witness to the People 
Isa. 55:4
Wonderful 
Isa. 9:6
Word 
John 1:1
Word of God 
Rev. 19:13
Word of Life 
1 John 1:1
Your Confidence 
Prov. 3:26
Your Everlasting Light 
Isa. 60:20
Your Exceedingly Great Reward 
Gen.15:1
Your Holy One 
Acts 2:27
Your Keeper 
Ps. 121:5
Your King 
Zech. 9:9
Your Maker 
Isa. 54:5

THE RULE OF LIFE

How Many Rules of Life Should We Keep?

Originally there were 10 commandments. Ex.20.

In the Old Testament there are many “ thou shalt nots.”

A Jewish Rabbi counted 248 Commandments and 365 Prohibitions in Scripture.

David in Psalm 15 brought it down to 11.

(Psa 15:1-5)  A Psalm of David. Jehovah, who shall dwell in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; in whose eyes the reprobate is despised, but he honors those who fear Jehovah; he has sworn to his hurt, and does not change it; he has not put out his money at interest, nor has he taken a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall not be moved forever.

and Micah reduced it to 3.

(Mic 6:8)  He has shown, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Habakkuk put the rules of life altogether in one: “The just shall live by faith.”

(Hab 2:4)  Behold, the soul of him is lifted up, and is not upright; but the just shall live by his faith.

Later another Jewish Scholar with the most penetrating mind of his day saw that Habakkuk had hit on the central fact of life.

Jesus fulfilled all laws and accumulated them in one, the law of love.

(Mat 22:37-39)  Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Martin Luther summed up his 95 thesis as one, “ the just shall live by faith.”

Paul wrote half the New Testament around that discovery:

(Rom 1:16-17)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

(2Co 5:7)  for we walk by faith, not by sight;

(Gal 2:20)  I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf.

(Gal 3:21-27)  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For you are all the children of God by  the faith of Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

(Heb 10:38)  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

(Gal 2:16)  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(Rom 3:21-22)  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

We are redeemed from the law. Jesus finished and fulfilled them. There is one rule of life, the justified (YOU) shall live by faith. Whose faith? THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST!

THE PLACE OF REST

THE PLACE OF REST

Genesis 18:3-5 -
..."If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say." (NIV) 

We see in the above verse that Abraham is visited by the Lord unexpectedly. Abraham recognizes the Lord for who He is and suggests that He rest and have His feet washed. Abraham also offers food to be eaten that the Lord and the angels with Him may be refreshed. The Lord does not resist. The Tree of Life is the place of rest. It is the place of joint rest for Christ and His Body. It is here that He is refreshed and fed by His Bride. It is important to note that the Lord accepted the desires of Abraham because He was pleased with him. This is discovered in Abraham’s heart motive of being a servant to the Lord. The Lord is not coming to His Bride looking to be fed by any except those who have the heart of a servant towards Him. 

Matthew 11:28 -
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV) 

The idea of rest in the Body of Christ seems like such a foreign concept in this day and time. So much of the Church is convinced that they draw their identity from what they are doing instead of who they are being. It is important now more than ever that we understand the finished work of Christ and operate out of His work instead of producing something of our own effort. The revelation of rest is Christ being unable to be removed from the power of His finished work. 

God Is Finished
Everything God has ever wanted to do has been done. What manifests from our heavenly Father today flows out of His being, not His doing. We are ordained to enter the rest of the Lord and understand that it is not our accomplishments that make us effective, but rather our being in accordance with the relationship God desires from us. God is finished. The one God has three expressions and each is finished with His work. 

Hebrews 4:2-4 -
Now we who have believed enter that rest…And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His work.” 

The Father finished His work on the seventh day. We have assumed that this statement was relegated to His creation work. The truth is that all that He intended to do He accomplished by the sixth day so that He could rest from then on. 

Seven is such a perfect expression of the purpose of rest and there is much to support this in Scripture. Seven is the number of Spiritual perfection. Seven days in a week. Seven colors in the spectrum. There are 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 parables in Matthew, and 7 promises to the churches. There are 7 "eternals" in Hebrews which are: A priest for ever (1:6); eternal salvation (1:9); eternal judgment (6:2); eternal redemption (9:12); eternal spirit (9:14); eternal inheritance (9:15); and everlasting covenant (13:20). Each of these examples leads to a finish. 

John 19:30 -
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV) 

This verse simply paints the idea of the finished work of Christ. The person of Christ declared that what He had come to earth as a man to accomplish was indeed finished on the cross. His simple wording is profound in that it includes anything and everything. It does not matter the issue or excuse--it is finished! 

I Corinthians 2:9-10 -
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit teaches all things, even the deep things of God. (NIV) 

It would seem that in today’s Pentecostal Party that the Holy Spirit is working non-stop. The above verse shows us that the Holy Spirit has already revealed to us all things. This even includes that which cannot be seen, heard, or conceived. What is there left for the Holy Spirit to do? His purpose is to reveal truth. Since this has been accomplished it is accurate to say that the Spirit has done what He is going to do. 

What’s The Big Deal?
You may be reading this and wondering how important it is to understand the rest that is in God. In this day and age it is vital and necessary to appropriate the finished work of the Father in every area of life. Much of the Church is burned out from flowing in natural strength. Pastors are resigning at an alarming rate! If there has ever been a time for the Body of Christ to understand this revelation, it is now! 

Exodus 33:14 -
..."My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Deuteronomy 12:8-10 -
You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit, since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety. (NIV) 

The place of rest in the Father is a place where our opinions and desires are not allowed. The above verse shows us that you cannot come into the rest that the Father has for you as long as you are doing what you see as fit. We must cross over from the place of wandering and enter into the place of promise. This is the place of inheritance and rest from all of our enemies. Truly it is the place of perfect safety in God. 

Deuteronomy 33:12 -
..."Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." (NIV) 

The rest of God flows out of our love relationship with Him. It cannot come from any other place. The fruit of this exchange is our being able to rest in Him and He being able to rest in us. We also see that those who have a love relationship with the Lord rest between His shoulders. The place between the shoulders of the Lord is His loving heart. Partake of the Tree of Life (Jesus Christ) and partake of the rest ordained for you in the Father. 

Jesus Is The Pattern

John 14:6 -
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) 

There is a great freedom in understanding that we are not sanctioned to create a new pattern in the Kingdom of God. I believe that it is because of man’s religious desire to do something “new” that we are exposed to much of the error that runs rampant in the church today.  What we must do as believers is adjust to the perfect pattern that has already been established in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Matthew 9:35 -
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. (NIV) 

Matthew 10:1 -
He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (NIV) 

Matthew 10:8 -
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (NIV) 

Luke :1-2 -
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (NIV) 

The “works” that follow the Pattern should be obvious from the verses I have just shared with you. As we submit to the pattern of Jesus our accomplishments should at least be that of healing the sick, driving out demons, cleansing leprosy, raising the dead and preaching the Kingdom of God. We must understand that these things should be commonplace in the lives of all believers. These awesome initiatives are not reserved only for the Fivefold Ministry Gifts (Eph. 4:11) in the Church today. When the pattern is followed by everyone in the Body of Christ, the world and all who are in it will be changed. 

It is vital to remember that “works” in the Lord can only be birthed out of “relationship” with Father God. The works that many people desire to do are withheld from them because of their lack of relationship with the Lord. You will only be entrusted with the dynamic power of God based on the level of your intimate strength of relationship with Him. Remember, Jesus is the pattern. His relationship with the Father was both vital and paramount. We are to have the same relationship with the Father that Jesus has with Him. 

John 5:19 -
Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. (NIV) 

John 5:30 -
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (KJV) 

Relationship with the Father is the key to rest. Rest has been feared by the church because it is directly coupled with submission. You cannot walk out the pattern of Christ without direct relationship and submission to the Father. What He first does, we are permitted to do. What He first says, we are permitted to say (John 8:28; 9:4; 12:49; 14:10). 

Welcome to the place of rest. 

The Spirit of the Pharisees Cont.: Part 2

3. The Pharisees had made the commandments of God of none effect by

their traditions.  Matthew tells us of a confrontation between Jesus

and the Pharisees.  Matthew 15, "Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God; he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition" (Matthew 15:1-6).

The Pharisees had placed their ownideas over and above the revealed truth of God's Word. Their traditions had made void the word of God. This practice has continued even to this day. There are many who are following traditions rather

than the revealed word of truth. A great amount of division and trouble in the religious today are the direct result of men following their traditions rather than God's Word. How often have I heard people say, "Why, we have done it this way for years." Or, "our parents did it this way." The fact that something has been done for years does not make it wrong, but, that cannot be the reason for ourdoing whatever we may be doing. We must do what we do because we can find book, chapter, and verse for the practice. Rather than say, "We have done it like this for years," why not say, "Here is the passage that authorizes the practice."  The Pharisees had passed down their traditions; traditions which were not based on God's law. Can you find scriptural authority for all things which you practice and teach?

Sometimes we see even brethren who justify their practice with the old statement, "We have been doing it like this for years." Unless we can find better authority for a practice that this, we had better refrain from it. The religious world is divided because of this same excuse.

4. Another error of the Pharisees was that they drew near to the Lord with their mouth, but their hearts were far from Him.  Hear our Lord again, "Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men" (Matthew 15:7-9). Remember, we have already seen that they "said and did not do."  Unless the heart is involved in our worship, our service is vain, empty. It is the heart that must be converted. 

In the ninth verse we just read from Matthew 15, Jesus accused the Pharisees of teaching as their doctrines the precepts or commandments of men. Is not this the cause of much of the religious divisions seen today? The creeds, manuals, disciplines of men divide the religious world into many groups. Most of the division is caused, not by what God has said, but by what God has not said. Men refuse to recognize the silence of the scriptures. Where God has not spoken, man has no right to infringe. The inspired apostle Peter says, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). The practice of the Pharisees is still very much present today. There are many doctrines being taught today that are based upon the commandments of men.

5.The Pharisees loved the titles and the chief seats in the synagogues. Listen to Jesus again, "But all their works they do to be seen of men; for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven (Matthew 23:5-9). They loved the praise of men. They no longer were concerned about what God thought.  I now read from John 12:42-43, "Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God."

I am persuaded that there are many today who love the titles of men. They like the praise of men. They wear the titles of men. Many are offended if you do not call them by their religious titles. They are like the Pharisees of old. They demand the glory that is of men, rather than the glory that is of God. Does your religious leader wear a title given by man? Jesus said to call no man father. Obviously, He was not talking about our fleshly fathers, but rather, religious titles worn by man, given by man. 

6.Lastly, the Pharisees rejected the counsel of God,

"But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him" (Luke 7:30).

Counteracting the Pharisaical spirit

1.  Put on His righteousness

2. True and pure hearts of humility

3. Grace, mercy, forgiveness, yielding to the Holy Spirit not traditions. See Gal. 1:13-14

4. True worshippers in Spirit and in Truth.

5. Take the last place, be a servant

6. Take up the full counsel of God

We release the spirit of truth, apostolic and prophetic anointing/utterance, discerning of spirits, and the spirit of John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord. We release the move of God, a visitation of God and the spirit of truth.

The Spirit of the Pharisees

THE SPIRIT OF THE PHARISEES

“The letter kills, but the spirit gives life”(2Co 3:6)  who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.

Jesus was born under the Law of Moses; He kept that Law, He lived and died under that Law. His new law did not become effective until after His death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the Father. At the time that Jesus lived on this earth in the flesh, the Jews had divided themselves in different sects or groups. There were the Sadducees, the Pharisees, the Herodians, and a few other minor groups. These sects were not living in obedience to the Law. They had set themselves up, and in many ways had made themselves the standard in matters of religion. Christ upon numerous occasions used very severe language in rebuke of these religious sects. He often pointed out their sins and showed them the consequences of rebelling against His Father in Heaven. What was the spirit of the Pharisees, or we might say the attitude of the Pharisees? What made Christ's rebuke so severe of these religious leaders?  What was their true spirit?

1. The Pharisees were a self-righteous group. This attitude is

shown by the prayer offered by one Pharisee. Listen to him, "God, I

thank you , that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust,

adulterers or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give

tithes of all that I get" (Luke 18:11, 12).  These things which he did were required of him, but, it is his self-righteous spirit that the Lord rebuked. He was judging himself by what others were or were not. He had elevated himself up and over the publican. He lacked the spirit of humility.  Notice what the apostle Paul said concerning this subject. "For we are not bold to

number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding"(2 Corinthians 10:12,13). Then in verse 18 of the same passage, he concludes by saying, "For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."

There are still those today who measure themselves by others,rather than by the Word of God. They seem to think if they are just a little better than someone else, then they are right with God. They may be right with God, but it is not because they are more righteous than someone else, but, rather because of the  grace of the Father. The Pharisees elevated themselves above all others; they were a self-righteous group.

2. The Pharisees were desirous of doing their religious acts to be seen of men. Listen to Christ as He speaks of them, "But all their works they do to be seen of men" (Matthew 23:5). And again, "When therefore  you do alms, sound not a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they  may have glory of men(Matthew 6:2). Then in verse 5, "And when you pray,you shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men." The Pharisees wanted someone to pat them on the back and pronounce them righteous. They wanted the praise of men. Could it be possible that there those in the religious world today that are preforming primarily to be seen of men?They carry on and conduct themselves to make impression with their fellow men and women. If you do not know how righteous we are, just look at us and you will see our righteousness. They don't understand we have already been made righteous by the blood of the Lamb. There are a lot of showmen in the religious world. Those who love the praise of men.  There are certainly many who seem to be acting as the Pharisees of old. And usually it will not be long before they ask you for your money.

Jesus said the Pharisees, "said and did not do." Hear Him in

Matthew 23:3, "all things therefore whatever they bid you, these do

and observe; but dyou do not after their works; for they say, and do

not." Jehovah God has never accepted word worship,lip sevice, in the absence of obedience. Notice what Christ said in Matthew

7:21, "Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into

the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is

in heaven." He then uses the two builders to illustrate the fact that

it takes more than hearing God's Word; it takes obedience to the

for one to be pleasing in His sight.Salvation takes a life of obedience, complete submission to His Will.

What is obedience? Simply hearing the voice/word of God and doing it. Obedience is not just dead works. We are justified by faith alone. The faith that justifies us is not alone; it must be accompanied by the corresponding action of Holy Spirit. 

Continued in the next blog.

The Perfect Law of Liberty and Freedom in Christ

"But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25)

The idea of TRUE liberty and freedom can be confusing these days... especially with all the excesses and strange teachings going on.

Every person in this world wants freedom -- the problem is that most don't understand true freedom.

Today, in Churches, we have two false and opposing ideas concerning freedom.

1. Some false church teachings try to put us under the Law. Many denominations and leaders have not been able to deal with true freedom. They have come up with LOTS of useless rules. These rules allow for manipulation and control. Do this. Don't do that. etc. Legalistic mindsets try to take our freedoms away by dictating our choices.

The perfect law of liberty is a law that does not imprison us with useless rules and regulations. It sets us free from rigid and man-made confinements. When we are burdened by performance, achievement, or sin consciousness.

2. The other side of the pendulum exploits the truth of freedom in the opposite way. Love and freedom to them means that every person (regardless of their religion and lifestyle) is already a Christian. And... further... that there aren't really any rules.

Many think that "freedom" is a sort of a license so they could do anything they want to do - even if it is outside moral and ethical framework.

What is freedom for the Christian? Is it the right to live any way you choose and do whatever you want? Does it mean that your life choices don't matter? Should we really just all "do our own thing" because anything goes? Does freedom really mean that everyone is already "saved" no matter what they do, think, or choose?

What is most alarming about this liberal present move in the church is the diminishing of values, standards, moral principles, and ideals. This new influence of inclusive "Freedom" often flagrantly disregards ethical choices in the name of this false freedom. Consequently, many have become slaves of lawlessness, anarchy, and wantonness.

This free-thinking kind of freedom is artificial and false. It is the "spirit of this age" that too many follow -- it is the natural (old) man.

· "The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14)
My friend, Godly freedom should cause us to desire to make right choices.

Freedom IS LAWFUL. It is not a license to sin.

If the Church is to survive, she must comprehend true Freedom and not embrace delusion, debasement, or corruption.

There are few things in life as important as "liberty." The writers of the Declaration of Independence stated that liberty is the unalienable right of all humanity.

Believers know that the Creator gave us "free will." We must remember that what was important to the Lord from the beginning was that believers would voluntarily "choose" to follow Him. God didn't make us a bunch of robots or automatons. He gave us the freedom to choose to love Him and serve Him.

Later, the codified Law came - The Law of Moses in the Old Testament. The Law was not able to forgive sins, but it was the holy and precious way given to keep God's people together and following the Lord. It "covered" sin and provided parameters and boundaries.

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32).
The Mosaic Law represents:
What DO I HAVE TO DO to please God?
It works from outside inward.

The New Testament eliminates that codified system of law. Differing from the Old, the greater Law of love and freedom is written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31.31).

True FREEDOM means we now can joyfully CHOOSE to do right things - not that we legalistically HAVE to do them.

There old law binds us and the new law liberates us. That is why the new law is both perfect and free.

The Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus has sets us free from the law of sin death. The law of liberty is the law of love. That is why it is "perfect!: It is a higher law. It is CHRIST Himself living in & through us. As us. For us. Through us.

Love is the fulfillment of the Old Law and the release of the NEW.

The New Law of freedom is that of Love:

I know that I already please God!
Perfect freedom works from inside OUT!

Christian freedom is about what Christ did for us and gave to us - He set us free! Freedom is the PERFECT LAW of the New Testament. It is already perfect (See Jms. 1:16-17, 21-22, 24-26, 3:1-3).

This perfect freedom came only by the sacrifice of Jesus. He alone gave the New Divine law to "liberate" humans from the consequences of the Fall by conquering both physical and spiritual death. When we accept this sacrifice, we are:

· Free from obligatory and unnecessary rituals and duties.
· Free from the law of sin and death.
· This redemption makes it possible for you to enjoy LIFE and live in the peace and presence of God's Spirit.

Since James was the most Hebraic writers of the New Testament, we can expect that he truly understood BOTH the Law and redemptive Freedom.

Let's look again at what James tells us, "But he who looks (catches a glimpse - to look at with head bowed forward) into the perfect (complete , mature, of full age, adult) law of liberty, and continues (to stay near, remain, be permanent, persevere, abide) therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this person shall be blessed in his deed" (Jms. 1:25).

Freedom = legitimate and moral liberty. Liberty (in the Greek), is defined as a loosening or lessening of pressure. The Greek always carries the thought of relief from tribulation or persecution; Josephus referred to the rest from plowing the field in the Year of Jubilee.

Look how James 1: 25 reads in the Message Bible, "But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God - the free life! - even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."

You must (1) look into the Law of freedom, (2) act on it, and (3) not forget it.
There are consequences to every action. You are blessed if you act and don't forget.

Not being blessed sounds like a hard life to live!

Don't forget...

James goes on to say that freedom requires that we guide or bridle our tongue, remain pure from polluted religion, and help widows and orphans.

Importantly, those who become truly free will embrace righteous responsibilities and obligations realizing that living in freedom expands God's Kingdom as its own reward.
As you LOOK into this Law of Liberty, your New Man delights in Godly freedom. That doesn't mean to continue in sin - ("Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God" 1 Pet. 2:16). but to desire to do right. Keeping God's precepts becomes the highest kind of liberty.
...
James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (NAS). The New American Standard Bible says if you only hear and don't do what you've heard, you are misleading yourself. This should motivate you to continue in what you hear.
Paul said that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you FREE, you will be free indeed" (Jn. 8:34-36).
Liberty is the gift of free moral agency to wisely choose to follow God and to share the Kingdom with others.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us FREE. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Gal. 5:1,13).

It's all about the revealing of Christ in a people (Rom. 8:19)

Unity

"I no longer preach or teach unity for the Body of Christ”

Unity is not the objective - unity is the fruit, oneness the branches and humility the root. To put the emphasis on unity is to short-circuit the process of maturation. The fruit that is produced will not be fruit that will remain - it will not produce after its own kind nor will it offer nourishment to those who partake of it. If we focus on unity we will miss the calling mark of our Lord’s High Priestly Prayer recorded in John 17.

Indeed it is not unity the Savior is praying for in His Church - but oneness. "I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be perfected into one, and that the world may know that Thou didst send me, and didst love them as Thou didst love me." John 17:23 Young’s Literal Translation. "that they may become perfectly one," is the way the English Standard Version has it.

John 17, Jesus' prayer when authentically applied, God blesses "the church" community, and entire city in a substantial manner. These verses are the entreaty of the Son to the Father for absolute harmony and are prayed on our behalf. Let this prayer become our entreaty toward one another. This prayer for each other eliminates jealousy, strife, discord, (my church is the "only church" and your church is not attitude)   Instead oneness develops wholeness in His Church, His Body.

I recently asked a city-reaching comrade what Jesus prayed for in these verses.

His reply, "That we would be one." I continued, "You mean He didn’t pray for unity?" "No!" was his answer, "For unity is an attempt to create cooperation from the outside in, while oneness works its way from the inside out." We will never be same in doctrine, theology, belief etc. Diversity is a God idea.

WE ARE ALREADY ONE! Walk in that.

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 ESV