In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus is instructing his disciples on how they would minister in his name after he was not with them anymore in physical form .
Jesus told them that they would have power over devils and be able to heal the sick but they would face great persecution for it.
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid because God will provide for them.
“You are more valuable than sparrows.” Jesus tells them.
This is a significant metaphor because not only are sparrows very tiny but they are the most common bird in the world. Their value on a monetary scale is less than a penny. You can buy two for one.
This metaphor reminds us that even though we may not consider ourselves to be very important in the grand scheme of things, Jesus puts great value on us. He says that if God cares about even a sparrow that falls to the ground, and makes sure that their needs are supplied then why wouldn’t he care for us? Our value to him is so much more!
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Not only are sparrows common birds but they live in any small area they can find. Sparrows particularly like to live near human populations.
The sparrow metaphor is used by the Lord because the sparrow signifies humanity. There are masses of people on the earth just like the common sparrow.
One has only to look at the parallel of the sparrow to realize that humanity is in a decline situation. The environment for sparrows is being effected by sin in the same way as it is for humans.
As humanity turns away from the living God they decline in every way in the natural realm. This in turn affects the sparrow who lives along side of humans.
The decline in sparrow populations today is significant. It is reflective of the human population turning away from God. This is a prophetic sign that we are indeed in the end times.
Sparrows feed predominantly on seeds. They do eat insects when they can find them but their mainstay is seed. Without seed sparrows perish. This is another reason for the metaphor.
Jesus said that the word of God is like seed that a sower sows. The receptivity of the heart determines the outcome of the seed. Whether the seed goes on to produce a good crop or whether it does not. All is dependent on the soil of one’s heart.
God’s word is like seed. Planted in good soil the seed will grow into the abundant life promised by Jesus Christ. Planted in not so good soil the seed will die. Matthew 13
Just like sparrows need seed to survive so does humanity need the seed of God’s word to survive. Without God’s word humanity will die both physically and spiritually.
God cares about the sparrow and he cares about humanity. Jesus cares about you!
It is only by turning back to Jesus Christ and his word that we can be taken care of in the natural as well as in the spiritual. Both now and for eternity.
The Roman belt or the balteus was a part of the Roman soldier’s amour.
It was the belt that held the scabbard which in turn carried the soldier’s sword.
Scriptures tell us to be girded in our minds with the truth. Just like the scabbard our mind is called to carry God’s word so that at anytime we can pull it out and do battle against the enemy.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Our mind is the carrier of God’s truth.
When God’s word is in our mind then we can have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
A transformed mind by the scriptures becomes a heavenly mind that thinks on those things that are above and not on the things of this world. A heavenly mind is a girded mind.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
God has promised to bring all things to our remembrance when we need it.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26
A Holy Spirit controlled mind that is filled with God’s word is able to cast down imaginations and every thing that exalts itself against the word of God.
All contrary ideas and mindsets which conflict with scriptures are to be cast down. We reject them as lies.
We are then able by the sword of the Spirit to bring captive all thoughts in the mind or the balteus to obey Christ.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Be girded in the mind today and always with God’s truth as set out in scriptures. When the devil comes with his lies and deception you can defeat him. Standing on God’s word that is above every other word will bring the victory! Satan hates the truth and cannot stand up to it.
That is what Jesus always spoke to the devil’s lies with IT IS WRITTEN!
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13
A mind filled with God’s word cannot be shaken regardless of the group think of this world system which is inspired by the evil one!
THE Latin word for sword is Gladius. This sword was used by Roman foot soldiers when in close proximity to the enemy. It was used to thrust at unprotected parts of the body while the shield was held up moving forward in battle.
Enemy exposed areas such as the throat, armpit, groin and main arteries were able to be thrust at with short stabs.
The Gladius was also used for blocking an opponent. A Roman soldier could block the enemy’s sword thereby leaving another Roman soldier adjacent to him to thrust the final blow.
The Gladius was also two edged. This gave it multi purpose. Not only could the Gladius be used for thrusting and blocking but the Gladius could also be used for slashing, or cutting. A Roman soldier was able to take opportune moments to slash at an exposed knee below the opponent’s shield or slash at an arm or neck which could end the fight in a moment’s time.
The Bible likens God’s word to a Gladius. This is because in the same way that the Gladius was used in direct confrontation with the enemy so is God’s word a weapon to be used against the onslaughts of the devil.
In battle the Christian moves forward by faith to engage in spiritual warfare. The shield is held in place. Not only to protect the soldier but to thwart off any opposition attacks. Then the Gladius or sword of the Spirit is to be thrust at the enemy.
With a trained Roman soldier the sword could enter the abdomen and kill the opposition. The abdomen was a prime area to attack. The Bible relays many incidents where a sword was used through the belly in war. The belly symbolizes life flow. Jesus said out of your belly or spirit will flow rivers of living water.
The sword thrust through the stomach could cause death within minutes or cause a prolonged death. Depending on the precise area of the wound. This is the same in spiritual warfare. Death to the enemy plan may take a short time or a prolonged time. This is why continued prayer and ministry of the word of God is important until the victory is won.
GOD’S word is two edged like the Gladius because it not only thrusts to kill but it divides. In other words it can rightly divide truth from error. When used by a trained soldier in Jesus Christ the sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon. It destroys strongholds, casts down high things exalting themselves against God’s truth, rightly divides the word of God, cuts up deception, chops corruption into spam and is able to be thrust right into the flow of the enemy. Death will most certainly occur. The enemy will be defeated! It’s just a matter of time.
Hebrews 4:12 , For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Take up your Gladius today and go forth into battle in the power of our Lord’s might and strength! Wage war against the powers of darkness and fight the good fight of faith in Jesus name!
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Part of our spiritual warfare armor is the gospel boots. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say concerning this part of our armor.
Ephesians Chapter 6 vs 15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
The KJV uses the Greek word hetoimasia which means preparation.
To be in a constant state of readiness or make ready for use.
In other words we must always be prepared to minister the gospel at all times.
How do we prepare? Scriptures tell us it is by studying the Bible.
2 Timothy 2 : 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We need to know the Bible in order to answer people who ask us questions about our faith. Now we don’t have to go to theological school in order to do this. In fact, many times people just end up being indoctrinated with denominational interpretations that omit or add their own take or lean on scriptures anyway.
It is best according to any lawyer, good journalist, writer or historian to research all angles of interpretation in order to get a balanced view. Bias always resides in the mindsets of men.
Even God says that out of two or three witnesses is truth established. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Our doctrinal lean should always line up with the Bible and not any man made versions of a scriptural doctrine.
We must know the truth in order to share the truth. How can we minister to an unsaved person Bible truth if we don’t know Bible truth?
The Bible tells us to be prepared at all times in order to present the gospel of peace to others. What is this peace? Peace with God through Jesus Christ the Savior.
The Gospel boots not only prepare us to present the gospel message but they are also used to wage war against the devil.
During Roman times the soldier wore a sandal called a Caligae. This sandal actually had nail like studs embedded in the sole. These boots or sandals were deigned to march for long periods of time but they were also used as deadly weapons. A solder could take off his shoe and club the enemy to death with it.
That is what the gospel boots do too. They take us into all the world to preach the gospel of peace and they are also used to clobber the devil with. Every time we minister the word of God to someone we are beating the day lights out of that old devil.
Put on those gospel boots today! Be prepared and ready to preach the good news! At all times, in all places and every where you go!
ROMANS 15: 29
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Why it important to confess our sins in order to receive forgiveness?
In order to answer that question we must understand exactly what it means to confess.
According to the Greek translation to confess or homologeō means to acknowledge but it also means to profess.
To make a confession is to admit to one’s faults but it also means to admit to one’s belief.
To make a profession is to declare or admit openly. This means to state audibly using words.
Now these words have slightly different meanings in English but in the Greek language it literally means “to say it and to speak the same.”
This scripture translated in English says: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1 :9
With the Greek word homologeō it is translated in effect as this: “If we say or speak the same thing that God says about our sins we can be forgiven from our sin and purified from all unrighteousness. “
This is very significant because there are many today who claim to know Jesus as their Savior but they deny him by rejecting what his word has to say about sin.
If one does not confess their sin by admitting that their lifestyle is not lining up with what God says is sin in the Bible then according to the Bible these people are liars and deceivers.
1John 3:9-18 1 John 2:15 Romans 6 John 8:44 1 Timothy 4:1 Revelation 21 :8 2 John 1:10,12 Mathew 7:13,14
In fact some today even reject the absolute authority of scriptures as the infallible word of the living God. They deny God’s word because they are not born again of his word and of his Spirit.
Again scriptures tell us that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord you shall be saved.” Roman’s 10:9
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
Jesus must be confessed as Lord of our lives in order to be considered by his standards a child of God. Not just Savior.
Today we have many who want Jesus to be their Savior but not their Lord but it does not work that way.
If we do not confess what God calls sin as sin in our lives and if we do not receive Jesus Christ as Lord as well as Savior then no salvation will occur.
It does not matter if we go to church, sing worship songs, raise our hands, jump up and down or shout hallelujah. If we do not confess our sins and confess Jesus as both Savior and Lord we can not be saved.
Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:21
I acknowledged my sin to you [God], and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5
To make a confession is to declare and profess openly and audibly. Why is it important to speak our confession out loud?
First of all what is in the open is in the light. Second of all speaking with the mouth solidifies a confession like an oral contract. Making admission is declaring allegiance. Both to God and before the angels and so the powers of darkness know where you stand.
We in effect come into contract or have declared our lives as belonging to Jesus Christ the Lord.
If you have not confessed your sin to the Lord Jesus Christ or received him as your Lord today then today is the day!
If you hear his voice speaking to your heart then confess your sin before him out loud and turn from the sin, receiving Jesus Christ as both your Savior and Lord.
According to Philippians 2:12, We are told to work out our own salvation with godly reverence. Then we are told in vs 13 that God works in us his desire and purpose.
On first glance this sounds like an oxymoron but when you look at the fact that the word “work” for vs 12 is a different word than vs 13 then you can see there are two different operations at play here.
In vrs 12 we are called to “work out” which uses the word katergazomai which means to accomplish something. To perform an action. To finish a task.
When we “work out” something we may be striving for a goal, working out kinks or finishing up a project.
The emphasis for that working out is on the self or the person. In other words we have to put in some effort to get the job done.
Paul talks about godly exercise. When we work out at a gym for our physical bodies It has some profit or benefit but when we exercise towards godliness the gains are much more beneficial because there are eternal benefits.
What are we working out? The Bible clearly tells us that we are to work out our salvation or sōtēria which means deliverance, health, preservation.
We are called to perform an action, accomplish a task or finish a project in regards to our health, preservation and deliverance.
There are some Christians who won’t like to hear this because they think because God is sovereign he just drops everything in our plate at his whim but it doesn’t work that way according to the Bible
The good news however is that God has given us a helper. He is called the Holy Spirit. He is our teacher and coach. Like a spotter when we are working out. The one who helps us lift the weight, carry the burden, and trains us to run the race.
Vrs 13 says that it is God who is at work in us to perform all his good pleasure. That word for work is energeō.
Translated it means activating power, effectual energy.
So in other words we are performing an action and the Holy Spirit is giving us his power to perform that action.
God is working in us by his Holy Spirit power releasing his energy in order for us to work out our salvation.
In order to be saved from our old sinful selves (sanctification)it is an on going process. The Bible tells us that we have been saved, are being saved and will be saved.
Jesus died once for our sin. He took our sins and also destroyed the power of sin. By doing that he saved us from eternal death and has given us eternal life.
Automatically when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord we become a child of God born of his Holy Spirit and a joint heir with Jesus Christ but we still have to by the power of the Holy Spirit work out our salvation with reverence while we are living in this world.
Let me put it this way. When we give life to children they become our family. It is a natural birth and heritage. The children have our DNA. However as they grow their responsibility as our children become greater.
Let’s put it this way, just because you are my child does not mean that you don’t clean your room!
You will have to pick up your toys, make your bed and brush your teeth too!
It’s the same way in God’s kingdom. He expects us to pray, exercise our faith, read our bible, fast and clean our house!
He expects us to take the garbage out too. That means get rid of the sin stinking up his house.
As a parent we help our children along. Give encouragement, help rearrange furniture, put new sheets on the bed. It is the same with the Lord. He will give us his energeō to get the job done.
Do you need deliverance or healing today? Then get ready for your work out! Take up that bed and walk!
Believe God’s word. That’s your part. Exercise your faith and rely on Holy Spirit power to perform his part.
Do you need salvation? Need to be saved out of debt or discouragement? Need to be free from a bad habit?
Then work out your salvation with the Holy Spirit. Call on your coach to help you lift that weight, give you a word of wisdom, and lead you in the right direction.
If you try to work in your own power you will fall on your face but if through the power of the Holy Spirit that is in you, you “work out” your salvation then you will achieve your goal! You will get the victory! Accomplish the task and finish the race!
Why does Jesus say in scriptures that he comes like a thief in the night?
A thief sneaks in without anyone knowing to snatch something away. Jesus was referencing in this parable to his coming for his bride.
In Revelations 3:3 Jesus is reprimanding his church. In particular the church that was in Sardis. He tells them that if they don’t repent of dead works and strengthen their walk in the Lord by returning to him zealously and being watchful (watching in prayer) then as punishment for disobedience they would find Jesus coming to them as a thief in the night.
In other words, like a thief who comes unaware to the owner of the house, ,Jesus will come to snatch away his prepared bride but those luke-warm and not watching will be left behind.
This scripture reveals that there will be unrepentant believers left behind in the snatching away of his bride. Referred to by some as the rapture or translation of the Spirit.
In Matthew 25 Jesus talks about coming for his bride. There are 5 virgins with oil in their lamps and 5 virgins without oil. The 5 with oil were watching and waiting having their lamps filled with oil.
What is this oil? A Holy Spirit filled life. The other 5 virgins had the word. They knew what the Lord’s will was. They knew he said he would come to get them someday but these 5 did not take his word seriously. They were fooling around in the world. They thought they had lots of time but suddenly like a thief in the night the bridegroom came and they were left behind.
In 1 Peter 3:10- 11 it also says that the day of the Lord’s return is going to come like a thief in the night.
Peter goes on to exhort Christians to keep the Lord’s exhortation in mind. To walk worthy of our calling while we are here. Not walking in riotous living but in holiness and the fear of the Lord.
That is what Jesus was talking about. Having our oil burning. Having zeal in our walk with the Lord. Going about our Father’s buisness but at the same time having our eyes fixed on his return. Living in the world but not of this world.
Jesus told his people to be zealous and repent for not watching and living a Spirit filled life. He warned that if the owner of the house had been watching he would have known in what hour the thief would come.
Are you watching for the Lord’s return? Are you ready for his appearing? Is the oil in your lamp burning with zeal? If not return to the lover of your soul today! You do not know in what hour your Lord will appear!
Grace or charis in ancient Greek is the divine influence upon the heart. Charis means to be gracious, loving, kind, extend favor, benevolent and life giving.
The word charis was used both in Greek and Roman mythology as the personification of graces. To be appropriated as having charis was to be divine.
Paul being an educated man of his era used the word Charis from the Greek to describe God’s desire to save mankind from sin. This word was understood by the Greeks and Romans in their culture to mean an act of divine kindness. Paul was using this word to convey to the Gentiles of his day how much God cared about them.
Paul went on to tell these Gentiles that the One true God’s charis could be extended to them through pistis or faith in Jesus Christ. In Greek mythology Pistis was representative of having good faith, trust, and reliability. Pistis was a principle used as a classical form of argumentation in Paul’s day. To fully persuade through logical reasoning. In other words, the mind must be fully persuaded in an argument to agree with the evidence presented to be convinced of a particular truth.
Today in law we use the term “good faith” or bona fide to describe the act of putting trust in and confidence with sincerity in something without intent to defraud with malice.
The Bible tells us to be fully persuaded about something in our mind. What we believe will determine our course of action. (Romans 14:5)
According to scripture, Thomas was not fully persuaded in his mind that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus did not condemn him for his lack of faith or pistis. Rather he demonstrated his eternal word by revealing himself to Thomas. Some people think that faith is supposed to be blind. Just trust even though you have not been fully persuaded. This simply is not true!
Faith comes by hearing a word from the Lord! (Romans 10:17) Presumptuous blind faith has caused many a life to go ship wrecked.
Faith or pistis comes by a word from God who has worked upon the heart by his divine nature with benevolent intentions, through Grace or charis.
Pistis is being fully persuaded based on convincing. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit convinces us that something is true. (John 16:8)
Grace or God’s loving kindness convinces the heart through faith (which is relying upon as true) creating the assurance of what is hoped for but not fully materialized.
Faith or pistis persuades and convinces by divine intervention a truth.
Thomas was fully persuaded that Jesus rose from the dead by experiencing the logos manifest in the flesh. It is the word of God which creates the ability to believe with fully persuaded assurance.
Even though a person were raised from the dead, if a heart is not fully persuaded by the Holy Spirit they would not believe. The unbelieving heart would just explain away the miracle. It takes charis through pistis to be fully convinced of truth.
Divinely inspired reasoning through the word of God convincing the heart is what produces faith. Miracles confirm the word of God. Jesus is the logos made flesh. His word through scriptures by divinely inspired utterance or manifestation worked on the heart is what produces faith, pistis.
In Roman’s chapter one we are told that evidence for a Creator is made evident by the things which are made. That does not convince everyone of that fact however.
A mind can be fully persuaded to believe a lie. Satan has built up strongholds of delusion in many people’s mind. They believe something to be true when it is not. Hence the need to have full persuasion of the truth. Scriptures tell us plainly that not all men have faith (2 Thess. 3:2) and that all born again Christians have been given a measure of faith. Notice the word given. Faith is given. An act of divine grace.
Even among Christians this is so. Paul pointed out that one person in persuaded that eating meat is fine while others do not have faith to eat meat.
Paul says that if you do not have faith being fully persuaded about something and you go against your conscience then it is sin. (Romans 14:2-5)
We know from scriptures that God sanctified meats but that some cannot eat meat because of an unpersuaded mind.
To one eating food offered to idols is no big deal because to them the idol is just a man-made construct. A piece of wood or a rock. While to others it is a demon spirit’s offering. Therefore, the thought of eating an offering sacrificed to an idol is abhorrent. (1 Corinthians 8)
Adam and Eve were walking in the garden naked without a problem and then after they sinned their nakedness became sin to them. They felt vulnerable and unprotected. God made a sacrifice of an animal for their atonement and clothed them in the skin. What was the difference? Perception. Their nakedness was seen not from a perspective of innocent children but naked in their beings in front of a Holy God. (Genesis 3)
We see this same principle today in cultural practices. Some have liberty in somethings while others do not have that same liberty due to cultural beliefs.
Unless the heart is fully persuaded (having faith) through divine intervention about a matter they cannot believe. Faith is a supernatural attribute produced by divinely inspired grace.
The conscience if not adhered to can sear. Basically, can have a flamboyant disregard for something. Many non saved people have this. Their sin does not feel like sin to them because it is a natural practice. It takes Holy Spirit convincing to produce an awareness of sin. (Romans 1)
Charis divinely influenced upon the heart convinces that God’s word is true. Grace through faith produces a change of mind or repentance. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Evidence that is presented by the Holy Spirit through the word; written, oral or even supernatural produces faith. (John 20)
God’s word graciously worked upon the heart produces faith.
Paul reasoned with, persuaded, argued, testified, to the Gentiles through scriptures that Jesus is both Saviour and Lord. The Holy Spirit divinely moved upon the hearts to convince.
Paul also performed miracles confirming the word of God that he preached through demonstrative power of the Holy Spirit. Charis demonstrated evidences of the truth of the gospel message.
Grace or charis is the divine work of the invisible God the Holy Spirit upon the heart. Blessed indeed are those who believe and are fully persuaded that God’s word is true.
According to the Bible salvation is through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. It is not based on strictly intellectual belief. Scriptures tell us that even the devils believe in Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. What they do not believe is in the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus Christ to save them. The devils cannot have faith in what is impossible for them to ever attain.
Paul asserts that the Galatians believed in Jesus Christ according to the law in the same way that the devils believe. They believed that Jesus shed his blood on the cross, died and rose again but what they did not believe was that the shed blood of Jesus Christ was enough to save them. They did not have faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Just as the devils believe according to the law that blood must be shed for sin, they cannot partake of that sacrifice due to their rebellion. Those under the law cannot be saved either because the blood sacrifice does not apply to intellectual belief only. Law keepers add other things to the redemption of Jesus Christ at the cross.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ shed his blood on our behalf. In order to have this sacrifice applied to us we must believe that what Jesus did was enough to save us. What needs to happen in order for salvation to occur is that we must have a revelation of the shed blood of Jesus Christ and faith in his blood to cleanse us from sin and keep us cleansed from sin.
Devils are notorious law keepers when it suits them. Satan accuses the Saints day and night before God’s throne. What can he accuse except violation of the law? The devils are still under the law!
Never can they understand the ministry of grace. The shed blood of Jesus Christ to save completely and thoroughly.
It is the same with the Law keepers. They wanted to remain under the law and be saved too but it does not work that way. The Bible specifically says that salvation is attained by having FAITH IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. This means that we must believe that the blood of Jesus Christ alone atones for sin, without adding anything to it whatsoever. Not one good deed, not one special day observed, not fasting, not denial of the flesh’s appetites, not eating special foods! Not a thing!
In order to be saved we must completely and totally have faith in the blood of Jesus alone to save us AND to keep us saved. Faith in the blood of Jesus alone JUSTIFIES. That means to be declared righteous or in right standing before God.
Jesus Christ died once for sin. IT IS FINISHED! His blood was enough to bring redemption. With a better covenant based on better promises we can live before him in holiness. Not only does faith in the blood of Jesus save us but faith in the blood of Jesus will also give us victory over sin and the devil! The blood of Jesus is continually working on our behalf. In time of need we can come into the throne room of God and claim the blood of Jesus as our redemption for sin, our healing, our deliverance and our victory!
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:22
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood Rev. 1:5
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God Romans 3:25
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
The Bible says that Satan is a thief. He will try to steal your blessings, your calling, your destiny and whatever else he can get his hands on. Mathew 6:19,20
How does he do this? The main way is exactly what he tried to do to Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness. Get your eyes off of God’s word and onto your self and your circumstances. (Matthew 4)
As long as we are like the disciples looking at the storm we will be afraid. As long as we look at how big the giants are in our life we will be afraid. (Luke 8 & Numbers 13)
Satan’s demons will try to make us question God’s love for us. They will steal our faith and our victory if we give them just one inch.
So what happens if I waver? What happens if I have listened to Satan’s lies? What happens if I let my guard down and got a demonic punch in the gut? Is there hope for me?
Peter walked with Jesus. He knew him intimately and yet he took his eyes off of the miracles and the intimacy he had with Jesus and put his eyes on the persecution coming for him. He faltered. He failed. He blew it. (Luke 22)
Peter needed a breakthrough. What does it mean to get a breakthrough?
Breakthrough in warfare means an offensive military assault that penetrates and carrys beyond enemy lines.
Breakthrough also means an act of moving through or over an obstacle.
Break through can mean a sudden advancement in knowledge or success.
When we get into unbelief and look at our troubling situation we in effect are denying the word. Just like Peter did. We are saying, “I don’t know you.”
That sounds harsh doesn’t it? But it’s TRUE. When we don’t believe that Jesus is the great I am, that he is exalted above all, has the power to defeat sin and every demonic power against us we in effect are denying him.
Scriptures say that those who KNOW their God will do great and mighty exploits. (Daniel 11:32)
To be victorious over the devil and his deception we must believe that Jesus is who he says he is. LORD OVER ALL. (Philippians 2)
Lord over the wind and the sea. Able to command the very powers of the air to be still. Able to lift us above our circumstance and into heavenly places with him. Seated with him in his athourity and power far above demonic powers. (Ephesians 2)
When we turn our eyes back on Jesus Christ the God of the breakthrough will release for us a breaking forth into a new level of faith. A new level of intimacy with him so that we may know him and the power of his resurrection. (Philippians 3)
When we fellowship with his suffering, for he has being tempted like us and harangued by the devil like us he is able to come to the rescue and secure those who are tempted like he was. (Hebrews 2:18)
God the Father broke through death for Jesus because he put his trust completely in the Father. (Acts 17)
Circumstances looked pretty glum for Jesus but he knew who his Father was. He knew the fellowship of intimacy he had with the Father. Jesus knew that the Father would not forsake him.
Jesus got his breakthrough into resurrection life. The Father beat death. He cast down Satan’s power and overthrew Satan’s kingdom. He destroyed the power of sin, death and the grave. (2 Timothy 1)
What does it mean for us get a break through? (2 Samuel 5:20)
When the powers of darkness attack we turn our eyes on Jesus the author and finnisher of our faith. We then call on the Lord to come to our rescue! Help Lord I’m being shaken in this boat! The storm is raging about me BUT I know you are greater! I know you will come through for me. I put my eyes on you! I look to your greatness! You are Lord over this storm in my life! You will speak it to be still!
Breaking through to the Lord is seeking Him for the victory. Ex. 19:21
When we seek God in prayer for a breakthrough he will rend open the heavens to give us a breakthrough.
Jesus is our victor. His victory becomes our victory!
We will break forth by his Holy Spirit power into his light. With a new understanding. A new revelation of his grace.
We will breakthrough into a fresh manifestation of his presence! Into a new beginning with greater victory from faith to faith and from glory to glory. (Roman’s 1:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
The God of the breakthrough will always be available to those who call upon him to save them out of all their trouble. (Psalm 18:6)
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