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Peace with God

Bill Alderson
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Peace with God

Therefore, having been justified [aorist passive participle – declared righteous] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

The above verse tells us that the true believer, the one who has been declared righteous by faith is intended by God to live in peace. The Greek word translated as peace is eirene and it has multiple meanings and applications. The primary meaning is that which is the opposite of war. It can mean harmony between individuals. Another meaning might be tranquility, a state of peace. It also has the sense of health, welfare or prosperity, every kind of good. We can also understand eirene in light of the Hebrew word shalom which stands for wholeness, soundness, hence health, well-being, or prosperity. It is through our Lord [Kurios – master, supreme, sovereign one] Jesus [Iesous – God saves] Christ [Christos – anointed one, Messiah] that this peace comes to him. Peace and all of its implications is experienced by the one who recognizes Him as Lord, Savior and Messiah.

Imputed Righteousness

The doctrine of justification [dikaiosis] is addressed most completely by Paul in his letters. In Romans 4, he ties the doctrine directly to Abraham and his willingness to trust God in spite of impossible situations. In Genesis 15:6, Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Romans 4:4-5 reveals that any payment for work is considered a wage, but to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited [logizomai – counted, imputed] as righteousness. This righteousness means that the believer is perfect in his position (state), but faith exercised in the details of life determines his experience. In Romans 1:17, For in it [the gospel – Jesus paid the full price], the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” The believer is accepted into a perfect relationship with God by faith. He then realizes the Lord’s righteousness each time he exercises faith in the Lord. It is not dependent on keeping the Law of Moses.

I will hear what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace [shalom –peace, tranquility, wholeness] to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalm 85:8-10)

Peace Fulfilled

The above passage is an Old Testament reference to the coming new covenant in Christ, where the attributes of the new birth come together in a spiritual connection to God’s perfect justice. It anticipates the Messiah’s arrival and His mighty accomplishments at Calvary. According to John Gill’s Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, when righteousness and peace kiss each other:

Righteousness may intend the essential justice of God, which will not admit of the pardon and justification of a sinner, without a satisfaction; wherefore Christ was set forth to be the propitiation for sin, to declare and manifest the righteousness of God, his strict justice; that he might be just, and appear to be so, when he is the justifier of him that believes in Jesus [Romans 3:25-26].

Righteousness and peace or prosperity, these two inseparable brothers, kiss each other there, and fall lovingly into each other’s arms (Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament). Justification provides the environment where peace with God is fulfilled. According to the Jewish tradition, there are three symbols for peace: the river, the bird, and the kettle:

Three Symbols

A river was traditionally used as a means of connection between one town and another. It was a way for people to do business with each other and meet one another. A river is also, of course, a source of life for people, their livestock, and their crops.

A bird makes its home on land but can fly high up in the sky. It lives in both heaven and earth as it travels between the two.

The kettle takes two opposing forces and brings them together to create something good. Fire wants to boil away water; water seeks to extinguish a fire. However, when a kettle comes between them, both thrive and together they create a substance that contributes to mankind.

What we learn from all three symbols is that peace does not mean sameness. The two towns do not merge. They share a river. Heaven and earth, the spiritual and material worlds, are harmonized within the bird who lives in both, yet they remain two separate realms. Finally, water and fire reach their higher purpose so long as they remain separated by the kettle.

Jesus is our Peace

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR. (Ephesians 2:14-17)

Since peace is manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, its implications go far beyond peace with God. It means that Jesus, a Jew, as the Jewish Messiah, connects the Jew and Gentile into one family by one new man, thus establishing peace, through the cross. Peace is the basis of brotherhood within the Body of Christ since any enmity is abolished in Christ. The tranquility of unity through the Holy Spirit keeps the believer moving forward, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

Peace, Peace

For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. “For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made. “Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.” But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:15-21)

The Lord desires his people to experience His peace. As the God of peace (Hebrews 13:20), He draws His people into the pathway of peace, where a forgiving God is always looking to offer His peace to him who is far and to him who is near. Ultimately, the contrite and lowly heart finds the God of peace.

A Zionist Dream

In 1903, Joseph Chamberlain, the British Colonial Secretary, made an offer to Theodore Herzl and his Zionist group. The British were prepared to give the Jews 5,000-square miles in Uganda, Africa to serve as a Jewish homeland. The proposal evoked a fierce debate. On one hand, the land would provide the Jews with a homeland where they would be free to live in peace and protect themselves from danger.

On the other hand, it fell far short of the Zionist dream to return to the ancient homeland of the Jews — Israel. Thankfully, the offer was declined because the land was deemed unsuitable. However, the question remained: Even though the historical homeland of the Jews is Israel, does it really matter where the Jewish homeland is today?

There is a peace offered by the world, but it will never measure up to the quality of peace the believer experiences in his relationship with God. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace [shalom, shalom], because he trusts in You” [Isaiah 26:3]. A perfect peace, in Hebrew shalom, shalom, is the Lord’s heart toward all His people, Jew or Gentile. Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).

The Kingdom of Heaven

Bill Alderson
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The Kingdom of Heaven

As Scripture testifies in Matthew 2:2, the magi came from the east looking for the Messiah by saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”. Although there is no consensus on who the magi were or where they came from, it is more likely they were Gentiles of high position from a country, perhaps Parthia, northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God of the birth of the King of the Jews. This occurred at a time when the prophecy of Daniel 9:25-27 was creating an expectation of Messiah’s imminent coming within Judaism and beyond (i.e., Herod). The idea that Messiah was to be a king and take charge of the existing government on behalf of the Jewish nation was a common understanding among the Jewish masses, and this paradigm became a theme of his entire public ministry.

Before Jesus was baptized onto the scene, John the Baptist was preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus took up this same mantle in Matthew 4:17 as he began speaking to the masses and then extended it to His disciples’ charge in Matthew 10:7, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” But what did this all mean? Was Messiah ready to demonstrate his physical authority or was there some other, more profound meaning of the kingdom of heaven? To answer this question, we need to look at His entire public ministry, particularly his response to the Jewish accusations against Him when brought to Pilate.

King of the Jews

When confronted with the accusation that He was the “King of the Jews” in John 18:33, Jesus first inquired of Pilate by questioning his own personal belief in the charges that somehow Jesus was a threat to the Roman authority of the Jewish nation. Jesus’s reply to Pilate was, “My kingdom is not of this world” (verse 36), thus redefining the kingdom as not a physical reality but a spiritual one. Jesus reiterates to Pilate that He is a king but that the defining element of His kingdom is “the truth” and that those who are of the truth hear the voice of their king (verse 37). Pilate understood that this was not Rome’s problem (“I find no guilt in Him,” verse 38) and intended to turn Jesus loose, but the Jewish leaders had something else in mind. This King needed to die!

This principle of the kingdom was further demonstrated to us through the interaction of the two thieves on the cross next to Jesus (see Luke 23:39-43). One of the thieves was only looking for a solution to his present situation, while the other comprehended the gravity of the moment. He understood that the two were being condemned for things they did while Jesus was innocent of His charges. This thief asked Jesus to remember him “when you come in Your kingdom”. Jesus’s response was to acknowledge that this thief would soon be in Paradise. The crux of the matter was that this thief recognized Jesus as a king since He was about to come to His kingdom. He was confirming that the truth of his statement, “this man has done nothing wrong,” allowed him to recognize the king and a kingdom. This criminal got saved!

In Your Midst

Jesus is asked about the kingdom of God by the Pharisees in Luke 17:20-21, and His response is enlightening. He tells them that the kingdom cannot be recognized by physical signs that are observable but that the kingdom is “in your midst.” The Greek word entos literally means inside, and the kingdom of God is a reality that exists inside each one who recognizes the king and is, therefore, of the truth. The Pharisees were never able to grasp this principle.

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it has not been granted.  “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.  “Therefore, I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:10-13)

Once the Jewish leadership had accused Jesus of being demon possessed in Matthew 12:24, Jesus began teaching in parables. The disciples were confused that Jesus would begin speaking in parables instead of the normal teaching methods, and Jesus explained that the mysteries (secrets) of the kingdom are not understood within normal teaching methods but must be understood in the light of The Truth (see John 14:6). The Jewish leadership had rejected The Truth. By accusing Jesus of being of Beelzebul, Jewish leaders were saying that He could not be Messiah even though He had performed a number of miracles that only the Messiah could perform, including casting out the demon in the blind and mute man in Matthew 12:22-23. In verse 23, the people responded to this miracle by saying, “This man cannot be the Son of Man, can He.” [The Son of Man is a term used to reference Messiah].

Humility and Mercy

In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus helps us to understand that success in the kingdom is tied to humility, and He uses a child to illustrate the point. When asked about “Who then is greatest in the kingdom,” He explained that becoming like children represents innocence and a lack of pride and haughtiness. Jesus was answering the question by concluding that selflessness, which produces humility, is the key. It defines greatness. Jesus also addressed greatness in the kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:19, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Since these commandments represent the very mind of God, to disregard them would be detrimental, while to honor and teach them would result in kingdom greatness.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul was applying the principle of Hebrews 2:9 in his encouragement to Timothy by acknowledging the King eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), crowning Him with glory and honor. Recognizing that Paul’s giftedness and natural abilities did not get him anywhere in the Kingdom, rather, it was acknowledging that mercy opened the door for him to see the King and be a giant in the Kingdom! This instruction was consistent with what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:20 when He said, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was teaching that human effort to meet the religious demands of a Holy God does not work. It requires God’s perfect righteousness.

The Word of the Kingdom

In Jesus’s day, the Pharisees were dividing the Law of Moses into a hierarchy, with some being greater than others. Yet Jesus had quoted a Scripture from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 8:3) in Matthew 4:4 when He stated, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Jesus was teaching the importance of every Word, that all Scripture is necessary food.

In His public ministry, Jesus taught many parables that address the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. In fact, eight of them appear in Matthew 13. He was teaching the dynamics of this kingdom which all of His disciples and followers need to understand. These principles allow us not only to grasp the conditions of entry but also how to function and thrive within the kingdom.

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

Receiving the Word

The first of the eight parables from Matthew 13 is a direct reference to the Word of God, “the Word of the kingdom.” The King’s primary method of communication in the kingdom is the Word. Success in the kingdom is tied to hearing the Word and understanding it. The parable defines that the condition of the heart is the primary criterion that determines success. The seed sown beside the road has no room to establish its roots and therefore is easy pickings for the devil. This condition of the heart is determined by how the Word is received. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul says, “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” The Word has an intended work (see Isaiah 55:11), and it cannot do its work without having been received from God (the King) with the authority that accompanies it. According to Hebrews 4:2, the Word must be united by faith to accomplish what is intended.

The rocky places in the above parable speak of the one whose heart has not fully accepted the Word as truth, and therefore trials of life cause him to fall away. The thorns represent the cares of life that can interfere with the Word, and the Word, therefore, is unfruitful. The good soil is the environment where the Word produces great fruit because it is understood. The important point being made through this parable is that the environment of the heart, when the Word is spoken, determines the quality and volume of the fruit it will produce.

Serving Others

From the Mount of Olives (Matthew 25:31-36), Jesus taught the disciples about the coming judgment of all nations, promising that the blessed ones would inherit the kingdom. This kingdom was “prepared for you from the foundation of the world” and is given to those who have a ministry to the King through their relationship with those in need and their willingness to give of themselves to meet those needs. It was the plan of God from the very beginning that men would inherit the kingdom as a result of their willingness to serve the needs of others on behalf of the King.

In conclusion, the promise of Hebrews 12:28 is that each believer receives “a kingdom which cannot be shaken.” When he recognizes the kingdom by crowning the King (Jesus) with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9) in his heart, he experiences kingdom life. As such, he should hold fast to the grace of God, the environment in which we have received that permanent kingdom, by showing gratitude to God in reverence and awe. Remember, Jesus died with a crown (of thorns) on His head.

3 Unlikely Prayers God (Eventually) Answered

Yaneke Lewis
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3 Unlikely Prayers God (Eventually) Answered

As born-again believers, there are some expectations that the Bible (and hence, God) has of us. One important feature of a believer is that we ought to walk in the spirit so we won’t “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The Scriptures also instruct us to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

In one famous parable, Jesus even warns against the “cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” (Mark 4:19).

With these admonitions in mind, I have found it a bit puzzling and somewhat startling, that God honoured certain requests in the Bible. From a religious and dogmatic viewpoint, there are some requests that don’t seem to be as spiritual or heaven-centred as I thought they needed to be!

Here are three prayers that got an answer I did not expect a holy God to give.

The Prayer of the Syro-Phoenician Woman (Matthew 15: 22-28)

If anyone shouldn’t have had the nerve to approach God, it would have to be the Syro-phoenician woman (Miss SP for short).

First of all, Miss SP was a Gentile who at that time had no lot with Israel. Jesus was blunt in reminding her of who His priority in ministry were–and it didn’t include her.

First reason not to pray? Check!

As if that wasn’t enough, her request was denied–by Jesus Himself. Another reason not to pray!

She was, however, shameless, and showed determined persistence. In fact, according to the Matthew account, Miss SP’s faith would eventually earn the commendation and admiration of the Lord.

But if she had processed things too much (like, I don’t know, maybe me?), I guarantee she would not have approached Jesus in the first place. Before He would have had a chance to tell her “no”, she would have already disqualified herself from making her request known.

Then to hear Jesus say you can’t have what you’re asking for would have deterred even the boldest of intercessors, but not her.

What kind of crazy faith does it take to hear God say you’re a dog and you still keep groveling before him?!

What Kept her Praying?

I can only make some guesses about what could have pushed Miss SP to stoop so low.

It could be the love she had for her daughter back home who was tormented by a demon.

It could be the frustration of knowing how her own life was being disrupted by the extra care she had to give to that ‘sick’ child.

Or perhaps it was pure desperation from having no-one else to turn to for help.

Whatever her motivation was, it was strong enough to cause her to endure blatant disregard and rejection.

Would You Ask God for Crumbs?

Miss SP was so desperate, it seems, that even after being hinted at as an unworthy dog, she started begging for crumbs! That was not very dignified to say the least, but something happened to Jesus when she made herself “of no reputation”.

What was deemed as a closed door just a few sentences before in the story, suddenly turned in her favour. Not only was her request granted, but it was granted “from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28).

Miss SP was among the least qualified persons to get God’s attention.

She is proof that we too can come boldly unto the throne of grace. The mercy and grace that Jesus gave to her may very well be made available to you today–if you’re willing to ask for crumbs too!

The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10)

The prayer of Jabez is a famous prayer, no doubt. Books and songs have been based on this man’s testimony that continues to inspire believers.

But if I had met Brother Jabez, I would have probably wagged a finger of rebuke at him! (I hear you gasp in disbelief!) I would have thrown 1 Thessalonians 5:16 at him–Rejoice evermore! And then I would have dished out Ephesians 5:20–giving thanks always for all things!

I would have found every spiritual Scripture to encourage Jabez to accept his condition and to “seek those things which are above”.

Now why would I do that? Why would I have challenged Jabez’s desire to be blessed?

Because that’s what I would do to MYSELF!

Aren’t true blessings found in the presence of God and at His right hand? Are we not to be focused on the lively hope we have for Christ’s return?

The answer is yes and yes again.

The prayer of Jabez could very well have been “Lord, give me the strength to go through”.

Or, “God, give me the grace I need so I won’t be distracted by worldly affairs”.

Those are great prayers, but those were not Jabez’s desires.

Jabez had some things bugging him, and he was not about to be a religious hypocrite about them. When something bothers you enough, it would be wise to call on God to fix it! There are times when you just need to blow off some steam before God, and let God know how you honestly, truly and really feel–and that’s what Jabez did.

Of course there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get every single whim and fancy fulfilled, but don’t let that stop you from praying about it!

In Jabez’s case it just so happened that God decided He would fix it. Who knows? You might end up having the same testimony as Jabez! Winner-winner!

The Prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-20)

There are few prayers that wreak with carnality as does the prayer of Hannah for a son. (I know she was barren, so before you stone me, let me tell you why I think her focus was possibly of the flesh.)

We know that Hannah was one of two wives to Elkanah and despite her barrenness, she had a couple things going for her:

  1. She was the wife who Elkanah loved

  2. She was always given more (a worthy portion) than the other wife

  3. Her husband never pressured her to bear children

In fact, it appears to me that even Hannah was ok with the way things were. She was happy! No child, no problem.

But that was until she started being teased about her barrenness.

What previously was not an issue steadily grew into a burden. What had not been on her mind at all, started to become her focus.

It’s not because having a child was her initial desire–it’s because she was now being “provoked”. The other wife wanted Hannah to “fret”.

She did it on purpose!

She knew Hannah was ok and comfortable, content in love and acceptance from her husband. Things only changed when Hannah allowed her adversary to nag her away from contentment and into worry.

When the Flesh Rises Up

What I want you to see is that Hannah would not have prayed for a son if she hadn’t been mocked by a competitor. If she had stood her ground in contentment (as every good Christian should) she would have kept her peace and been unmoved (as every good Christian should).

For Hannah to react the way she did, that sounds like the flesh to me!

Why didn’t she rest in the love and pampering she was already known to receive from her husband?

The religious me would have told Hannah to go and be thankful.

“Be content with what you already have”, I would say.

“This is the plan of the enemy to distract you, Hannah”, would have been my counsel.

I would have told her to pray, but for forgiveness because she was taking her eyes off eternity!

Show of Hands if This Is You

So Hannah fell for it. She caved. She gave in to the devices of her enemy. Hannah was shaken from her eternal focus and began to be bothered by a temporal thing.

But aren’t you and I guilty of this too?

How often are we quite content with our lives until an old friend from high school shows up with the model wife, owning the large corporation and he’s not even going bald?!

Yes, life was good before I saw my friends on Facebook promoting their third book and all before the age of 40!

But you know what? ‘Carnal’ Hannah still prayed.

She didn’t allow the ‘unspiritualness’ (did I coin that word?) of her desires to fester inside of her. She poured it all out to her God! Yup, Hannah shows us how to pray when we get jealous!

And of course we know the history–she got an answer! Who would’ve thought that a prayer fueled by a desire to be like someone else would have gotten God’s attention? Well, somehow it did! And that blows my mind!

The Conclusion

A friend once told me this: If it’s too big to be a prayer, then it’s too small to be a burden!

In other words, what made something suitable for my prayer list was not how well it fit my concept of true spirituality, but how much it was a burden to me! Friend, if your feelings and worries don’t make it on your prayer list, they shouldn’t be on your mind either!

The desires and concerns of your heart may not always follow the rules of your religion, oh Christian. You may not even be at “the place” (whatever that means) to pray. But the same Bible that teaches you not to “mind the things of the flesh”, also teaches “casting all your care upon Him because He careth for you”.

You are wrestling with whether or not you should even say such things to a holy God. You think it might not be the most spiritual conversation to start with your Father. But if it’s bothering you, go ahead and talk to God about it!

I don’t promise you that you’re going to get that large coast Sir Jabez; or that breakthrough Miss SP; or that child, Hannah.

What do I promise? Only what is said in Philippians 4:6-7:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Translation? If you pour out what’s on your heart, you will at least get some much-needed peace on the matter that weighs so heavily on you!

Ignorance is Costing Your Spiritual Growth

Guest Contributor
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Ignorance is Costing Your Spiritual Growth

It is advised for Christians to submit to the will of God—to acquire his wisdom and guidance; however, knowledge is pivotal in understanding, interpreting, and taking action towards this discussion (Proverbs 1:7).

God is the one who gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to those who explore a genuine relationship with him, but how can you have that honest relationship with God if you lack knowledge of who he is?

Understanding the importance of knowledge and ideas in your Christian journey

Knowledge is information and facts we acquire through education or experiences we pass through. To effectively power your spiritual life and understand God’s plan for your life, you need to understand who he is through learning his word.

In John chapter 1, we learned that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.

The New Testament was first translated from Hebrew to Aramaic and Greek, and these three translations bear words in their weight, unlike the English translation.

In Greek, the term for “word” is “logos,” which means an expression of an idea. So let us have John chapter one again: In the beginning, there was an expression of ideas, and the expression of ideas was with God, and the expression of ideas was God.

Looking at Chapter 4, we can see that the expression of God’s ideas (logos) is life, which is the light of men. So, you have to know what light is to have life.

The word light in Hebrew means knowledge, and darkness means ignorance, so you need knowledge to understand the expression of God’s idea for the world and your life and shatter all the bonds of ignorance.

Satan can only rule your life to the extent of your ignorance

Satan is referred to as the prince of darkness, but this doesn’t mean he moves around at night; it means he can only take advantage of you in areas where you are least knowledgeable.

This is why Satan is not threatened when emotional preaching is delivered; he is only scared when teachings towards spiritual and personal growth are delivered because he will keep losing grip on you the more you keep acquiring light.

When you tell someone, “do not fornicate,”  you only make the idea more pleasurable, but once you teach the same person what it means to be the temple of the Holy Ghost, he or she automatically begins to think about what is good for the temple of the Holy Ghost or not.

More like keeping a jar of candy in front of a kid and asking him not to go for it, you will only pique his attention, and until he steals some of those candies, he won’t be himself.

In Romans 7:7-8, Paul explains how the law makes sin more desirable. Also, in James 2:9–11, we can see the condemning nature of the law, and this is what Satan takes advantage of when he manipulates our minds, keeping us rooted in sin and addiction.

So, knowledge or light is what we need to conquer all spheres of life in accordance with the will of God.

How can we acquire this knowledge?

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing, God’s word (ideas). If you want to change the trajectory of your life positively, you need to change the ideas you have been receiving.

John 1:14 says that the word (God’s ideas) became flesh. So Jesus Christ is God’s ideas in the flesh. This is why Jesus says he is the light (knowledge), and darkness (ignorance) cannot stand or comprehend the light.

God had revealed his thoughts to us—the blueprint for our lives through Jesus, and if you want to acquire this big idea, you have to listen to Jesus.

All the problems we face in the world—crimes, poverty, unemployment, dealing with sin, and a lack of love and empathy are caused by a key thing we are missing that Jesus brings.

We all think the answer to problems is religion and some other ideas, which is why we have numerous ideas and religions littering the earth, but there is still no peace.

For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The government he is referring to here is not a coup or an election, but of peace (to expel worries) and righteousness (towards the infinite goal), which, if you look at Isaiah 9:7, is the increase of his government upon which there shall be no end.

The kingdom of heaven (Jesus’ government) is like yeast (Matthew 13:33), and I have never seen yeast lose a fight in a dough. Once the yeast is worked in, the dough has no other option other than to keep increasing until it is worded into a fine final product, despite the degree of heat it may face.

Summing up

Knowledge is going to come through a deeper understanding of Jesus, which places you miles ahead of the devil as you can grasp the width of his devices—stopping him in his tracks with the new power you gained in your permanent role in Jesus’s government, which is bound to bring you peace in all the plights of life and make you excel in the face of persecution.

Your life will become the ideas you have accepted as truth. So what truths are you accepting today?

I am Joshua Odogwu, a lover of the word of God. Nothing excites me like sharing knowledge and revelation of his works and words. https://dreampeas.com/biblical-meaning-of-windows-in-dreams

Learning How to Follow God

Bill Alderson
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Learning How to Follow God

The story of the Bible is the history of God leading His people through the wilderness. The clearest illustration of this is found in the books of Moses and the records of the Hebrew nation and their road to the promised land. It proved to God’s people He would be their leader in the wilderness through Moses, as Psalm 77:20 says, “You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”

Once God brought His people through the Red Sea and guided them to Mount Sinai, He defined for them a new relationship with Him through the Torah, His laws. Paul tells us in Galatians 3:23-24 that “we were kept in custody under the law,” the law becoming a tutor (one who leads children) to lead us to Christ. God’s plan was that He would be with them, His presence going before them as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. His presence would reside in the middle of all religious activities as the Ark of the Covenant to remind them of His holiness. Ultimately, the Father was guiding His people through the wilderness to find His Son. He was teaching them how to be led and how to follow.

While the Tabernacle and all its elements were being constructed, Moses would move his tent outside the camp as the tent of meeting where Moses would meet with God, evidenced by the pillar of cloud (Exodus 33:7-9). The people would spend more than a year in this place, getting oriented to this new way of experiencing God. Moses asked God not to lead them anywhere unless His presence went with them (verse 15). God acknowledged that He would honor Moses’ request in verse 17: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.’”

Then in Numbers 10:11-12, the cloud left Sinai “in the second year, in the second month,” heading to Kadesh-barnea (interpreted as “a holy place in the desert”). It turned out to be a regular stopping point as the people wandered in the wilderness before entering the promised land. It also was from this place that Moses would send spies into the promised land in Numbers 13. God wanted them to immediately “go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers” and their descendants (Deuteronomy 1:8).

But that’s not what happened.

Two Conclusions

God instructed Moses to choose twelve men who would sneak into the promised land to “See what the land is like, and whether the people who live in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many” (Numbers 13:18). In verses 27-29, ten of them reported that the land was truly fruitful, but the people living in the land were too strong for them to overcome. These ten spoke for the masses. The other two had a different take. They told Moses, “We should, by all means, go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it” (Verse 30). These two recognized that the people were not limited by their own ability and that the Lord would be the difference. Caleb and Joshua’s testimonies were not enough to sway the people, and the nation ended up wandering in the wilderness for another 38 years.

What caused this difference in conclusions? It had to do with the relationship that each had with God. It is one thing to follow, and it is another thing to trust in the leader. In Numbers 14:24, “But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.” God was promising Caleb that he and his descendants would enjoy the fruit of the promised land, unlike those who could not trust Him. In addition, God chose Joshua to succeed Moses in leading the people into the new land because he was “a man in whom is the Spirit” (Numbers 27:18), one who could be trusted because he was a man being led by the Holy Spirit. According to Joshua 14:8, he says, “I followed the Lord my God fully.”

Following the Leader

2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and all his servants and all his land; 3 the great trials which your eyes have seen, those great signs and wonders. 4 Yet to this day, the Lord has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear. 5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. 6 You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the Lord your God. 7 When you reached this place, Sihon, the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out to meet us for battle, but we defeated them; 8 and we took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. 9 So keep the words of this covenant to do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.” (Deuteronomy 29:2-9)

In the process of finding an individual and personal conviction to follow God, the believer finds others who appear to follow the Lord and gets behind them. This is the process of following those placed in one’s life as an example since they have proven themselves by their consistent walk. In Philippians 3:17, Paul writes, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Moses was that example for the Hebrews in the wilderness while they learned to trust in the Lord’s provisions. All the provisions necessary for fullness in the believer’s life are realized in the process of following. In Verse 6, “You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the Lord your God.” Even victories over enemies are found there. It is God’s way of demonstrating that this quality of life is possible and real.

The Spirit of Christ

If we are to fully follow God, we must believe on and trust in the One whom we follow. Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, Who will guide us into all the truth. The Spirit is also referred to as the Spirit of Christ in Romans 8:9 and 1 Peter 1:11. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Without faith in Who Jesus is, we become no more than people wandering in the wilderness, just like the nation of Israel. Moses was a great man of faith, and Hebrews 11:27 tells us, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.” Moses saw Jesus as he was being led!

14 “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:14-16)

The leading of the Holy Spirit produces maturity, sons rather than just children. This happens when we see our heavenly Father as “Abba,” Daddy, and then our relationship with Him becomes personal and not abstract. It produces an assurance, a confidence that we truly are His children, part of His royal family. We are then able to trust Him no matter where He leads us.

Why the Law of Moses?

Bill Alderson
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Why the Law of Moses?

From the time Abraham received promises from God in response to his faith in Genesis 12:1-3 (approximately 2000 BC) until God gave Moses the entire Law on Mount Sinai in Exodus 20 (approximately 1476 BC), the Hebrew nation functioned spiritually under this covenant God gave to Abraham that He would bless those who bless Abraham. For a number of those years, the Hebrews were held in bondage in Egypt by pharaohs until Moses was raised up to lead the nation across the Red Sea into the wilderness. The question arises as to why God would introduce the Law of Moses to His people when it was to be a temporary covenant, until such a time as Messiah would introduce the new covenant nearly 1,500 years later? What purpose did this old covenant serve?

In Galatians 3:19, Paul asks and then answers the question, “Why the Law then?” The conclusion is understood in the context of the covenant made with Abraham that the inheritance from the promise of God is not based on law, but through faith in the promise made to Abraham, who is the father of us all (Romans 4:16). The Law, then is added because of transgressions, meaning that it was intended to lead us to Christ, “so that we may be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). In verse 23, Paul explains that those who put their faith in the Law of Moses are being kept in custody under [the power of] the Law until Messiah would come. The benefits of spiritual life are realized by faith in God’s promises and not in the celebration of religious rituals and legal obedience.

A different gospel

The churches of Galatia were struggling with the influence of those who were teaching that Christians need to keep the Law of Moses in order to be justified into the Christian faith. There had been a Council led by James (Jesus’s half-brother) held in Jerusalem dealing with this matter and described by Luke in Acts 15. The results of that account were reported in Acts 15:19-20 where James states, “Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.” Christians would not be required to keep the Law of Moses. This conclusion did not end the controversy and there remained those, known as Judaizers, who would continue to require it. Attempts like these continue to this day as men try to complicate the new covenant with old covenant and other man-made requirements.

In Galatians 1:6-7 Paul says, “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” When Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17), He meant that there was to be a newly defined relationship with God, known as the new covenant (promised to Israel in Jeremiah 31) and enacted on better promises (Hebrews 8:6), therefore making the old covenant obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). The old covenant represents God’s perfect justice, but without the spiritual ability to fulfill it. It had to be kept perfectly or the follower would be classified as a transgressor (James 2:10).

Righteousness of the Law

In Romans 7:7-12, Paul further explains that “the Law is holy and righteous and good” (verse 12), but its intended purpose is to help followers of the Law to understand that righteousness is not derived from the Law, but that the Law makes sin come alive and exposes the sin that is “taking opportunity through the commandment” (verse 11) and deceives me resulting in separation from God (spiritual death). In 1Timothy 1:8-10, “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching”.

In Romans 10, Paul addresses the Jewish nation of his day, clearly defining how the Law cannot lead to righteousness because Jews do not “subject themselves to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3), but rather their own ability to keep the law, otherwise known as “righteousness based on the law”, and that attempt produces a self-righteousness. God’s righteousness can never be earned (see Romans 4:4-5) but is received by faith in the One Who is righteous! Romans 10:4 summarizes the argument when it concludes “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes”. Faith in Jesus as the Christ is the only avenue to God’s righteousness (see John 14:6).

Righteousness by faith

According to Galatians 3:12-14, trying to be a Christian and yet attempting to live under the Law of Moses is a curse and Messiah had become a curse for us so that Jews and Gentiles “would receive the promise of the Spirit by faith”. This promise is only realized through a real faith in Jesus as Messiah, having trusted in His sacrificial death and resurrection and not in one’s own efforts to be or become righteous. In verse 11, Paul quotes the Old Testament passage found in Habakkuk 2:4 as his evidence and confidence: “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH”.

Under the old covenant, salvation came from God and was perceived to be experienced when one became a part of God’s people. Rahab, a Gentile is a good example of this principle, as Joshua 6:25 says: “However, Rahab the harlot and her father’s household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” She became a Jew by believing in the God of Israel and acting on that faith. According to the Apostle Paul in Romans 9:8, “That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants”. Faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob has always been the avenue of salvation.

Uniting the Jew and Gentile

The new covenant encourages believers to assemble together often and all the more as the time of Jesus’s second coming draws near (Hebrews 10:25). The locations of the gatherings are not defined nor the particular means of worship, etc., unlike the old covenant. Yet the new covenant has ordained that both Jew and Gentile will come together since the dividing wall between the two has been broken down in Christ (Ephesians 2:14) and all are members of God’s household. This is only possible because the “Law of commandments contained in ordinances” is no longer a requirement and therefore peace is established between the two groups. In Romans 5:1, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Faith in Jesus as Christ resolves all divisions.

In Ephesians 2:20, Paul connects the foundation of the apostles [new covenant] and prophets [old covenant] as one foundation, meaning both groups now have the same foundation and it is not the Law of Moses. In Romans 3:21, Paul states, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets”, meaning that the Old Testament Scriptures predicted that it would take a “prophet” (Messiah) Who will speak with God’s words as was given to Israel in Deuteronomy 18:15, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him”.

Jesus Christ, our point of reference

The fact is that Messiah’s arrival did not create a large fanfare among the Jews (John 1:11) and the Jewish leadership fought constantly against His acceptance as the Promised One since it meant that their positions of leadership were threatened. Isaiah (53:1) warned of this rejection and was quoted by Paul in Romans 10:16-17, “However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” As Galatians 3:24 states, the Law is intended to lead us to the Messiah. The point of reference is not the Law of Moses, but the person of Jesus Christ.

The Law of Moses included not only the moral law, but also the ceremonial law (Jewish festivals) as well as the worship requirements associated with the tabernacle and later the temple. In Hebrews 9, the writer begins the conversation of the “regulations of divine worship” associated with the tabernacle, including a description of the various elements within the tabernacle that became the center of worship for the nation while in the wilderness. The priestly activities associated with each of these elements was always intended to point to the Messiah as High Priest, who would be the fulfillment of eternal redemption. As an example, the lampstand represents Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12) and the table of the sacred bread is a picture of Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:35). The daily priestly activities were always pointing to the coming Messiah! In Psalm 27:5, David says, “For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (a reference to Christ in 1Corintians 10:4).

Christ is the fulfillment

The Jewish festivals also have their fulfillment in the first coming and second coming of Christ. For example, Passover (Leviticus 23:4-5) was fulfilled at the Last Supper, Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8) at Calvary, First Fruits (Leviticus 23:9-14) on Easter and Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22) at Pentecost in Acts 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit. These festivals are all celebrated in the spring. The final three festivals are references to the second coming of Messiah, Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25) to be fulfilled at the Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:16-18), Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32) speaks of the Tribulation, and Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-43) refers to the 1,000-year reign of Messiah (the Millennium). These last three festivals happen in the fall.

The 1,500 years of life under the old covenant was meant to reveal the person of Jesus as Messiah for those who were fully engaged with their hearts. The symbols and types associated with the old covenant worship are a direct link to Jesus Christ as Messiah and Jesus would become recognizable to many because of the connections to the various aspects of regular worship. The new covenant is the only covenant referred to in Scripture as eternal (Hebrews 13:20), meaning it has always existed as the fulfillment of the fullness of God in man.

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