Saint Paul gave us a powerful illustration of the truths that in Jesus Christ all of us are brought together and made one. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Gal. 3:28). ⁽¹⁾

Our sacrifice: "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's,' (1 Cor. 6:20).

Christ Was Made a Curse!

He is God's provision and solution for curses. Consequently Jesus Christ is the simple way to God "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," (Jn. 3:16).

(Jn. 3:16),"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (Jn 3:17). Christ is the sole way to God: (Jn. 10:8,9).

Christ is the lone Author of Life, (Jn. 1: 4). When the Word of God gets in the heart of a man there is a difference that will be noticeable.

It's a new bloodline, a new order The New Creation is a being that exists that never existed before. According to (Rom. 8:21), "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

Webster Dictionary says, "Anything created; especially something original created by the imagination in vision."

The unsaved human condition is spiritual death, as shown in (Eph. 2:2). Paul depicts the spiritual transformation in (2 Cor. 15:42), "So also is the sown incorruption; it is raised in incorruption." God's righteousness is placed within your spirit. Your spirit was dead to God but now, and it's infused with His life and power!

The Apostle Paul reveals the supernatural union with God in (Col. 1:15), "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature": Paul explains the work of Christ in redemption that delivers His believers from the curse of the law. We read in (Gal. 3:13-14), "Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law; being made a curse for me . . . that the blessing of Abraham might come to me." Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the deliverer of all who receive His blood sacrifice.

The thing that is so wonderful is that we are going to know Christ, really knows Him, for the first time. Paul wrote it like this, (Rev. 20:6) says "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death that hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Your spirit is resurrected from being dead to God.

You become new, totally clean, pure, undefiled, unpolluted, and not guilty! Its God's desire that your life agrees with his word, "I am a faithful man, so I shall abound with blessings," (Prov. 28:20). "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:19).

Recognize that God does not patch up the old life.

He calls upon you to reckon it crucified, (dead in Christ). You receive from Him a new life. You must spiritually cultivate it. Your relationship with God is in obedience and learning of His ways through the Word.

Your new life will have all the Characteristics, which belong to it. The Word of God tells us in (Eph. 4:13), "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." The depth of this new life is shown in Ephesians. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

God wants you mature and free. The Bible states, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, shall also freely give me all things," (Rom. 8:32). We have everything we need to grow in the fullness of Christ! (2 Pet. 1:3). You are free in Christ! Jesus said in (Jn. 8:32), "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

If the devil can deceive you into believing you're not free, you won't experience the freedom, which is your inheritance. You can be free from deep spiritual, mental and emotional turmoil. The truth will set you free. Once free, you will quickly mature! For example, in (Gal. 5:1), we see, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Truth is a liberating agent. The power of Satan is a lie. The power of the believer is in knowing the truth. We should aspire to the truth, now power! God says the secret to success is a love of His Word. "This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth; but I shall mediate therein day and night that I may observe to do according to all that is written therein: For then God shall make my way prosperous and then I shall have good success," (Josh. 1:8).

Also, The New Testament echoes this same viewpoints in (Eph.1:18,19) "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what he riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come."

Also, this stance continued in (Psa. 32:1,2), "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."

Jesus death and resurrection triumphed over and disarmed the rulers and authorities of the kingdom of darkness. Jesus sacrifice shows His victory. It is so clearly shown in (Col. 1:15,16), "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

(Matt. 18:18) assures us that he resurrected Christ is now the seat of all authority. Nothing so confounds the evil one as the voice of the Eternal One. Our Lord himself defeated Satan by the Word of the Lord, and the prophet Haggai did the same. Twice the voice was hearing: "I am with you, saith the Lord," (Hag. 1:13; 1-4). ⁽²⁾ The new creation has authority and power delegated by Jesus Christ!

Satan is a defeated foe and he has no authority over those who are in Christ. Believers must see Satan's total defeat. Christ gave us power to do the same things that He was able to do! Look at (Lk. 9:1), "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."

In Christ's death and resurrection every believer is made alive with Him and is no seated with Him. The heavenlies as shown in (Eph. 2:5,6). You are placed on the inside of the lord's power and authority. In order to resist the devil you must understand and appropriate your position and authority Christ.

The New Creations

"It's plausible that the cause of our moral and spiritual dilemma, and the solution to it, may be something more simple and more profound than we have considered. Throughout Scripture, There seems to be a plan, ordered by God that is designed to keeps us corporately in God's blessing. It isn't just the type of government we set up or the people we elect or even the laws we institute. It is the simple commandment that we teach our children to keep the way of the Lord." ⁽³⁾

Everybody needs Christ!

"Ye Shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (Jn. 8:32).

Jesus pleads invitingly, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father, but by me," (Jn. 14:6). "Verily, Verily . . . I am the door of the sheep," (Jn. 10:70). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," (Acts 4:12).

Every soul born on this earth is lost at birth because they come into this world under the sin of Adam and Eve, our first parents. Adam submitted his will to the devil, sinned and therefore, lost eternal life for all mankind. His lost condition may be described as falling short of the glory of God.

Adam was trapped, alone, afraid, in a world he never made. He brought corruption, disease and poverty into that world. That bondage of sin and its consequences creates an alienation from one's fellow man and God.

Mens' own unaided efforts to solve his problems through intellectual, economic, political, social or psychological skills are soon to fail. Salvation is a free gift from God. It is a work of God in which He rescues man from eternal ruin.

The doom of sin bestows on him the riches of His grace. Even eternal life beginning now and eternal glories in heaven forevermore. From the moment you are saved, if you will let God do it in your spirit, you will begin to enjoy the fruits of salvation. The salvation of God is for those who do not deserve it and have no preparation for it.

What is a true believer? (Hebr. 10:32-39). Are you a true believer? Believers only look to the Bible for eternal answers. Only the Bible can give correct and complete answers to our spiritual questions.

To his illuminations, (Verse 32).
To his experiences as a gazing stock, (Verse 33).
To his companions, (Verse 33).
To his support of the ministry, (Verse 34).

Does not cast away his confidence, (Verse 35).
Exercises patience, (Verse 36).
Does the will of God and receives the promises, (Verse 36).

Looks to the future, (Verse 38-39).
Does not draw back (Verse 38).
Believes to obtain salvation, (Verse 39).

Actually your spirit inside of you becomes alive.

Before Christ walks into your life, your spirit inside of you is dead. Your spirit is dead to God. You don't know God. You have no communication with Him. Therefore, you are cut off from God and that means spiritual death. Look at (Rom. 5:12), "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. "Salvation is more than repentance. It is more than making a decision for Christ; it is a changed life, a new creature in Christ, and a life of Holiness.

After salvation, a person is saved physically and spiritually. However, to claim His name without the new life, (2 Cor. 5:17), is fatal deception! Jesus lovingly cautions, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father," (Matt. 7:21-23).

It is certainly true that Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: . . . If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered . . . and they are burned,"(Jn. 15:5,6).

Rom. Chapter Eight, obviously written for Christians, lists 34 blessings for Saints. It solemnly warns against an empty profession and offers glorious assurance for those who abide in Christ, and bear fruit. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live," (Rom. 8:13).

If you are born again, you are a new Creature in Christ! (2 Cor. 5:17) says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."

The new birth is a spiritual regeneration: (II Pet. 1:4; I Pet. 1:23).

A spiritual quickening or resurrection; (Eph. 2:2,5,6). In regeneration you are quickened out of your spiritual estrangement and isolation from God you are supernaturally transferred into a spiritual life of union and communion with God.

Your resurrection is the restoration to life of that which the old life has become extinct. (Hebr. 9:26), says, "For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put Sin by the sacrifice of himself."

A spiritual transformation: (Col. 1:13), regeneration is a transfer from one kingdom to another. Transfer from the kingdom of darkness in which sin and Satan Rule, into the Kingdom of God's dear Son.

The problem of slavery to sin is it is alien concept in a modern world that relies for it analyzes of human nature upon psychoanalysis, self-improvement, self-esteem, human potential, New Age thinking and other self-help psychologies and philosophies. These pop-isms robe the modern world of any rhyme or reason for thinking about sin.

The contention is that people are basically good; let's try to make them even better. Is it any wonder, then, that many people today place reality of sin alongside that of UFOs? Incredible, but not to a few misguided souls, ⁽⁴⁾ however, when you know your true human condition you know differently. You also know something else: That there is not even the slightest possibility of remedial self-help from what the Bible calls sin.

It is a disheartening situation, really. You feel the strength of sin within and wish that you could be "saved" from it. But at the same time you recognize yourself as utterly powerless to change situations. ⁽⁵⁾

The solution is redemption. It's a spiritual creation; (Eph. 2:10), and in (Eph. 1:7), "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." The apostle Paul goes on to write in (Eph. 2:13), "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

Jesus is the Creator, (Jn. 1:3). He sustains individuals. (Psa. 139: 7:12). He is the only Savior, (Acts 4:12). He will be the Judge, (Jn. 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42). Christ is our blessing! "The Lord has pleasure in the prosperity of me, His servant," Psa. 35:27.

We know that no one except God is absolutely perfect and that real salvation is the first step in perfecting holiness. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Three times in the Epistle (Eph. 1:22, 4:15), and ((Verse 5:2), Christ is specifically named as Head of the Church. This headship is His by rank, by power, and by love . . . His forever. Jesus, our Redeemer, is the only one with the crown right to be head of the Church.

We have the last will and testament of our Lord Jesus according to (Hebr. 9:16-22). The Bible is recorded in Heaven, (Psa. 119:89). The Bible is recorded to reveal Jesus Christ, (Jn. 20:31). The Bible was recorded to assure believers, (I Jn. 5:10-13). Every will must have an administrator. The administrator must have wisdom, (Col. 2:3). The administrator must have power, (Matt. 28:18). The administrator must be present, (Matt. 28:20).

Jesus is the testator. It was signed by His faultless life, (Lu. 23:4). It was signed by His suffering, (I Pet. 4:12,13). It was signed by His resurrection, (Rom. 4:15).

Every will requires a witness, (Jn. 5:37,38). The Bible is a witness, (Jn. 16:12-15). A Will is no good while the testator lives. Jesus became man in order to die, (Hebr. 2:24). Jesus knew He had to die, (Lk. 9:30:31. Jesus' death is the Bible's theme, (I Cor. 15:1,3,4).

Wills require heirs. Paul tells us we are heirs, (Col. 4:7). Peter tells us we are heirs, (I Pet. 1:4); James tells us we are heirs, (Jas. 2:5).

A will describes the inheritance. We have a new nature, II peter 1:4; a life of peace with God, (Rom. 5:1); an inheritance in Heaven, (I Cor. 2:9).

Make a choice!

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men," (I Cor. 7:23).

There is a sin that most preachers are afraid to mention. It is the sin most church members do not want the pastor or preacher to preach about. Most ministers are afraid to even discuss it. People have always been the same way. They just ignore the power of sin over their flesh. They make wrong choices every day. They like to walk in the spirit of rebellion.

In the days of Isaiah the prophet, the people wanted smooth things rather than the truth. They shunned true prophecies. "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord; which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, PROPHESY NOT unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." (Isa. 30:9,10) " . . .For the Lord has a CONTROVERSY with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor KNOWLEDGE of God in the land. By swearing and lying, and killing and STEALING, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood!" (Hos. 4:1,2).

People have not changed. Paul declared that in the last days some would depart and give way to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. This that day! If ever you get in a place like that, be sure the devil will see to it that you hear such a lie. God said that He would send a strong delusion and let you believe a lie that all might be damned who did not want the truth.

The Bible is not only filled with instructions on getting sick and staying sick but also it gives a means of getting rid of that sickness. God places before you blessings or curses . . . good or bad. Of course God longs for us to choose good! It is His desire for you to choose the thing that will be good for you!

Many people are deliberately hurting themselves, some knowingly, others unknowingly. Recall to memory the early church as it is found in the book of Acts. Some of them were doing the wrong thing to their own hurt. They did the thing that caused them to commit suicide at the altar of the 'First Assembly of Jerusalem'! At the same time some were doing the right things that would bring blessing on their lives. Ananias and Saphira were killed at the altar because they did the wrong thing! Are you following their patterns to your own hurt? You could be!

Ananias was first. Peter asked, "Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou has not lied unto men, but unto God!" An Ananias having these words fell down and gave up the ghost, and great fear came down, and gave up the ghost and great fear came on all them that hear these things, and the Young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out and buried him," (Acts 5:4).

Notice that God killed him! God killed a man in church for doing the wrong thing! Then his wife, Sapphira, not knowing what had happened to her husband, came into the gathering, late for Church! She did the same thing as her husband." (Acts 5:9-12), tells us that if Sapphira had been informed, she could have saved herself from own SELF-INFLICTED DESTRUCTION! Each person, male or female is responsible for their own actions.

Another young man had the same opportunity to choose between cursing and blessings. The rich young ruler came running to Christ, desperately seeking help to inherit eternal life. Jesus tried to give him the help he needed, but, although this was the young man's great opportunity for eternal life, the decision was entirely left with the young man. He had come anxiously to learn the way, and no bout he had every intention of doing anything the Lord asked him to do. His intentions were good, but when Jesus told him the right thing to do, HE FAILED TO DO THE THING THAT WOULD HELP HIM. Instead, the poor young man did the wrong thing, and unless HE found a place of repentance afterward. HE IS STILL HURTING TODAY! He made the wrong choice! He made the choice of riches and gold above choosing the Lord's invitation!

THANKING GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS

Lord, we know Your grace that through You we are rich. Yet for our sake You became poor that we, through Your poverty, can become rich. You make all grace abound to us that always having all sufficiency in all things that we may have an abundance for every good deed. (II Cor. 8:9; 9:8).

Blessed be You, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies, and God of all comfort. You comfort us in all our afflictions that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the same comfort with which You have comforted us. (II Cor. 1:3,4).

Blessed be You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. You chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before You in love. You predestined us to the adoption of sons through Jesus Christ to Yourself, according to the kind intention of Your will to the praise and the glory of Your grace, which You have freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:3-6).

Lord God, we praise You that in Christ we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of Your grace, which You lavish upon us. In all wisdom and insight. You have made known to us the mystery of Your will according to Your kind intention which You purposed in Christ, with a view to administration suitable to the plans of times, the summing up of all things in Christ that are in heaven, and are in earth. (Eph. 1:7-10).

Lord Jesus, we praise You that although You were in the form of God, You did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Yourself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of man, and. being found in appearance as a man. You humbled Yourself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. You have been exalted highly by God, and bestowed with a Name, which is above every name, that at Your name every knee shall bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that You are Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:6-11).

Lord, thank You for Your precious and magnificent promises that You have given to us that we might be partakers of Your divine nature. (Pet: 1:4).

Holy Father, we thank You for the Blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all sin; for the redemption we have through it, even the forgiveness of sins. (I Jn. 1:7. Col. 1:14).

Lord Jesus, we thank You that You bore our sins in Your Body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by Your wounds we are healed, ( I Pet. 2:24).

Lord Jesus, we thank You that by grace we are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is a gift; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. We are Your workmanship, created by You for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:8-10).

Lord, we thank You that we do not have to be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day. That a thousand may fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand, but it will not approach us. We will only look on with our eyes and see the recompense of the wicked because we have made You our refuge and the Most High our dwelling place. (Psa. 91:5-8).

Lord, we thank You that You give Your angels charge over us to guard us in all our ways. They will bear us up on their hands lest we strike our foot against a stone. Because we have loved You -- therefore. You will deliver us. You will set us securely on high because we have known Your Name. (Psa. 91: 11, 12, 14).

Lord of hosts, how lovely are Your dwelling places. My soul longs and even yearns for Your courts. My heart and my flesh sing for joy to You, the living God. The bird also has found a house, the swallow a nest for herself that she may lay her young, even Your altars, 0 Lord of hosts, my King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house. We will ever praise You. (Psa. 84:1.4).