What is the difference between “rhema” and “logos”?

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This verse tells you to live your life through faith in Jesus, who will then transform you. You are becoming more of Christ, a member in particular of Christ the body. And the rebellious carnal nature is dying away until you are totally transformed.

The devil will try to trick you and tempt you to do all sorts of things and to think thoughts that aren’t right. That’s why Ephesians 6:16 says, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” When the devil tempts you, he’s throwing flaming spears and shooting flaming arrows at you. You are fighting a war against him. Faith acts as a spiritual shield, protecting you from the attacks and lies of your enemy, the devil.

Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (rhema) of Christ.”

The Greek word “rhema” means an utterance or a word spoken. It’s a sentence or statement. Some have said there’s a difference between the Greek words “rhema” and “logos.” That’s a theological idea, but it doesn’t hold up to examination. Faith comes when God speaks. God speaks the rhema or logos, which is the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, God’s Word, authors faith in your heart. That’s why faith is substance. It’s the substance of things hoped for. God speaks a vision of hope into your heart. Faith is also the absolutely certain proof of things you cannot see.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does it mean for you to be crucified with Christ?
How does faith in Jesus transform you?
What is wrong with the carnal nature?
What does the shield of faith do?
Why does the devil try to trick you?

Bonus questions:

What is the difference between “rhema” and “logos”? (Is there any real difference or is the idea of a difference just a theological idea?)
How does faith act as a shield against the devil’s attacks?
What are the flaming darts of the evil one?
What does the Greek word “rhema” mean?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY

Our God, in Christ, released us from captivity,
From slavery to sin, He sets the captive free.
The Lord sheds His own light upon all human hearts;
For those who won’t respond, God’s radiance soon departs.

So many like to claim an inner righteousness,
But God has told us all, there’s nothing good in us.
The human flesh, that strong, deceptive, wicked force,
That whitewashed human heart still charts an evil course.

The human flesh is caught in slavery to sin.
It cannot free itself, nor break the trap it’s in.
But only through the Christ, there is no other way,
So only through the Christ, our night is turned to day.

The flesh is so corrupt, it cannot be reformed,
But yielding to Christ, a miracle performs.
Yet those who will not yield, with great hypocrisy,
Not knowing that they’re lost, remain in slavery.

All those who yield their wills and listen to God’s voice,
Are led of God in love in ever deepening choice.
Our God, in Christ, released us from captivity,
From slavery to sin, He sets the captive free.

And even if you slip and fall back into sin,
The Lord will lift you out and set you right again,
Providing you confess and trust Christ with your soul .
He’ll set you on the path and lead you toward the goal.

So never walk in fear and never you dismay.
The Lord is all your hope and power to obey.
There is no strength in flesh, but only Christ imparts,
The gift of righteousness, and changes human hearts.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

How do you seek God?

When you listen to God, Jesus Christ creates faith in your heart. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” You hear God when you read the Bible or listen to your parents. God can also speak to you through dreams or visions (Joel 2:28). He speaks in a quiet voice through your conscience. You know what’s right and what’s wrong because the Holy Spirit guides you. As you listen and learn, you receive God’s faith to believe what He is saying to you.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When it says faith is substance, it means faith is solid and real. The hope of faith isn’t like saying, “I hope so.” God’s hope is a vision He gives that is absolutely sure. God’s hope will happen. Where it says faith is evidence, it means it’s absolutely certain proof. God is absolute.

Whoever seeks God finds God. Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” If you seek Him diligently, you won’t come up empty. He will reward you because you will find Him.

Faith is the channel through which God’s grace saves you, and it is not something you can earn by works. And yet grace will always do the works of God. It will say His words and do His acts through you by His authority and power. For example, Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ask God to answer these questions:

How does Jesus create faith in your heart?
What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for?
How is faith the evidence of things not seen?
How do you seek God?
Why can’t you earn grace with works?
Bonus questions:

How does God speak to people?
Why is faith the reality of the vision of hope God gives?
Why is faith absolutely certain proof of things not seen?
How does the Holy Spirit guide you to know right from wrong?
Why is faith necessary to please God?
God designed you to be connected to Him. Without that constant connection, nothing works right. Learn to stand in God’s presence and hear His voice. Then teach others to do the same.

FREE Book: “Real Faith & Reason”
https://realreality.org/download-the-christians-real-faith-reason-journey-series/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

When you listen to God, Jesus Christ creates faith in your heart.

When you listen to God, Jesus Christ creates faith in your heart. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” You hear God when you read the Bible or listen to your parents. God can also speak to you through dreams or visions (Joel 2:28). He speaks in a quiet voice through your conscience. You know what’s right and what’s wrong because the Holy Spirit guides you. As you listen and learn, you receive God’s faith to believe what He is saying to you.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When it says faith is substance, it means faith is solid and real. The hope of faith isn’t like saying, “I hope so.” God’s hope is a vision He gives that is absolutely sure. God’s hope will happen. Where it says faith is evidence, it means it’s absolutely certain proof. God is absolute.

Whoever seeks God finds God. Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” If you seek Him diligently, you won’t come up empty. He will reward you because you will find Him.

Faith is the channel through which God’s grace saves you, and it is not something you can earn by works. And yet grace will always do the works of God. It will say His words and do His acts through you by His authority and power. For example, Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ask God to answer these questions.
How does Jesus create faith in your heart?
What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for?
How is faith the evidence of things not seen?
How do you seek God?
Why can’t you earn grace with works?
Bonus questions:

How does God speak to people?
Why is faith the reality of the vision of hope God gives?
Why is faith absolutely certain proof of things not seen?
How does the Holy Spirit guide you to know right from wrong?
Why is faith necessary to please God?
God designed you to be connected to Him. Without that constant connection, nothing works right. Learn to stand in God’s presence and hear His voice. Then teach others to do the same.

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

REJOICE, REJOICE, REJOICE

The Lord is now building His Church.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice.
The man-child is coming to birth.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice.

Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit now.
Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory now.
Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit now.
Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory now.

His pattern is here for the Church.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice.
The man-child is coming to birth.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice.

Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit now.
Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory now.
Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit; Walk in the Spirit now.
Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory; Walk in His glory now.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice

How do you get faith?

Here’s the problem. Some people think faith is making yourself believe. They think it’s making believe. That’s not what real faith is. Real faith is a spiritual substance Jesus, the Word of God, forms in you when the Father leads, teaches, or corrects you.

Faith is the special gift God gives you so you can believe what He says. Faith also lets you receive God’s gift of righteousness. Romans 10:17 tells us that we get faith by hearing God’s Word. That means God speaks. God’s Spirit leads you. Then faith comes. You need to learn to listen and pay attention to God as He speaks instead of listening to the many distractions around you.

Jesus is the Word of God. In John 1:1 and 14, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” That’s something we may not fully understand, but we have to remember that the entire universe was created by God speaking His Word. The Father speaks His Word. Christ, God’s Word, authors faith in you, and then He finishes that faith all the way through to righteousness and forming Christ more fully in you.

The first lie the devil told was to Eve. The devil said, “Did God really speak to you?” The devil still tells the same lie. When God speaks to you, the devil will say, “Did you really hear God’s voice?” God says that everyone who diligently seeks Him finds Him. He says His sheep know His voice. He says that everyone who loves truth listens to Him. God says He speaks to every person, but some people don’t even thank Him for the wisdom and knowledge He gives, and they lose the ability to tell the difference between God’s voice and their own inner self-talk–or even the voices of demons. Don’t listen to the devil when he tells you God doesn’t speak to you.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What can you now say about faith?
How do you get faith?
Why do you need to listen to God’s voice?
How do you know when God is speaking to you?
Why is Jesus called the Word of God?

Bonus questions:

Since faith comes from hearing God’s leading or speaking, how is faith different from making believe?
How do you know when God is speaking to you?
How does the devil try to make you doubt whether you are hearing God’s voice?
What does it mean that Jesus is the Word of God?
Why does God say His sheep know His voice?
What does it mean that faith is a “spiritual substance” formed by Jesus?

FREE Book: “How God Will Transform You”
https://realreality.org/how-god-will-transform-you/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

FAITH ISN’T MAKING BELIEVE.

Here’s the problem. Some people think faith is making yourself believe. They think it’s making believe. That’s not what real faith is. Real faith is a spiritual substance Jesus, the Word of God, forms in you when the Father leads, teaches, or corrects you.

Faith is the special gift God gives you so you can believe what He says. Faith also lets you receive God’s gift of righteousness. Romans 10:17 tells us that we get faith by hearing God’s Word. That means God speaks. God’s Spirit leads you. Then faith comes. You need to learn to listen and pay attention to God as He speaks instead of listening to the many distractions around you.

Jesus is the Word of God. In John 1:1 and 14, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” That’s something we may not fully understand, but we have to remember that the entire universe was created by God speaking His Word. The Father speaks His Word. Christ, God’s Word, authors faith in you, and then He finishes that faith all the way through to righteousness and forming Christ more fully in you.

The first lie the devil told was to Eve. The devil said, “Did God really speak to you?” The devil still tells the same lie. When God speaks to you, the devil will say, “Did you really hear God’s voice?” God says that everyone who diligently seeks Him finds Him. He says His sheep know His voice. He says that everyone who loves truth listens to Him. God says He speaks to every person, but some people don’t even thank Him for the wisdom and knowledge He gives, and they lose the ability to tell the difference between God’s voice and their own inner self-talk–or even the voices of demons. Don’t listen to the devil when he tells you God doesn’t speak to you.

Ask God to answer these questions.
What can you now say about faith?
How do you get faith?
Why do you need to listen to God’s voice?
How do you know when God is speaking to you?
Why is Jesus called the Word of God?

Bonus questions:

Since faith comes from hearing God’s leading or speaking, how is faith different from making believe?
How do you know when God is speaking to you?
How does the devil try to make you doubt whether you are hearing God’s voice?
What does it mean that Jesus is the Word of God?
Why does God say His sheep know His voice?
What does it mean that faith is a “spiritual substance” formed by Jesus?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

REJOICE IN THE KING

Rejoice in the King Whose powerful arm,
Can keep you safe from any harm.
Who leads to total victory,
O’er every foe and enemy.
Satan is no match for Him,
Not sickness, weakness, death, or sin.
For Christ will have the victory,
O’er every enemy.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

Rejoice in the King

Grace and Works

Many Scripture verses tell us that works are part of salvation.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).”

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).”

Some people say we are saved to good works but good works don’t save us. This can become quite confusing to those who don’t understand even though it is true. It’s confusing if it doesn’t fit into your own worldview, your own inner concept of reality. There’s a lot of confusion over good works.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7).”

Some people say we must avoid what they call “works righteousness.” This Scripture says there is no other kind of righteousness other than doing what is right. So what are the people talking about when they say “works righteousness?” They are talking about trying to earn your salvation by doing self-generated good works. And yet, most Christians know they aren’t supposed to be living sinful lives. Some say they do good works as a gift to God since they are so thankful for salvation.

“all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)”

So we’ll bring our filthy rags to Jesus as a gift? I don’t think so.

“Man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).” “Man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law (Romans 3:28).” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).” “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)” We can’t have true righteousness without the power of God’s grace doing the works in us. When we set up rules and laws, even God’s laws, and disconnect from God, we are trying to earn salvation without Christ.

Righteousness is a gift from God to us, not a gift from us to God. Christ saves us from sin and the sinful nature, but Christ is also being formed in us from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Christ is formed in us as we listen to God’s leading and Christ authors faith in us, which gives us access to God’s grace, which does God’s works through us if we yield ourselves to Him, which causes the flesh to die and Christ to be more fully formed within. Each time this happens, it’s one step in the Spirit.

Ask God to answer these questions.
What is works righteousness?
Why do some people talk about works righteousness?
What is the difference between works that grace does and works the flesh does?
Why can’t we earn our salvation by doing good things?
Why are our good works called filthy rags in Scripture?
Bonus questions:

How does God’s grace do the right things through you? What’s the process?
What is the relationship between faith, works, and salvation?
In the light of faith-based justification, what does 1 John 3:7 mean when it says, “The one who does what is right is righteous”?
What does it mean to be justified by faith?
The Bible says your righteousness is as filthy rags. And yet, God promises righteousness. How can both of these be true?
What role does God’s grace play in true righteousness and goodness?

FREE Book: “Your Metamorphosis”
https://realreality.org/downloads/free-download-your-metamorphosis/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

What Part Do Works Play In Our Salvation?

Many Scripture verses tell us that works are part of salvation.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).”

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).”

Some people say we are saved to good works but good works don’t save us. This can become quite confusing to those who don’t understand even though it is true. It’s confusing if it doesn’t fit into your own worldview, your own inner concept of reality. There’s a lot of confusion over good works.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7).”

Some people say we must avoid what they call “works righteousness.” This Scripture says there is no other kind of righteousness other than doing what is right. So what are the people talking about when they say “works righteousness?” They are talking about trying to earn your salvation by doing self-generated good works. And yet, most Christians know they aren’t supposed to be living sinful lives. Some say they do good works as a gift to God since they are so thankful for salvation.

“all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)”

So we’ll bring our filthy rags to Jesus as a gift? I don’t think so.

“Man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).” “Man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law (Romans 3:28).” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).” “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)” We can’t have true righteousness without the power of God’s grace doing the works in us. When we set up rules and laws, even God’s laws, and disconnect from God, we are trying to earn salvation without Christ.

Righteousness is a gift from God to us, not a gift from us to God. Christ saves us from sin and the sinful nature, but Christ is also being formed in us from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Christ is formed in us as we listen to God’s leading and Christ authors faith in us, which gives us access to God’s grace, which does God’s works through us if we yield ourselves to Him, which causes the flesh to die and Christ to be more fully formed within. Each time this happens, it’s one step in the Spirit.

Ask God to answer these questions.
What is works righteousness?
Why do some people talk about works righteousness?
What is the difference between works that grace does and works the flesh does?
Why can’t we earn our salvation by doing good things?
Why are our good works called filthy rags in Scripture?
Bonus questions:

How does God’s grace do the right things through you? What’s the process?
What is the relationship between faith, works, and salvation?
In the light of faith-based justification, what does 1 John 3:7 mean when it says, “The one who does what is right is righteous”?
What does it mean to be justified by faith?
The Bible says your righteousness is as filthy rags. And yet, God promises righteousness. How can both of these be true?
What role does God’s grace play in true righteousness and goodness?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

Real Hope

Real hope is not an “I hope so” hope.
Real hope flows from God’s Spirit.
Real hope is the vision of what God is going to do.
Real hope knows the plans God has for us.
Plans of good and not of evil.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

The simple way! Listen to God’s voice. Yield to God’s Spirit.

What a simple way! Listen to God’s voice. Yield to God’s Spirit. And yet we struggle.

We fight against the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh. We are fighting against principalities and powers. We are walking contrary to all the worldly systems. The intellects of the intellectuals argue against us and tell us we aren’t experiencing what we’re experiencing. They’re more subtle than that. They ask, “How can you know it’s God speaking to you?” Our bodies have not yet been redeemed and don’t want to obey God. The devil and the world have access to us through the flesh of our bodies. We struggle if we try to overcome the weakness of the flesh by our own fleshly effort. We need to yield to the Holy Spirit.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).”

When you seek His kingdom first, you make Him your King. You let His righteousness reign in your life. You allow Him to be your righteousness. How? By listening to God’s voice and yielding to His Spirit to the point that He does His works through you. Those aren’t your works. They are the works of God.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).”

Do what God tells you to do. Don’t just listen. And don’t try to do what God tells you by your own authority and power. The Children of Israel heard God’s voice on Mt. Sinai and said, “We’ll do everything you said.” They tried in the power of their flesh and were doomed to failure. Within days, they were worshiping a golden calf and having and orgy.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).”

Ask God to answer these questions:

– What does it mean for you to listen to God’s voice?
– What does it mean for you to yield to God’s Spirit?
– Why do some people argue against what you experience with God?
– How can you know if it’s God speaking to you?
– What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first?

Bonus questions:

– Why can’t you just try to do what God says by yourself?
– What does it mean for you to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice?
– How can you yield to the Holy Spirit and allow God to do His works through you instead of relying on your own strength?
– If you hear God’s Word without acting on it, why is that self-deception?
– The Israelites relied on their own strength to follow God’s commands at Mount Sinai. They failed. What lessons can you learn from this?
– Why is presenting your body as a living sacrifice true and proper worship?
– What is the process of renewing your mind?
– What challenges do believers face when opposing worldly systems, intellectual arguments, and spiritual forces?

Free Book: How God Will Transform You
https://realreality.org/How_God_Will_Transform_You_-_Scientia.pdf

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

What a simple way! Listen to God’s voice. Yield to God’s Spirit.

What a simple way! Listen to God’s voice. Yield to God’s Spirit. And yet we struggle.

We fight against the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh. We are fighting against principalities and powers. We are walking contrary to all the worldly systems. The intellects of the intellectuals argue against us and tell us we aren’t experiencing what we’re experiencing. They’re more subtle than that. They ask, “How can you know it’s God speaking to you?” Our bodies have not yet been redeemed and don’t want to obey God. The devil and the world have access to us through the flesh of our bodies. We struggle if we try to overcome the weakness of the flesh by our own fleshly effort. We need to yield to the Holy Spirit.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).”

When you seek His kingdom first, you make Him your King. You let His righteousness reign in your life. You allow Him to be your righteousness. How? By listening to God’s voice and yielding to His Spirit to the point that He does His works through you. Those aren’t your works. They are the works of God.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).”

Do what God tells you to do. Don’t just listen. And don’t try to do what God tells you by your own authority and power. The Children of Israel heard God’s voice on Mt. Sinai and said, “We’ll do everything you said.” They tried in the power of their flesh and were doomed to failure. Within days, they were worshiping a golden calf and having and orgy.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).”

Ask God to answer these questions:

– What does it mean for you to listen to God’s voice?
– What does it mean for you to yield to God’s Spirit?
– Why do some people argue against what you experience with God?
– How can you know if it’s God speaking to you?
– What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first?

Bonus questions:

– Why can’t you just try to do what God says by yourself?
– What does it mean for you to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice?
– How can you yield to the Holy Spirit and allow God to do His works through you instead of relying on your own strength?
– If you hear God’s Word without acting on it, why is that self-deception?
– The Israelites relied on their own strength to follow God’s commands at Mount Sinai. They failed. What lessons can you learn from this?
– Why is presenting your body as a living sacrifice true and proper worship?
– What is the process of renewing your mind?
– What challenges do believers face when opposing worldly systems, intellectual arguments, and spiritual forces?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

Rationalism And Revelation

Rationalism and revelation will never see eye to eye.
Revelation trusts in God,
Rationalism trusts lies.

Rationalism thinks the human mind is all the source.
That human minds can dream up truth.
That they are the ultimate force.

Revelation believes God’s Word, unchallenged to this hour.
That God can yet reveal His truth.
That He is the ultimate power.

And rationalized theology and science can be shown
The source of every kind of pain,
And trouble the earth has known.

But God has never authored strife, disorder, curse or plague.
He is the source of all that’s good.
His Light is never vague.

What God has made declares His power so anyone can see.
But as for those who make up facts?
They’re blind as blind can be.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

What does it mean to flow with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)”

Here, it appears the word “saved” refers to being born again. There is a theology called “once saved always saved.” It’s also known as “eternal security.” I don’t know of any Scripture that says you can be unborn once you are born. We all know it’s possible to sin after we’re born again, although, some teach that you never were born again if you ever sinned after you were born again. The human mind can rationalize anything, and that is a rationalization of certain Scriptures that adds to what Scripture says.

Hopefully, none of that applies to you. Hopefully, you’re not trying to find the place where you can maximize your sin and still not go to hell. It’s possible to be born again and remain a baby in Christ with a raging and controlling sinful nature and an inability to break free. It all depends on whether you allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit or you allow your fallen nature to lead you.

“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)”

The secret is in yielding to the Holy Spirit. You want to flow with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. God is calling you to higher heights and deeper depths in Him. He wants you to come into the Holy of Holies and stay there. He never wants you to leave. Take hold of Him and don’t let go.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does it mean for you to declare “Jesus is Lord”?
What does it mean for you to believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead?
Can you sin after you are born again? (Note: you are not your fleshly nature or your carnal mind. You are your ministry, which is Christ in you. How much sin can Christ do? How much righteousness can your fallen fleshly nature do?)
What does it mean for you to be born again?
How can you stop being controlled by sin?

Bonus questions:

How does believing and speaking work together in your Christian walk?
What does “being saved” mean, and is that the same as “born again?”
What biblical evidence supports or challenges the idea that once you are born again you can become un-born again?
What does it mean to remain a baby in Christ?
What will it be like to stay in the Holy of Holies?
What does it mean to flow with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?

God designed your mind to flow in His Spirit. It won’t work properly without His presence. Learn to stand in God’s presence and hear His voice. Then teach others to do the same.

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How does believing and speaking work together in your Christian walk?

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)”

Here, it appears the word “saved” refers to being born again. There is a theology called “once saved always saved.” It’s also known as “eternal security.” I don’t know of any Scripture that says you can be unborn once you are born. We all know it’s possible to sin after we’re born again, although, some teach that you never were born again if you ever sinned after you were born again. The human mind can rationalize anything, and that is a rationalization of certain Scriptures that adds to what Scripture says.

Hopefully, none of that applies to you. Hopefully, you’re not trying to find the place where you can maximize your sin and still not go to hell. It’s possible to be born again and remain a baby in Christ with a raging and controlling sinful nature and an inability to break free. It all depends on whether you allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit or you allow your fallen nature to lead you.

“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)”

The secret is in yielding to the Holy Spirit. You want to flow with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. God is calling you to higher heights and deeper depths in Him. He wants you to come into the Holy of Holies and stay there. He never wants you to leave. Take hold of Him and don’t let go.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does it mean for you to declare “Jesus is Lord”?
What does it mean for you to believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead?
Can you sin after you are born again? (Note: you are not your fleshly nature or your carnal mind. You are your ministry, which is Christ in you. How much sin can Christ do? How much righteousness can your fallen fleshly nature do?)
What does it mean for you to be born again?
How can you stop being controlled by sin?

Bonus questions:

How does believing and speaking work together in your Christian walk?
What does “being saved” mean, and is that the same as “born again?”
What biblical evidence supports or challenges the idea that once you are born again you can become un-born again?
What does it mean to remain a baby in Christ?
What will it be like to stay in the Holy of Holies?
What does it mean to flow with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?

God designed your mind to flow in His Spirit. It won’t work properly without His presence. Learn to stand in God’s presence and hear His voice. Then teach others to do the same.

LORD, PUT YOUR COMPASSION HERE IN MY HEART

Put Your compassion, Lord, here in my heart.
Let every grief touch my soul.
When others suffer, Lord, Let me be moved
Lord let it start, here in my heart.
Let true compassion fill my soul.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

Put Your Compassion Here In My Heart

How do you receive the gift of righteousness?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)”

We seek God’s kingdom and righteousness:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)”

Don’t believe those who say you can be righteous without doing what is right. Don’t believe those who say you can do what’s right by self-effort. Doing what is right is a sign of righteousness, because all righteousness does what’s right. Christ in you does what’s right, but you don’t have the ability in your natural carnal self. You do what’s right only by Christ’s power working in you.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1 John 3:7)”

Do what God is telling you to do by the power of His grace. Be led by the Spirit and faith will come leading to grace that has the power to do what’s right as you yield yourself to His grace.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)”

God gives the gift of righteousness through faith. Faith comes by hearing. Faith gives us access into God’s grace. God’s grace does the righteousness through us as we yield ourselves to it.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile. (Romans 3:22)”

God just keeps pounding this point home in Scripture. Righteousness and goodness aren’t things we can somehow conjure up within ourselves. They come as gifts from God based on faith which gives us access to God’s grace, and God’s grace does God’s works through us. Faith comes when we listen to God’s leading. The Greek word is rhema. It means a statement or utterance. It means the leading, teaching, or correcting voice of God. That’s where faith comes from:

“And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:9)”

Ask God to answer these questions.
What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice?
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind?
How do you know God’s will?
What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness?
How do you listen to God’s voice and follow it?

Bonus questions:

How do you receive the gift of righteousness?
What is the pattern of the world?
Who renews your mind?
What’s the importance of doing what God is leading you to do?
How does faith give you access to God’s grace?
What role does yielding to God’s grace play in your righteousness?
Why can’t you conjure up righteousness yourself?

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Don’t believe those who say you can be righteous without doing what is right.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)”

We seek God’s kingdom and righteousness:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)”

Don’t believe those who say you can be righteous without doing what is right. Don’t believe those who say you can do what’s right by self-effort. Doing what is right is a sign of righteousness, because all righteousness does what’s right. Christ in you does what’s right, but you don’t have the ability in your natural carnal self. You do what’s right only by Christ’s power working in you.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1 John 3:7)”

Do what God is telling you to do by the power of His grace. Be led by the Spirit and faith will come leading to grace that has the power to do what’s right as you yield yourself to His grace.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)”

God gives the gift of righteousness through faith. Faith comes by hearing. Faith gives us access into God’s grace. God’s grace does the righteousness through us as we yield ourselves to it.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile. (Romans 3:22)”

God just keeps pounding this point home in Scripture. Righteousness and goodness aren’t things we can somehow conjure up within ourselves. They come as gifts from God based on faith which gives us access to God’s grace, and God’s grace does God’s works through us. Faith comes when we listen to God’s leading. The Greek word is rhema. It means a statement or utterance. It means the leading, teaching, or correcting voice of God. That’s where faith comes from:

“And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:9)”

Ask God to answer these questions.
What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice?
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind?
How do you know God’s will?
What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness?
How do you listen to God’s voice and follow it?

Bonus questions:

How do you receive the gift of righteousness?
What is the pattern of the world?
Who renews your mind?
What’s the importance of doing what God is leading you to do?
How does faith give you access to God’s grace?
What role does yielding to God’s grace play in your righteousness?
Why can’t you conjure up righteousness yourself?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

Pure Thought Is Based On Logic, So The Story Goes

Pure thought is based on logic, so the story goes.
We swallow this line easily, as everybody knows.
But reasoning and logic, fall short to tell what’s true.
And scholars argue constantly all mired in a goo
Of logical assumptions–they all sit in their stew,
As they have done for ages. This is nothing new.

Their books and papers, proven false by that which they can see,
But, proud and haughty, they deny that it can ever be.
Scientist or theologian–they are all the same.
“Facts” based on assumptions, all stirring in their brains.
A brain so proud, it says to God, “Who are You to tell.”
And gives us quite a clue to just how Satan fell.

The more they learn, the more they know, the more confused they are,
For when they learn what isn’t true, they’re stuck in pitch-black tar.
They look into the Bible, but they don’t see the Word.
A veil is there before their eyes. They see what they had heard.
Is God able to reveal? Can His Spirit show–
If we’re willing now to yield–things that we must know?

As God reveals, won’t He know to show us all the same?
Won’t He show us in the way the Bible does proclaim?
For God does send, the Bible says, and tells us how He sends.
He chooses whom He will to send, and He determines when.
If there is great discord and all this argument,
It simply means that someone runs whom God has never sent.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.