Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Remember The Sea - Part 1 - Bill Stephenson
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said ... Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Job 38
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Psalm 33:7
Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Psalm 77:19
The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land]. Psalm 95:5
The ocean represents our burial with Jesus Christ. It speaks of the great sufferings of our LORD in His crucifixion, death and burial. When you look at the sea, remember it means redemption- your personal redemption. Eat His flesh and drink His blood today. As a believer in Christ Jesus, your communion with Him and what He's done for you should be your daily, hourly bread. Remember His death for you until He comes. He will come with healing, deliverance, salvation, filling, and redemption.
New Film!
From The Beautiful Florida Coast!
Part One: God's Paradise
Remember the sea. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 and then remember Jonah 2. Remember John 6 when Jesus said "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
Remember Romans 6. Paul said, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin."
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Remember the sea, for deep calls unto deep at the noise of God's waterspouts......
The depth of God is calling you to know Him in His death, burial, sufferings, and resurrection. (Philippians 3:10)
Can you hear Him calling you, beloved?
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus.
- Bill
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Psalm 33:7
Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Psalm 77:19
The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land]. Psalm 95:5
The ocean represents our burial with Jesus Christ. It speaks of the great sufferings of our LORD in His crucifixion, death and burial. When you look at the sea, remember it means redemption- your personal redemption. Eat His flesh and drink His blood today. As a believer in Christ Jesus, your communion with Him and what He's done for you should be your daily, hourly bread. Remember His death for you until He comes. He will come with healing, deliverance, salvation, filling, and redemption.
New Film!
From The Beautiful Florida Coast!
Part One: God's Paradise
Remember the sea. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 and then remember Jonah 2. Remember John 6 when Jesus said "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
Remember Romans 6. Paul said, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin."
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Remember the sea, for deep calls unto deep at the noise of God's waterspouts......
The depth of God is calling you to know Him in His death, burial, sufferings, and resurrection. (Philippians 3:10)
Can you hear Him calling you, beloved?
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus.
- Bill
Monday, August 01, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Chronological Order of the Books of the New Testament
James - 50 A.D.
First Thessalonians - 52-53.
Second Thessalonians - 52-53.
Galatians - 55.
First Corinthians - 57.
Second Corinthians - 57.
Romans - 57-58.
Philippians - 62-63.
Colossians - 62-63.
Philemon - 62-63.
Ephesians - 62-63.
Luke - 63.
Acts - 64.
First Timothy - 65.
Titus - 65.
Second Timothy - 66.
Mark - 66.
Matthew - 67.
Hebrews - 67.
First Peter - 67-68.
Second Peter - 68.
Jude - 68.
Apocalypse - 68.
John - c. 85.
Epistles of John - 90-95.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Grace and Peace - Bill Stephenson
1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word grace here means to be full of cheer! How can we be full of cheer? Because of God's divine influence upon our heart through the death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ makes it a living reality in us now.
The word peace is even more astounding in this passage. It means prosperity. But wait. Before you start thinking in terms of the modern gospel's definition of prosperity (dollars and cents), just look at the definition to this word. It means to set at one, quietness, and rest.
Notice both peace and grace come from God the Father and God the Son. Since we are in union with Christ Jesus through the new birth, He within us becomes our cheer and prosperity.
When you are one with Christ Jesus you have found the secret to the Christian life... (1 Corinthians 6:17 - John 17)
Live out of your union with God. Spend time with Him in the secret closet of prayer. Go in and shut your door with Him. There in the secret place your transformation will take place as you are changed into the image of Christ Jesus, from glory to glory! He will vitally be your peace, rest, and fulfillment. In God alone am I complete.
Friday, June 10, 2011
God's Determination For You - Bill Stephenson
Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Paul was a sent one from the Lord Jesus Christ. But notice it was "by the will of God.." This word "will" in Greek is thelēma and means "a determination, an active choice and purpose."
God the Father determines the borders of your habitation and influence. It is established and settled in His own mind. He has limited and confined you to the parameters of His own will and counsel. He has fixed and placed you in His will. It is important that we say "yes" to Him as our life within us. You might want to ask the LORD if you are in His determined will for your life.
Paul writes to the saints and faithful in Christ Jesus. That means in fullest terms you are holy, sacred, pure, blameless, and consecrated in union with Christ Jesus. That is positionally true for all true believers who have been dead, buried, raised and seated in Jesus Christ. However, there is also another class of believers- the faithful ones who are true to their position in our LORD.
As we wait in Him within us, His life unfolds and we come forth shinning as the Son Himself, for indeed this is what our life truly is- "not I, but Christ..."
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Sit Before The Lord - Bill Stephenson
I hear the LORD say, "Sit before Me.."
The scripture says in Ephesians 2:5-6, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus."
It reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. You know it.
"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Beloved, are you at rest in Jesus?
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
- Bill
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wait On The LORD - Bill Stephenson
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17
I want to share with you my new HD film- Spirit and Bride from the beautiful Botanical Gardens... May you enjoy the beauty and reality of His living presence as you contemplate your death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ!
Begin Watching http://www.ontherock.net/radio.htm
The LORD has spoken this word to me to give to you- "Wait on the LORD..."
Are you weary?
Are you lonely and sad?
Are you depressed?
Then Beloved, wait on the Lord.
Please read Isaiah 40.
You are not alone. As a believer, the Lord Jesus Christ lives within you as your very life!
You are never alone.
Things have changed. It's not the same as it once was. But be encouraged today. The very best is yet to come. The LORD is not finished with you! Your union with Him through the death, burial, and resurrection is now unfolding into the next glory. Feel it within you. Open your heart and mind to Him alone. He is speaking. Can you hear Him?
Listen to what Mrs. Cowman has to say...
The Power of Silence
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).
Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than that one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
There is for the heart that will cease from itself, "the peace of God that passeth all understanding," a "quietness and confidence" which is the source of all strength, a sweet peace "which nothing can offend," a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.
There is in the swiftest wheel that revolves upon its axis a place in the very center, where there is no movement at all; and so in the busiest life there may be a place where we dwell alone with God, in eternal stillness, There is only one way to know God. "Be still, and know." "God is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." --Selected
"All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired of starshine or moonlight or sunrise. The sullen blackness gloomed above us as if it would last forever. And out of the dark there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed some wild thunder peal to break the torturing stillness of that over-brooding night.
"But Thy winsome whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across Aeolian harps. It was Thy 'still small voice' that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard. We looked and saw Thy face radiant with the light of love. And when we heard Thy voice and saw Thy face, new life came back to us as life comes back to withered blooms that drink the summer rain."
What a wonderful word from Mrs. Cowman.
Receive it for yourself right now!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I Am The LORD Who Heals You - Bill Stephenson
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
I hear the LORD say, "I am the LORD that healeth thee..."
Because of our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ, we have redemption in spirit, soul, and body.
He IS the LORD who heals you. By His stripes you were healed of all sicknesses and diseases.
Do you believe that for yourself?
His suffering under the righteous hand of God our Father guarantees our provision. But we must live in the now of God. I hear the LORD say, "Come out from among them and be separate and I will receive you unto myself..."
Notice from the above passage we must put all our affection and attention on His Word and voice. Listen intently to Him. He will speak a word to you saying, "this is the way- walk you therein...
Do you hear Him?
Do you see Him?
DO you know Him in the now of your life?
He is your very life.....
He suffered to bring you into union with God Himself...
DO you believe?
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
- Bill
Friday, May 06, 2011
Have You Been Quiet Today? - Bill Stephenson
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15
As I pondered the Lord this morning and rested in His glorious presence, I heard Him ask the question concerning you our subscriber, "Have you been quiet before your Lord today?"
We must ask ourselves this simple question and answer honestly.
Please allow me to encourage you to return to the quiet presence of our Lord within you and there rest a while. In fact, why not wait quietly in the Lord for about 5 to 30 minutes right now?
Practice being still before the Lord in you.
It will change your world and bring transformation to you eternally! It's all because of the death, burial, suffering, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ that we can confidently enter in boldly to His Throne of grace and there rest in Him. Remember, if you are truly born-again through Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God is now inside of you. How wonderful to know that no matter what your situation or circumstance at this time, you can retreat into God's living and joyous presence within you!
Remember Jesus said the kingdom of God was within the true believer.....
So, I hear the quietness calling you away from the outer world of strife and sin. Come aside and rest awhile in Him.
Remember,
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
- Bill
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Are You Satisfied? - Bill Stephenson
Our satisfaction comes only from our union with Christ Jesus and the communion we have with Him in us.
I encourage you today to spend some time with your Lord in quietness, worship, praise, and scripture.
You are dead, buried, raised, and seated in Him.
Jesus suffered for your redemption in ways you will never know in this present time.
However, if we are to be stable in the days we now find ourselves we will have to embrace Jesus Christ fully and that means letting go of the world system.
Come out from among them and be separate.
He will receive you unto Himself.
You will be His own.
He that is joined unto the Lord Jesus Christ is one spirit.
So be it unto you.
Blessings!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Sobering Word About The Cross - Bill Stephenson
I have a somewhat sobering word to give before today's word. Please ask the Lord to open your eyes to see His truth as it is in Jesus. The Lord loves us enough to correct and set straight His path in front of us.
Please remember the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ as you read these articles. Everything must be based and centered upon the cross of Jesus Christ. Without the death of our Lord Jesus we cannot ever hope to escape sin in our daily lives nor the heresy so prevalent in the church today. Sin can rule a believer in the flesh. Heresy can leaven the pure doctrine of God. How? Because the flesh of the believer is only crucified as that believer beholds the cross (death) of Christ and his place there with Him. We have been crucified with Jesus Christ. This deals with our fleshly self BUT ONLY as we put our faith in our death with Christ Jesus hour by hour!
You see, justification was given at the cross of Jesus. We were justified as we hung there with Him. When we receive this atoning work for our selves we become born again. However, the cross of Jesus accomplishes another work in the believer. Sanctification and holiness. However, this sanctification is only accomplished vitally as we CONTINUE to behold our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Without understanding what really happened at the cross of Christ and our constant remembrance of the finished work, waiting on God simply turns out to be a mystical, new age practice that is sweeping the church like a flood. There is a proper way to experience the depths of God in the Spirit. But remember it must always FIRST come through your time meditating upon the death, burial, suffering, and resurrection with Jesus Christ.
ANY DOCTRINE OR BELIEF SYSTEM we may personally have which is not centered EXCLUSIVELY in the death of Christ Jesus is heresy, a work of the flesh, is humanistic, psychological, and completely unacceptable before the Lord.
Father, thank you for showing us if there be any wicked way in us and remove it through the cross of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ...
Be encouraged today, Beloved. You are loved and blessed in Him. He only wants what is the very best for you- and that's HIM!
Friday, February 04, 2011
The Blood of The Lamb - Bill Stephenson
"And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat."
"And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel" (Leviticus 16).
Oh the precious blood of the Lamb.
The blood of bulls and goats never took sin away permanently. But the precious Lamb of God did. The blood of that precious Lamb takes away the sin of the world. His name is Jesus Christ. Redemption is continual as we abide in Him, walk in Him.
Read 1st John, slowly.
Some questions are in order for us to ask ourselves.
What does the Spirit of the Lord say to you about the blood of Jesus Christ as it pertains to you and the church?
How important is abiding in Christ?
What place does the blood of Christ Jesus have in your life?
Am I depressed or trapped in sin right now?
If so, what does the blood of Jesus do for me personally in this situation?
What is the reason for the blood of Christ Jesus?
What happens to my sin in the blood of the Lamb?
Is the blood now outdated as we are told in the "modern" gospel of our time?
Am I living in a vibrant and fresh experience and understanding of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ?
The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Jesus said to eat His flesh and drink His blood. Why? Because we have no life without it.
Jesus said we must watch what we hear. We must continually realize our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ. He in us is our only hope and our only life.
Sit satisfied in Him alone.
Atonement and deliverance are sure for you personally- but only in the blood of the Lamb.
Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o'er evil a victory win?
There's wonderful power in the blood.
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.
Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide;
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Selah
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Fire of His Revelation - Bill Stephenson
"And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail" (Leviticus 16).
The scapegoat of atonement. Such a neglected part of redemption in our day. Jesus alone was our scapegoat taking upon Himself our just punishment. That wrath of the Father was due us but instead He bore it all. The blood of the Lamb of God signifies the horrible death of the very Son of God. With no light stroke He alone bore the afflicting wrath of God in the place of abandonment.
His soul was not left in hell... (Acts 2:31)
He was loosed from the pains of death.... (Acts 2:24)
The modern translations water these verses down to the point of making His redemption null and void. But the fact remains the Son of God bore your very sin in Himself and as a result suffered the wrath of His loving Father. Yet the blaze of the Almighty's fury destroyed the person you once were. Your sin problems were dumped into the sea of forgetfulness. It was a free gift. But not for Jesus. He got the wilderness of sin, hell, death, and pain. He bore our sin, transgressions, and iniquities. He took our sicknesses and disease. He suffered all our hell and pain.
And because He bore it, why should we?
Live in the hot fire of the revelation of your death with Jesus Christ and as a result the sweetness of His living glory and presence.
May we truly love Him above all.
Selah.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
C H R I S T M A S - Dead, Buried, Raised - Bill Stephenson
C H R I S T M A S
Dead, Buried, Raised
Stage One: I Was Crucified with Christ Jesus
Christmas is upon us and I want to share with you the true meaning of the celebration. Christmas is a time when we again reflect upon the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. What was His purpose for God coming in human form? To bring redemption to us. What exactly is this redemption? The answer is clearly found in Colossians 1:27 and Galatians 2:20.
I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:26-28)
As a true believer, Christ Jesus now lives within you as your very life. This indeed is the reality of redemption- our redemption!
I want to offer you a Christmas gift, my scripture narration of our death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ. Simply download the Mp3 (Click Deeper Life Podcast logo)
Podcast
I Was Crucified with Christ Jesus
I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24)
Wait on the Lord, rest patiently in Him. Feed upon this word of the death, burial, and resurrection. The secret of why is found in 1 Corinthians 1:18. Read it for yourself...
I Died with Christ Jesus
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (Romans 6:8)
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances. (Colossians 2:20)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3)
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:10-11)
I Was Buried with Christ Jesus
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6:5)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)
I Was Made Alive with Christ Jesus
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. (Colossians 2:13)
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). (Ephesians 2:5)
I Was Raised with Christ Jesus
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)
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. (Ephesians 1:19-21)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)
I Was Seated with Christ Jesus
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
Since I Have Been Crucified, Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated in Christ Jesus, This Is Who I Am In Him
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
Christ Unto Me
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Christ Lives In Me
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:26-28)
God The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit In Me
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:9-11)
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6)
Christ IS My Nourishment
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. (John 6:53-57)
Perfect In Christ
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)
At Rest In Him
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Christ Is My Life
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Christ My All
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)
God The Father My Future - My All
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
Wait on the Lord, rest patiently in Him. Feed upon this word of the death, burial, and resurrection. The secret of why is found in 1 Corinthians 1:18. Read it for yourself...
Dead, Buried, Raised
Stage One: I Was Crucified with Christ Jesus
Christmas is upon us and I want to share with you the true meaning of the celebration. Christmas is a time when we again reflect upon the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. What was His purpose for God coming in human form? To bring redemption to us. What exactly is this redemption? The answer is clearly found in Colossians 1:27 and Galatians 2:20.
I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:26-28)
As a true believer, Christ Jesus now lives within you as your very life. This indeed is the reality of redemption- our redemption!
I want to offer you a Christmas gift, my scripture narration of our death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ. Simply download the Mp3 (Click Deeper Life Podcast logo)
Podcast
I Was Crucified with Christ Jesus
I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24)
Wait on the Lord, rest patiently in Him. Feed upon this word of the death, burial, and resurrection. The secret of why is found in 1 Corinthians 1:18. Read it for yourself...
I Died with Christ Jesus
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (Romans 6:8)
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances. (Colossians 2:20)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3)
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:10-11)
I Was Buried with Christ Jesus
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6:5)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)
I Was Made Alive with Christ Jesus
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. (Colossians 2:13)
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). (Ephesians 2:5)
I Was Raised with Christ Jesus
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)
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. (Ephesians 1:19-21)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)
I Was Seated with Christ Jesus
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
Since I Have Been Crucified, Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated in Christ Jesus, This Is Who I Am In Him
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
Christ Unto Me
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Christ Lives In Me
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:26-28)
God The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit In Me
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:9-11)
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6)
Christ IS My Nourishment
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. (John 6:53-57)
Perfect In Christ
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)
At Rest In Him
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Christ Is My Life
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Christ My All
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)
God The Father My Future - My All
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
Wait on the Lord, rest patiently in Him. Feed upon this word of the death, burial, and resurrection. The secret of why is found in 1 Corinthians 1:18. Read it for yourself...
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated In Christ Jesus PODCAST!
Life FM Podcast
Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated In Christ Jesus
Dr. Bill Stephenson, ThD
Podcast for December 2010 - Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated In Christ Jesus
To download podcast simply right-click podcast icon and "save as" into your computer.
Podcast for December 2010 - Dead, Buried, Raised, and Seated In Christ Jesus
To download podcast simply right-click podcast icon and "save as" into your computer.
Let's go back to the death and sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ and discover something we have never imagined! Did you know when you listen to a teaching that it requires listening at least 7 times before it begins to kick in and you begin to receive it? Please keep this in mind as you listen to this teaching. We must continue to absorb this true gospel so that we become one with it and make our death with Christ the top priority of our lives.
Blessings!
Monday, December 06, 2010
You Will Always Have A Home - Bill Stephenson
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ..." Philippians 3
Can you imagine Paul saying we are citizens of heaven? The Greek word for conversation in this verse means, "a community, citizenship."
Our home is NOW in heaven even while we dwell on earth!
Please allow me to ask you as a believer in Jesus Christ a few important questions.
Where is our economy?
Where is our security?
Where is our provision?
Where is our wisdom and discernment?
Where is our righteousness?
Where is our home?
Where is our sanctification?
Where is our redemption?
Where is our health and healing?
Where is our everything?
You alone must answer for yourself......
Please watch my new short film to help you decide..
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Ten Realities For You - Bill Stephenson
"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) " (Hebrews 10:10;15-23).
Here we see some marvelous things for us as true believers in Christ Jesus. Because of our death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus we are privileged to receive the following ten points of redemption.
First, we are sanctified, set apart as Holy unto God.
Secondly, we have a covenant with God Himself. This consist of three awesome things;
1. He has put His laws in our heart.
2. He has written His laws in our mind.
3. He no longer remembers our sins and iniquities.
Third, His remission of our sins was once and for all. No need to do it ever again!
Fourth, through His flesh we have boldness to enter into His living presence based on our Lord Jesus Christ's precious, cleansing, and pure shed blood.
Fifth, we now have an eternal High Priest- our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Sixth, we are to now able to draw near to Him with our true heart in full assurance. Therefore, let us now draw near!
Seventh, our hearts have been sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Eighth, our bodies are now washed with pure water.
Ninth, we are to now able to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. Therefore, let's hold fast without wavering!
Tenth, he is faithful that promised. This tenth point is the key. He alone atoned, He alone redeemed. He alone will keep us. How? Through His faithfulness. We can trust Him in us as our Life.
Will you allow these ten realities to be YOUR reality, today?
I pray so, Beloved!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Two Words To Freedom - Bill Stephenson
“Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27).
"For this he did once..." What great news this is! Once means only one time. Not two times, four times, or ten thousand times. The key to victory in our Christian life is found here. Two words confirm your freedom in Christ Jesus.
The first word is once. No more again. The work is finished. Our personal and eternal Redemption has been accomplished, settled once for all. How? Through the offering of HIMSELF. That's the second key word. He alone is our redemption, wisdom, sanctification, and redemption.
He alone.
Dead, buried, raised, and seated in Christ Jesus.
That's who YOU are!
Rest in it Beloved...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Golden Glory - Bill Stephenson
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Jesus Christ is the only mediator we will ever need. Notice just who He mediates. God and man. This mediation is sure and settled but we must remember it was purchased with a great price. The great sufferings of our Lord brought the union of God and man. All men who receive this free gift of Christ Jesus are now reconciled unto the Almighty Father.
Perhaps you are in a situation at the moment where you need mediation with your Father. Even though technically you are already in union with Him as a true believer, there are times for whatever reason we sense a disjointing with Him. But this is just what Jesus came and died for. He alone is our personal atonement in any given moment of our lives. We must allow His rest, through the revelation of the death, burial, and resurrection with Him, to carry us into the depths of God Himself.
Mediation is only the beginning. For the Father desires our deep love and in our hearts we truly desire Him above all things. But living in the world has a tendency to distract that which is most important to God. In this moment why not return again to His living presence and allow your Father to take you to His golden glory. His secret for you is there in that place He's prepared just for you. All that you'll ever need or want is only found there.
Abiding in Him brings forth your testimony of His marvelous greatness. The world and the things thereof will grow strangely dim in the Light of His glory and grace.
Can you say amen?
I hope so!
Happy communion. In Him alone.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Life As God Has It - Bill Stephenson
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him" (1 Thessalonians 5:10).
A few weeks after my friend had passed from this earth I stood at his grave and slowly read the inscription on the stone;
" For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
How fitting for a man who had been used so mightily during the Jesus Movement of the early 1970's in the southern part of the United States, mentoring young people like myself and baptizing hundreds in the Gulf of Mexico. Up until the time the Lord took him home he walked with His Lord every day through thick and thin. What a living testimony he left.
Here in this passage we see the mystery of the man in Christ Jesus. This man has the Lord Jesus Christ so indelibly within him that weather in life or death he is alive in union with God. How can a man still be alive though he is dead?
The death of our Lord Jesus Christ brought us life as God has it. Make no mistake, eternal life does not come out of life, but out of death. We were crucified, dead, buried, raised, and seated in heavenly places through our union with Him. This is a solid fact. Not only that. It is a solid reality to those who love God and carry on a constant communion with Him.
Today the world is talking about death everywhere and how hard it is getting. But the man in Christ knows experientially he has died already and now has been risen with His Lord into actual heavenly places where bliss is a reality to him!
Too good to be true? Absolutely. But Jesus made it true for all who walk in Him every moment of their lives.
"...That we should live together with Him..."
Thank you my Lord.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
You Are Free Indeed - Bill Stephenson
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:14).
This word "blotting" means "to smear out, obliterate, and wipe away." We should realize with absolute certainty the Lord's death on the cross wiped away those demanding ordinances which were against us. The cross is the place where all that was against us was nailed away from us.
Do we yet realize the power of the death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ? Have we been swept away by the modern current of the age into thinking the cross of Jesus Christ is not valid any longer?
If we are of that thinking number then we have been deceived by that wicked and cunning spirit of the age. Let's take the shoes off our feet and stand again at the foot of our Lord's cross. What do you see there? If you are not there with Him then allow the Lord to wash your eyes with the true gospel.
Beloved, we are crucified, dead, buried, raised, and seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus!
That means you are free in Him - free indeed!
Carry on accordingly.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Discovering Hidden Power and Wisdom - Bill Stephenson
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8).
Even the death of the cross.
What sanity in an insane world! The death of Christ on the cross opened the way for our eternal redemption. One makes a grave mistake if they are not willing to follow the Lord into His death. Our entire existence as a person hinges solely upon the death, burial, and resurrection with our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Let me hide myself in Thee..."
Feast upon His death- the eagles are gathered there- this is meat for the mature. A hidden power and wisdom comes only to those who know Jesus Christ in His death, burial, suffering, and resurrection.
Thank you for humbling yourself to die for us Lord Jesus. It will not be in vain.
Amen.
Watch my new film from the beautiful Florida coast and bask and soak in His living presence:
Monday, November 01, 2010
He Comes In Clouds, Again - Bill Stephenson
Last week we saw that Jesus is coming in the clouds and we will appear with Him in glory.
Just wanted the scriptures to speak for themselves.
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Mat 24:30).
"Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (Mat 26:64).
"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mar 13:26).
"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (Mar 14:62).
"Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1Th 4:17).
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen" (Rev 1:7).
Are you ready to appear with Him in clouds of glory?
Just keep resting.
Keep working (in His rest).
Keep waiting.
Keep feasting.
In God alone.
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
- Bill
Sunday, October 10, 2010
He Comes In Clouds - Bill Stephenson
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Ephesians 2:14-16).
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross reconciled both Jew and Gentile. We are of that number whom the Lord has redeemed. The enmity has been put to death through the atonement of the Son of God.
It is important that we continue to look at what brought us life and keeps bringing us life. The ongoing reality of redemption is to be experienced moment by moment.
The death, burial, and resurrection with the Son makes us free- continually. But we must feed upon Him continually.
Have you had your meal of His blood and body in the past few hours? If not, I'm sure you are hungry and thirsty. Don't go through your day or night malnourished. He is set before you as your substance, source, and supply. Everything you need is in Him because of His death, burial, suffering, and resurrection...
Eat your fill of Him. Be still and know. Hear His voice crying out in the wilderness- prepare you the way of the Lord.
He comes in clouds.
Will you appear there with Him in glory? I pray so.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Galatians 2:20, Again! - Bill Stephenson
"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:4-5).
I love this passage because it shows us just exactly where we are in Christ Jesus.
If you haven't reached the stage of weakness yet in your Christian life, this verse may be a little hard to take. That's okay- don't worry about it. It takes most of us a while for the Lord to bring us to that point. Just keep thanking Him for revealing to you the depths of Himself. He will! But for those whom the Lord has shown the secret of "without Me you can do nothing..." it is an absolute declaration of freedom!
Notice, even though we are weak in Him, we live in union with Him through the very power of God coming toward us. That means in our direction! We must glory on our weakness because it is there the power of The Most High pitches a tent upon us and lives the Christ life through us!
To get to that place, however, there is often a lot of trial, failure, and disappointment of "trying" to live the Christian life in our own strength. (with God's "help") Don't be discouraged if you happen to be in that place right now. Look up for your redemption draws near. Jesus Christ in you is your redemption.
Notice we are to examine ourselves to see if we are in THE faith or not. What are we looking for in this examination? We must see if we truly believe it is Christ in us who lives the live through us.
Remember Galatians 2:20?
Please re-read that verse.
You alone must answer your exam.
I am praying for you that you make the honor roll!
Would you allow me to share with you more on this subject? I'd like to minister to you so there can be a freedom in your life to know and enjoy these things in a greater measure. To do so, simply download our free podcast to listen or watch our beautiful new television webcast in HD @ www.ontherock.net
Selah.
I bless you in Christ Jesus, Beloved.
- Bill
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Deeper Life University Podcast - A Word For 2011 - Dr. Bill Stephenson
Life FM Podcast
A Word For 2011
Dr. Bill Stephenson, ThD
Podcast for Spring 2011 - A Word For 2011
To download podcast simply right-click podcast icon and "save as" into your computer.
Podcast for Spring 2011 - A Word For 2011
To download podcast simply right-click podcast icon and "save as" into your computer.
Let's go back to the death and sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ and discover something we have never imagined! Did you know when you listen to a teaching that it requires listening at least 7 times before it begins to kick in and you begin to receive it? Please keep this in mind as you listen to this teaching. We must continue to absorb this true gospel so that we become one with it and make our death with Christ the top priority of our lives.
Blessings!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Removed From Christ Jesus - Bill Stephenson
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7
Here Paul marvels at the fact that the Galatian believers have quickly moved away from the Son of God, opting for another form of good news. The word "marvel" in Greek here carries the meaning "to strike with sudden and usually intense wonder or surprise." Paul was absolutely shocked by this sudden shift from the truth in these Galatian Christians.
Removed is "metatithemi" meaning "to change, to go or pass over, and to fall away or desert from one person or thing to another". This same Greek word is used in Jude 1:4; "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Notice this turning is from a person. "... denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." This is the stain we see on today's landscape. People everywhere are turning from Jesus Christ as the center and circumference of all life. There is a great falling away and as a result the man of sin is being revealed in the earth today. When we abandon our focus on the only sin-bearer of mankind, then the only alternative is to live in the sin, which has actually been removed by the person we have abandoned. Sin also encompasses being sin conscious. The realm of death saturates and rules the mind that is not stayed on Him.
Paul mentioned this in 2 Thessalonians 2:23 and Romans 8:6;
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."
"For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace."
I notice here the Lord has called many and yet few are actually chosen. The calling implies a loud voice and by name. And yet, here we see a falling away from the grace of God in those who were called by our Lord. We are literally called INTO the grace of Jesus Christ. This word in Greek is one of my personal favorites. It is "en" denoting being or remaining within, with the primary idea of rest and continuance. It is also "emanating from within, passing on to union and fellowship"! We are called into a living union and intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself!
"God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9).
These Galatians were removing themselves from this truth. This word "from" is any kind of separation of one thing from another by which the union or fellowship of the two is destroyed. Isn't that incredible? There was a separation of union and fellowship from our Lord Jesus Christ!
The Galatians were migrating away from the person of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself "unto another gospel". Here the word "unto" in Greek is "eis" meaning, "into, unto, to, towards, for, and among." There was a going into "another gospel". We really need to break this down further for clarity. "Another" in the Greek is defined as "one not of the same nature, form, class, kind; different." The gospel here is "good tidings." Therefore, the Galatians were moving into a different kind of good tidings. It may look right and even feel right to move away from the centrality of Christ Jesus. However, when this happens, apostasy takes place and deception has set in. Therefore, one is no longer centralized in the Truth.
Paul states however that there is really no other gospel of the truth but Christ Himself. However, some were coming in to trouble the Galatians with a so-called different gospel. As a result of course the truth of Jesus Christ was perverted.
This word "trouble" is very interesting. It is "to perplex the mind of one by suggesting doubts". The enemy seeks to get us to enter into the earthly realm of human and demonic reasoning and therefore doubt the complete truth of Jesus Christ. The word "trouble" also means "to stir up, to cause one inward commotion, to take away his calmness of mind, to agitate, to disquiet, make restless, to render anxious or distressed, and to strike one's spirit with fear and dread."
"Pervert" means "to turn around". The enemy comes as an "angel of light" seeking to turn us ever so slightly from Christ Himself into some other form of godliness.
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:5).
"For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Many cannot bear the truth in these days. It's no wonder because Paul said "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
We are living in troubled times as you well know. However, the truth of Christ Jesus as our life can remain sure and steadfast as we choose to abide in Him through our living, intimate, and eternal fellowship with Him!
Selah.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Deeper Life University Class - Matthew 7:6 - Bill Stephenson
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
* Corresponding numbers are from Strong's Concordance
Mat 7:6 GiveG1325 notG3361 that which is holyG40 unto theG3588 dogs,G2965 neitherG3366 castG906 ye yourG5216 pearlsG3135 beforeG1715 swine,G5519 lestG3379 they trampleG2662 themG846 underG1722 theirG848 feet,G4228 andG2532 turn againG4762 and rendG4486 you.G5209
Give G1325 to give, to bestow; to confer; to pass or transfer.
holyG40 sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing).
dogs G2965 a dog ("hound"), (literally or figuratively): - dog.
This Greek word is also used in the following passages:
Phl 3:2 Beware of dogs2965, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
beware to look at (literally or figuratively): - behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.
of evil worthless, that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: - bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
workers a toiler; figuratively a teacher: - labourer, worker (-men).
2Pe 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog2965 [is] turned to his own vomit again ; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Rev 22:15 For without [are] dogs2965, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
cast G906 to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense): - arise, cast (out), lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust.
pearls G3135 (a pearl oyster); a pearl: - pearl.
This Greek word is also used in the following passages:
Mat 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls3135:
Mat 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl3135 of great price, went and sold all that he had , and bought it.
Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls3135; every several gate was of one pearl3135: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
before G1715 in front of (in place [literally or figuratively] or time): - against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of.
swine G5519 a hog: - swine.
This Greek word is also used in the following passages:
Luk 8:33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine5519: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked .
Luk 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine5519.
Luk 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine5519 did eat : and no man gave unto him.
they trample G2662 to trample down; figuratively to reject with disdain: - trample, tread (down, underfoot).
This Greek word is also used in the following passages:
Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour , wherewith shall it be salted ? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot2662 of men.
Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample2662 them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Luk 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed , some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down2662 , and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Luk 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode2662 one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Hbr 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye , shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot2662 the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
turn again G4762 to twist, that is, turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively): - convert, turn (again, back again).
and rend G4486 to break, wreck, crack, disrupt, lacerate; by implication to convulse (with spasms); burst, rend, tear.
This Greek word is also used in the following passages:
Mat 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break4486 , and the wine runneth out , and the bottles perish : but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved .
Mar 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst4486 the bottles, and the wine is spilled , and the bottles will be marred : but new wine must be put into new bottles.
Mar 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth4486 him: and he foameth , and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away : and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out ; and they could not.
Luk 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst4486 the bottles, and be spilled , and the bottles shall perish .
Luk 9:42 And as he was yet a coming , the devil threw4486 him down4486 , and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
Gal 4:27 For it is written , Rejoice , [thou] barren that bearest not; break forth4486 and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Optional Assignment
Using every defined word from the Greek in the section above, write a paper on the above verse and expound on it in your own words.
Here are the guidelines;
1. Pray and ask our Father to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened in all spiritual insight, and that the anointing which abides in you by the Holy Spirit would teach and guide you into all truth.
2. Expound on each of the 9 defined Greek words listed above.
3. Also, include the answers to these questions:
A. What does this passage of scripture say to you in the light of the meanings of each defined Greek word?
B. How can you apply this verse to your daily life?
C. How does your death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ relate to this passage?
D. Now that you are in union with Christ-in-you who is your life, how does this passage support your union with Him?
E. What dog and swine was Jesus referring to here in this passage?
F. What is a practical warning for you concerning giving out your pearls to these who are swine and dogs?
G. What are pearls here in the passage?
H. List some of your pearls.
I. What will these swine and dogs do if you share your pearls with them?
J. How do you know who is a swine and who is a dog?
K. How costly are these pearls from our Lord Jesus Christ?
L. How should we safeguard what the Lord has entrusted to us?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Deeper Life University Class - Ephesians 1:4 - Bill Stephenson
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
* Corresponding numbers are from Strong's Concordance
Eph 1:4 According asG2531 he hath chosenG1586 usG2248 inG1722 himG846 beforeG4253 the foundationG2602 of the world,G2889 that weG2248 should beG1511 holyG40 andG2532 without blameG299 beforeG2714 himG846 inG1722 love:G26
according just.
chosen to select: - make choice, choose (out), chosen.
in him a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest.
before the foundation a primary preposition; "fore", that is, in front of, prior (figuratively superior) to. In compounds it retains the same significations: - above, ago, before, or ever. In compounds it retains the same significations.
foundation a deposition, that is, founding; figuratively conception: - conceive, foundation.
world kos'-mos orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]): - adorning, world.
be to exist: - am, are, come, is, X please well, there is, to be, was.
holy SAME GREEK WORD USED FOR THE HOLY GHOST! sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated), properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, godly. Be ye holy; for I am holy. Hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy Sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood.
without blame unblemished, without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblameable.
before Him directly in front of: - before (the presence of), in the sight of. In the face of (literally or figuratively): - before, in the presence (sight) of, to.
in love agapē love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love, to love (in a social or moral sense): - (be-) love (-ed).
Optional Assignment
Using every defined word from the Greek in the section above, write a paper on the above verse and expound on it in your own words.
Here are the guidelines;
1. Pray and ask our Father to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened in all spiritual insight, and that the anointing which abides in you by the Holy Spirit would teach and guide you into all truth.
2. Expound on each of the 11 defined Greek words listed above.
3. Also, include the answers to these questions:
A. What does this passage of scripture say to you in the light of the meanings of each defined Greek word?
B. How can you apply this verse to your daily life?
C. How does your death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ relate to this passage?
D. Now that you are in union with Christ-in-you who is your life, how does this passage support your union with Him?
E. When were we chosen in Christ Jesus and how does this work itself out in us in the present time we live?
F. What does being "before Him in love" mean to you personally? How can you apply this to your intimacy, union, and communion with the Godhead?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Deeper Life University Class - 2 Corinthians 11:4 - Bill Stephenson
2Cr 11:3-4 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].
* Corresponding numbers are from Strong's Concordance
2Co 11:3 ButG1161 I fear,G5399 lest by any means,G3381 asG5613 theG3588 serpentG3789 beguiledG1818 EveG2096 throughG1722 hisG848 subtilty,G3834 soG3779 yourG5216 mindsG3540 should be corruptedG5351 fromG575 theG3588 simplicityG572 thatG3588 is inG1519 Christ.G5547
2Co 11:4 ForG1063 ifG1487 he that comethG2064 preachethG2784 anotherG243 Jesus,G2424 whomG3739 we have notG3756 preached,G2784 orG2228 if ye receiveG2983 anotherG2087 spirit,G4151 whichG3739 ye have notG3756 received,G2983 orG2228 anotherG2087 gospel,G2098 whichG3739 ye have notG3756 accepted,G1209 ye might wellG2573 bear withG430 him.
fear G5399 to be alarmed.
lest by any means G3381 lest somehow, anyhow: - lest (by any means, by some means, haply, perhaps).
serpent G3789 (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake, figuratively (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan: - serpent.
beguiled G1818 to seduce wholly: - beguile, cheat, delude, deceive, to ensnare, to be led into error, to draw aside or entice from the path of rectitude and duty in any manner, by flattery. Promises, bribes or otherwise; to tempt and lead to iniquity; to corrupt; to deprave.
subtilty,G3834 adroitness, that is, (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry: - (cunning) craftiness, subtilty.
minds G3540 a perception, that is, purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself: - device, mind, thought.
corrupted G5351 (to pine or waste): properly to shrivel or wither, that is, to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figuratively by moral influences, to deprave): - corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
from G575 A primary particle; "off", that is, away (from something near).
simplicity G572 properly folded together, that is, single (figuratively clear): - single, union. singleness, that is, (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal): - bountifulness, simplicity, singleness. Singleness; the state of being unmixed or uncompounded; The state of being not complex, or of consisting of few parts; as the simplicity of a machine. Artlessness of mind; freedom from a propensity to cunning or stratagem; freedom from duplicity; sincerity. Plainness; freedom from artificial ornament; Plainness; freedom from subtilty or abstruseness; as the simplicity of scriptural doctrines or truth. Godly simplicity, in Scriptures, is a fair open profession and practice of evangelical truth, with a single view to obedience and to the glory of God.
Christ G5547 anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: - Christ. To smear or rub with oil, that is, (by implication) to consecrate to an office or Christian service: - anoint.
preacheth G2784 to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): - preach (-er), proclaim, publish.
another G243 "else", that is, different: - more, another, other (-s). Not the same; different.
Jesus G2424 Jesus (that is, Jehoshua), the name of our Lord.
receive G2983 to take, accept, + be amazed, catch, come on (X unto), + have, hold, obtain, receive, take (away, up).
another G2087 other or different: - altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.
spirit G4151 a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze, blow; by analogy or figuratively a spirit
another G2087 other or different: - altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.
gospel G2098 a good message.
accepted G1209 to receive: - accept, receive, take.
ye might well G2573
bear with G430 him. to hold oneself up against, that is, (figuratively) put up with: - bear with endure, forbear, suffer.
Optional Assignments:
Using every defined word from the Greek in the section above, write a paper on
the above verses and expound on them in your own words.
Here are the guidelines;
1. Pray and ask our Father to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened in all spiritual insight, and that the anointing which abides in you by the Holy Spirit would teach and guide you into all truth.
2. Expound on each of the 20 defined Greek words listed above.
3. Also, include the answers to these questions:
A. What does this passage of scripture say to you in the light of the meanings of each defined Greek word?
B. How can you apply this verse to your daily life?
C. How does your death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ relate to this passages?
D. Now that you are in union with Christ-in-you who is your life, how does this passage support your union with Him?
E. Is there any warning or correction you are seeing through this verse for the times we now live?
F. What are some "other" gospels and spirits going around today?
G. Give an example of "another" Jesus.
H. What is the harm in these other counterfeits?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Waiting For Him In The Secret Place - Bill Stephenson
I am again reminded of the necessity of waiting for Him in the secret place. He alone is our wisdom and power to perform.
Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
What happens when we love Him?
We inherit His fruit:
Pro 8:19 My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
We receive His guidance and Wisdom:
Pro 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
We inherit His substance!
Pro 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
How do we love Him?
1Cr 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Paul quotes this from Isaiah 64:
Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
We love Him by WAITING ON HIM!
"Wait" here in Hebrew means to carve; by implication to delineate; also to intrench: - carved work, portrayed, set a print. Through the idea of piercing; properly to adhere to; hence to await: - long, tarry, wait. Literally, to remain, hold or stay. To wait for; to look for, or expect. . Mr. Webster defined this word in his 1828 dictionary. He said it meant "to stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary till the arrival of some person or event. The definition also includes "to suspend any business in expectation of some person, event, or the arrival of some hour; to rest in expectation and patience, to stay, not depart, and to look watchfully."
Job 14.4 All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
2Cr 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Waiting on God and loving Him are the same!
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Rest - to be dumb; by implication to be astonished, to stop; hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand), still, tarry, wait.
Be still in your Lord. He lives within you (if you are born-again through our Lord Jesus Christ). Wait and rest in His living presence. Stop your activities for a while and wait for the Lord-in-you to arise with healing in His wings. You are being changed into His image from one degree of glory to the next. The Answer is coming forth. Your protection and provision are certain. Your intimate knowledge and intimacy with our dear Father will be increasingly forthcoming...
You are indeed dead, buried, raised, and seated in Christ Jesus in heavenly places of rest, peace, joy, and righteousness.
Be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Selah.
Monday, August 09, 2010
No Other Gospel - Bill Stephenson
* Congratulations again to all our graduates of Deeper Life University from North America, South America, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia!
Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Paul marvels at the fact that the Galatian believers have moved quickly away from the Son of God, opting for another form of good news. The word "marvel" means "to wonder" in the Greek. Paul was absolutely shocked by this sudden shift from the truth in these Galatian Christians.
The word "removed" here is "metatithemi" meaning "to transfer, transport, change sides, pervert, to change, remove, or turn." This same Greek word is used in Jude 1:4;
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Notice this turning is from a person. "... denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Lord has called many by name yet here we see a falling away from the grace of God in those who were called. We are literally called into the grace of Jesus Christ. This word is one of my personal favorites. It is "en" denoting being or remaining within, with the primary idea of rest and continuance. It is also "emanating from within, passing on to union and fellowship!" We are called into a living union and intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself!
"God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9).
However, these Galatians were departing from Christ Himself. This word "from" is any kind of separation of one thing from another by which the fellowship of the two is destroyed. Isn't that incredible? Their fellowship with Jesus Christ was ceasing!
The Galatian believers were migrating away from the person of the Lord Jesus Christ "unto another gospel." Here the word "unto" is "eis" meaning, "into, unto, to, towards, for, and among." They were sliding away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ and heading into "another gospel." This word "another" in the Greek is defined as "one not of the same nature, form, class, or kind." The gospel here is "good tidings." Therefore, the Galatians were moving into a different kind of good tidings. It may have looked and felt right, but the fact was they were deceitfully moving away from the Lord Jesus Christ.
This word "trouble" is very interesting. It means to stir or agitate. The enemy seeks to get us to enter into the earthly realm of human and demonic reasoning and therefore doubt the complete truth of Jesus Christ. The word "trouble" also means "mental confusion."
"Pervert" means "to corrupt, to turn around." The enemy comes as an "angel of light" seeking to turn us ever so slightly from Christ Himself into some other form of godliness.
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:5).
"For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Many cannot bear the truth in these days. It's no wonder because Paul said "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
We are living in troubled times as you well know. However, the truth of Christ Jesus as our life can remain sure and steadfast as we choose to abide in Him through our living, intimate, and eternal fellowship with Him!
Selah.
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