Divine Wisdom and Revelation

Ephesians 3:17-19 King James Version (KJV)

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Romans 11:33-34 King James Version (KJV)

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Many times the posts I make are about True Love, the kind that is "shed abroad in out hearts by the Holy Spirit" not by study, but by Divine "shedding". Holy Spirit "Revelation!" Right to the heart.....our hearts. It can not be "passed" on through teaching or preaching, but only by the "reward of seeking." 

Ephesians 1:17-18 King James Version (KJV)

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,"

His Word cannot lie nor can His commands fail! Period. Any lack of performance on our part comes from our unbelief not His lack of promise to give it to us. "All the promises of Christ are yea." To put it in another way "He gives freely, we resist argumentatively." That is the pure Truth of the matter! We resist the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" because it takes the effort of "asking, seeking, and knocking" at the throne of God in prayer to obtain. Just like the Baptism in the Holy Spirit takes "tarrying" for "you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart, you "will" find Him." It is easier to teach and say "the gift of Divine Wisdom and the receiving of "Divine Revelation" does not function in these present times. Again all lies as the Scriptures above disprove the lack of present time validity, but also say else where "Let God be True and all men liars!" 
As we have read in Ephesians 3:17-19 Christ dwells in us by faith for the purpose of knowing the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Notice that the "salvation story" gives way or extends to more than a ticket to the golden roads. It opens the door to "divine wisdom and revelation" so that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. What is this fullness? If we look at the "model" God gave us, which is Christ, then our direction becomes clear. We are being conformed to "His image and likeness" for we can also (as Christ did) "see our Father doing His works and do them also" then "hearing Him speak and repeat what He has spoken to us." The fullness of God in us will be to "walk in the Spirit" being "one with the Father as He (Jesus) is one, and He (Jesus) is one with us and we are one with Him." When this takes place in the believers life the very power, compassion, and mercy of God our Father will without any effort (except obedience) of our own "flow through us" to His glory." 

Ephesians 3:2-4 King James Version (KJV)

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace (Unconditional Love) of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.

So the mystery and True Wisdom of the "indwelling Christ" is Unconditional Love by "Divine Revelation" not just marveled at but put into action "as the Spirit gives utterance." Yes as the "utterance of the Holy Spirit is both the "we small voice" and the "prompting" by Him to "make manifest" His will. 
Notice these facts:
1. God gave "Paul" the "dispensation" of grace to show/manifest to others.
2. This "mystery" was given to Paul by "Revelation", not studied, learned or taught by others, for some things of God are "personal revelation" to the individual as a reward of "seeking with all their hearts."
3. Grace was given Paul to "share" this revelation of the "Love of Christ" that (as proof of ministry") "they" might understand Paul's knowledge of the mystery of Christ. This was done to prove "who sent Paul" to minister God's Word and understand that Paul by revelation received it, not by the normal ways of man's passing it down. Paul could boast of the "Damascus road" experience, seeing and hearing Jesus, (the risen Christ), for all his (Paul's) understanding in New Testament Scriptures. But you say that the NT wasn't written yet? I assure you it was written and complete before "In the beginning" was first penned, and "the Word became flesh" in Jesus Christ who was both OT and NT. Again Paul "by Divine Revelation" wrote the majority of the Epistles, "Holy men led by the Holy Spirit." 
4. In all the writings of Scripture the underlying foundation is Unconditional Love, given by the Father, distributed/shown by True Believers who have received the Revelation in whom Christ (True Love) dwells.  

"Where in is a mystery":
That we might "know the Love of Christ" which "passeth understanding", by "faith", that we might be filled with the "fullness" of God so we can encourage other believers to desire the receiving of this "greatest gift" so they would do the same. So there in Paul was shown by revelation "this better way."
So if this "Unconditional Love Revelation" came to Paul by "Revelation" then how can we think it could come to us as a matter of study without the Holy Spirit's help or guidance. Love if studied (that being carnal love) can only be mimicked, but Unconditional Love, Christ's Love, coming by Divine Revelation, can be "lived" by us through the one who "indwells us; Jesus Christ." Christ in us glorifying our Father in heaven to manifest His glory through out the "whole earth."
Now this "Revelation" that I speak of is "Divine" in nature, reception, and participation. It can be received through prayer ("praying without ceasing") but is not limited to those Holy private times of communion with God. There are 24 hrs in the day and God's Spirit is continually, through the "we small voice", speaking and guiding our thoughts and lives to "reveal the Fathers will to us." He will use His Word as we read or listen to it, He will use the "wee small voice" if we are sensitive to it, He will use "dreams and visions" if we are open to them, and He will "guide our hearts" in Christ Jesus if we "love Him and obey His commands, and "His commands are not grievous".
Here is an important support note: Listening to His Word builds faith, "now faith comes by hearing and that by the Word of God", "without faith you cannot please God", "anything outside of faith is sin", "Christ dwells in our hearts by faith", so we can see the obvious consequences of "lack of faith." It destroys the very promise of His presence indwelling us as promised in the Scriptures including all the benefits that His indwelling brings the greatest of them being Unconditional Love. Unconditional Love leads us to Divine Compassion so that we can outwardly express it freely thereby ministering to those around us in need, even Divine need, needs that man cannot assuage.
I write these things because, as Paul has said: "that by Revelation He made known to me the mystery" of Jesus Christ and grace/Unconditional Love, so can you and so have I.
As Paul has written about the "exceeding great revelations" that we might understand his wisdom in the Love of Christ so do I write.
God has given me (along with others) significant Revelation in His Word and it's application. All that I have received continues to be expounded upon by the Holy Spirit especially the theme of Unconditional Love.
So now I write to edify the church and to encourage faith in the Scriptures.
I have been taken up into heaven twice, standing before the Living Christ as He taught me about Unconditional Love. The light of His presence being so great that His visage was hard to see. His glory was so powerful that it was like a "living" force that along with His holiness pressed me to my knees laying bare my sinful nature myself and causing me to tremble with fear. But perfect Love cast out fear and He (Jesus) reached out His hand and lifted me up to my feet.  The one session lasted all night and when I awoke Elise was looking at me and asked me where I had been? I told her about the experience and asked why she asked? She said that I through out the night, was speaking in tongues and praising God. Odd for me because I seldom speak in a tongue.
The next 2 times I seen Jesus He was standing at the foot of my bed early in the morning.
First time was to heal me of an affliction. The second time was to assure me that I was in His will and not to fight it. This second time I had awaken early in the morning to pray and read Scripture as was my norm. After prayer I proceeded to the kitchen table to read the Bible. As I tried to read I became very sleepy. This was quite unusual as I have been doing this for a long time, (maybe well over a year), and I never had been too sleepy to read. I fought with this experience for over half an hour, binding satan, sleep, and everything I could think that could make a difference. But I was still overcome with listlessness. So I prayed Gods forgiveness for failing Him and headed to bed. Even as I was sitting there in bed, ready to lay back I couldn't stop fighting this exhaustion. Then all of a sudden, at the end of the bed, Jesus appeared standing there. Again I repented at the weakness of the flesh and He just smiled and extended His hand out to me. As He reached toward me an incredible peace fell upon me and I started to fall backwards to the pillow. The last thing I remember is saying "where Jesus is there is peace!" I knew then that I was fighting myself and the will of the Father trying to do the right thing, (so I thought).
To continue, our family, Elsie, myself, and all our children, have seen manifest the promises of God as stated in the Scriptures. We have all experienced the multiplication of foods both for ourselves and for others. We have seen healing take place both in people and our farm animals. I personally have experienced a lot more including having a "Word of wisdom", Word of knowledge, working of miracles (in church, at home and on the job, even before unbelievers), inexplicable faith, prophesy (in church, on the job, to and for unbelievers), tongues with interpretation, effective prayer in raising the dead (before and since I was "bought with a price". In fact almost every command has been performed and promise received "since I believed". (All except the "changing of water into wine") an obvious one to withhold, but if Jesus did it I would drink it.
These writings are just the tip of the "iceberg" of faith that God has afforded not only to me and my family but to "all others" who will first believe by faith that God's Word is True, and then seek Him with all their hearts. Ephesians 1:18 "  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,"
That your eyes may be opened by faith to recognize what is the "riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" you!
Here is a thought that cannot be silenced:
Faith!
What is it? We know that it comes by "hearing and that by the Word of God" and we know it's revelation "for all to believe" not just unto Salvation but for the very performance of God's Word through out all the earth! God's Word is True, we believe by faith in His entire Word, (no matter how impossible it is to relate), then He "performs" His promises and commands through us to affirm that His Word is True. In all the god's of mankind "He" is the only one that can "manifest" (back up His Word) as True and He does that through "His promises such as miracles, signs and wonders.
So "faith is the substance hoped for the evidence unseen" Hebrews 11:1.
We are told to "walk by faith" this Hebrews 11:1 type of faith. How do you do that? "Substance hoped for?" "Evidence unseen?"
Have you ever thought that it takes faith to have faith?????
That's why "Divine Revelation" is needed to know how to apply "faith." Many Christians go about their entire lives trying to live out or "walk by faith" in their own power or understanding. The struggle is exhausting. Knowing the word "faith", or saying the word "faith" doesn't bring any power or ability to walking in faith. Faith is progressive. You start out with "saving grace through faith" then you continue in faith daily (through reading and hearing His Word) until "death do us part." Anyone who thinks that they "have arrived" at the full threshold of faith is vain and in error. Full faith is in the example of Jesus Christ. Walking as He walked, doing those things that He did and greater. Just a note of how faith is always increasing....consider we are to walk as He walked.......He walked without "SIN" being tempted as we are. No man of faith could, can or will ever say that. Faith in the Word of God exposes us to all of God's holiness, righteousness, commands, promises, covenants, which if we Love Him we will obey and receive. Aside from Christ I have not come across another who has done that.
So what is faith, and how do we participate in our continuing reception of it according to the Scriptures? This "substance and evidence of hope and unseen things?"
I believe this application I am about to tell you is true:
After you are saved and according to Scripture "receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit", you continue in the Word to build faith, and receive revelation, you pray that God will glorify His name through Jesus Christ in you as promised in the Scriptures. Stop right here.....if the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a trifle to you or not thought necessary then faith has ended for you at the level of salvation. All men are given saving grace through faith freely but after that the hearing of the Word is how greater faith is received. Period! By the way that is the "hearing of the Word" that increases. Reading is also one of the "hearing" means doubly effective if the Word is read out loud.
Ok so to the point:
When faith is growing in you because of the Word, you begin to see the Word as a living entity (which it is, Jesus) and without question begin to experience all it's promises, commands, gifts ect. without doubt and with an increasing level of humility. The more God "lifts up Jesus" to call all men unto Himself, the more you realize that God has set His anointing on you to be effective in leading all men within your arena of influence to God.
In all situations, pleasant, unpleasant, safe, unsafe, good or bad you can only see the promises of Jesus to deliver you without doubt from the very beginning knowing (by His Word) that He has His best outcome to come to fruition.
Here's an example in my own life:
I was sent out to work a job in a very bad area of Detroit. The plant was small and due to the extreme crime in the area the plant had metal grids covering its outside doors and windows and a 12' fence with razor wire on top to protect the parking lot. The only way in was the parking gate which had a camera to recognize who was there and let them is if their picture was on a pre-approved file. I went into to plant to work and at break time went to get a bottle of water out of the machine. On the machine was a sign that sometimes the machine didn't work and a refund could be had by going to the foreman's office. of course it didn't work for me so I proceeded to the foreman's office for a refund. The door was locked and there was talking inside so I knocked. When asked what I wanted I said a refund from the machine. They unlocked the door and invited me in. When I went in there was the foreman at the desk and 4 other men sitting around the office. It was their lunch break. The foreman asked what I needed and I told him as the sign suggested. He laughed and pulled a gun on me as did all the other men. He said "is your life worth $.75? The he proceeded to stand up and put it to my head. By faith and the grace of God I wasn't event phased nor did I respond to these actions out of fear. He waited for an answer expecting fear and trepidation but here was my response: "Sir you have not the power of life and death only Jesus Christ has that. So if you pull that trigger and it goes off then I go home to heaven, but if you pull that trigger and God wants me to continue then you will have seen the power of the True God and His Son Jesus Christ. He looked at me for a second then pointed the gun at his own face so as to look down the barrel himself. He shuddered then gave me my $.75 having been rendered speechless by God.
True faith always see's God's plan "finished" before it happens and encourages the faithful to respond accordingly, "as though the situation has already been completed."
True faith cannot leave God's Word for it's answer in any situation. It sees all things as Scripture states and that only as it's answer with unfailing certainty. I have many proofs like this one to tell but this will "show" the point of "walking by faith."
It has taken over 2 weeks to assemble this post I believe by the Holy Spirit, as I will post or say nothing that I am not convinced that the Holy Spirit has not provided.
This has been written to encourage and edify any believer who reads this, and to challenge any non believer to "have faith" and be set free.
Growing in Christ
Love
Jerry and Elise

No other way.

Acts 4:12

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (but Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 10:8-10

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Knowing His name doesn't qualify for salvation.

Knowing of Him doesn't qualify for salvation.

Knowing about Him doesn't qualify for salvation.

Reading about HIm doesn't qualify for salvation.

Memorizing verses about Him doesn't qualify you.

Going to a church that believes in Him won't help either.

Being a member at a Christ centered church isn't good enough.

Memorizing the Romans road is a dead end also if you don't believe it.

A priest can't get you there.

A chaplain can't get you in.

Your pastor can't effect an exchange that will get you in.

There is no "back door."

Mary doesn't have any "executive powers."

Saint Peter can't sneak you in on the sly.

Others praying for you after you are dead is smoke and mist.

There is no one to pay to make any oblation that can make a difference.

Salvation takes place only on this side of the sod and that by "faith in Jesus Christ" as described in the Scriptures above.

Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead for your salvation. He is the doorway, the Way, the Truth, and the Life/Light the only way into heaven and the only way to have your name written in the "Book of Life."

Do not believe in any imitation.....................

There is only one: Jesus the Christ, Son of God, Brother to Man. Savior of all...................

Just in case you were wondering!

Love

Jerry and Elise

A Humbling Experience

These last few months have brought with them a deeper revelation of how the Gospel is represented by our actions, and through faith manifests it's "harvest" over the years.
We always talk about "the living Gospel" seen by others that may not have been in the position to "hear" it preached by us but "witness" it's power in our lives "a far off."
One such incident came to mind this morning that "pulled the carpet" out from under me and humbled me.
Elise and I were saved back in late 1981. It had a profound effect on our friends in that it changed our lifestyle, language, habits, and conversations. The proverbial 180 degree turn around that could be seen and heard. Not surprisingly we lost most our friends do to the faith content of our lives, and only those who were "raised in that way" continued on with us even though most of them were not living or speaking it at that time.
There was at the same time this couple who were close friends both the husband and the wife. The husband I used to hunt with and before my salvation experience we were bookends. His wife was my wife's close friend also and she was raised baptist and held on to Christian principles even though there was no obvious effect on her husband. I am sure that when Elise and I were saved it brought with it some support and relief to her situation. Surprisingly the husband kept our friendship close keeping a weary eye on whether or not my conversion was really going to mean anything.
Needless to say Elise and I were "rooted and grounded in Love" and they both realized that we weren't going anywhere and proved to them our friendship was sincere and lasting after the "spiritual" experience. Of course I stopped participating in the debauchery that was common place between her husband and I and that didn't seem to bother him at all.
Over the years our families drifted apart but only out of both families just living life. Hunting was a big activity that we did together and pig slaughtering during the winter. When both those activities were eliminated our common bond was set aside. Every now and then we would cross paths somewhere and greetings were exchanged but no real involvement. Still he always knew where we stood and what we practiced but it didn't matter to him.
That was over 35 years ago.
So you can imagine the surprise when we get a phone call several months ago from the wife saying they would like to stop by for a visit on there way back to Mich. coming I think from Florida. This would take them hundreds of miles out of the way but they said that they had to see us. Our instant response was "come on down."
Within a couple of days they were sitting at the table catching up. The wife was always a smiley type and the husband seemed deep in thought. Then he asked if we could step outside and talk privately. Out the door we went and then the most wonderful conversation started.
A foot note here:
I believe that the Holy Spirit is the one who "calls one" to Jesus, not me, not anyone but the Holy Spirit. I quietly prayed "Lord fill my mouth that I might open it wide", also "send forth thy Holy Spirit to prepare the ground of his heart to receive the "Word of Life, the Gospel of Christ" so that none may perish but all have eternal life. I do not believe that I am at anytime the "last stop" for someone on the road of life. Only God knows our lives "as a story already told" and only He knows when the "end cometh." I passed on the chance for salvation many times in my life and here I am, saved, water baptized, Baptized in the Holy Spirit, and on my way to glory. For as foul as I was the last stop should of come a long time ago, especially the way I tormented those that were doing the witnessing. You get saved when the Holy Spirit "draws you in through the Gospel, man is only a vessel and you cannot be forced or reconnoitered into believing. It's a work of God in the heart. More on this in a later post.
Back to the "wonderful conversation!"
After we went outside he immediately asked if I was still in the faith as earnestly as I was before? I said yes. He asked me about God still working miracles in our lives as before? I said yes. He asked if God (Jesus) has ever let me down? I said no, but I was immediately convicted about how many times I had let Him down and wept. At that time I told him the story of Elise and her brain tumor and what had happened with that. How God intervened miraculously to restore her in unprecedented time. He began to weep and told me how his mother followed Christ, and that on her death bed she begged him to "know Jesus" before he passed. He then said that he just wasn't ready to make that commitment yet with tears in his eyes. I told him of heaven and hell and how I was taken into both places affirming that they were real. He believed me for he knew my life and my testimony. I realized that I would not be the one used "bring him in" but only one who waters as the seed has many times been sown upon the ground of his heart. He gave me a huge embrace weeping and thanked me for being there as an example for him. Note: once an example always an example. Time holds no limit for ones testimony of Jesus Christ, he held onto the memory of mine for over 35 years and found it to be true still today.
We went back into the house where his wife noticed he had been weeping and knew that what he came for he received. She was blessed and happy when her husband left the room and I told her that some watering had been done and that he was moved by it. She said that she could sense that and thanked me for it.
Second to presentation of the Gospel is how you live it. Remember that.
Let Jesus Love someone through you.
Love
Jerry and Elise

Faith

Ephesians 3:17-19 King James Version (KJV)

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Romans 11:33-34 King James Version (KJV)

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Many times the posts I make are about True Love, the kind that is "shed abroad in out hearts by the Holy Spirit" not by study, but by Divine "shedding". Holy Spirit "Revelation!" Right to the heart.....our hearts. It can not be "passed" on through teaching or preaching, but only by the "reward of seeking." 

Ephesians 1:17-18 King James Version (KJV)

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,"

His Word cannot lie nor can His commands fail! Period. Any lack of performance on our part come from our unbelief not His lack of promise to give it to us. "All the promises of Christ are yea." To put it in another way "He gives freely, we resist argumentatively." That is the pure Truth of the matter! We resist the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" because it takes the effort of "asking, seeking, and knocking" at the throne of God in prayer to obtain. Just like the Baptism in the Holy Spirit takes "tarrying" for "you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart, you "will" find Him." It is easier to teach and say "the gift of Divine Wisdom and the receiving of "Divine Revelation" does not function in these present times. Again all lies as the Scriptures above disprove the lack of present time validity, but also say else where "Let God be True and all men liars!" 
As we have read in Ephesians 3:17-19 Christ dwells in us by faith for the purpose of knowing the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Notice that the "salvation story" gives way or extends to more than a ticket to the golden roads. It opens the door to "divine wisdom and revelation" so that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. What is this fullness? If we look at the "model" God gave us, which is Christ, then our direction becomes clear. We are being conformed to "His image and likeness" for we can also (as Christ did) "see our Father doing His works and do them also" then "hearing Him speak and repeat what He has spoken to us." The fulness of God in us will be to "walk in the Spirit" being "one with the Father as we (Jesus) are one, and He (Jesus) is one with us and we are one with Him." When this takes place in the believers life the very power, compassion, and mercy of God our Father will without any effort (except obedience) of our own "flow through us" to His glory." 

Ephesians 3:2-4 King James Version (KJV)

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace (Unconditional Love) of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.

So the mystery and True Wisdom of the "indwelling Christ" is Unconditional Love by "Divine Revelation" not just marveled at but put into action "as the Spirit gives utterance." Yes as the "utterance of the Holy Spirit is both the "we small voice" and the "prompting" by Him to "make manifest" His will. 

Notice these facts:

1. God gave "Paul" the "dispensation" of grace to show/manifest to others.

2. This "mystery" was given to Paul by "Revelation", not studied, learned or taught by others, for some things of God are "personal revelation" to the individual as a reward of "seeking with all their hearts."

3. Grace was given Paul to "share" this revelation of the "Love of Christ" that (as proof of ministry") "they" might understand Paul's knowledge of the mystery of Christ. This was done to prove "who sent Paul" to minister God's Word and understand that Paul by revelation received it, not by the normal ways of man's passing it down. Paul could boast of the "Damascus road" experience, seeing and hearing Jesus, (the risen Christ), for all his (Paul's) understanding in New Testament Scriptures. But you say that the NT wasn't written yet? I assure you it was written and complete before "In the beginning" was first penned, and "the Word became flesh" in Jesus Christ who was both OT and NT. Again Paul "by Divine Revelation" wrote the majority of the Epistles, "Holy men led by the Holy Spirit." 

4. In all the writings of Scripture the underlying foundation is Unconditional Love, given by the Father, distributed/shown by True Believers who have received the Revelation in whom Christ (True Love) dwells.  

Where in is a mystery:

That we might "know the Love of Christ" which "passeth understanding", by "faith", that we might be filled with the "fullness" of God so we can encourage other believers to desire the receiving of this "greatest gift" so they would do the same. So there in Paul was shown by revelation "this better way."

So if this "Unconditional Love Revelation" came to Paul by "Revelation" then how can we think it could come to us as a matter of study without the Holy Spirit's help or guidance. Love if studied (that being carnal love) can only be mimicked, but Unconditional Love, Christ's Love, coming by Divine Revelation, can be "lived" by us through the one who "indwells us; Jesus Christ." Christ in us glorifying our Father in heaven to manifest His glory through out the "whole earth."

Now this "Revelation" that I speak of is "Divine" in nature, reception, and participation. It can be received through prayer but is not limited to those Holy private times of communion with God. There are 24 hrs in the day and God's Spirit is continually, through the "we small voice", speaking and guiding our thoughts and lives to "reveal the Fathers will to us." He will use His Word as we read or listen to it, He will use the "wee small voice" if we are sensitive to it, He will use "dreams and visions" if we are open to them, and He will "guide our hearts" in Christ Jesus if we "love Him and obey His commands, and "His commands are not grievous".

Here is an important support note: Listening to His Word builds faith, "now faith comes by hearing and that by the Word of God", "without faith you cannot please God", "anything outside of faith is sin", "Christ dwells in our hearts by faith", so we can see the obvious consequences of "lack of faith." It destroys the very promise of His presence indwelling us as promised in the Scriptures including all the benefits that His indwelling brings the greatest of them being Unconditional Love. Unconditional Love leads us to Divine Compassion so that we can outwardly express it freely thereby ministering to those around us in need, even Divine need, needs that man cannot assuage.

I write these things because, as Paul has said: "that by Revelation He made known to me the mystery" of Jesus Christ and grace/Unconditional Love, so can you and so have I.

As Paul has written about the "exceeding great revelations" that we might understand his wisdom in the Love of Christ so do I write.

God has given me (along with others) significant Revelation in His Word and it's application. All that I have received continues to be expounded upon by the Holy Spirit especially the theme of Unconditional Love.

So now I write to edify the church and to encourage faith in the Scriptures.

I have been taken up into heaven twice, standing before the Living Christ as He taught me about Unconditional Love. The light of His presence being so great that His visage was hard to see. His glory was so powerful that it was like a "living" force that along with His holiness pressed me to my knees laying bare my sinful nature myself and causing me to tremble with fear. But perfect Love cast out fear and He (Jesus) reached out His hand and lifted me up to my feet.  The one session lasted all night and when I awoke Elise was looking at me and asked me where I had been? I told her about the experience and asked why she asked? She said that I through out the night, speaking in tongues and praising God. Odd for me because I seldom speak in a tongue. 

The next 2 times I seen Jesus He was standing at the foot of my bed early in the morning. 

First time was to heal me of an affliction. The second time was to assure me that I was in His will and not to fight it. This second time I had awaken early in the morning to pray and read Scripture as was my norm. After prayer I proceeded to the kitchen table to read the Bible. As I tried to read I became very sleepy. This was quite unusual as I have been doing this for a long time, (maybe well over a year), and I never had been too sleepy to read. I fought with this experience for over half an hour, binding satan, sleep, and everything I could think that could make a difference. But I was still overcome with listlessness. So I prayed Gods forgiveness for failing Him and headed to bed. Even as I was sitting there ready to lay back I couldn't stop fighting this exhaustion. Then all of a sudden, at the end of the bed, Jesus appeared standing there. Again I repented at the weakness of the flesh and He just smiled and extended His hand out to me. As He reached toward me an incredible peace fell upon me and I started to fall backwards to the pillow. The last thing I remember is saying "where Jesus is there is peace!" I knew then that I was fighting myself and the will of the Father trying to do the right thing, (so I thought).  

To continue our family, Elsie, myself, and all our children, have seen manifest the promises of God as stated in the Scriptures. We have all experienced the multiplication of foods both for ourselves and for others. We have seen healing take place both in people and our farm animals. I personally have experienced a lot more including having a "Word of wisdom", Word of knowledge, working of miracles (in church, at home and on the job, even before unbelievers), inexplicable faith, prophesy (in church, on the job, to and for unbelievers), tongues with interpretation, effective prayer in raising the dead (before and since I was "bought with a price". In fact almost every command has been performed and promise received "since I believed". (All except the "changing of water into wine") an obvious one to withhold, but if Jesus did it I would drink it. 

These writings are just the tip of the "iceberg" of faith that God has afforded not only to me and my family but to "all others" who will first believe by faith that God's Word is True, and then seek Him with all their hearts. Ephesians 1:18 "  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,"

That your eyes may be opened by faith to recognize what is the "riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" you!

Here is a thought that cannot be silenced: 

Faith!

What is it? We know that it comes by "hearing and that by the Word of God" and we know it's revelation "for all to believe" not just unto Salvation but for the very performance of God's Word through out all the earth! God's Word is True, we believe by faith in His entire Word, (no matter how impossible it is to relate), then He "performs" His promises and commands through us to affirm that His Word is True. In all the god's of mankind "He" is the only one that can "manifest" (back up His Word) as True and He does that through "His promises such as miracles, signs and wonders. 

So "faith is the substance hoped for the evidence unseen" Hebrews 11:1.

We are told to "walk by faith" this Hebrews 11:1 type of faith. How do you do that? "Substance hoped for?" "Evidence unseen?"

Have you ever thought that it takes faith to have faith????? 

That's why "Divine Revelation" is needed to know how to apply "faith." Many Christians go about their entire lives trying to live out or "walk by faith" in their own power or understanding. The struggle is exhausting. Knowing the word "faith", or saying the word "faith" doesn't bring any power or ability to walking in faith. Faith is progressive. You start out with "saving grace through faith" then you continue in faith daily (through reading and hearing His Word) until "death do us part." Anyone who thinks that the "have arrived" at the full threshold of faith is vain and in error. Full faith is in the example of Jesus Christ. Walking as He walked, doing those things that He did and greater. Just a note of how faith is always increasing....consider we are to walk as He walked.......He walked without "SIN" being tempted as we are. No man of faith could, can or will ever say that. Faith in the Word of God exposes us to all of God's holiness, righteousness, commands, promises, covenants, which if we Love Him we will obey and receive. Aside from Christ I have not come across another who has done that. 

So what is faith, and how do we participate in our continuing reception of it according to the Scriptures? This "substance and evidence of hope and unseen things?"

I believe this application I am about to tell you is true:

After you are saved and according to Scripture "receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit", you continue in the Word to build faith, and receive revelation, you pray that God will glorify His name through Jesus Christ in you as promised in the Scriptures. Stop right here.....if the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a trifle to you or not thought necessary then faith has ended for you at the level of salvation. All men are given saving grace through faith freely but after that the hearing of the Word is how greater faith is received. Period! By the way that is the "hearing of the Word" that increases. Reading is also one of the "hearing" means doubly effective if the Word is read out loud.

Ok so to the point:

When faith is growing in you because of the Word, you begin to see the Word as a living entity (which it is, Jesus) and without question begin to experience all it's promises, commands, gifts ect. without doubt and with an increasing level of humility. The more God "lifts up Jesus" to call all men unto Himself, the more you realize that God has set His anointing on you to be effective in leading all men within your arena of influence to God. 

In all situations, pleasant, unpleasant, safe, unsafe, good or bad you can only see the promises of Jesus to deliver you without doubt from the very beginning knowing (by His Word) that He has His best outcome to come to fruition.

Here's an example in my own life:

I was sent out to work a job in a very bad area of Detroit. The plant was small and due to the extreme crime in the area the plant had metal grids covering its outside doors and windows and a 12' fence with razor wire on top to protect the parking lot. The only way in was the parking gate which had a camera to recognize who was there and let them is if their picture was on a pre-approved file. I went into to plant to work and at break time went to get a bottle of water out of the machine. On the machine was a sign that sometimes the machine didn't work and a refund could be had by going to the foreman's office. of course it didn't work for me so I proceeded to the foreman's office for a refund. The door was locked and there was talking inside so I knocked. When asked what I wanted I said a refund from the machine. The unlocked the door and invited me in. When I went in there was the foreman at the desk and 4 other men sitting around the office. It was there lunch break. The foreman asked what I needed and I told him as the sign suggested. He laughed and pulled a gun on me as did all the other men. He said "is your life worth $.75? The he proceeded to stand up and put it to my head. By faith and the grace of God I wasn't event phased nor did I respond to these actions out of fear. He waited for an answer expecting fear and trepidation but here was my response: "Sir you have not the power of life and death only Jesus Christ has that. So if you pull that trigger and it goes off then I go home to heaven, but if you pull that trigger and God wants me to continue then you will have seen the power of the True God and His Son Jesus Christ. He looked at me for a second then pointed the gun at his own face so as to look down the barrel himself. He shuddered then gave me my $.75 having been rendered speechless by God. 

True faith always see's God's plan "finished" before it happens and encourages the faithful to respond accordingly, "as though the situation has already been completed." 

True faith cannot leave God's Word for it's answer in any situation. It sees all things as Scripture states and that only as it's answer with unfailing certainty. I have many proofs like this one to tell but this will "show" the point of "walking by faith."

It has taken over 2 weeks to assemble this post I believe by the Holy Spirit, as I will post or say nothing that I am not convinced that the Holy Spirit has not provided. 

This has been written to encourage and edify any believer who reads this, and to challenge any non believer to "have faith" and be set free.

Growing in Christ 

Love

Jerry and Elise

The mind of Christ

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 King James Version 

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Romans 11:33,34

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

I constantly marvel at the Word of God, it's depth and it's compatibility across all of it's writing. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelations 22:21 there is no conflict in anything that it teaches, commands, or presents. It is perfect just like it's Author. That being True we can speak it, teach it, and preform it (by the Holy Spirit) with the utmost confidence that it "will not come back void". This is God's promise that would eliminate "mans" attitude for "presentation" whether it be for His Glory or in mock. God created man being well aware of our hearts and all the evil that they would contain over the millennia of our existence, therefore He "vouchsafed" His Words authenticity by sealing it with a body which is Jesus
Christ. As no one can "change" the visage of Jesus Christ, so no one can change the Word of God which became "His flesh", thereby sealing its "immutability" by the very Godhead's representation to creation "till Kingdom come." 

What then stands between the "forming" of God's Word into flesh (Jesus Christ) "in the beginning" and today? Not just man but the heart of man which is so easily deceived by vanity and pride. God promises us "Spiritual wisdom" if we have the simple discipline of "Loving God!" Again "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." So the immutability of His Word is proved by the fact that it can only be "illuminated" upon by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, not the unassisted searching of the "mind of man." Read below one of many Scriptural proofs:

1 Corinthians 2:9-13

Rather, as it is written:“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”a

10But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?”b But we have the mind of Christ.

As we have read already in 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Our weapons are not carnal but spiritual to the pulling down of our "vain imaginations" and everything that "exalteth itself against the knowledge of God." The vainest of all imaginations is that we can have "spiritual knowledge" without the Holy Spirit; using only our "carnal mind" through self guided studies. Whether in study or out, when it comes to the Word of God we cannot leave out the "influence" of the Holy Spirit. 13"And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." Alas too many have based on the presentation of "divine diplomas" gained at "divine universities" to prove that "divine knowledge" is to attend their words when they speak or teach. Clearly in every verse represented above it takes the Holy Spirit (the mind of Christ) to give us the true attitude and expression of the intent of Scripture. If Holy men led by God wrote the Scriptures, then it will take Holy men led of God to "expound" the Scriptures. No form of carnal mind of man, regardless of all his crutches (Greek, Hebrew, or other helps), can get the smallest truth's out of His (Living) Word and make an accurate deliverance of His Holy Word. If you believe that any statement above is false then you need to read how to cast "down every (vain) imagination" and bring it into "submission/captivity to the obedience" of Christ." His Word is the knowledge of God, His Word is the "Word that became flesh (Jesus), His Word is Truth, and His Word cannot change! So if you have an argument against the above take it up with the Author in a quite place through prayer. 

As "no: eye, ear, and heart can imagine" the good things that God has for those that Love Him, even that can only be revealed by "His Spirit!"

Read: 12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD IT'S BECAUSE YOU DON'T SEARCH FOR HIM DILIGENTLY so as to receive His reward, then don't pretend because you "worked so hard" and that makes your exhortation right. All things come forth from God BY FAITH in God, NOT WORKS, our own efforts. 

Faith produces "REVELATION" through grace as most of the New Testament was written. "Men moved of God by the Holy Spirit", not men "figuring out" Spiritual Truth's with a carnal mind/spirit with the helps of books written by other men. Not to say "others" weren't led by the Spirit in their producing of support books to Scripture, but the only Books written that can be validated as Truth are included in the Bible (as for me KJV, now don't react you can read what you want), and that is the only "Book" that we can all agree on that "the Truth can set you free" in. 

13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."

Words taught by God through His Spirit takes the effort of "diligently seeking Him" not "looking up" a good sermon or Sunday School class lesson. Not only that but having the faith and patience to "wait on His timing", so that He can direct our paths, (not just physical), in teaching us what He wants us to know in "His time". We all can benefit by "waiting on the Lord" not rushing ahead or falling behind His will on our daily commune with Him, our Father in Heaven. Of course the "rushing ahead or falling behind" is purely a carnal application as one cannot "fool" or "change your mind" that the Almighty, Omniscient God didn't already know about before "in the beginning" was spoke.

14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

Most here would say the "natural man" is unsaved, I would beg to differ. The natural man can be any man that does not "by faith" incorporate God's Spirit in "all his thoughts." Just because you were sealed with God's Spirit at salvation does not mean that you are "by faith" walking "in Him" daily." There by the need for the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" to be tarried for as in the Book of Acts with His disciples. This "baptism" is a separate experience from salvation even though they can both happen about the same time. One (sealed) is to claim you for the Kingdom of God through Christ, the other (baptism) is to empower you to "glorify your Father in heaven." The first is an act of God, the second is a surrendering of ourselves in obedience, (tarry till you receive), till the Holy Spirit "falls upon us full of glory" to serve with power the Living God and to glorify His name. Many say "if you are sealed with the Holy Spirit then He can't be any less or that you don't need any more." 

Ephesians 4:30

"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

One (sealed) is to preserve us, Second (baptized) is to "receive power from on High" to walk in, be led by, imitate His life by, and glorify, our Father in Heaven. It's to be in agreement with the "entire" Word of God, by faith so that He can use us to "prove" His Word is True and that He is the only True and Living God of Creation without question or doubt. No other god can do that, and being complacent with the sealing of His Spirit, makes us useless to His Kingdom except in the articulation that "we are His." "A form of Godliness denying the power there of." 

The disciples hid in the upper room having known the teachings of Christ, walked with Him and believed in Him, being sealed by the Holy Spirit, as we believe that they were saved at the time. But they did not "go out" until they were "filled" with the promised Holy Spirit, having received "that boldness from God." You can sit in a pew all your life with your ticket to the golden roads and never do anything for your Savior. Yes you are saved and sealed but unless you receive the "baptism" you cannot go out with power to prove His Words are True and His claim of being "the only Living and True God." 

God always meant faith in Him was to be an experience! Period. You experience salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, then you experience the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" to be endued with power from on high," then you experience "walking in the Spirit" as Jesus did, hearing Gods voice and speaking the same and seeing Him do His works and doing the same. It's the experience of "walking as Jesus walked, doing the things He did and greater things." 

Look around your church next time you are there together with the believer's in Christ who attend. Don't judge but how many are expressing the "joy of the Lord?" How many have something to praise God about? I'm not talking about "whipping the congregation up" to say can I have an Amen? I'm talking about a congregation that has individuals that "met with God during the week and come with something to share about the "manifold goodness of God." Worship services are just that. Worship services wherein the entire participating congregation comes together to share the goodness of our God. The service cannot be any more corporately than what the individuals are at home during the week. 

Again Christianity is an experiential daily walk with Our Father in Heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Personally at home then corporately in our meeting place.

So answer this: What are we adding individually? How is our corporate gathering? Let me tell you that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit during the week then our meetings together will be abundantly filled corporately.

There aught to be a command somewhere that demands that all deacons, pastors, teachers, evangelists, bishops be baptized in and filled with the Holy Spirit. So here comes the "by their fruits ye shall know them" verse. Not fruits of there own admission, but "by two or three" shall it be established. Anyone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit will need no introduction. God will introduce him. He cannot hide. He is sanctified for the Lord's use and his Love and life will prove out his calling by that "self same Spirit." Oh by the way there is such a command it's in the Book of Acts. Every would be leader that was instrumental in launching this "faith in God through Jesus Christ" was told to "tarry till they receive the baptism from on high." If good enough for them it's still good enough for us.

So lets wrap this up.

Are we diligently seeking Him so as to gain His reward?

Have we tarried for His Spirit?

Do we have the Mind of Christ?

Are we teaching, preaching, leading, evangelizing empowered by His Spirit?

Do we only rely on "my Word will not come back void?" Or do we speak "led of the Holy Spirit?

What are we going to do with "our vain imaginations" about how hard "we" work on our presentation?

Is our practice still to "lean on our own understandings?"

Have other "writings" taken precedence over the Word of God?

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

I assay to know nothing but by the Spirit of God. 

Love

Jerry and Elise