I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)
The conquering life is one of pressing forward, pressing forward, pressing forward. We never give up. When we stumble we get up, with the Lord's help, and press on. This relentless attitude leads to victory.
We put down the sole of our foot, as the Lord leads. Then He gives us dominion over that area. We have to move. If we cease moving forward, no more conquest takes place.
There are times when God "puts us in prison" and no apparent movement is occurring. Even then there are areas of conquest if we keep looking to the Lord and do not give place to discouragement or self-pity.
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. (Joshua 1:4)
The Lord assigned the geographical boundaries of the land of promise. God told the Israelites He would give them all the territory on which they set their feet. However, He defined the territory in advance.
So it is with us. God knows where He wants us to go. He works with us in order to confirm His plan for our lives. We press toward the mark the Lord has established.
There is no greater joy than to seek the will of God for our life. As we do, God gives us enough faith to accomplish that for which we have been called. As we move ahead our eyes are lifted up to behold a horizon of glory that exceeds all we could ever ask or think.
God described the land of promise of the Hebrews. What about the members of the Body of Christ? What is our land of promise?
Our land of promise is "all things."
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
Our land of promise is the spiritual throne that governs the universe.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)
Speaking of "man," the Scripture states:
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. . . . (Hebrews 2:8)
"All things" refers to the material creation, to all God has created-the works of His hands. "My throne" refers to the fullness of authority and power of Christ over all things.
Therefore the land of promise, the inheritance of the victorious saint, is spiritual rulership over the material creation.
Man was created to be the throne of God.
The inheritance of the Lord Jesus Christ is the nations and the farthest reaches of the earth (Psalms 2:8).
The inheritance of the saint, because he is a coheir with Christ, is the nations and the farthest reaches of the earth.
There are parts of the earth today that the demons still claim for their own, there being no Christian testimony in that place. However, no area of the earth belongs to the demons. All of the earth is the inheritance of the saints of the most high God.
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Preparing the Army of God, #3
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (II Timothy 4:2)
An unscriptural aimlessness pervades the Gospel preaching and teaching of today. The Word of Christ is being preached as though it were a means of benefiting people. "Bring Christ with you wherever you go," we hear.
There is little Lordship of Christ in our day. There is a lack of the sense of God's Divine and eternal purpose. Man is in the driver's seat. The believers are the lord and Christ is the servant.
It is not true that we are to march toward whatever land appears to please us. We are to press forward to the specific land God has given to the Church as a whole and to each conqueror as an individual.
We currently are preoccupied with spiritual formulas for achieving happiness and success. We have little or no idea where we are heading, what we are supposed to be doing. Every believer does what is right in his eyes.
It is time for the Lord to "speak to Joshua".
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. (Joshua 1:3)
First we determine where God wants us to go. We discover this by waiting on the Lord, from the Scriptures, from special revelation to us, from experience, and by all the other means the Lord uses to guide the saint.
Then we move forward prayerfully.
One error made by the inexperienced believer is to run ahead of the Lord, mistaking enthusiasm or personal ambition or apparent human needs for the voice of the Spirit. A great deal of practice is required before we become skillful in recognizing the leading of the Lord. Even then we can be deceived if we do not continue to watch in prayer.
Another error made by the inexperienced believer is to not press forward, because of his mistaken idea that God will come upon him and force him to perform God's will.
God seldom thrusts aside our normal course of living and reveals His will in a blaze of glory. Such Divine intervention does occur, as in the case of Saul on the way to Damascus. But it rarely happens.
The desirable manner of cooperation between God and man takes place when the Christian learns what his responsibility is and then prayerfully, diligently, and faithfully works at his own task in the Body of Christ.
We have to keep on stirring up the gifts that are in us. It is easy to settle back or to become so involved in the things of the world that there is little time left to spend waiting on God.
The secret of the victorious Christian life is the vigorous daily pursuit of the Lord. Part of this pursuit is the faithful performance, as the Lord leads, of the tasks that have been set before us. We learn to lean on the Lord's strength and wisdom as we do God's will.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
An unscriptural aimlessness pervades the Gospel preaching and teaching of today. The Word of Christ is being preached as though it were a means of benefiting people. "Bring Christ with you wherever you go," we hear.
There is little Lordship of Christ in our day. There is a lack of the sense of God's Divine and eternal purpose. Man is in the driver's seat. The believers are the lord and Christ is the servant.
It is not true that we are to march toward whatever land appears to please us. We are to press forward to the specific land God has given to the Church as a whole and to each conqueror as an individual.
We currently are preoccupied with spiritual formulas for achieving happiness and success. We have little or no idea where we are heading, what we are supposed to be doing. Every believer does what is right in his eyes.
It is time for the Lord to "speak to Joshua".
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. (Joshua 1:3)
First we determine where God wants us to go. We discover this by waiting on the Lord, from the Scriptures, from special revelation to us, from experience, and by all the other means the Lord uses to guide the saint.
Then we move forward prayerfully.
One error made by the inexperienced believer is to run ahead of the Lord, mistaking enthusiasm or personal ambition or apparent human needs for the voice of the Spirit. A great deal of practice is required before we become skillful in recognizing the leading of the Lord. Even then we can be deceived if we do not continue to watch in prayer.
Another error made by the inexperienced believer is to not press forward, because of his mistaken idea that God will come upon him and force him to perform God's will.
God seldom thrusts aside our normal course of living and reveals His will in a blaze of glory. Such Divine intervention does occur, as in the case of Saul on the way to Damascus. But it rarely happens.
The desirable manner of cooperation between God and man takes place when the Christian learns what his responsibility is and then prayerfully, diligently, and faithfully works at his own task in the Body of Christ.
We have to keep on stirring up the gifts that are in us. It is easy to settle back or to become so involved in the things of the world that there is little time left to spend waiting on God.
The secret of the victorious Christian life is the vigorous daily pursuit of the Lord. Part of this pursuit is the faithful performance, as the Lord leads, of the tasks that have been set before us. We learn to lean on the Lord's strength and wisdom as we do God's will.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Preparing the Army of God, #2
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (Revelation 1:13)
The Lord Jesus Christ is walking today among the lampstands, the Christian churches, in order to prepare us for the critical role we shall play in the climax of the present age and in the installation of the Kingdom Age on the earth.
Moses is dead, so to speak. The world is in transition and uproar. We are not to copy the old techniques of church operation except as the Holy Spirit leads us to do so.
There are several billion people in the world. Each of them must hear the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. There is no time left for theological disputations or denominational strivings. There is time only for the healing of the sick, the raising of the dead, the casting out of demons, and the bringing of the Good News that the Kingdom of God soon will be installed on the earth.
We have Divine Life to bring to human beings-Life that will save their souls, heal their bodies, and give them the wisdom and power to live in this world. God is looking for individuals who will allow the Lord to prepare them to be bread for the nations.
It is not God's will that hostile governments be allowed to prevent human beings from receiving the Word of God. It is the Lord's will that every person see the power of the Kingdom of God and hear the Word of repentance.
God shall open the political doors for us and He shall confirm the Word with signs following, just as soon as we are prepared to preach Christ and not ourselves.
God has a plan for today. He will bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to every creature. Moses is dead, it is true. Now God will speak to Joshua. God performed one aspect of Kingdom work through Moses and a different aspect of Kingdom work through Joshua.
Moses typifies the Lord Jesus as the meek and gentle Shepherd who calls His people out of Egypt, out of the world, and then leads them through the wilderness.
Joshua typifies the Lord Jesus as the Commander in Chief who directs His people across Jordan and into battle against the enemy, and then divides to them their inheritance.
We have known the Good Shepherd of the Twenty-third Psalm. We have not been as familiar with the Lord of Armies, the Lord strong and majestic in battle, of the Twenty-fourth Psalm.
We may ask, "Who is this King of Glory who is appearing now to the Christian people? We have not known this Person."
The answer comes, "He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Armies."
We have known the gentle, loving Christ-the Friend who caresses the little children and speaks to them of the love of their heavenly Father.
Who is this cunning, ferocious Warrior, this majestic Emperor, this Judge whose terror caused Paul to persuade men?-whose countenance and Presence overcame the Apostle John?-whose voice shakes Hell like an earthquake and paralyzes the fallen angels with fear?
We are to march forward under His leadership toward "the land which I do give to them" (Joshua 1:2).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Lord Jesus Christ is walking today among the lampstands, the Christian churches, in order to prepare us for the critical role we shall play in the climax of the present age and in the installation of the Kingdom Age on the earth.
Moses is dead, so to speak. The world is in transition and uproar. We are not to copy the old techniques of church operation except as the Holy Spirit leads us to do so.
There are several billion people in the world. Each of them must hear the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. There is no time left for theological disputations or denominational strivings. There is time only for the healing of the sick, the raising of the dead, the casting out of demons, and the bringing of the Good News that the Kingdom of God soon will be installed on the earth.
We have Divine Life to bring to human beings-Life that will save their souls, heal their bodies, and give them the wisdom and power to live in this world. God is looking for individuals who will allow the Lord to prepare them to be bread for the nations.
It is not God's will that hostile governments be allowed to prevent human beings from receiving the Word of God. It is the Lord's will that every person see the power of the Kingdom of God and hear the Word of repentance.
God shall open the political doors for us and He shall confirm the Word with signs following, just as soon as we are prepared to preach Christ and not ourselves.
God has a plan for today. He will bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to every creature. Moses is dead, it is true. Now God will speak to Joshua. God performed one aspect of Kingdom work through Moses and a different aspect of Kingdom work through Joshua.
Moses typifies the Lord Jesus as the meek and gentle Shepherd who calls His people out of Egypt, out of the world, and then leads them through the wilderness.
Joshua typifies the Lord Jesus as the Commander in Chief who directs His people across Jordan and into battle against the enemy, and then divides to them their inheritance.
We have known the Good Shepherd of the Twenty-third Psalm. We have not been as familiar with the Lord of Armies, the Lord strong and majestic in battle, of the Twenty-fourth Psalm.
We may ask, "Who is this King of Glory who is appearing now to the Christian people? We have not known this Person."
The answer comes, "He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Armies."
We have known the gentle, loving Christ-the Friend who caresses the little children and speaks to them of the love of their heavenly Father.
Who is this cunning, ferocious Warrior, this majestic Emperor, this Judge whose terror caused Paul to persuade men?-whose countenance and Presence overcame the Apostle John?-whose voice shakes Hell like an earthquake and paralyzes the fallen angels with fear?
We are to march forward under His leadership toward "the land which I do give to them" (Joshua 1:2).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Monday, March 22, 2010
Preparing the Army of GodPreparing the Army of God
Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. (Joshua 1:1,2)
God has a plan for today. He is preparing an army that will invade and conquer the earth. Moses (many traditional aspects of Christianity) is dead. Now God will speak to Joshua. God performed one aspect of Kingdom work through Moses and a different aspect of Kingdom work through Joshua. The Lord Jesus has been as Moses and now is coming to His Church as Joshua.
Change takes place in the Kingdom of God and in the lives of the people who are associated with the Kingdom of God.
For forty years Moses had represented God on the earth. Whenever an Israelite thought about God he thought about Moses.
Then came the moment when Moses died.
Throughout the history of God's working with man there have been points of change: the flood, the calling of Abraham out of Chaldean Ur, the burning bush, the Babe of Bethlehem. These epochs have been associated with outstanding personalities.
Change is difficult for human beings to accept and it often creates fear and resistance.
Change-sometimes great change-does come. Although Moses was a most extraordinary individual, an institution, God having made him so, there did come a day when he was gone from the earth.
Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, who had been Moses' servant.
The hour in which we are living is one such crisis. Changes are taking place in the world. Greater changes than these are occurring in the Kingdom of God. The coming of Jesus is near.
Worldwide revival is upon us including the empowering of the original Gospel of the Kingdom of God. After that will come the days of trouble that shall purify the Bride of Christ. The "tares" also will come to maturity. Divine judgment, wrath on all disobedience, the harvesting of the earth, are at hand.
It has required nearly two thousand years to bring the Christian Church to the brink of Jordan, to the death to self and the stern obedience to the Father that will enable us to gain spiritual dominion over the material realm.
We shall treasure and profit from the wisdom and strength we have inherited from the godly men and women of the past as we press forward into the earthwide demonstrating and preaching of the Gospel, which already has begun. We must prepare ourselves for Armageddon and the seizing of the rulership of the world, at the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Ours is a new day-the "times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets" (Acts 3:21). Wisdom and power without precedent in man's experience are being assigned to God's elect. The Kingdom of God is at hand, which is the rule of God in Christ in and with the saints over the nations of the earth. "The kingdoms of this world" are about to become "the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
God has a plan for today. He is preparing an army that will invade and conquer the earth. Moses (many traditional aspects of Christianity) is dead. Now God will speak to Joshua. God performed one aspect of Kingdom work through Moses and a different aspect of Kingdom work through Joshua. The Lord Jesus has been as Moses and now is coming to His Church as Joshua.
Change takes place in the Kingdom of God and in the lives of the people who are associated with the Kingdom of God.
For forty years Moses had represented God on the earth. Whenever an Israelite thought about God he thought about Moses.
Then came the moment when Moses died.
Throughout the history of God's working with man there have been points of change: the flood, the calling of Abraham out of Chaldean Ur, the burning bush, the Babe of Bethlehem. These epochs have been associated with outstanding personalities.
Change is difficult for human beings to accept and it often creates fear and resistance.
Change-sometimes great change-does come. Although Moses was a most extraordinary individual, an institution, God having made him so, there did come a day when he was gone from the earth.
Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, who had been Moses' servant.
The hour in which we are living is one such crisis. Changes are taking place in the world. Greater changes than these are occurring in the Kingdom of God. The coming of Jesus is near.
Worldwide revival is upon us including the empowering of the original Gospel of the Kingdom of God. After that will come the days of trouble that shall purify the Bride of Christ. The "tares" also will come to maturity. Divine judgment, wrath on all disobedience, the harvesting of the earth, are at hand.
It has required nearly two thousand years to bring the Christian Church to the brink of Jordan, to the death to self and the stern obedience to the Father that will enable us to gain spiritual dominion over the material realm.
We shall treasure and profit from the wisdom and strength we have inherited from the godly men and women of the past as we press forward into the earthwide demonstrating and preaching of the Gospel, which already has begun. We must prepare ourselves for Armageddon and the seizing of the rulership of the world, at the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Ours is a new day-the "times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets" (Acts 3:21). Wisdom and power without precedent in man's experience are being assigned to God's elect. The Kingdom of God is at hand, which is the rule of God in Christ in and with the saints over the nations of the earth. "The kingdoms of this world" are about to become "the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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