The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

It is truly awesome to witness God’s ability to save, deliver and fill with His Spirit as he prepares for himself a bride without spot or wrinkle. Indeed, this is the hour that He is granting a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of himself, where the eyes of His people are opened to know the hope of their calling (Eph.1:18).

But some say that this calling is simply a direct reference to getting saved. Indeed, there can be no doubt that a deeper experience with Christ begins by knowing the joy of sins forgiven. Still others have perceived the “Call of God” to reference a personal call to the mission field or the reception of ministry gifts such as pastor, evangelist, teacher, etc. But from Scripture it is obvious there is a “Prize for a High Call that is found in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:14); “Whom he did foreknow… them He also called” (Rom.8:29 & 30). But called for what? In this case Scripture provides an answer: “that they might “be conformed to the image… of the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom.8:29).

But wasn’t that Lucifer’s assertion when he said “I will be like the Most High” (Isa.14:14). How could we ever be like Christ? Hence, I think we’re referring to an obvious mystery, known in Scripture as the Mystery of the Gospel, hid from the ages, that can only be understood by receiving “the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” (Eph.1:17). Indeed, without this Revelation from the Holy Ghost this understanding is nothing more than mere blasphemy. Instead, Wisdom and Revelation is not merely a revelation that enhances our concept of Christ but “Christ dwelling in our hearts… that we might be able to comprehend… the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, THAT WE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD” (Eph.3:, 18 & 19). Did you get that? The author here just suggested that All of the God of the universe is to be found in you and me!

God has also called us to be found in Christ and no longer just with him (Emmanuel). Recall that He didn’t say, to him that overcometh will I grant to sit near me, or next to my throne, but rather… “With me, IN my throne” (Revelation 3:21). What we are talking about here is that our life is so possessed by Christ we are no longer known by our names but known by His name (Revelation 3:12), no longer known as a son of man but known as a Son of God (Revelation 21:7). In fact, according to John 1:12 the power to become a Son is given to as many that believe on His name.

But of course there are those who argue, …Yes, but we are adopted sons and not a Son in the way that Jesus is the Son of God. In one sense this is true. In fact the Spirit enables us to cry, Abba Father signifying that we have been grafted in or adopted “until the adoption… to wit the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23). Or, in other words, until we adopt a new body.

But but make no mistake, we are also “BEING BORN AGAIN of an incorruptible seed” (1 Peter 1:23). That SEED that was just planted in our hearts is the Word of God. But this Word has been planted that it might bring forth fruit in due season. Jesus, who is the Word, is that Fruit. Yes, Jesus is the Fruit of the Spirit. Once again the Word is taking flesh to dwell among us, so that we might be this Temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 3:16). In fact, the same was true of Jesus. Recall that he said, “Destroy This Temple and in Three Days I Will Raise It up Again” (John 2:19).

But why? Wasn’t Christ’s coming sufficient? Why would we need Christ-like-ones or Christians?

Paul declares “WE ARE THE FULLNESS OF HIM THAT FILL WITH ALL AND ALL” (Ephesians 1:23). Just think, you are the completion of Christ. He who has now given His Spirit has come to seek out of body through whom He can express Himself, for He is the head of this body. Now in one sense we read that He is the head of a body as a husband is to a wife (Ephesians 5:23). But he is also soon to be revealed as the head of a body as you and I might be compared to a hand or foot (Colossians 3: and 1 Corinthians 12:27). In fact, the day waits when “HE SHALL COME TO BE GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). In that day We and He shall stand upon the earth as “A PERFECT MAN” (Ephesians 4:13), connected to each other, He being the head, the leader, the Spirit controlling and possessing every member. “Now we see Jesus, (this perfect man)… By whom are all things in bringing MANY SONS INTO GLORY… For both He that sanctify and they who are sanctified are all of ONE” (Hebrews 2:9, 10 & 11).

This same glory is our inheritance according to the prayer Jesus prayed in Gethsemane (John 17:22). Even Isaiah declares “But the Lord shall arise upon thee and His glory shall be seen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1 & 2). Isaiah declares in that day you will “say unto the cities of Judah, Behold Your God” (Isaiah 40:9)!

Think of it… You standing up and saying to the cities of Judah “Behold Your God!” Many can’t comprehend this, but Paul elaborates and provides the explanation: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Herein is the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.

Only those that have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying can receive this Word. Many are deceived and believe this to mean that we say that we will be God or that we aspire to the Godhead. We aspire to nothing. In fact we aspire to be crucified with Christ so that he may be seen in us, for it can only be Christ In You, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).”

…For the Lord thy God would say unto you, oh daughter of Jerusalem, I have overshadowed you in the day of adversity, I have brooded upon the face of the deep and then called you out of darkness. I have brought you into light that I may be found within you, for you are with child this day. You travail for your burdens but there is no cure, no healing. For that which you labor for is the deliverance of your soul, that it may be birthed into the full freedom of the walk in my Spirit.

…Fear not because you see no balm in Gilead but rather rejoice for your warfare is accomplished. For yet in a little while, the Lord whom you seek shall come forth out of his Temple. And in that hour that I come forth out of you I shall begin to possess you and capture your love. In that hour I shall burn a desire in your heart to be hidden behind the cross. For you shall no more be like a bride but you shall be to me a Son, that my image might be expressed and known.

…Scoff not as Sarah, who upon hearing that she would deliver a son, laughed. Though she was old, yet she conceived in faith believing. Moreover, she also conceived by the faith of her husband, who upon hearing the promise believed. And so too many mock and say of themselves, surely this is foolishness to believe that we, his bride, could conceive and bring forth Sons; and yet I would say to you that by my faith even the faith that is in the Lord thy God, the faith of your Husband, you shall conceive and bring forth Sons upon the earth; and they shall walk even as I walked for they shall know even and only by my Spirit. They shall be manifested as lightning that shines from the east to the west.

…Arise therefore and shine Oh daughter of Zion for your light is come. Cease from all your laboring and enter into my rest, for surely this is my work just as surely as this is by my faith. Behold thy King cometh unto thee!”

Lord, we come into agreement with your word even now for it is your desire to bruise Satan under our feet. Truly we have heard that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head. Cause us to be fully equipped with the power of your Word. Poor upon this dry and thirsty land the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, that the eyes of your people would be enlightened to know the hope of their calling. No more shall your people sell their birthright for fast food religion.

Forgive us Lord for we your people have used good intentions, great inventions and vain imaginations to further your purposes. These methods are hereby cast down in the name of Jesus that the excellency of the knowledge of Christ our Lord might be exalted. Established within us the word of faith that we might call those things that be not as though they were; that we might see ourselves as You see us. Open up our eyes and ears that we might be aware that we are seated IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST. We curse lies, fear and doubt that cause us to march after man-made religion.

We give you all the praise and glory as you reveal to us your work, your will and your wisdom. These things are committed to you in Jesus Precious Holy Name. Amen.

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Peter Declares His Faith Rests on Scripture

PETER DECLARES HIS FAITH RESTS MORE HEAVILY ON SCRIPTURE THAN HIS SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty.

For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

And this voice which came from heaven WE HEARD, when we were with him in the holy mount (aka the Transfiguration).

We have also a MORE SURE WORD of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the SCRIPTURE is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2Pet.1:16-21).

CONCLUSION: Get to know your Bible!

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When are Religious Contentions Unnecessary

In 1 Timothy 1:4 Paul admonishes us “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” Hence we are generally encouraged to avoid certain contentions altogether. In this hour when “the love of many shall wax cold,” we are confronted on every side by those who further divide or deceive the Body of Christ.

In addition to contentions over the “true-name of God” other Judaizers readily engage in arguments about where to worship, who to submit to and what day of the week worship should be conducted. Avoid these people and their issues like the plague.

Know that your salvation is based on God-given faith in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Recall the Philippian jailer who begs of Paul and Silas, “Sirs, What must I do to be saved?” They simply responded, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house” (Acts 16:30-33). Notice that they made no mandate that the jailer learn how Jesus is spoken in Hebrew, what day is the correct Sabbath, or even the need to become a Jew first before becoming a Christian.

Again, legal mandates or rituals were not even mentioned when one of the malefactors crucified alongside the Savior said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” To this individual Jesus simply replied, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:42-43).

Wisdom and Revelation

I am reminded of our Lord’s birth and the details of that story that are outlined in the Gospels. Once a year we sing these details in what we call “Christmas Carols.” We remember the Archangel who appeared to Mary and told her of her unborn child: that she would give birth to the King of Kings. Finally after an arduous journey to Bethlehem we read that Baby Jesus was born in a humble stable which was suitable only for animals. Up to this point the story is quite interesting and miraculous in many ways. But as the story unfolds what follows is beyond interesting and moves into the realm of the stupendous.

We read that immediately after his birth, there were shepherds in nearby fields who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. And suddenly an angel came to them and announced the birth of the savior of the world. Moreover as they continued to watch the night sky, a multitude of heavenly angels, hundreds, maybe even thousands, began singing praises to God. Can you even imagine? There you are with your coworkers holding down the fort, working the night shift, wondering who’s going to make the next pot of coffee and suddenly the night sky is filled with angels who are singing praises to God, and announcing the birth of the Messiah. You might wonder if you’re going crazy. But your coworkers are seeing the same thing. How does the average person wrap his head around such an event? And if that wasn’t strange enough the story becomes even more astonishing. We read that 3 Kings (the Magi) from eastern countries show up at the site of Christ’s birth bearing incredibly expensive gifts to give to the newborn. They claimed that they followed a moving star to meet this infant Messiah because they were aware of this baby’s coming and they were aware of his significance months ago. Consequently, they together made a journey to see this child, a journey that began weeks or perhaps even months before his birth.

Can you imagine what that would do to your faith if you saw what the shepherds saw or new what these 3 Kings knew? So often I hear testimonies where Christians share a set of circumstances that led them to accept Christ as their personal savior. I hear their testimonies and I think to myself that what they are sharing could have happened to anyone. So often it seems to me that their conversion or a salvation experience is dependent on a desperate situation. You know, like they’re kind of convinced but their story is a little bit flimsy. In other words, a lot of Christians share something like, “I was in a jam.… I told God if he got me out of this one I would live the rest of my life for him.” Really? Is that the basis for a conversion to Jesus Christ? Now I realize I’m oversimplifying here to make a point. But if that’s the case we’d probably be better off to just get rid of the excessively-commercialized Christmas story and season, and reduce the gospel to a message from a fortune cookie that reads, “There are no atheists in foxholes” or quote some other pithy witticisms.

But if the biblical account is true then a flimsy conversion certainly was not the case for these dirt-poor shepherds. For them it was . It was unmistakable. How could they NOT BE converted after what they saw and heard. Or the wise men; what guided them? What kind of star leads Kings to a baby born in a barn? What motivates Kings to bring super expensive gifts to a poor young couple that can’t even afford a room at a local Microtel. What knowledge did these Kings have? Indeed, the story of the Magi and shepherds is not the testimony of Christians today who say that they have decided to follow Jesus. Instead, most Christian testimonies include stories about influential family or friends, cool Christian music, an alleged miraculous escape from legal trouble and so on.

These wise men were powerful, influential individuals of considerable wealth who had extensively traveled to see this baby that was born because they were convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was now manifested in the flesh. It’s so different from anything you could possibly here in a church today. Was there something special about these shepherds or these wise men? Dirt-poor shepherds get to see the skies filled with the angelic host. Why them? Three Kings from the East know absolutely that God is now come in the flesh. They know when, they know where, and they know how. I get it that it that it was a special event. Great! But why did God choose these people to be part of the story. Why not you or me? After all, the Bible says God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). That is, to God we’re all the same. He loves us all.

Well Christian I’ve got good news. You and I are indeed chosen just like the shepherds and just like the wise men. Reading in Ephesians 1: 12-23 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise… Wherefore I also… cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 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; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places… And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”

So here we see that Paul is speaking to spirit filled Christians (after you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise). That’s right, this is a letter written to the Pentecostals or charismatics at Ephesus. And what does he have to say to them? That he DOES NOT CEASE to pray for them so that they might receive the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” in the knowledge of him. Wisdom, you know, like the 3 wise men; or Revelation, like what happened to the shepherds. But why? Why do these Christians who are already filled with the Holy Ghost need this special “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation?” What could be greater than getting saved, and having the Holy Ghost – the icing on the cake? Well, according to Paul, receiving this Spirit from God causes the believer’s eyes to be enlightened. Like the 3 wise men they know the “hope of their CALLING.” Like the shepherds they know “the riches of the GLORY.” And Paul’s prayer for these Christians is not trivial or a footnote. He is not just rambling on in some theological way. He says he CEASES NOT to pray for these believers, CONSTANTLY requesting that God give them this Spirit.

I think it’s safe to say that the shepherds and the wise men were not acting out of blind faith when they sought the Baby Jesus. They were NOT responding to a message they heard on YouTube. They DID NOT read about it in a daily devotional or hear about it on Christian television. They had personal experience that convinced them beyond a shadow of a doubt to seek Jesus, the Christ child, the Savior of the world. If you receive the SPIRIT of WISDOM and REVELATION in the knowledge of him, money-back guarantee, it will blow your mind. You will never again be insecure in your faith. This involves an encounter with God because it is a spiritual encounter with TRUTH. It is not an encounter with a doctrine, with theology, with the apostles Creed or with a “statement of faith.” Once you have had this encounter you can easily understand why the songwriter wrote the words, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Now I can tell you that the point of this wisdom and revelation is that “Jesus is soon coming to be revealed in a many membered body who will, as one unified man, set up God’s kingdom on earth.” But that is and should be meaningless to you. You and I could argue and debate that statement for hours. But if GOD OPENS YOUR EYES to see his coming in a many membered body you will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER forget it and you will be permanently changed – just like the shepherds and – just like the wise men.

Now I realize that it’s common for most Christians to say that we’re not going to have this kind of firsthand knowledge (wisdom and revelation) until we get to heaven, when we see him face to face. Rubbish! Reading on in the same book, (Ephesians 3:17-19) “… that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that you might be FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.” Just think, all of the God of the universe in you in this lifetime. Remember we just read, “the church, his body, the fullness of him.” If that’s really the truth then most of us have been sold a bunch of defective goods. Or it’s like getting home and realizing that you left most of the groceries at the grocery store. You’ve got to drive back and get what’s been paid for.

Christian, I challenge you to cry out to God for the spiritual eyes to see him in his glory as HE is. Be willing to take all your preconceived notions, catechisms and things you’ve been taught about Jesus since childhood and put them at the foot of the cross where the fullness of God’s wisdom was revealed to mankind. You will not be disappointed. Jesus will indeed lead and guide you into ALL truth. And guess what will happen, “You will know the Truth and HE who is the Truth will set you free (John 8:32)” from religion into relationship that brings you into ONENESS with HIM (John 17). Praise his holy name. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you richly above all you can ask or think.

Brother Jerry Turk

IS HEAVEN OUR FINAL DESTINATION – 7/20/18

THE BROTHER ASKS, “IS HEAVEN OUR FINAL DESTINATION.”

First, most Christians, when discussing future events, limit themselves to contentons about sequence and chronology. That is, they argue the order and timing of a Rapture, an Antichrist, a Great Tribulation, the Lord’s Return and a Millennial Reign. Yet they are seemingly unable to consider the nature or state of being when completely hid in Christ and Christ is hid in them.

Second, there is a great deal of confusion when discussing the Kingdom of Heaven vs the Kingdom of God. Without being too tangential allow me some liberty. The Kingdom of God is here and now on planet earth. That is, we are informed that the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It is a state of being while still confined to mortality. But we also understand that Heaven is not earth bound. For example, Jesus ascended into Heaven following His resurrection, and He now sits at the right hand of God as our Advocate and Great High Priest making intercession for us (Heb.4:14-16). So Heaven referes to a state of immortality.

But let us move on to the point and answer the brother’s question. What exactly is our inheritance besides the ubiquitous ruling, reigning and eternal life? Answer: Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (Jn.17:21).” Hence a distinct type of unity awaits us. A unity exactly like the unity Jesus demonstrated with the Father while on earth. In this state we know the will of God and we do it.

Ok. Then what? Answer: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Eph.1:10). So here we come to understand that the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven will be unified. Here a sort of horizontal unity is promised or unity with each other. Not only is our inheritance a Oneness with God, but we are also promised an almost incomprehensible Fellowship, the likes of which no family or earthly church could compare.

And finally we read of an ultimate type of unity that seems to supersede the other two types of unity just described. “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” (1Cor.15:28). Here we consider a unity in God that not only demystifies trinititarianism, but at the same time allows us conjoint omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence without the slightest hint or specter of soul annihilation.

These levels of unity or Heaven make me think of Paul’s remarks when he said he knew a man that was taken up to the third heaven (2Cor.12:2). So, apparently it us true, “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” (1Cor.2:9).

When I was 18 my future wife and I used to visit Dolly, a 90 year old dear friend and precious saint. When we talked about Heaven and Jesus I remember her clapping her hands and with an enormous smile blurting out like a little school girl, “Won’t it be grande?” Yes Dolly, I’m sure you are now well aware that it is grande. Friends, be blessed in Jesus name.

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JESUS, DON’T PASS ME BY – 12/11/17

I offer to pray for my patients many times. Sometimes I hear people say, “You can pray for me but it won’t do any good.” They explain, “I’ve got too much sin in my life… I’ve called out to Jesus before and He never helped me. I’m still suffering.” Often I hear “I just want to die. I want it to be all over.” Precious one, you’ve been listening to the father of lies. Satan wants you dead.

But Jesus says, “I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” Jesus has not passed you by.  He is but a breath away. Call on Him to save you. Ask him to forgive you for your sins. Humble yourself before him. He loves you with an everlasting love. He longs to embrace you, to encourage you, to give you the blessed assurance of your salvation. You are not forgotten. Even now he is pleading with you, “Come unto me.” And I promise you, He will give you rest. But not just rest in the midst of your trouble, but a life of victory, abundant life, joy unspeakable and full of glory.

When there is so much despair and no reason to go on what have you got to lose? You only stand to benefit. Are you racked with pain? Does your family reject you? Do you have a criminal history or a bad reputation? Then come to Jesus. He has come to seek and save that which is lost. Run to him. He’s waiting with open arms. Only Jesus can fill the longing of your empty soul. Do it today. Just surrender it all.

Give all your burdens to Jesus. Commit the rest of your life to Him. Say it right out loud. “Jesus, I give the rest of my life to you, I will live for you and serve you from now on. I turned my back on all the wickedness this world has to offer. Come into my life. Do not pass me by. I accept you as Lord and Savior.” If you prayed that prayer God bless you. I love you, but more importantly, Jesus loves you so much so that He died for YOU so that you might have eternal life. Write me back and let me know if you made this decision today or even in the past.

Again, be blessed in Jesus name.

Daily Proselytizing – 12/11/17

Do you have to proselytize every day?

Yours is a good question and one that I am delighted to address. I appreciate your honesty and polite manner in which you post your question.

I think that the term “proselytizing” suggests some sort of covert, unwanted or unwarranted intentions. Indeed, I believe this was precisely the problem that the Jews had with Jesus. “Relativism” and “forbearance” were clearly the rule of his day. Otherwise Pilate would not have said to Jesus, “What is truth?” To the Jews he was an upstart, a nobody from the sticks, a know-it-all. Really now, who does he think he is?

Blasphemy was simply the legal loophole that they needed to crucify him. It would have been much easier to overlook his blasphemy and declare him insane. But they wanted him dead because he was “proselytizing” the masses and because of his lack of “forbearance” with those who did not share his point of view.

Paul said of Christ, “if the dead are not raised, let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” And again Paul says, “if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

Under threat of criminal punishment for proselytizing, we might ask what compelled Peter and John to respond to threatening public officials, “We cannot help but speak those things which we have both seen and heard.” Peter was acutely aware of the accusations that suggested his truth was no better than anyone else’s. Hence, in his 2nd letter he writes “we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his Majesty.” So Peter was a believer not just because he saw miracles but because he witnessed Christ transfigured, Christ resurrected and Christ ascending. He was convinced of the truth because he had first-hand experience with the man who declared that he is the Truth, the Life and The Only Way.

I believe God does indeed reward those who follow blindly. But from the first 2 chapters in the book of Acts we understand that it is clearly God’s intention to reward believers with a confirmation of their faith known as the “gift of the Holy Ghost.” What Christians sometimes call a “blessed assurance” is, in my opinion, essential in this world to have the power to boldly and unabashedly declare truth regardless of how intolerant one might seem.

You see, “the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In other words, one would have to have a “spiritual rebirth” so to speak, just to begin to see the value of this message, this good news, this gospel.

I’m sure you’re familiar with the response of Jesus to the well-known Rabbi Nicodemus, “Truly I say unto you, except a man be born again he cannot even see the kingdom of God.” I don’t enter into debates with people in an attempt to prove Christ. I don’t try to share Christ by disproving science, upholding Biblical archaeology, disqualifying so-called false Christians or engaging in other circus acts.

I believe people come to Christ when they are called by Him. And if you have been called – his silence is deafening until you repent of your sinful nature and cry out to him, asking him to reveal himself to you. I testify about Him because I know Him and I love Him.

I pray someday soon you also come to personally know this God in the flesh, this Jesus of Nazareth whose I am and whom I serve.

RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD REVEALED 12/3/17

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.”

Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all (2Cor.15:-12-28).

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Deliverance for the Christian – 12/3/17

If you are a Christian and you have struggled relentlessly with worldly desires, then you are probably under attack by the enemy of your soul and the Kingdom of Darkness. This kingdom that has but a short time is cast down and is revealed in Scripture. It includes a chaotic, hegemonic power structure where it’s various members obey orders because they fear punishment, yet they war against each other. Ranked by power and authority, members in particular include:

1) Fallen Archangel Lucifer, a former cherub of light created to worship the Almighty;
2) Fallen Cherubim or 200 Satanic Principalities that do Lucifer’s bidding among the nations;
3) Fallen Seraphim or Evil Powers of Wickedness that enslave billions of souls into world systems;
4) Fallen Angels or Demonic Spirits that take possession of individuals;
5) Fallen Angels or Unclean Spirits that impose infirmity and disease;
6) Fallen Angels or Foul Spirits that impose death;
7) Fallen Nephilim or Familiar Spirits that haunt with generational curses;

These are the most common spirits that plague Christians:

1) A SPIRIT OF LUST often characterized by pornography, fornication, homosexuality, adultery, masturbation, gluttony, and an obsession with sensual pleasure;
2) A SPIRIT OF MURDER often characterized by bitterness, hatred and jealousy,a desire for revenge, an obsession with homicide and/or suicide;
3) A SPIRIT OF IDOL WORSHIP often characterized by greed, selfishness, covetousness, and/or the desire for wealth, power or possessions;
4) A SPIRIT OF ANTI-CHRIST often characterized by pride, arrogance and a belief in one’s own superiority, a desperate need to be worshipped, adored and/or recognized;
5) A SPIRIT OF WITCHCRAFT often characterized by addictions, rituals and secrecy associated with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and/or violent entertainment;
6) A SPIRIT OF LIES often characterized by arguments, a desire to debate, contentions, a desire to be seen as right or a constant desire to correct others;
7) A SPIRIT OF FEAR often characterized by unforgiveness, inferiority, condemnation and/or mental /emotional illness.

Our Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ stands at the door of your heart and calls you to Him. Don’t wait. Don’t walk. Run to Him. He will deliver you and set you free from the Kingdom of Darkness. Repent and tell Him you are sorry for collaborating with the enemy. Call out the name of that spirit that has oppressed you. Rebuke it now in the name of Jesus and command it to leave your life. Remain in prayer looking to Jesus until the filthy thing is gone. Wait upon Him until He comes with a new confidence, a renewed faith that the evil thing has left you. While praising Him in word and song wait upon Him for the confidence knowing that He has brought you His strength to overcome. Jesus did not come to condemn you but, through faith believing in His grace he is now come to set you free.

Be released from the powers of these evil spirits in Jesus name. Satan, take your hands off God’s property now in JESUS name. I said NOW in JESUS name. We give you all the praise and glory Lord Jesus. You alone are worthy of all praise. Thank you Jesus for loving us, for setting us free.

The Moon is Turned to Blood 11/14/17

Peter stands up on the day of Pentecost and quotes from the Book of Joel (2:31), “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable [or terrible] day of the Lord come” (Acts 2:20).

I have always considered this verse to reference a literal event, a sign that foretells the coming of Christ. But this morning the Lord directed me to consider other aspects of this prophecy.

While in prayer I was quickened to consider that the moon has no life of its own. It is totally dead. And yet in the hours of darkness it bears witness to the fact that the sun is still shining.

I see a day coming, maybe even now, where there is total darkness. But God is raising up believers who are dead to themselves and they radiate and witness to the Glory of the Son.

I want to be like the moon. No life in me, “crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me” (Gal.2:20).

When I think of the moon turned to blood I remember the words in Revelation, “and they loved not their lives unto death.” Or in Hebrews 12 “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin.” I also want to be, not just washed in, but fully immersed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev.7:14).

Don’t wait for a great tribulation to die to self. Ask Jesus to possess you fully now. Begin to “count it all joy when you enter into trials and tribulations” (Ja.1:2), because “every Son the Lord loveth, him he chasteneth” (Heb.12:6).

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Bro. Jerry Turk