bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: Even in Paul’s day, there were those that were rebellious, being led by arrogant ministries, that where undermining the gospel and doing the work of the enemy. They were resisting him and to slander his person and character, Paul addressed these people. So many times we hear people talking about about their Pastor or teacher, the evangelist, the prophet the apostle. I am speaking of the true 5 fold ministry here. The ones sent by God Himself. They get slandered a lot and talked down on. And many times they are misunderstood. Nowhere in the word of God are we told to put down His servants. His word says not to touch His anointed. So many are talking about Brothers and Sisters behind their back. Some are jealous for whatever reason but there is never a reason to be jealous of on another. When we see someone in the Church is is jealous of another brother or sister… This shows that they need to spend more time with God and know who they are and Whose they are. God has plenty of gifts and anointed for every one of His children. This jealousness has got to stop in the Bride. Some think they have their jealous spirit well hidden, but it certainly isn't hidden from God and it usually isn't hidden long-term from others. It is amazing what people strive for out of wrong motivations.  I have seen people half kill themselves in the church striving for what seemed like very Godly things, however it was all in vain because it was motivated by a jealous heart. This thing has got to stop!! James 3:14-16 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. This is what Jealousy produces… confusion and every evil work. It has nothing to do with God because it is not from above. It is earthly , sensual and devilish. Psalms 105:15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Psalms 28:8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.  If someone is truly anointed, they would want to encourage the people to discern what is true and what is not. They would encourage people to pursue truth no matter where it would lead. They would love the sheep enough to protect them from falsehood and want to see them grow. They would allow the sheep to learn and think for themselves. The anointing, who is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and someone who has the Spirit of Truth will never run from seeing error but will confront it when necessary. He will give someone the truth from the Word, subsequently leading us away from error.  2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. Paul will admit that he walks according to the flesh in the sense that we all do.  He is a flesh and blood human being, and he struggles with the same things the Christians struggled with.  But Paul wants to make it clear that he does not war according to the flesh. He is not using fleshly things to fight against spiritual things. We have to understand what flesh can do if we allow it to and understand there is a war that has nothing to do with flesh at all. Sin is of the flesh… but it all goes back to the enemy of our souls. As Pastor King was saying last night. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) The carnal weapons that are spoken here of are the manipulative and deceitful ways his that some people use..  ii. In Ephesians 6, Paul lists the kind of spiritual weapons he did use: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  To rely on these weapons took faith in God instead of carnal methods.  But truly, these weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds! 2 Corinthians 10:5 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; Carnal, worldly ways of thinking and doing are against the mind and methods of God.  They want to debate God, saying they have a better way.  They exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.  They think of themselves as smarter, more sophisticated, more effective, more powerful than God's ways.  Carnal, worldly minds think they know more than God does! Actually, Paul continues with this "warfare" metaphor down through verse 6. The warfare is the battle against false doctrine. Paul's weapon is God's Word and the power of God. The strongholds represent false doctrine. These strongholds (false doctrine) are fed by conventional anti-God wisdom. The war is won when there is obedience to Christ and God's Word. Finally, disobedience to God's Word is avenged by the power of God's Word.  Paul wants them to realize that persuasive speaking does not equal sound doctrine. When the carnal mind reasons without direction from the Holy Spirit, false doctrine often is the result - especially when it is accompanied by persuasive speech. Sound doctrine brings "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." In other words, sound doctrine doesn't wander out of the bounds of the clear teaching of God's Word. We are also reminded of Hebrews 4:12 , "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." So...how does a Believer walk in victory day after day? As we embrace the Word of God as our weapon under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, daily victory is the norm - not the exception. , "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." So...how does a Believer walk in victory day after day? As we embrace the Word of God as our weapon under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, daily victory is the norm - not the exception. 2 Corinthians 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. What happens when a Christian fails to bring every thought into captivity? What happens when we allow a hateful thought and murder someone in our mind? What happens when we don't obey Christ in our thoughts and deeds? God is please by faith, and faith is obeying the Words of God. The Bible commands us to revenge all disobedience. We ought to get upset with ourselves when we fail. Notice that the Bible says if we judge ourselves, then we will not be judged by God. 1st Corinthians 11:30-31, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1Co:11:31: For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”  1st Corinthians 11:32, “But when we are judged, we are CHASTENED of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” The word chastened means to discipline. Hebrews 12:6-8 teaches that God the Father scourges and chastens His children. The word “scourge” in Hebrews 12:6 means “to beat with a stick, to whip.” Christians can be chastised and disciplined for their own good. May we all purpose in our heart to bring every thought into captivity, unto obedience to Jesus Christ. But when we do mess up , let us revenge that disobedience by chastising ourselves. It is important that we pray daily for the Lord to “deliver us from evil” as Jesus taught us to do. . By abiding in the Scriptures and praying, God has promises in James 4:6 to give His grace unto the humble.. 2 Corinthians 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. - This is addressed evidently to the members of the church, and with reference to the claims which had been set up by the false teachers. There can be no doubt that they valued themselves based on their external advantages, and laid claim to special honor in the work of the ministry, because they were superior in personal appearance, in rank, manners, what ever it was that they thought made them look good, or look big. God doesn’t go by that. He goes by our heart of hearts. He is the discerning of the mind and heart Think of David. The prophet thought it would be one of his big brothers that God would of chose to be King by looking on his outward appearance. It looks good to it must be good so to speak. Its not the head knowledge that means any thing. It is the heart knowledge that matters.. Its not the schooling or how smart a person thinks they are. It is the one that walks in and lives in Christ. The one that bares much fruit of the Spirit of God. It is the humble and the meek. The ones that God has sent. NOT the ones that man has chosen by the way the look on the out side. The heart is what matters. The heart that is sold out to Christ Jesus Amein 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; I think we see only the part that says arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. I find the word armed very interesting.. to be armed means to be equipped; weaponed. Another weapon God has given us if you will.. To be in the same mind, to be with one another is unity and to walk gather in agreement. This is a powerful weapon in and of itself. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? That mind being Christ. Being in one accord for we know that two cannot walk together unless they agree. This is the Spirit of unity, the Holy Spirit. He is the One that brings this kind of same mind. This is powerful in and of its self. It’s a good word. What catches my eye is this part of the scripture…. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin… Those who willingly suffer for the cause of Christ Jesus find it easier to resist sin and to follow Gods will. These have united themselves with Christ Jesus and shared His cross.. As a result the pull of sin is made insignificant and the will of God is what has this group of people’s attention. That is their focus. And it isn’t only for a few but for all of Gods children. Arm Yourself for the Purpose of Suffering The word from the Lord for us this morning is: Arm yourselves with the purpose to suffer for righteousness' sake if that should be God's will. The pieces in this armor that support us and encourage us and sustain us are: Piece #1: Christ, the one we love and follow suffered. Piece #2: When we suffer, we make a clean break with sin. Piece #3: Any amount of past sinning is sufficient. It's enough. Piece #4: The adversaries will be brought to justice. Piece #5: We who embrace the gospel will triumph over death. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. This is a spiritual principle and will work in all of our life’s.. Obeying God even when it means suffering and be ridiculed or being rejected, or being misunderstood. Believe it or not when this happens we become stronger. It strengthens us morally and spiritually. And we will receive a greater grace. It is normal for a person to want to avoid pain. Followers of Christ however, should be willing and prepared to do so. Pain and danger reveal our true values. Any one who suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spirit of suffering has made a clean break with sin. This rejection can come from ones we love, our family and close friends. We never know when it can happen but we are told not be act like it is something that can not happen. Jesus told us this would happen many times over. . Rather than be concerned when we do suffer persecution, we should be concerned if wearen't suffering some persecution. Although we aren't persecuted nearly as much in our country as Christians are in other places in the world, anyone who takes a stand for Christ anywhere will be talked about and hated by others. We should expect that. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you" (Luke 6:26,) 1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Some of us change so radically at conversion. That we may experience contempt from old friends. They may scorn us. I have seen this between Christians and it should not be this way. Many times people are put in our life for a season. And it is God that calls the seasons in our life. I have had people put in to my life and people taken out of my life. I trust God in all of this. He loves us and wants us to have only the best. I have learned threw persecution . I have grown due to it. I suffered things I never would of dream of. And that is ok. When we suffer we are pulling close to God. I am talking about suffering for standing for God, not because we want to do something wrong according to the word of God. We are not the main target of the world's hatred. It is actually God Himself. We are just being caught in the crossfire. We need to respond to it and not react. When we react we are acting out of our emoitions, When we respond we are thinking about what we are saying or not saying. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. God will talk care fo those that speak evil of us. And how he does it will be what is best in that given sitionation. Amein The amazing thing is that it is often people who claim to be Christians who persecute those who are born again. Jesus said, "The time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing God a service" (John 16:2). These kinds of "Christians," however, aren't really saved, as proven by their hatred for true believers. John wrote, "If someone says, ‘I love God,' but hates another Christian, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?" (1 John 4:20). John 16:1-4 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues [today it might be from churches]; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them."   John 17:14-18 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."   Galatians 5:11 "And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased." 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-14 "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…. And from such people turn away!         "…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned ... Matthew 10:21-22 "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake." 1 Peter 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: He tells us not to think it is strange, when we dont do the things they are doing, that the turn and speak evil of us. This is going to happen.They slander you. They make you look the fool. Better to embrace that like Jesus did, if it is God's will, than to choose sin. The time that you've spent sinning is sufficient. It's enough. LIght and darkness do not mix. It can not. and the light of Jesus , those of the world hate. Why? Because it exposes their sin. It convicts them. This is why we can not mix with the world. Suffering can take many forms. By choosing to obey the Lord Jesus Christ, we are setting ourselves at odds with the world. Galatians 1:10 says, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (NASB). By closely adhering to the teachings of the Bible, we set ourselves up for rejection, mockery, loneliness, or betrayal. Often, the cruelest persecution comes from those who consider themselves spiritual but have defined God according to their own ideas. If we choose to take a stand for righteousness and biblical truth, we ensure that we will be misunderstood, mocked, or worse. We need to keep in mind that no threat of suffering deterred the apostles from preaching Christ. In fact, Paul said that losing everything was worth it "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" Jesus said the path that leads to life is difficult (Matthew 7:14 For the gate is narrow and hthe way is hard that leads to life, and ithose who find it are few. This is a bible truth here. Jesus said it. He desires for all to be saved but only a few will find the gate. That gate is Jesus. He is the way the truth and the life.He is the gate , He is that door. And when we find that gate, there is the path, that one that seems hard. It is hard if you are not in love with Jesus. We dont walk this narrow path alone. He is walking with us and threw us all. He is the one that gives us the power, no matter where we are lead by him, to walk it and live the life He desires for us to live. Jesus said if we deny him before men, He will deny us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33;Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Luke 12:9)Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. . There are many subtle ways to deny Christ. If our actions, words, lifestyle, or entertainment choices do not reflect His will, we are denying Christ. If we claim to know Him but live as though we didn't, we are denying Christ ,Many people choose those forms of denying Christ because they do not want to suffer for Him. I want to add this. I hope you take heed. Every time a person comes to the knowing fact, and recieves their athorty in Christ Jesus. One that is taking a stand and walking in that athority. There is going to be all kinds of war fare break out because that person just become a theat to the Enemey of our soul. Its going to get hard. The more we grow in Him the stronger He becomes in us. And the stronger He is in us, the harder the warfare becomes. The enemy wants you to fall away to walk off from the calling you have in your life. He will make life extreamly hard. And with out Christ we couldnt do it.

Making a difference. As a child of God, as a minister of the gospel. We long to know that we are making a difference for the Kingdom of God. It is what we live for. We love our brothers and sisters we love the lost, those in darkness. We long to see them come to the saving grace of Salvation. We long to see those become steed fast in Christ Jesus. WE long to see the fruit of our labor to know we have run the race and not in vain. Its important. When you plant a garden in the natural it takes a lot of effort. WE have to plant it and water it. We pray over it and ask the Lord to bring increase to that garden. Day after day we pull up weeds. And it cost time and money. But in the end we see the fruit of our works. And we are willing to share the fruit of that garden with others. We don’t horde it , we want to bless people with the increases. If we will produce fruit, we must abide in the Vine. If we will abide in the Vine, we will not have to struggle to bring forth our fruit, it will happen naturally John 15:5. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 3. As we abide in Him and bring forth fruit, we will not draw attention to ourselves. After all, whoever heard a branch on an apple tree make a lot of noise about the fruit it was producing? All the glory in the orchard is enjoyed by the tree and the farmer. So it will be for us. When we are bringing forth fruit for Him, He will get all the glory 1 Cor. 10:31. 31 So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. Philippians 1:12-24 12 Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel). Focus on The Father, Not the place . Its not a good place to be at, Prison. What a place for an Apostle of God, Sent by God to end up in. But now look at Paul’s heart here. He isn’t looking at the circumstances. He is looking at what the Father is doing in this place. He tells us it has actually only served to advance, to give place to sharing the good news of the Gospel. Paul is far from being depressed by his circumstances. He is looking at the availabity that God has . Paul understands that where ever he is, God is and God will move and act. It’s the same for us today. No matter where we are we have this same opportunity When your destiny is settled - you can face life's most difficult problems with greater confidence and enjoy experience joy in grief and sorrow. It's the joy that only Jesus can give. Your perspective makes a difference. you got to view it through the eyes of Jesus and understand that God can use the bad things that have happened to equip you to help others. What has happened to you can serve to advance the gospel  13 So much is this a fact that throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest [here] my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ [that I am a prisoner in His service and for Him]. Paul tells us that the whole imperial guard and the rest there has become known to be in Christ. Notice Paul is not saying this has happen under his own power. He goes on to say I am a prisoner in His service for Him. He gives God the glory. Your station in life is not important. 14 And [also] most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God [acting with more freedom and indifference to the consequences]. He his is in prison, and in chains, and in all of this, God is using it for His glory. The brethren have a fresh confidence in the Lord BECAUSE of Paul’s chains. It encourages them to speak more boldy and to publish fearlessly the word of God. We have different kinds of chains if you will you can grumble about being homebound or you can take that time to do the reading, writing and praying you've always wanted to do. you can grumble about financial stresses or you can take it as a challenge to find contentment and joy in things that don't cost money. you can grumble about your physical condition or use your physical condition as your motivation for getting started on that exercise program you've been putting off. you can complain about how empty the house is with the kids gone or you can travel or look for new ways to occupy your time. you can grumble about your illness or you can use the time to deepen your faith and to minister to others. you can complain about living in a small town or you can draw from the benefits of the small town. 15 Some, it is true, [actually] preach Christ (the Messiah) [for no better reason than] out of envy and rivalry (party spirit), but others are doing so out of a loyal spirit and goodwill. Paul Knew that some where preaching to build their own reputations, and taking advantage of his imprisonment to try to make a nave for themselves. But regardless of thehe movtives paul choses to rejoice that the good news was being preached. Now Paul is not condoning it nore does God excuse their wrong motives. But we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives. 16 The latter [proclaim Christ] out of love, because they recognize and know that I am [providentially] put here for the defense of the good news (the Gospel). Paul could of become depressed, discouraged, or disillusioned. He could of wallowed in self pity and despair. Instead, he regards his imprisonment as being appointed by God. God uses Pauls imprisonment to rome to bring the gosple to the senter of the impire as well as to give Paul lots of time to write letters that would one day end up being the new testament and give us much teaching and encouragment. Do you have difficulty accepting your station in life? Do you resent where God has placed you?often Gd puts us in a place to serve. even if it is an actual presion or a place that feels like one. God want you to srve Him faithfully and joyfully. 17 But the former preach Christ out of a party spirit, insincerely [out of no pure motive, but thinking to annoy me], supposing they are making my bondage more bitter and my chains more galling.  What has happened to you will ultimately turn out from your good 18 But what does it matter, so long as either way, whether in pretense [for personal ends] or in all honesty [for the furtherance of the Truth], Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I [now] rejoice, yes, and I shall rejoice [hereafter] also. 19 For I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) this will turn out for my preservation (for the spiritual health and[i]welfare of my own soul) and avail toward the saving work of the Gospel. Paul trusted Christ to work out his deliverance. Pauls prayer was that when he stood trail, he would speak courageously for Christ and not be timed or ashamed. Weather he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ and not self. Now Paul was released from this imprisonment but arrested again two or three years later. Only faith in Christ Jesus could sustain Paul. 20 This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (the Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death. Pauls whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ Jesus nad become more like Him. Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better then living because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles. and he knew he would see Christ Jesus face to face. If your not ready to die, then you are not ready to life. Make cerntain of your destiny, when you will be free to serve and devote your life to what really counts, with out fear of death. 21 For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. 22 If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], 23 But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; When Paul uses this word, he is telling us that he feels like a prisoner in this world. In other words, his body is here, but his heart is elsewhere. He feels the pressure of this life and longs for the freedom of Heaven. 24 But to remain in my body is more needful and essential for your sake. Here is Pauls purpose for living when he served .... It was to serve God and serve others as Christ Jesus would have him to do. Paul was not worried about his comfort, or even provisions for his life. We also need a purpose for living that goes far beyond providing for our own needs... Whom can you serve or help... what is your purpose for living? 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay by you all, to promote your progress and joy in believing, 26 So that in me you may have abundant cause for exultation and glorying in Christ Jesus, through my coming to you again. Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel 27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side andcontending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). Paul encouraged the believers to be unified as they stood side by side, fighting together for the faith. He as we should be was welling to go that extra mile. even if it was hard for him to do so. He was about The Fathers Kingdom work and not about his own. We are to stand firm in one spirit and purpose. we are to be joined together in this way.We are part of the Vine. We are all connected to the same Branch. There is to be unity of the Holy Spirit among us. And that means living in a worthy manor of Gods word and Christ Jesus purpose. 28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents andadversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. For Paul, Christ is the obvious response to all of these concerns; hence he concludes once more on the note of rejoicing urging them to follow his own example in the face of opposition and suffering. Paul was an encurager and he could use himself as an example because of how he was living and conducting himself. Can we do that same thing with the way we live our life now? Do we need to work on these things some more? 29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. Paul says it is a privilege not only to believe in, and adhere to, to rely and trust in Him but also to suffer on the behalf of Jesus. 30 So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still]. we are in the same conflict as Paul. and we will suffer at some point in some way because we are children of God. Suffering is always a tool for the Lord in our life. Suffering can help us grow and mature.God can use suffering to display his work in you. God is looking for that one who can make his or her mark. You may be the only Christian whom some people will ever know. The fact is that God can do a lot with a little. God is just looking for one-someone like you, someone like me. Will you be that one person?Would you be willing to do what you can, where you are, with the influence that God has given you? Never underestimate the power of one.Never understatement when He can do in and threw you as you yuild yourself to him. Dont ever think its just a little bit. Its not about numbers its about Him and never about us. Its look at Him and what He does

Offences

Having a form of godliness

He knows us.. He knows all about us. He wants You to be real with Him… to be free to come to Him and speak with Him about the things you are having a hard time with in your life… He wants you to trust HIM with all of YOU.. All of your short comings… He wants you to be made whole.. He wants you to trust Him enough to come to Him…- what ever it is in YOUR LIFE.. go naked to HIM.. in other words.. GET REAL

 Let US reason together with The Lord. Lets speak to Him about the things we think that we cant. That is a lie. We can talk to Him about ANY THING!

 The enemy can not curse you…. You are Gods…. But YOU can do things that will bring very bad results and one of those things is to go back to what you did in your own Egypt.. the righteous,, that is YOU CHILD OF GOD.. IS truly blessed! For the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is YOUR Father.. Your God but YOUR Father!!!
We are to go to those high places and we need to tare down any idols that we have from the past….. Any thing from the past that you are holding on to in your heart….. That is from the past… Please let it go and Let the Father have it.. He is here to set you free… Reason with Him.. In other words tell Him about it.. And He will gentle take it if you really want to let it go.

Hello and welcome to my blog. You will find I talk alot and teach about the One I am so in love with. His name is Yeshua Ha-Mashiach ( Jesus The Christ).... I love Him so very much. I am part of the Five Fold Ministry. He called me, I didn't call myself. In fact when I found out my calling I did just like a few good men in the bible did.. RAN!!!

I ran as fast as I could... TO hard I told myself... that was in 1999... Well you can not out run Father God. And now I wouldn't dream of it. He is the Love of my life.. He is all that I have , all that I need and all that I want. He has set me aside for Himself and I know I am loved now.

You see at one time I never felt loved or wanted or needed. I believed that lie. Every person was created by the Creator,,,God the Father for a reason and a purpose and in a season. Every one of us. There are no big Is or little Us.... it does not work like that. We are all part of the body of Christ and He is the head of the Body.

John 14:2-3

2 In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.


3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.

We are still Looking at the Bride Of Christ tonight.

We are going to see how in ancient Israel a wedding was carried out... it is also a pattern for Jesus and His Bride. I really enjoy this study.

Step One: Selection of the Bride

In John 15:16, Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you 
that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain.”

In ancient Israel, brides were usually chosen by the father of the bridegroom. He would 
send His most trusted servant to search for a bride for his son.

We have not seen Yeshua (Jesus), but God’s servant, the Holy Spirit, has revealed Him 
to us: I Peter 1:8: Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet 
believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 


Step Two: Price of the Bride 

Brides in Bible times were purchased. The price was paid to the father of the bride, 
both to compensate him for the loss of a worker and to show him how much the 
bridegroom loved and valued the bride.

We, as the bride of Messiah, have also been purchased with a price. A very high price 
— the blood of Yeshua (Jesus). His very own blood shed upon a cross on Calvary’s hill 
was the price He paid for His bride.

1 Peter 1:18,19: "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or 
gold, from our aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the 
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."


1 Corinthians 7:23 says, "We were bought at a price, so do not become slaves of men."

We belong to Christ. He is our Bridegroom. We are His Bride. We are in this world but 
we are not of this world.

1 Corinthians 6: 19,20: "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit 
who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at 
a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit,
which are God’s." 



Step Three: Betrothal/Ketubah 


The ancient Jewish marriage ceremony consisted of two main parts, beginning with the 
betrothal or engagement.

The betrothal is much like our engagement today, but with a much greater sense of 
commitment. During the betrothal the couple is actually entering into a covenant. 
Covenant in Bible times was serious, final, sealed in blood and legally binding. Once a 
couple entered into the covenant of betrothal, they were legally married in all aspects 
except for the physical consummation of the marriage.

At the betrothal ceremony, a marriage contract, or Ketubah, was presented to the father 
of the bride. The Ketubah consists of all the bridegroom’s promises to his bride. The 
bride cherishes her Ketubah.

We, too, have a Ketubah from our Bridegroom. Our marriage contract is God’s Word! 
Our Ketubah (God’s Word) shows us all we are entitled to as the Bride of Christ. All, not 
some, but all the promises in God’s Word, are for us. As the Bride of Christ, we are 
entitled to them — they are part of our Ketubah.


The Bride's Consent 

Although a bride was selected for the bridegroom, she still had a choice.

In Genesis 24:57 and 58, Rebekah was asked, concerning Isaac: “Will you go with this 
man?”. She said, “I will go.” She gave her consent — her “I do.”

God is a gentlemen and He never forces anyone to say “I do” to His Son. When we say “I 
do” to Yeshua (Jesus), we must believe with our heart and confess with our lips.

Have you said your “I do’s” to Yeshua (Jesus)?:

Yes —  I do confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Yes — I do believe that Jesus died for my sins.
Yes — I do believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you,
God, raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand.
Yes — I do repent of my sins.
Yes — I give You my heart!
Yes — I do receive Your great love and the gift of eternal life.
I do! I do! Yes, I say Yes to Yeshua (Jesus). Amen. 


Step Five: The Cup of the Covenant

After the term of the ketubah were accepted, a cup of wine was shared to seal the 
marriage covenant. The second cup of wine would be shared many months later during 
the marriage ceremony. The cup that Yeshua (Jesus) took at His last Passover on earth 
was the cup of the new marriage covenant with His bride.

In Luke 22:20, Jesus said, “This cup is the New Covenant in my blood, which is shed for 
you.”

In Matthew 26:29, Jesus said, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that 
day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

Jesus is speaking of the second cup that the Bride of Christ will share with Him one 
glorious day at the second part of our marriage ceremony. 



Step Six: Gifts for the Bride

Every bride enjoys gifts! And our God is a giver of every good and perfect gift.

The Betrothal included the giving of gifts by the bridegroom to his bride.

Many times a bridegroom gave a coin or other object of value to his betrothed bride. It 
would always be something special that would help her remember him while they were 
apart. This was because the real focus of the gift giving was to be on the giver and not 
on the gift.

Today we have the engagement ring. This is a symbol of love and commitment. When 
the bride-to-be looks at her ring, she is reminded of the one who gave her the gift.

God’s Holy Spirit is our spiritual engagement ring. He doesn't call attention to Himself 
but to the one who purchased us — Yeshua (Jesus).

Through Yeshua (Jesus), we, the bride, receive many gifts: Forgiveness, eternal life, 
fruit of the spirit, gifts of the spirit, and many more. What bride would say to her 
bridegroom who comes bearing gifts, “No, I can’t accept them.” Yet many of us do that 
to our Bridegroom, Yeshua (Jesus). Don’t miss out — decide today to accept all that 
your Bridegroom has for you. 


Step Seven: Mikvah

Brides in ancient Israel, as well as brides in Israel today, experience a mikvah prior to 
her wedding. The word ‘mikvah’ means a pool of living water which was used for ritual 
purification. This immersion in water is part of their physical and spiritual preparation 
for the wedding ceremony. The mikvah represents a separation from the old life to a 
new life.

Mark 16:16 reads, “He who believes and is baptized (goes to the mikvah) will be saved; but 
he who does not believe, will be condemned.”

The Bride of Christ also goes to the living waters of the mikvah. When we, as believers 
in Yeshua (Jesus), are immersed in water, it is a separation from an old life to a new life. 
“Old things pass away, all things become new. 


Step Eight: Departure of the Groom

John 14:2: “I go to prepare a place for you.”

Once the marriage covenant was sealed, the bridegroom left his bride to go to his 
father’s house to prepare a wedding chamber. He would be gone for up to twelve 
months.

In John 14:2-3, Jesus said “In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I 
would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I 
will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Our Bridegroom has gone to prepare a wedding chamber for His bride.

In Matthew 9:15, Jesus said, “Can the friends of the Bridegroom mourn as long as the 
Bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away 
from them, and then they will fast.”

While we wait for the return of our Bridegroom/King, we need to stay faithful, watchful 
and spiritually alert. This is the hour to pray and fast!

1 Peter 4:7 says, "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in 
your prayers." 


Step Nine: The Consecrated Bride

The Jewish bride was set apart, consecrated, separated unto her bridegroom — the one 
who purchased her. So, while waiting for his return, she was to stay faithful. It was 
probably easy at first. But when his return was delayed, the temptation would be great. 
After a while, the bride may even start to question his return.

2 Peter 3:3,4 reads: "Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own 
lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'”

We are His consecrated bride, awaiting His return. We cannot fall into temptation. We 
must be ready at all times for the return of our Bridegroom/King! 


Step Ten: Return of the Bridegroom

Mark 13:32: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor 
the Son, but only the Father."

Jewish bridegrooms usually came for their brides late at night, near the midnight hour. 
The sound of the shofar would break the silence of the night and there would be great 
shouting and dancing in the streets. We can see this in the parable of the ten virgins: 
“And at midnight, a cry was heard; Behold, go out to meet him.”

As a thief in the night, our Bridegroom will call us to arise and meet Him in the air. We 
will hear a shout and the sound of the shofar. It will happen quickly. We must be ready.

Matthew 24:27 says, "For as the lightning comes from the East and flashes to the West, so 
also will the coming of the Son of Man be."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with 
the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 
Then we who are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to 
meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one 
another with these words. 


Step Eleven: The Huppah

The second half of the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony, or huppah, is also called the 
“hometaking.” The original meaning of the huppah was “room” or “covering.”

The huppah of ancient times was a special room built in the bridegroom’s father’s home. 
The room was eventually replaced by a bridal canopy. The huppah symbolized the new 
home to which the bridegroom would take his bride. The bride and bridegroom were 
escorted to the bridal chamber where they would be alone for seven days. The spiritual 
parallel to the huppah for the bride of Christ begins as we are lifted up off the earth to 
be taken to our heavenly wedding chamber where we will spend ‘one week’ (seven 
years), with our Bridegroom/King. While the Bride of Christ is in the Bridal Chamber with 
Yeshua (Jesus), the rest of the world will be in a time of great tribulation.

Isaiah 26:20-21 tells us of this time: "Come my people, enter our chambers and shut the 
door behind you, hide yourself as it were, for a little moment until the indignation is past. 
For behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their 
iniquity."

While the wrath of God is poured out on the earth, the bride of Christ will be hidden 
away with her Bridegroom. 

step Twelve: The Final Step — The Marriage Supper

Following the seven days in the huppah or bridal chamber, the bride and bridegroom 
joined their guests for a joyous marriage feast. Playing of music and dancing was a 
regular part of the celebration.

Revelation 19:6-9: "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound 
of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord 
God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage 
of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to 
be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the 
saints.' Then he said to me, Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the Marriage 
Supper of the Lamb!' And he said to me 'These are the true sayings of God.'"

Just like the ancient Jewish wedding, there will be shouts of joy and dancing (yes, 
dancing) and how exciting it will be. The Bride will dance for joy with her 
Bridegroom/King, Yeshua. (Jesus)

We will rule and reign with Him for 1,000 years during the millennium! For those of us 
who look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb, we must go out to the highways 
and byways and extend an invitation to others to come.

Revelation 2:17: "And the spirit and the bride say Come! And let him who hears say, 
Come! And let him who thirsts, Come; and whoever desires, let him take the water of life 
freely."

Revelation 22:20: "'Surely I am coming quickly.' Even so, Come Lord Jesus, Come!"

BEHOLD, HE COMES!

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam,shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein)

BarefootProphetess, at His Service.