Did Jesus say that he was the Son of God?

One of the arguments that many people insist on promoting is that Jesus never said he was the Son of God.  For believers in Christ, we can tell of a number of places that Jesus inferred that he was the Son of God and that he did so deliberately so that there was no mistake for what he meant. All you have to do read the reaction to whom he declared it to.  When he said it to those who believed that he was the Son of God, they acknowledged him and worshiped him.  When he said it to those who did not believe that he was the Son of God, they thought it was their legal right to have him killed for blasphemy. Here are a few examples:

A. Examples when he told those who was willing to believe that he was the Christ, the Son of God.
1. John 9:35-38: Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him. 

2. Matthew 14:22-33: And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

3. John 4:20-26: Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

4. John 1:44-49: Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 


5. Mark 8:27-29: And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.                                                                                                                                                                   


6. Matthew 16:14-18: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 


The point is, whether he told them directly or indirectly, in private or in front of others, Jesus told those who were willing to believe him that he was the Son of God.  Jesus did not refuse the worship  of his adherents for he also said,

 John 5:23: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

B. Examples of when he said it to those who did not believe that he was the Son of God.

1. John 8:47-59: He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?  Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. 

2. John 10:27-36: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 

3. Matthew 26:62-65: And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 

4. John 19:4-7: Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 

5. Matthew 27:37-40: And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.                                                                                                                                         


6. Matthew 27:41-43: Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 


The point is, that whether or not he told them directly or indirectly, they heard Jesus declare that he was the Son of God and by his own testimony accused him of the crime of blasphemy, which according to the Law of Moses is punishable by death.


Leviticus 24:16: And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

By Jesus proclaiming himself to be the Son of God, the people believed that he was committing blasphemy.  Yet there was a belief among the people that God would send the Christ, the Messiah and he would be his son.  When Jesus gave them the evidence to believe that he was the Christ, the messiah, the Son of the living God, some believed and some refused to believe the evidence. They regarded Jesus as man born out of wedlock, whose real father was a Samaritan and was possessed by the devil. So when Jesus declared that their God was in fact his father, they believed that Jesus was committing blasphemy and they had legal recourse to kill him.  The problem was that they could not execute capital punishment upon Jesus for the crime of blasphemy because their Roman rulers would not allow it without first hearing the offender's plea.  When Pilate heard that the charge against Jesus was that he proclaimed himself to be the Son of God, he knew he had  a real problem. For Romans the only God for them was Caesar, their emperor and for anyone that proclaimed himself a God, a son of God and a king was considered as an threat to Caesar and had to be executed. Jesus told Pilate that he was a king, a king of the kingdom of truth.  Pilate reasoned that this proclamation of Jesus was not worthy of the capital punishment of execution so he sought to let him go free.   The Jews were given the authority to kill Jesus by Pilate, the method of punishment for the crime against the state of Rome was crucifixion.  The Jews did not care how Jesus died, they just wanted him to die, in accordance with what they perceived was the directive in their law.  They had no reason to suspect that Jesus was who he said he was.  The Jewish religious leadership commanded the Roman guards which they were given authority again by Pilate to guard the sealed tomb so that Jesus' disciples could not secretly steal the body and proclaim that Jesus rose from the dead.  After Jesus rose from the dead, the Jewish religious leaders paid the Guards to spread the story that the disciples stole the body of Jesus.  The only problem with that is that Jesus kept appearing everywhere after his burial  and resurrection to those who was willing to believe.  Just like he is doing in parts of the world today.  

Did Jesus say that he was the Son of God? Yes he did, to those who are willing to believe in him and to those who are not willing to believe in him.  The question is are you willing to believe in him now that you have the evidence that Jesus did say that he was the Son of God?

Understanding Grace and Your sinfulness: A Key to Holy Living

This is topic that people just teach around. In the hopes that people will understand from the inferences of what they are saying. My text will be the Book of Romans Chapters 6, 7 and 8 and we will be looking at different passages.

Now I could have chosen a story or a parable but, personally I am tired of people assessing an idea that the bible does not say or support. That is believers can commit sins without price or consequence. Let me straighten that out from the start. The bible has never supported that kind of behavior. However, many believers when they are caught up in a sinful behavior, they attempt justify themselves by saying that we are under Grace and not under the law. Then they quote Romans 8:1 as though that scripture excludes them from receiving any negative results from their actions. That is not even a half truth, it is a full lie, and we preachers must stop telling people that they are not under any law. The bible does not say that. It does not support lawless behavior. What it says is that we are under the Law of the Spirit of Christ.. However this spiritual condition is not guaranteed. Because running parallel to it is the Law of Sin and Death. Let us look at Romans 8:1

"There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Yes there is no condemnation for a believers sinful behavior if he is walking in the Spirit Of God. But that is not possible is it? For once someone commits to living by the Spirit of Christ he must seek out and put to death everything that would not be considered acceptable to living at that level. So If someone is walking by the spirit he can not fulfill the desires of the sinful flesh. How ever someone who believes that he is under grace and that grace provides a cloak for unacceptable behavior is mislead and deceived that God will be content with that believer being lukewarm in his faith. Let us read Romans 8:2

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death"

The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is not the Law of Moses as some have taught. It is the life of Christ as exhibited in the Gospels. Simply put His life is our law. Now what about the Law of Sin and Death? This law has been in effect since Adams transgression. Simply put; If you disobey Gods will and word for your life and you will die. |The problem is and was that no man could obey God's will and word for his life and live. The Law of Moses' administration made the Law of sin and death more evident in an individuals life. Thereby making it impossible for any man to remain sinless. Here Enters Jesus, a man to most that has changed the world. Jesus by dying on the cross disabled the power of the sinful nature in mankind, that power was enhanced by the Law of  Moses' administration. If they believe in Him. By having faith in his sacrifice for us on the Cross, we move from under the condemnation of the the Law of Moses to under the Law of the Spirit of Christ by the grace of God.

Now the Law of Moses is holy and Good and was designed to bring a person into the kind of life God wanted him to live. However the flaw was not in the Law but in the adherents of the Law of Moses' administration. Simply put: The Law of Moses was Holy and Good but Mankind was and still is sinful and the two could only meet under the condition of blood. The shed blood of animals temporarily atoned for sin. But not every one could afford to do it. Many good and righteous people died in their sinful condition. A condition inherited from Adam. Here again enters Jesus who was fashioned in the condition of sinful flesh, after living a perfect sinless life in it, offered himself up as a perfect sacrifice for the sinfulness of mankind for all time. He put to death sin in the flesh and the Law of sin and death held no more dominance over the lives of mankind. Read Romans 8:3

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"

Now what sense does it make to live in sin when Jesus died for you to live righteous and free?

The key is walking by the Spirit of Christ and not living in the sinful pleasures of the flesh. By walking in the Spirit of God a person must put to death fleshly pleasures. By walking in the spirit of Christ the person will discover the greater pleasures for living in the will of God. 

This is the problem, Satan and this world has made every earthly pleasure something for everyone to desire except living for God. Making living for God appear like we are settling for less.  This is the deception, the same deception Satan used on Eve in the Garden.  The same temptation that Satan presented Jesus, the Christ with when he was tested in the wilderness. The Good News is that because of Christ's sacrifice, we now have the power to resist Satan and his tempting deceptions. When we decide to begin living for God, He will shower us with his blessings and no one in the world can out do God. Try living according to the Spirit of God and see for yourself.  God is awaiting for you.

The 3 states of a word

In school, we have learned that matter has 3 states of existence. Gas, liquid, and solid. I have noticed that words also have 3 states of existence. Imaginary, written and spoken. In this study I will illustrate the 3 states of a word in the Bible.


"In the begining was the word and the word was with God and the the word was God...."       -(John 1:1)


This verse of scripture started it all. It illustrates that before anything was, everything was contained with God and His word. It goes on to say that, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made..." (John 1:3) So the word of God had a spiritual state and that state was in the imagination of God.


If we visit Genesis chapter 1 we will see these actions of the Creator God when he created the heavens and the earth  "And God said.." and "and God called".  This illustrates that God verbalized what he imagined and by speaking it brought it into existence.


"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)


Thus, God made the heavens and the earth out of the imagination of his heart through the spoken word. However who would know it? He could appear to mankind in different times and at different events of human history to prove his existence. Or he could develop mankind's faith in his existence by having them recorded in written words so that He would not be forgotten in the minds of men. So he inspired men to record and write about His acts and communications with men. So men wrote by His inspiration and recorded for us His deeds, His relationship with Mankind both good and bad and His future plans for the human race both good and bad. He laid all his cards on the table and asks one question: Do you believe in Him?


"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (1 Timothy 3:16)


How does this help us? Knowing that words travel from the imaginary to the written form assists us to better manage them. Words that are not properly managed can cause alot of destructive things in the lives of people. (James 3:2-10). Preachers know this fact very well. It is the only profession that can condemn a soul with a single word of doubt, and equally lift a soul to new heights with a single word of faith. (Mark 4:1-20) We preachers are held accountable to God for the words we say to people. So when we speak, we must depend on God and his word to speak through us. However, every believer has the same power to uplift their own lives or destroy it. All from a single word. Some people do not believe their words have any power over their lives. Then consider what Jesus said in Matthew, 


"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew 15:11)


What does the word defile mean? It means to make oneself unclean in the eyes of God, to make oneself unholy. So God can make you holy through your faith in the atoning death of Jesus upon your life and you can make yourself unholy by the words that come out of your mouth. God can make you free from your sinfulness through the death of his Son, Jesus, and yet by your big nasty thoughtless words you can bind yourself up in a sinful condition and short circuit the blessings that you have been speaking about receiving from God. Therefore, it is imperative that each believer clean up his conversation because by becoming unholy through the words you speak you frustrate the grace and blessing of God upon your life. If you refused to do so, remember God is not the fool here.


"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7+8)


So how do we manage our words better? By capturing them in the imaginary state and subjecting them unto the obedience of Christ. Here is what the word says:


"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)


Also,


"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."              (James 1:19-25)


Simply put let the word grow in you. Use the Word of God to find the flaws in your own life and not in the life of others. Once you do, take the prescribed biblical steps to treat them and eradicate them. Do not be so quick with the tongue as to speak words without thought or care of the harm it might do to others. Bring every unclean unholy thought to the obedience of Christ. Simply ask yourself is this thought of God? If it is not do not entertain it but cast it down and throw it away, if it is of God speak those things. It is a great honor to God the father to have his children speaking his words and changing their world for the better.


"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof". (Proverbs 18:21)


What kind of fruit of your lips are you eating?

Understanding Our Inheritance In Christ

I. Introduction:
A. This study guide was developed to help illustrate from the word of God what is a believer's inheritance in Christ. This will be done by examining three areas: 

1) Who has given and is giving, or bestowed and is bestowing upon us who believe in Christ this inheritance? 

2) What does the inheritance we received and is receiving in Christ comprise of? 

3) Who qualifies to receive this inheritance in Christ? 

B. Before we begin, there are a few terms every bible student and believer in Christ should know when seeking understanding about his or her inheritance in Christ. The definition of terms, as it relates to our inheritance in Christ, are as follows: 

1. Birthright: Is the primary position of the first born child to inherit the Blessing (the inheritance) from the father or older relative. 

2. Inheritance: Is the rights, property and authority given from ones ancestor. 

3. Ancestor: Is the parent or older relative of a descendant or child. 

4. Inherit: The root word of the word Inheritance: Is the reception of rights, property and authority outlined and prescribed in the inheritance contained in a last will and testament. Enforceable only after the testator ( the author and creator of the will) has died. 

5. Promise: Oath, something guaranteed to another with or without conditions 

6. Covenant: A mutual agreement consisting of promises or oaths between two persons or groups or parties 

7. Testament: A type of covenant, where rights, property and authority is given to some one upon the death of the testator. 

8. Joint: A legal word that means: together, with, in partnership with, co-equals, equal in status, simultaneous, at the same time. 

9. Heir: The root word of the word inherit: The person, or persons eligible to receive the inheritance. 

10. First born: The first child that is legally eligible to be the rightful heir of the birth right to the inheritance. 


II. Who has given and is giving, or bestowed and is bestowing upon us who believe in Christ this inheritance? 

A. Principle: The inheritance can only be given by the father or surviving parent. -Scripture (Genesis 27:1-37) 

1.Esau did sell his birth right to Jacob, but it was not his yet to sell. The Father had the birthright and the blessing that goes with it. What Esau was attempting to do is to make the obtaining the Birth right meaningless by receiving the blessing from his father Issac. Rebekah heard what Esau was attempting to do and instructed Her son Jacob to by deceit receive the blessing from Issac instead of Esau. Yes there is a lot of things going on in this biblical account but one thing is clear, Jacob knew that the blessing comes with the birthright and allowing Esau to separate the two would have made them co-inheritors. The birth right only goes to the first born child. Esau by a mere moment was the older of the two, even though there were twins. Esau did not see any value in his birth right and sold it to Jacob, even though it was not his yet to sell. Only the father or the surviving parent can award the birth right to a child. No child can sell it or buy it. They can only live worthy of it. Esau did not think it was worthy of anything, he just wanted the blessing.   

2. God the father is and was pleased to give the inheritance of the kingdom to us who believed in Christ. -Scripture "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:" (Matthew 25:34) 

3. God through Christ has given us all things through the promises of his word. Scriptures- "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:2-4) 


III. What does the inheritance we received and is receiving in Christ comprise of? 

A. The following things are the inheritance we received when we made Jesus the Lord of our lives: 

1. Grace and blessings (1 Peter 3:7) 

2. All things and His promises (2 Peter 1:2-4) 

3. Abraham's Promise ( Gen 12 :1-4; Gal 3:29) 

4. Glory (Proverbs 3:35) 

5. Eternal life (Matt 19:29; Titus 3:7) 

6. Salvation (Hebrews 1:13+14) 

7. The Atonement (Rom 5:11)

8. The Spirit of Adoption (Rom 8:15)

9. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

10. The Kingdom of God. (John 3:3,5; Luke 12:32)


IV. Who qualifies to receive this inheritance in Christ? 

A. We who believe in Christ are by faith joint heirs with Christ ( Romans 8:16+17; Gal 4:1-7).  

B. Therefore only believers in Christ qualify to inherit the things of God provided through Christ. (Galatians 3:26-29, 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 15:50) 

C. Why is this possible? 

1. Because Jesus was and still is the only and first begotten born son of God

i. Other Sons of God were of the blood line of Adam. However since the fall in the garden the blood line of Mankind was corrupted. (Luke 3:23-38 [38]; Romans 5:12-14)

ii. By a person having faith in Jesus as Christ, the only begotten son of |God, that person is made into by faith a child of God. (John 1:12+13) 

iii. Jesus is the first and only naturally (begotten) born Son of God. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49). This separates him from others in the Bible that bear the title Son of God.  For none of the was born without the aid of a human male. Jesus was born by the power of God through the virgin Mary.

2. Jesus through his life, death and his resurrection has made us joint heirs with him. (Rom 8:16+17)

i. He has made available to us, all things. God through Christ gave us all that he has and all that he is. (1 Tim 6:17) 


ii. We have been made not only ambassadors but also executors of his will, for we were instructed to go preach his Gospel and make disciples of all nations.  (Luke 24:45-49;Mark 16:14-18; Matthew 28:16-20)  

a. What is an executor? An executor is a commissioned person appointed by the testator that carries out the final plans and wishes of the testator. (Luke 24:45-49;Mark 16:14-18; Matthew 28:16-20). Every true believer in Christ is an executor of the will of God through Christ.


i. Executor defined: the person appointed by a testator to execute a will
(Source: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)


b.What is an ambassador? An ambassador is a temporary representative of a foreign nation         (2 Cor 5:20). 
Socrates Media- LLC SOMK307 Last Will-Testament Kit- Includes All Forms Needed
i. Ambassador defined: An official envoy; especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment. 
(Source: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)

ii. So through faith in Christ, we all have been made temporary representatives of the Kingdom of God on this earth.

V. In conclusion.... 

What we have discovered through this study is our inheritance in Christ. Let us not be like |Esau, who despised his birthright and forfeited his inheritance.  Let not our only interest be in getting blessed by God,our heavenly Father. Let us not deal away what we have inherited in Christ, as thought it has no value to our lives. Let us carry out our responsibility as executors and ambassadors of his will. In doing so be in partnership with God reconciling those lost souls in the world to him. In doing this we inherit all that God in Christ has for us, just for the asking.


This study Guide was written by Rev Chris Sanchez 

Strong Holds

What is a Strong Hold?

A Strong Hold is a sixteenth century English terminology made up of two words, which refer to either a castle, a fortified city or a structure deep within a castle sometimes called a Keep or a Fortress or Bulwork. 

Here are some scriptures concerning the use of Strong Holds: Numbers 13:19, Judges 6:2; 1 Samuel 23:14, 19, 29; 2 Samuel 5:7, 24:7; 2 Kings 8:12; 2 Chronicles 11:11;  Psalms 89:40; Isaiah 23:11; Jeremiah 48:18, 41; Lamentations 2:2,5; Daniel 11:24, 39; Micah 4:8,5:11; Nahum 1:7. 3:12, 14; Habakkuk 1:10; Zechariah 9:3, 12; 2 Corinthians 10:4+5; Proverbs 21:22<Best read in the Revised Version of the Bible.

A Strong Hold is a place of security,  a place where people seek protection from an attack.  It is an defensive mechanism where people can regroup and mount a counter attack upon their attackers.

In the popular movie, "The Lord of the Rings / The Return of the King", there was a place where all the people who were being attack by opposing evil forces fled to.  They were secure there until  help  hopefully arrived.  That place located deep in the castle structure was their Strong Hold.

How does Strong Holds affect the Christian life?
In our Christian walk there are Strong Holds we have to attack and conquer (Matthew 16:18) within ourselves and outside ourselves (Ephesians 6:11+12) and there is one Strong Hold we are to take refuge in. That Strong Hold that believers in Christ take refuge in is the Lord (Nahum 1:7; Proverbs 18:10) 

The way believers should take refuge in the Lord is through prayer, studying God's word, seeking the fellowship of the saints and getting involved in the Church they chose to attend.  To do this we need to first arm ourselves (Ephesians 6:10-18) because whether we know it or not we are in a war.  This war is for each of our hearts and minds, it is for each of our very souls (1 Peter 5:8).  The reason for this is that Satan has lost a precious soul from his kingdom of Darkness and the number of souls he has under his control is important to him.  So he will do anything to get a soul back.  Satan stole mankind from God in the Garden, the cream of his earthly creations. So what has he done and is doing?  He is getting mankind locked in the Strong Holds, that he has devised to keep mankind from receiving the redemption of their souls.  God so loved us, the cream of his earthly creations, that He decided to sacrifice himself in the form of his only begotten  Son,  Jesus of Nazareth.   This is why the Son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8) and free mankind from the Strong Holds that the Devil has ensnared  each of us with.

Defending our faith

So how do we defend ourselves? It is very clear that we can not do it in our own strength, since the Devil is using stolen spiritual power to keep mankind in his grip, we need a greater supernatural power to free us from him and his Strong Holds.  We must seek refuge in the Lord (Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 61:3). How do we do this? We must study to show ourselves approved of God, that we may find the spiritual power and the strength to overcome Satan (Ephesians 6:11+12; 1 John 2:13+14, 4:4).  We must become wise to his devices, and the people who he uses, whether they know it or not, to keep people from knowing the truth.  That we might have an answer for the hope that we have within each one of us, who believes in Christ. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15). We overcome Satan by having faith in the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus, the Christ, upon the cross for our salvation (John 3:16-18, 36). We overcome Satan by using the power of the name of Jesus in faith (John 16:23).  We overcome Satan by hearing the word of God and standing on the promises of God, through Christ (Romans 10:12-17).  We overcome Satan by the power of our testimony of the saving power of Jesus, the Christ (Revelations 12:11).  We over come Satan when we forgive  one another, pray for one another, speak the truth in love toward one another and make peace with one another (Matthew 5:9; Galatians 5:14-18).  Since the days when the Gospel was first preached until now, we believers have been overcoming Satan for years and will do so until Jesus returns to judge the earth.

The problem

Our problem is some of us are staying in the Strong Hold that Jesus has freed us from.  Why? Because to tell the truth, we are enjoying the Strong Hold that we are in, even though that Strong Hold is not of God.  Nor is it of God's will. We must come to the understanding that we can not have our cake and eat it too.  The longer each of us stay in a Strong Hold that is not of God, the further we get away from what God in his great love has provided for us.  Some of those Strong Holds that have us captive are people, places and things we have pleasure doing and pleasure doing with.  We have been fooled into thinking that having pleasure with people, places and things is a sign of the good  and perfect will of God.  The perfect and good will of God, is intimacy with God through Jesus Christ. Ask yourself this question: Is the thing or person that you are having so much pleasure with is bringing you closer to Jesus? Is it encouraging you to find your place in God's will? Or is it leaving you depraved lusting after more?  God's good and perfect will does not leave you depraved, it is a most fulfilling life, and He through Christ has this awaiting each of you in abundance,  but you will never know it because you are content to remain a captive in a Strong Hold that Satan has devised to keep you from achieving your fulfillment in God.   That sounds crazy doesn't it?  Each one of us have been set free from our Strong Holds by Jesus, so that we may enter into the Strong Hold of the Lord, but we have enjoyed the Strong Hold that we are in that we refuse the life that is awaiting us in the Strong Hold of Christ.  It is like a prisoner facing a life sentence, suddenly getting a pardon from the Governor, and is free to leave but he enjoys being in prison so much that  he refuses to leave the place or worse is so fearful of leaving the Strong Hold that Satan has devised that he remains in it.  

Now most prisoners in jail dream of the time that they are no longer locked up and they are finally free.  Not like some of us believers in Christ, who want to stay in that has such a Strong Hold upon us because we believe that there is nothing else better than the Strong Hold that we are in.   What should we do?  It is obvious that some things, places and people are going have to go in order for you to enjoy the fulfilling abundant life that Jesus promised.   Let us not be like the rich young ruler that came to Jesus to find out how he can have everlasting life. In that, he could not depart from the wealth he had accumulated in his life (Mark 10:17-22).  This wealth brought the young man pleasure and status and he sought Jesus out to learn how to possess them forever. That when he was instructed by Jesus, he could not depart from his wealth.  Now did Jesus want him to be poor? No, He did not want the wealthy young man to be poor,  he wanted him to have the fullness of the riches of God (Mark 10:30), but the rich young ruler had to give up that which held him captive for so long.  Each of us must ask ourselves what are we not willing to give up in order to have a more abundant life in the Strong Hold of the Lord, a fulfilling life in Christ? What are each of our Strong Holds? Is any one of them of God?  Once each of us has identified which Strong Hold is of God and which one is not, we must leave the Strong Holds of the Devil and enter into the Strong Hold of Christ in God.  How do we do that? We must start with the Word of God and find the promises that apply to our situation, stand on those promises until we see a result that is in accordance to God's will ( Hebrews 6:12). Also we must cast down every thought and imagination that do not line up with those promises (2 Corinthians 10:5).  We must allow God's Holy Spirit to be the stronger man in the temple of each of our bodies and let Him guide us in the eviction of those things that are not of God in each of our lives (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-26). Finally we must network and fellowship with believers who are overcoming the Strong Holds of Satan in their lives. ( 1 John 2:12-14; Philippians 2:1+2, 4:4-8; Ephesians 4:1-6)

One word of caution: Be vigilant because when you begin to leave the Strong Holds of the Devil in your life (1 Peter 5:8+9), be not surprised that the Devil will tempt you to stay in his Strong Hold just a little while longer.  Just long enough for you to lose sight of your salvation, your redemption in Christ.  Don be surprised when he returns with some friends after Jesus has cleaned you up and set your house in order. If you find yourself in this situation, go to the promises of God's word and remember that your salvation does not depend upon your faith on your actions, it depends upon your faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for your salvation.  Also make the Holy Spirit a welcome guest in your house and Satan will avoid coming in.

The Christian Offensive

Jesus told Peter that, "...Upon this rock, I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it..." (Matthew 16:18) Let me ask you this question: Have you ever seen a gate attack anyone? No one has, that is because gates is a defensive mechanism.  Gates do not attack, because gates control the flow of traffic from one place to another through a doorway or an entrance.  What kind of traffic are each of us allowing to flow into and out of our lives through these Gates? The kind that up to now, that has some believers captive in Satan's Strong Hold.  

Now Jesus, when he made that statement obviously had a vision of His Church overcoming the Strong Holds of the Devil by taking control of the Gates of Hell.   In any battle where the invading forces are attacking the walls of a fortress, the attacking force always seeks a way in.  The attacking forces understand  that as long as they can not penetrate the defenses of the fortress,  the defenders of the fortress can continue to hold out.  A good example of this is the historical fall of the City of Babylon in 539 BC.  The walls and the defenses of the City of Babylon were formidable, but the invading force found a way into the City. The invading forces took advantage of  the canal entrance in the wall, that canal ran through the entire City. the legendary City of Babylon fell to the invaders. So what are those Gates of Hell that has prevented the Church to move into what Jesus has prepared for us?  Those Gates of Hell are the limitations, the prevention of the progress of the Church.  Preventing the Church from invading all that is on the outside of the Strong Holds of Satan. Each of us believers in Christ are a part of the Church, which is the  mystic universal body of Christ.  Which brings this issue to each of us: What are the limitations that are preventing each of us from leaving the Strong Holds of Satan?  The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6) We often forget that we in a war for our hearts and minds,  it is a spiritual battle. We are not fighting flesh and blood, we are fighting spirits of darkness in high places and thereby breaking free of the Strong Holds of Satan in our lives ( Ephesians 6:12). However, the longer we remain ignorant of this fact the more power Satan gains over each one of us.  Let each of us not be ignorant of Satan's devices. We must continue to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) understanding how we wage war largely depends upon the level of our faith. In other words, what each of us believes God can do through Christ in each of our situations dictate how much victory we will enjoy (1 John 5:4+5; Hebrews 4:6).  

Up to now some of us believers have been letting different spirits come and go as they please, invading our lives, plundering our faith and our substance through the uncontrolled access of these Gates. Thank God that Jesus gave us the power to overcome and  control them so that we might enjoy a life of victory. 

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