The Peacemaker Has Come!

Luke 2:13-14 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

With those words the angels ushered in a new era of grace and mercy. No longer would the Father be angry toward mankind because of unrighteousness. Now Jesus came to make those who would receive Him the righteousness of God through His sacrifice. The angels weren't declaring "peace among men." It's painfully obvious that isn't happening as a whole. What they were declaring was that the war between God and man was over. Jesus came to be the mediator between God the Father and mankind (1 Tim. 2:5). The life and death of Jesus would mark the fulfillment of the law.

God knew that man needed a savior. His plan from the very beginning was to live among His people. When Adam fell from grace, a wall of separation came between mankind and God. When God presented man with the law through Moses, His intention was to show man that it would be impossible to keep every detail of the law. Man would need a savior. God had the plan of redemption inside Him before the foundation of this world. He would come into this earth through the same doorway that everyone comes- through the womb of a woman. He would send His only Son to pave the way for fellowship between God and man. Jesus was the perfection that you and I could never be. He faced the same hardships that we face, plus much worse. He overcame Satan and defeated Him soundly.

Jesus tore down the wall of separation between us and our Father. Now we can go boldly before the throne and obtain mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16). Now we can overcome just like He did, in His Name. While we were born into sin, we were reborn into righteousness when we accepted Jesus as our savior (Rom. 5:17). As a child of God, you don't have to qualify yourself, Jesus qualified you already! This is the true gospel, the too good to be true news that you are in right-standing with God because of the Blood of Jesus Christ! This isn't a license to sin, it's a license to prosper in everything you do.

Renewing your mind to what Jesus has truly done for you will free you from old habits, sins and addictions. You don't have to adopt a miserable, judgmental attitude toward yourself and others to earn God's favor. Jesus earned it for you. Now receive His grace and go free. No wonder the angels were so overcome with joy. They were speaking prophetically about the little baby born that night in Bethlehem. Satan didn't know it yet, but his worst nightmare just came true. Mankind didn't know it yet, but his Messiah had just arrived.

This Christmas, don't get stressed out with materialism and become depressed. Remember the real reason for the season. The Peacemaker has come to set you free!

The Power of Thanksgiving

Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thankfulness. It's almost entirely absent in our modern, hectic lives. It's the missing ingredient necessary for a full, productive life. Our society is full of unthankful, ungrateful people. People in America live in one of the most properous nations in the world. Even our poor enjoy a much higher standard of living than the majority of people living in third-world nations. We've enjoyed a high standard of living for so long that the slightest discomfort causes us to grow impatient with God.

Unthankfulness can be directly linked to self-centeredness. When all of your attention is on yourself, you forget God's goodness and you turn a blind eye toward the needy around you. It's a self-defeating cycle that leads to depression. It's important to get your eyes off yourself and on God. We must become more sensitive to the needs of the world around us.

What you focus on becomes magnified. When you focus on problems, they become bigger. When you focus on God's provision by being thankful, your problems shrink and God becomes bigger (in your eyes). God is all-knowing and all-powerful, but you limit His intervention in your life when you fail to magnify Him.

Begin to focus on the good things in your life. Don't be so dramatic about everything. Your thankfulness opens the door to God's blessing. Praise and thanksgiving will quickly lift you out of the dumps. It is impossible to stay depressed when you focus on God's goodness. Live a life of praise and thanksgiving and watch your circumstances change for the better.

Establish Your Heart

James 5: 7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

In modern society, everyone seems obsessed with achieving personal success and happiness. That holds true for most Christians as well. They have gotten away from the core values of Christianity. They have developed a "works mentality" while forgetting their primary call- walking with God. To walk with him means to stay in His Word, develop integrity, reverence His presence and value our relationship with Him above all else. These things have been replaced with our church programs and dull patterns of "worship." Religion is man-made. Relationship is from the Father.

Most Christians are seeking to be entertained at all times. They grow impatient during church services. Their attendance is sporadic at best. When trouble strikes, they seek a bailout. This attitude is cultivated by pastors who are more interested in numbers than a real move of God. They adopt the world's methods to draw people in. They brag to other pastors about the number of members or new converts. They forget that Christianity isn't just about converts. It's about discipleship. It's about teaching people the oracles of God and watching them grow and mature. It's about spreading the Kingdom and preparing for the return of our King.

Before Christ returns for His Church, we are promised a glorious outpouring of His presence and power. We will see a massive harvest of people into the Kingdom of God. The true believers will walk as manifested sons and daughters of God. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when "the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you" (Is. 60:2). Jesus will return for "a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish"(Eph. 5:27).

In order for us to get in our called places, we must submit to His grace and renew ourselves through His Word and His Spirit. That might require setting aside some of our personal agendas. We may have to be willing to participate more instead of just being observers and spectators. Leaders may have to consult God's Word instead of the world's counsel. When David had the ark returned to Israel, a man died because he neglected to consult God's detailed instructions for handling His presence. Instead, he consulted with other men. Think about that. It wasn't until he sought God's knowledge that he realized the ark must be carried upon poles and only by the Levites. Then God's presence and glory was returned to His people. They had to be properly prepared.

Are you properly prepared for His manifest presence? His Glory is about to be revealed as never before. It will mean tremendous blessing for those who seek Him and tremendous judgment for those who seek to defraud others and treat His presence with irreverence. It happened to Ananias and Sapphira. When the power is turned up, darkness is eliminated. That is why God has only been able to reveal a little of Himself to His people. They're not ready. It's time to get established. The rain is coming.

Heirs Of The Kingdom

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Before you were born again, you were just like everyone else in the world. You were lost, confused and always lacking something. You had a God-sized void inside that could not be filled with the pleasures of the world. When bad news came, it always included you. You were a servant to the sin-nature. A servant has no rights. A servant does what he is told when he is told to do it. No amount of physical or mental effort could overcome that lowly status of existence. Then one day, you were introduced to the King. He moved in and filled that gnawing void. Suddenly, you found what you had been looking for.

With that said, why is it that so many Christians are acting lost and confused? Of course, we are living in difficult times, but difficult times don’t have to live in us. Maybe we have forgotten our new status. Like the prodigal son, we have been content to eat with the pigs while our place at the King’s table is vacant.

There’s a story about a young eagle who had fallen from the nest. He was met by turkeys, who convinced him that he was one of them. So he busied himself scratching around the forest floor with the rest of the turkeys. He tried to be content with his new way of life, but he had a deep emptiness inside him. Something wasn’t right.

Then one day, he spotted eagles flying overhead, high in the sky. Their flight seemed effortless and majestic. He became fascinated with these kingly creatures. Of course, his turkey friends tried to pull him back to their reality. “You’re a turkey, you have no business flying with the eagles.” Every day, the young eagle would look to the blue sky with longing.

Eventually, the drive to soar above the clouds became too strong. Against the wishes of the turkeys, he spread his wings and took flight. He joined the other eagles gliding on the updrafts. The higher he got, the smaller the world below became. Things that were important to him before now seemed trivial and insignificant. He felt reborn. The emptiness inside was gone.

We aren’t supposed to walk with the turkeys. We are heirs of Christ’s eternal kingdom. Everything we need is available for withdrawal. We aren’t supposed to be in fear of swine flu. We aren’t supposed to be moved by the world’s financial forecast. That’s their forecast, not ours. We are ambassadors in a foreign land. When the world cries “recession,” we say, “Not in my house!” We can take the Gospel into the dark places of this world without fear. Our healthcare plan is etched into the back of our Savior. It isn’t dependent upon government intervention.

Stop the foolishness. Get out of the mud and drop those husks you’ve been eating. We’ve been in the mud with the pigs far too long. Stop talking like a loser. It is insulting to your King. The bad news on the television doesn’t concern you- turn it off! Lift your head toward the sky, that’s where your help is coming from. It is time for the Church of Jesus Christ to act like something and stop being a tired, religious cliché. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God.

The King is Coming

Jude 1:14-15 (NKJV) Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.

John the Baptist called Him "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." The apostle John called Him "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." Both are accurate descriptions of our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. During His last physical visit to this planet, He was the Lamb of God, meek and humble, yet possessing great power and authority. He ushered in a new kingdom for those who would believe in Him. However, when He returns, He is coming with Glory. He is coming as a Lion. This is what people fail to realize. They mock His Name. They scoff at the idea that He will actually return. He warned us it would be this way in the last days.

People use the term "God" loosely. It could mean just about anything or anyone. However, to the Christian believer it means Jesus-the Christ (Anointed One), the Son of the living God (Jehovah). He is the promised Messiah who came to deliver His people. Even the Father turned to Him and said, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom (Heb. 1:8)." All power and authority has been given unto Him, and He has given it to His Church. His Word and His Name are highly exalted above all of creation.

It is no wonder demons fear and tremble at the mention of His Name. Jesus defeated them, stripping Satan of authority and power. They know their time is short. The day of reckoning is upon them. Eternal torment awaits them and all who would align themselves with them. Why would anyone choose to be on the losing side of eternity? The answer is simple. They are deceived. Satan is a deceiver and a liar, he blinds natural man to the truth and light of God's Word.

It has become fashionable to say there are many paths to God and heaven. While that sounds nice, it is another one of Satan's deceptions. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Jn. 14:6)." Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father. He is only way into the kingdom of God. Hell is not reserved for people, but people go there daily because they reject Christ. What a tragedy.

Another great deception is the doctrine of universalism. This doctrine states that all are saved because of the finished work of Jesus. This isn't scriptural. Rom. 10: 9,10 says "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

The offer of salvation is near to you, but it requires that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and confess Him before men. There is no other way. Rom. 10: 13,14 goes on to say "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" If salvation were automatic, then much Christian blood has been shed in vain in the attempt to spread the gospel. Don't believe the lie.

We are in the last of the last days. Don't be blinded by Satan's lies. Jesus is coming with power and glory to execute judgment. We are under a time period of grace. The Father is patient. He is not willing that any should perish. Now is the time to get on the winning side. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your personal savior, don't wait another minute. Do so now. Pray this prayer aloud:

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God who died for my sins.

I believe you were crucified, buried and rose again on the third day.

Come into my life, Lord Jesus, and save me.

I receive what you did for me.

I commit my life to you forever.

Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior.

If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God! Go and tell someone what Jesus has done for you. If you are without Christ and you are holding out...what are you waiting for? When the Lion King returns and you have to look into His glorious face and piercing stare, wouldn't you rather be on His side? Choose this day whom you will serve.

The New Covenant Believer

Col. 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Many Christians in the modern church still believe that God is out to punish them and repay them for their sins. Every time they fail, they feel it is their duty to beat themselves down and wallow in condemnation as if that is pleasing to God. They fail to realize that we are under a new and better covenant than the saints before Jesus.

The law was given to demonstrate man's inability to keep it and to make him realize his need for a savior. That is why Jesus came...to redeem us from the accusations against us and make us free. The law always condemns and keeps man away from God. The law was nailed to the cross of Jesus. God did this so that it would no longer have the power to condemn us as long as we believe on Jesus. This doesn't give the believer a license to sin. Sin is still deadly. It means that when we do sin and fail, we don't have to stay defeated. We have an advocate with the Father- Jesus, the Son of God! We can repent, get up and keep going...knowing that God is not angry with us. Nor does He want to repay us for our transgressions.

Don't play Satan's game. It's a no-win situation for you. He'll show you your faults in order to make you self-conscious. However, God has placed you in Christ. He is no longer judging you based on you. He sees Jesus' flawless beauty and perfection. If you want to win in life, you must become Jesus-conscious.

If you've fallen...get up! Don't take time-out to wallow in self-pity, condemnation and defeat. See yourself as God sees you. Know that He loves you and that He is not holding you back. If you will renew your attitude and stop disqualifying yourself, then nothing can stop you. Your future in God is wide open. To quote a famous movie..."Either get busy living or get busy dying." It's your choice. Choose life. Choose victory. You won't regret it.

Overcoming Faith

1John 5: 4,5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Sometimes life's obstacles can seem insurmountable. Trouble seems to be all around us, with no end in sight. It's easy to get discouraged. The world is on a rapid, downhill slide. However, God never intended for His people to go down with it. Like Peter, we make our mistake when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storm and the raging sea around us. We begin to sink when we get in fear.

Fear can be described as False Evidence Appearing Real. There is no such thing as "healthy fear." Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. Fear will draw you toward the thing you do not want just as faith will draw you toward the victory.

If you want to turn your situation, get back in faith. If you call yourself a child of God, you have no business wallowing in recession, depression, sickness, lack and defeat. God intends to be your source, not the world's system. Start trusting him, and stop looking to the world for provision. You are assured of the victory!

What Are You Magnifying?

2 Cor. 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

It is easy to look at the circumstances around us today and get discouraged. We are bombarded daily with negative images from the news media, popular culture and the people around us. If you're not careful, you will begin to magnify the problems around you more than you magnify God. Of course, God is omnipotent. However, your perception of Him will determine the degree of His power in your life.

The Israelites were a case study in how the wrong attitude will affect your outcome in life. They saw God's miraculous intervention repeatedly. Yet when facing affliction, they forgot the God of Israel. They created a culture of complaint. Sound familiar? God called their words evil. Only two out of the company of people had a positive report... Joshua and Caleb. They chose to magnify God instead of the circumstances. The complainers died in the desert, never having received the promise. Only their offspring, along with Joshua and Caleb, entered the promised land.

Paul is a perfect example of a person not influenced by circumstances. Through hunger, beatings, imprisonment and persecution Paul maintained his winning attitude. It must have been a slap to the face of the enemy when he referred to his sufferings as "light afflictions!" Paul understood that every obstacle we face is only temporary. The reward is always forthcoming. Don't get so tunnel-visioned on circumstances that you forget the big picture. You are a winner, a citizen of an eternal kingdom that is not influenced by this world. You have a part to play in eternity. This is a drop in the bucket compared to the vastness of infinity.

I challenge you, get your eyes off your troubles and get them on Jesus. He is our example. He is the light at the end of the tunnel. Stop complaining. Create an atmosphere conducive to God's blessing by speaking right words- words of victory and not defeat. You are the prophet of your own life. See your future. Speak your future. Act like you've already won. This is the lifestyle of an overcomer.

The Heart of a Champion

Phil 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Obstacles. Setbacks. We all face them. The common thread through humanity is that everyone has been disappointed and hurt at some point in life. You can dwell on the past and get stuck there. However, it doesn't have to be that way.

The world is full of winners and losers. What sets them apart is not failure. Everybody fails. The difference is that winners don't stay down when they fall. A champion's heart burns inside him, driving him toward the goal. Though sometimes tired and beat-up, a champion never quits.

What are you holding on to that is holding you back? Let it go. That was yesterday. God has a bright future in store for you- a divine destiny! It's bigger than you thought possible. So get up. Fight to the finish. Never say die. One day you'll find yourself on the winner's podium. You'll get to hear Him say..."Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Healing Follows Forgiveness

Matt. 9:2. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you."

3. And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This man blasphemes!"

4. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?"

5. "For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'?

6. "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"- then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

7. And he arose and departed to his house.

Are you struggling with pain and sickness in your body? Do you pray and confess healing scriptures over yourself...to no avail? It may be that you are harboring unforgiveness.

God placed his healing power within you when you were born again. That vast resource of His power lies untapped in most believers- through unbelief, unforgiveness, or both.

Unforgiveness is like a dam in a river and a clog in the plumbing. Until it is removed, the power will not flow. Forgive that person. Release those individuals you've been holding a grudge against. If necessary, forgive yourself. In essence, Jesus was telling the paralytic to "Cheer up, your sins are forgiven. Now forgive yourself!"

Pray this aloud..."Father, I forgive__________. I release them from their indebtedness to me. I forgive myself for the mistakes I've made. I receive your healing flow inside me. It's quickening my body now. It is making everything right. I give you the thanks, the honor, and the glory- in Jesus' Name, amen!"

Now rise up and go your way...healed and delivered!

Welcome to Church on the Rock Blog! John 6:63 "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

Put God's Word first place in your life and watch your circumstances change for the better. The Word of God must be in two places to ensure victory...in your heart and in your mouth. To speak God's Word over a situation is to align yourself with His perfect will. This is the highest form of speech. Don't be like the rest of the world and say, "I'll believe it when I see it." No, you've been called to something higher..."I'll see it when I believe it!"

Change the negative images inside you by painting on the canvas of your heart with God's eternal Word. You will talk about whatever you are continually filling up with. You might as well fill up with faith! Your future depends on it.

John