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Sunday, January 14, 2018

Overcoming By His Blood and Our Testimony

SF, Stagecoach, NV
Dear Brothers & Sisters Around The World,

Next Thursday, I’ll let you choose what I share on the blog. Email me if you wish another Chapter you’d like to read added, these are the 6 I have not shared with you.  Chapters; 1) Myths – We Must Get Past, 2) Renew Your Mind With Eyes That See, 5) Why Your Power Is Blocked, 9) God Says – Fear Not, 10) God Needs You, 12) Our Daily Path And Attitude.  Or any other topic you may want, just email me.  I can’t guarantee it will get done by Sunday, but I’ll give you a good Scriptural study, as soon as possible.  Also, let me know if it helps you, when I add the full Scripture with the blog.

From Chapter 11 – Overcoming By His Blood and Our Testimony........Pages 181-193

     We’ve talked about God’s will for you.  We’ve covered the various reasons why the enemy attacks. We covered why the devil wants you to believe you can’t be used by God.  We’ve also covered the four keys God’s given us to fight with.  Now it’s time to see the power of His blood!  Note: Some of these topics may be in the Chapters I haven’t blogged above.
     But before we do, let’s define the word “overcome.”  Strong’s concordance says that the Greek word means to conquer, prevail, and get victory.  It further says that to conquer, a Christian must hold fast to their faith, even unto death, against the power of their foes, temptations, and persecutions.  In other words, we can’t give up, no matter what!

Hebrews 12:1-2  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Revelation 12:10  “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.”
Revelation 12:11  “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.”

     According to the scriptures above, it took salvation, power, the kingdom of God, and the authority of Christ to throw satan out of Heaven.  Many people believe that we have to wait until we get to Heaven to receive all this, but I want you to see that it starts now, on earth, just like your faith
     Salvation became available when Jesus arose from the dead.  The disciples received power as they walked with Christ.  The kingdom of God came to earth when Jesus came in the flesh and gave us His authority.  [John 17:20, 22] 20 ‘I [Jesus] do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; ... 22The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;”  Finally we’re able to live on earth, as it is in Heaven, because Jesus already won and gave every born-again Christian the right to the same power Jesus hadI repeat, satan has no power except what you allow.  He can’t stop you from living a Godly and peaceable life.  All he is now is a rat, a toothless bully that you can tell be gone.  And he must do it -- in Jesus’ name!
     Whew!  And we complain about praying and reading our Bible.  Revelation 12:10 above explains what God had to do, but Revelation 12:11 tells us our job.

The Blood Of The Lamb

     Jesus Christ, who is represented like a lamb in His meekness and innocence, was without blemish, spot, or wrinkle.  As you'll see below, Jesus covered His blood over everything pertaining to our Life and Godliness.  There is nothing you’ve done, or anything you’ll do, that is not covered under the blood through a repentive heart – for He’s always knocking at your door – if you’ll let Him in.

Matthew 27:25  “And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
     When Pilate couldn’t get the people to free Jesus, an innocent man, the people said the blood will be on them and their children.  What a prophetic Word!  This means the atoning blood of Christ would be available to them and any future children who accept Jesus as Lord. 
     We all know that every action has a reaction.  When we act ungodly, the devil is allowed to attack us without God’s intervention.  When the blood is applied, the ungodly action is forgiven in Heaven, canceling the twerp’s [satan’s] foothold on us.  Redeemed by the blood is not just our ultimate salvation, but our daily life.  We literally cancel the power of satan because Jesus was and is the final atonement for our sin.  [Jeremiah 31:34] "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

The Word Of Our Testimony

     By telling others what Jesus has done for you, you’re giving your testimony.  By your testimony, you build your faith and others, since faith comes by hearing.  People know you’re imperfect, yet in their mind, if Jesus did it for you, He just might do it for them too!  So they ask Jesus into their life.  And, glory to God, the harvest is reaped as He opens the door to them.  Amen!

Matthew 27:37  “And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.””
Malachi 3:16  “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.”
Revelation 20:12  “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.”

     In the end, at the cross, it was proclaimed to one and all that Jesus is the King.  When our words and actions align with His Word, then we’ll act in the same way Jesus did speaking only what the Father says.  At that point, you are abiding in Him, and His Word in you and you can have whatsoever you ask for. 
     For those of you who still doubt the importance of every word we speak, read Malachi 3:13-18.      Here it tells Christians and Israelites that God’s listening to everything we say – Do you realize that every word, good or bad, is being written down in Heaven in the Book of Remembrance?  Do you also realize, that your words will be read back to you on the judgment day?  Ouch!
     I believe that when God says, “He remembers no more” of our sins, it’s because they’re erased from the Book of Remembrance.  Thank God for erasers!  So I would exhort you to ask forgiveness of any ungodly words you’ve spoken.  Most people only ask to be forgiven for their actions, or someone else’s, but our words are just as important.

Not Love Their Life Even Unto Death

     Yes, the Bible talks about martyrs who will die for God.  But for the majority of us, I believe God is referring not to our expected deaths, but to the importance of releasing the material things you have on earth, including your life.  He’s referring to those who will focus on Him instead of the world till the end of their days.  As we read in Matthew 27:52-53 in Chapter 8 of this book, death doesn’t mean the end of our existence, but the start of our eternal life.  Can you imagine the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus before and after His resurrection, then saw their Old Testament relatives resurrected?  Boy, what a reunion that was!  I can only imagine the conversations they had.
Paul wrote that it is better he stays here and help others then for him to join God (Philippians 1:23-24).  Heaven has been settled and the devil thrown out.  Hell has been settled and the rules set in stone.  The race to be won is here on earth.  The only battle left is between those who will accept Jesus and go to Heaven, and those who will reject Him and go to hell.
     So to overcome, we’re to place the blood of Christ over the situation we’re praying for.  Then confess the Word in faith then Praise Him and wait for the answer.  We’re to tell the world what Jesus has done for us.  Doing this will cause signs and wonders to follow us.  Finally, we’re not to worry about what we have on earth, but what we can do for Jesus next.  This is how we’ll bring in the harvest for Jesus.

The Power Of His Blood

     Isaiah 53:4-5Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God and afflictedBut He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed
     Isaiah 53:6All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”

     I must say, for as many times as I’ve read these passages, I never realized the true meaning until I looked up their meanings.  To think, that Jesus knew in advance everything that He would do.  No wonder He asked the Father if this cup could be taken from Him -- if it was God’s will.  I cry when I think about the suffering He did just for you and I to be forgiven and accepted.  The definitions below should help you to get a clearer picture of what Jesus actually took on for just us.
In Strong’s concordance it says...
Griefs = sickness, disease
Bore = took on
Sorrows = pain [physical and emotional]
Esteemed = thought
Stricken, smitten = beaten, scourged
Transgressions = sins, rebellion [known sin]
Crushed = broken, contrite, oppressed
Iniquities = sin, guilt, fault [unknown sin]
Chastening = correction, discipline, instruction
Scourging = stripes, hurt, wounds [skin is broken and bleeds]

     We’ve all been taught that Jesus shed His blood for us, as the final blood sacrifice.  But there is so much more involved in the story than that.  To begin with, Jesus did not just shed His blood once.  He bled for us seven times - God’s perfect number.  Remember in Chapter 6 when we talked about the importance of numbers?  Well, hang on to your socks, because what the Holy Spirit showed me about this not only changed the way I “put Christ in remembrance” through communion, but also the way I understand the total authority He’s given us.
     Did you know that Jesus actually bled three times before the cross, three times on the cross, and once after His death?  And there is a specific reason for each instance?  Let me share this revelation with you.

Before the cross…

1) When Jesus was beaten, He bled.
     Jesus bled when the priests beat Him with their fists (Matthew 26:67, Mark 14:65, and Luke 22:63).  He bled when the soldiers beat Jesus with their hands (John 19:3).
     Jesus accepted the punishment we deserved for our sin and rebellion against God.  First, Jesus was beaten by His family, the chosen men of God.  Then He was beaten by the ungodly mockers and scoffers.  So Jesus literally took on the punishment of both the believers and non-believers alike.

2) When the crown of thorns was put on His head, he bled. 
     Jesus bled when the soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head, to mock Him for being a King (Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, John 19:2).
     The Romans wore a crown on their head; to represent a royal rank, a victory, or an honor given to great champions.  For Jesus, it represented His kingdom, His headship, and His authority to be the head of the body of God.

3) When they scourged and whipped Him, He bled.
When Pilate’s soldiers beat Jesus unmercifully then whipped Him, before He went to the cross (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, Luke 23:22, John 19:1).
     The soldiers also used a reed to beat Him on the head (Matthew 27:30, Mark 15:19, John 19:3).
     A scourging is when someone is beaten so badly that they are not only bruised, but eventually their skin is broken and bleeds.  A whip is then used, first causing welts on the body, until it tears the flesh open and the muscle is torn.  These wounds were suffered by Jesus for our punishment, so we could be forgiven our sins. 
     Only through all this, could we be healed in mind, body, and spirit.  This is why it’s possible for us to claim “we have the mind of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 2:16, and in Isaiah 53:5 that we are healed.
When we actively seek Jesus, we learn the will of God and our minds become renewed.  As we apply His Word, we become restored until our bodies, souls, and spirits reflect our Lord and King Jesus.

On the cross…

1) When they nailed His left hand to the cross, He bled.
     In the Old Testament [OT], the only way to get into Heaven was by the work of the hands.  By the blood covering Christ’s hands the work is finished and we are now saved by his grace (John 20:25-27).
     The nailing of Jesus’ hands represented our salvation in Psalms 9:16, which says,In the work of his own hands the wicked is snared.”  Also, the left hand represents the north as the right hand represents the south (1 Samuel 23:19).  So Christ covered, from the north to the south, all our wickedness in His blood.

2) When they nailed his right hand to the cross, He bled.
     The right hand also represents the symbol of power, strength, and honor.  Psalms 60:5 shows how important Jesus’ right hand really was,That Thy beloved may be delivered, Saved with Thy right hand, and answer us!” 
     All our power and authority is in Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God.

3) When they nailed His feet to the cross, He bled.
The feet represent our path and the direction we choose to follow (Proverbs 3:6, Hebrews 12:12-13).

     Not only did Jesus atone with His blood for the path we had followed, but also for the innocents we’d hurt or led astray.  Isaiah 59:7 says, Their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed innocent blood;...”
     When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He spoke the completion of everything done to remove satan’s power over us.  He became the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.  Through His blood and testimony He is now our intercessor in Heaven, which allows us into our Father’s presence.

After his death

1) When they pierced His side to be sure He was dead, He bled.
     Both blood and water came out (John 19:34).
     The spear had to go through the side of Jesus, under His ribs.  Only there would they miss breaking a bone to fulfill prophesy.
     On a woman that would have been where the womb is located.  This is important because on this final time, Jesus shed His blood for the children to come.  By this all future generations can freely choose where they will spend eternity.
     Jesus shed His blood for the past, present, and future all in one act.  This corresponds with the scripture that says He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
     Oh, what His love for us made him suffer for our transgressions! But the outcome allows Christians to overcome.  Allowing restored fellowship between God and man.

The blood covered our past:

     Whenever we look behind us, we see what’s in the past.  I believe this truth is relevant to the message of the cross as well.  Let’s consider the blood that Jesus shed three times from behind Him. 
     Keep in mind that the blood shed by the nails bled from both the entrance and exit wounds of Jesus’ hands and feet, and that the crown of thorns encircling His head also bled down his front and back.

1) Headship: Jesus gained authority over our minds with the crown of thorns. 
     Whatever we did or thought before the cross should now be forgotten and behind us.  No longer will we be condemned by God, once we soulfully accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  You’ve been cleansed!
     Jesus healed our minds with His blood that was shed when the soldiers put the crown of thorns on His head. 

2) Curses: The blood from His back covered the wooden cross.
The curse placed on mankind is removed.  No longer are we under the curse of sickness, disease, and bondage to the flesh or the devil unless we allow it
     You can see all the curses that are covered, along with all the blessings you can now receive, in Deuteronomy 28.  What a reason to rejoice in the Lord.  We’ve been delivered!  Galatians 3:13-14  “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"-- 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

3) Path: The old ways we followed are under the blood along with the nails in His feet. 
Now that we can claim our path and journey directed by God (Proverbs 3:6).  Nothing in your past should haunt you because it’s under the blood of Christ.  It’s forgiven, done, and no longer remembered by God. Romans 8:3-4 3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

The blood covered our future

     The same principle that applies to our past also applies to our future.  The blood Jesus shed four times from the front represents how we are to go forward in Christ.  His blood frees us from the past and opens the door to a new gospel of peace, restoration, and abundant life...

1) His head:  Jesus is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings!  He’s given us the authority and power to overcome this world in His name.  We’re to take His gospel to the entire world and preach His Kingdom using His power.  Mark 16:17-18  17 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."  Praise the Lord!
2) His hands:  No more working for our Salvation, as the Old Testament Israelites had to do.  Salvation has been given to us through Christ.  Now the work that we do, must be to perfect our faith, continue the work of Jesus, just as He did thereby revealing Christ within us to the world.  With the fruit of the Spirit and the signs and wonders that follow us, we will overcome this world!  
3) His Feet:  The paths that we follow are no longer controlled by the devil, but directed by God.  Ephesians 6:15 says it best, that we are now blessed in “…having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”   Our lives can now follow the path of righteousness to magnify our Lord, Jesus Christ.
4) His Side:  Many of us, like sheep will go astray.  So we need to continually apply the blood.  It’s our redemption over the earthly pitfalls.  God knew we would fall as we practiced His ways, so He provided a way for us to repent and daily put our sin to death with the blood of Christ.  Each generation, as they hear the Word, will need the blood so they too can have the opportunity to freely accept or reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

Commune With Jesus Daily

Luke 24:30-31  “And it came about that when He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to themAnd their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.”

We’re told to remember Jesus.  Why?  So our eyes can be opened and Jesus revealed.  How?  By partaking of communion with Him, you don’t need to have it once a month at church, YOU ARE His priests and kings so have it often at home.  The bread will remind you of what His body suffered so that you don’t have to wonder why, did He do what He did.  The wine will remind you that His blood covers all our sin, and that forgiveness is there for the asking. 
     Jesus completed everything, when He gave His Blood [His death], - it finished all He was sent to accomplish.  Now we need to continue His works here on earth until He comes back.
     Judge yourselves.  Ask for forgiveness of your sin and place it under the blood. If you don’t, we’re told that we’ll become weak, sick, and fall asleep [leave our body].  Finally we’re told to eat and drink often, to proclaim the Lord’s death and resurrection until He comes 1 Corinthians 11:24-34)
     I hope that the next time you take communion you’ll have a better understanding of what He really accomplished for you.  The new covenant offered by Jesus’ sacrifice is more than just words, or Him on the cross.  It’s knowing and believing that we have a better way to live in Him.  
     So claim those promises for yourself and others.  Take your problems to the cross and pour His blood over them.  Once the sin is removed, then the blessings of healing, restoration, and peace can come.  It’s truly the only way to daily overcome this world and the evil within.
     One last thing I would mention, when I loose my peace or joy, I remind myself of Proverbs 3:5-6 and that usually restores my peace and joy because I’m reminded 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”


Is Jesus Your Lord?

Romans 10:9-10  “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

     Those who know Jesus - know Him.  Those who don’t, think they have time.  But what they don’t realize is that if you haven’t chosen Jesus, you automatically belong to satan.  Despite what Hollywood or others may say – THIS IS THE TRUTH!
     This is not something to play games with.  There are only two ways you can spend eternity.  You are either on one side or the other.  So don’t let satan have you by default.
     For those who have accepted Jesus, but your life has not resulted in righteousness you should ask God for forgiveness and re-commit yourself to fellowship with Him.
     Your heart must believe and your inner man must accept and receive that Jesus is Lord.  The proof of your belief is in your walk, not just your talk.  Jesus said that if you reject Him, He’ll reject you (Hosea 4:6).  Every time you knowingly make a decision that is ungodly, you reject God.  You cannot abide in Him, if you’re living with your finger in Heaven, and the rest of your body is in the world. Again, you may want to repent.
     For years I was told to believe in “once saved, always saved.”  But I’ve found too many scriptures that dispute this.  Throughout the scripture it says that if you are walking in the world, then you belong to the world.  That means you’ve rejected God and no longer (or never did) belong to Him.  So choose today whom you will accept and whom you will reject.  Don’t let the enemy deceive you, there is only one way to Heaven and that’s thru the Son of God!

     If you haven’t chosen Jesus, do it now - this very minute.  Simply ask Him into your heart and repent of your past sins.  Just say this little prayer

      Father, in Jesus name I come before you.  I come to You as I am - a sinner.  I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  I accept that Jesus was born sinless of a virgin and that He suffered, died and arose for my Salvation. 
     I repent of my sins and ask that You forgive me.  You know the doubt, fear, and hurt within me.  Please help me to lay it at the cross by faith.  At this moment, I ask You to come into my heart and deliver me by Your grace and mercy.
     I also ask to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit and be baptized.  That I might serve You in this harvest until You come.  I thank You in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

     Let me be the first to welcome you into the family.  You’ve just become a priest, a child of God, and the sister or brother of Christ, anointed with the Holy Spirit  [1 Peter 2:9 ]  "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"   Find a church to fellowship with and be baptized in water (1 John 5:4-8).  Seek God in His Word daily.  He promises to show you the way.  I would also recommend you re-read this book, one chapter at a time to help you start your new walk in the Lord.

Blessings to all who read the blog and keep the Faith being AMAZED of how much more He has for you, as you seek new goals for 2018.  I promise you, there is so much more the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you thru His Word.  I pray for ALL of you nightly.

 Sandy F. – The Lord’s Servant


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