How to purify our hearts?

Acts 15:9
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

  • Purifying hearts NOT by changing our ways
  • Purifying hearts NOT by what we do
  • Purifying hearts NOT by our self effort

Righteousness by Faith

2 Corinthians 5:21
New King James Version (NKJV)

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Two Blessedness described by David

Romans 4:6-8
New King James Version (NKJV)

6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

How you know the Righteousness of the Lord

  • From the story of Balaam and Balak

Micah 6:5
New King James Version (NKJV)

5 O My people, remember now
What Balak king of Moab counseled,
And what Balaam the son of Beor answered him,
From Acacia Grove to Gilgal,
That you may know the righteousness of the Lord.”

Balak and Balaam

Enemies blessing us bountifully

Numbers 23:11
New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!”

No one can curse what Lord has blessed

Irreversible Blessing

Numbers 23:18-23
New King James Version (NKJV)

18 Then he took up his oracle and said:

“Rise up, Balak, and hear!
Listen to me, son of Zippor!

19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
20 Behold, I have received a command to bless;
He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

21 He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
The Lord his God is with him,
And the shout of a King is among them.
22 God brings them out of Egypt;
He has strength like a wild ox.

23 “For there is no sorcery against Jacob,
Nor any divination against Israel.
It now must be said of Jacob
And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’

  • “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel” :
    • Because of the burnt offering
      • shout of a King : Jesus
    • It didn’t say, they didn’t do iniquity
  • He has strength like a wild ox : There was non feeble — More info

Error of Balaam

Jude 1:11
New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

  • Don’t go after the error of Balaam
  • Thinking that God will curse the people whom He has blessed

 

The True Gospel

Became His Righteous

  • Jesus did no sin but He became sin for us in the cross
  • We doing no righteousness became His Righteous

Jude’s Earnest letter

Jude 1:3-4
New King James Version (NKJV)

Contend for the Faith

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

turn = Replacement : metatithemi in Greek ( http://biblehub.com/greek/3346.htm ) 5 more occurrences

licentiousness = lewdness

  • the faith = Justification by Faith
  • Gospel = Justification by Faith
  • It’s not mainly about Holiness, its about Justification
  • Jude is very diligent, felt necessary and content earnestly because (for), certain men have crept in unnoticed

Power of God

Romans 1:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Just Live by Faith

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

  • Salvation : every blessing

Seek “His” Righteousness

Matthew 6:33
King James Version (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

During the time of Jesus

Mark 2:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

  • Accusing Jesus that He is promoting sinners. Others said “He is compromising”, “He is eating with sinner”, “How can He allow the women to touch him”
  • They pretend as if they are holy
  • Same accusation we have currently, that people say that the Gospel gives rights for people to sin

The Spirit and The Word

  • New Born Christians : Tend to say “Jesus told me this, Jesus told me that”
  • Word only Christians : They know only word, their heart is not for God
  • We should know the Author and the Word
  • All Spirit no Word : problem
  • All Word no Spirit : problem
  • All Word all Spirit you grow up

Israelites in the wilderness

  • Before Law, they complained, they didn’t drop dead ( they were under Grace )
    • Jesus showed his goodness to bring them in to repentance
    • It dependant on His goodness and His Faithfulness
  • After Law, they complained they were dead

Galatians

  • Law Grace , first four chapters
  • Fruit of the Spirit in fifth chapter
    • 5 means Grace in Hebrew
  • Under Law, Golden caff
    • Works of the flesh
    • Work is what we do/perform
  • Under Grace
    • Fruit of the Spirit
    • Fruit is the side effect

The whole Counsel of God

Paul before he die, to the leaders ( Leadership Sermon )

Acts 20:24
New King James Version (NKJV)

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,[a] so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:25-32
New King James Version (NKJV)

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

  • the whole counsel of God sandwiched between grace

The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Paul’s Ministry in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra

Paul Travelled from Antioch to Iconium and to Lystra

At Iconium

Acts 14:1-7
New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

At Lystra

Acts 14:8-10
New King James Version (NKJV)

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

At Antioch

Acts 13:38-45
New King James Version (NKJV)

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work* which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’”

Blessing and Conflict at Antioch

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

  • * work = Marvellous work in Issaiah
  • these words = same words

At Jerusalem

Acts 15:1-11
New King James Version (NKJV)

Conflict over Circumcision

15 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

The Jerusalem Council

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

  • certain men came down from Judea : Men from James’s church ( James: Half Brother of Jesus ) ( James not as good in Gospel as Paul and Barnabas )
  • Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute : Means Big dispute (Same kind of disputes is seen even now a days)
  • received by the church and the apostles and the elders : Gospel is a sermon to everyone on everyone becoming apostles and leaders ( leadership meeting )
  • “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” : Trying to Mix Law and Grace
  • no distinction between us and them : No Distinction from Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ
  • purifying their hearts by faith
  • we shall be saved in the same manner as they :  Jews and Gentiles will get saved in the same manner.
  • Last time Peter’s name is mentioned in the book of Acts
    • after that Paul all the way
    • Early church Initially was only Jews, then Jews and Gentiles, then its for Gentiles ( Paul reached out to Gentiles )
  • why do you test God by putting a yoke
    • yoke represents the full laws ( it doesn’t make sense if it’s about circumcision because Jews get circumcised when they were 8 days old, and on 8th day there is nothing for them to be burden about. 8 days old kids barely remember anything : So this is about the Full law )
    • tempt same word for test in Greek

1 Corinthians 10:9
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

Matthew 11:28-30
New King James Version (NKJV)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Acts 15:12-29
New King James Version (NKJV)

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’
18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The Jerusalem Decree

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

  • kept silentWhen the real Gospel is preached, every one is silent
  • declaring how many miracles and wonders : Telling testimonies
  • James Quoting Amos 9:11
    • tabernacle of David in the tabernacle of David, all Gods children had access to the Holy of Holies.
  • God blesses all churches which prioritise praise and worship
  • good to the Holy Spiritand to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things : Holy Spirit was involved
  • List of laws before 10 commandments, which being followed even in Grace : Noachian Laws
    • abstain from things polluted by idols,
    • from sexual immorality,
    • from things strangled, and
    • from blood
  • troubled you with words : Those are which is not True Gospel
    • The True Gospel stabilises your soul
  • unsettling your souls

Acts 15:30-31
New King James Version (NKJV)

Continuing Ministry in Syria

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

  • they rejoiced over its encouragement : The true Gospel brings encouragement and makes your rejoice.

Unsettling your soul means

  • Violent word
  • plunder his good is the same word as unsettling your soul

Mark 3:27
New King James Version (NKJV)

27 No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

  • Stephen and Paul preached the entire old Testament and then opened the Gospel
  • Paul says about the struggle being under Law in, Romans 7
  • All centurions are portrayed in a positive light in bible
    • Eg: “Certainly this is the Son of God” – by a Centurion

Vision about Gentiles to Peter

Acts 10:15
New King James Version (NKJV)

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

  • 3 Times it was Spoken to Peter “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
  • God is preparing Peter to reach out to Gentiles
  • 3 is the message that speaks to Peter
  • 3 men looking for you Peter ( 1 soldier and 2 friends/someone )
  • Cornelius a centurion , lieutenant/major over his company, man who loves God, who gives money to the power. He is a centurion of an Italian regimen. He wasn’t saved, but was praying earnestly. Angel appeared and says
    • “Your prayer and your giving to the poor going up to heaven as a memorial”. Because he was trying to reach to God even though he is not saved
    • “Go the place in Jopa and find Simon Peter”
    • “Through Him your family will be saved”
  • The Angel could have preached the gospel, but this is a privilege only for the people who were sinners before and was saved ( seeing their own testimony )
  • Peter sermon was 1 and half minutes

Acts 10:38
New King James Version (NKJV)

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Acts 10:43-48
New King James Version (NKJV)

43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

  • As soon as Peter was preaching above verse, Holy Spirit fell.

Acts 11:1-18
New King James Version (NKJV)

Peter Defends God’s Grace

11 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.

Peter says about Paul

  • Peter says it’s hard to understand
  • Peter said what Paul writes are The scriptures
  • Peter calls Paul, beloved

2 Peter 3:16
New King James Version (NKJV)

16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:15
New King James Version (NKJV)

15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

One word is what you want

  • One Word is what you want for healing
  • One Word is what you want for health
  • One Word is what you want for redemption
  • One Word is what you want for restoration
  • One Word is what you want for prosperity
  • One Word is what you want for provision
  • One Word is what you want for Shalom

Faith is drawing the Fullness of Christ

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic

Luke 5:17-26
New King James Version (NKJV)

17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.

20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?

22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”

  • as He was teaching : active indicative tense in Greek. While was continually preaching
  • And the power of the Lord was present to heal them : the power of the Lord is in active indicative tense in Greek, actively the power of the Lord was delivered to ALL of them to heal them
  • “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” : Pharisees trying to keep God in heaven and people apart, that Pharisees could be in-between them and increase their own requirements/value
  • power on earth to forgive sins : When Jesus told power on earth, it was contradiction to Pharisees as they thought God can only be in heaven and heal from heaven.
  • Son of Man : Jesus became Son of Man to make us the sons of God
  • Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?

His Fullness

The Word Becomes Flesh

John 1:14-16
New King James Version (NKJV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”

16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

Drawing His fullness

  • When we behold Jesus, we get transformed from glory to glory.
  • Realizing that we are empty and drawing from His fullness makes him refreshed
  • Jesus was refreshed near the well when He ministered to the woman
  • Drawing His fullness on to our emptiness is faith.

Bartimaeus blind near Jericho

  • Bartimaeus (in original language means “Son of Timaeus”), Blind man
  • Even though he is blind he discerned that Jesus is the one who God spoke in the garden of Eden “the Seed of the women will crush the serpants head”, God told to Abraham “in your Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” and to David God told “a Seed will arise from your line, and His throne will no more end and His government will no more cease”
  • Bartimaeus discerns His fullness
    • It’s not with physical eyes
  • He shouted “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me”, but disciples stopped him shouting.
  • Joshua prayed “let the sun stand still and moon”, verified by scientists, long day
  • Same God stopped and turned when the blind man called him, somebody understood His fullness
  • Jesus healed him
  • Children brought to Jesus, disciples stopped them
  • Bring Children to the fullness
  • To behold his grace is to behold his glory
  • Righteousness is contagious in New Testament
  • Jesus touched the lepour
  • Jehosepheth, “His Grace endured for ever” God fought with his enemies
  • Baraka valley, valley of blessing.
  • When song is about his Grace, you will be living in the valley of blessing
  • Your trouble might be bigger, but if you praise for His grace endures forever, everything will be solved. For the battle is Gods
  • He came to the house of levi
  • He came to the house of martha and marry
  • He invited him to the house of zakeus
  • Always leaving a blessing behind

David knew the secret

  • Psalsm 117 what will i render to the lord for all the benefits for the Lord has given me
  •  “I will take the cup of salvation”, David says in the next verse
  • How you say thank you to the Lord, by taking some more from Him

Supply was greater than the demand

Women in Debt

  • Husband died, Debtor came to take her children away
  • Asked help from the man of God
  • Get more vessels
  • They got more vessels
  • Pored oil, until vessels full
  • one of the son said “Thats all we borrowed”
  • Supply was greater than the demand
  • God never stopped filling
  • They stopped

Jesus multiplying loaves and Fishes

  • Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes , gave to the People as much as they would.
  • The moment they are full, the supply stopped.
  • When the supply stopped, 12 basket full left over

Transformation on Beholding Jesus

Beholding Jesus Transforms us

2 Corinthians 3:18
New King James Version (NKJV)

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

When Peter Behold (seeing) Jesus

Being Supernatural

As long as Peter Behold Jesus, Peter was walking in the water

Matthew 14:22-33
New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Walks on the Sea

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

When Peter saw the wind

Being Natural

  • when he saw that the wind
    • Peter was afraid
    • Peter begun to sink

 When Peter saw his circumstances, taking away his eyes from Jesus, He started sinking

Becoming a Pillar in the Church

House of Solomon

1 Kings 6:7
New King James Version (NKJV)

7 And the temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

  • There was no human effort.

Living Stone

1 Peter 2:4-10
New International Version (NIV)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and,

“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

  • Jesus is the chosen and precious corner stone.

What is living stone?

Shaped stone, brought out of darkness, made for a purpose.

  • We became living stone through Christ
  • We were in darkness before making us as a living stone
  • Jesus brought us out of darkness

I will make him a pillar

Revelation 3:12
New King James Version (NKJV)

12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Bronze pillars cast in clay moulds

We are moulded to be more precious

1 Kings 7:9-12
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 All these were of costly stones cut to size, trimmed with saws, inside and out, from the foundation to the eaves, and also on the outside to the great court. 10 The foundation was of costly stones, large stones, some ten cubits and some eight cubits. 11 And above were costly stones, hewn to size, and cedar wood. 12 The great court was enclosed with three rows of hewn stones and a row of cedar beams. So were the inner court of the house of the Lord and the vestibule of the temple.

1 Kings 7:21
New King James Version (NKJV)

21 Then he set up the pillars by the vestibule of the temple; he set up the pillar on the right and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the left and called its name Boaz.

1 Kings 7:45-47
New King James Version (NKJV)

45 the pots, the shovels, and the bowls.

All these articles which Huram made for King Solomon for the house of the Lord were of burnished bronze. 46 In the plain of Jordan the king had them cast in clay molds, between Succoth and Zaretan. 47 And Solomon did not weigh all the articles, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

  • Bronze pillars cast in clay moulds
    • Clay represents earthen vessel.
    • God uses people to cut all the rough places
    • Especially when you are married
  • All people are not stones
  • Some people become pillars of bronze.
  • Eg: more you mould gold, it would become more pure and it will become more costly. ( scum comes out when it’s in high heat )
  • Pillar is not for everybody
  • God wants to make you the vessel of honour

Vessel of Honour

2 Timothy 2:20-21
New King James Version (NKJV)

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Romans 9:21-23
New King James Version (NKJV)

21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory,

Paul mentioned some pillars

Galatians 2:9
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

The real beauty

Gold

Song of Solomon 5:11
New King James Version (NKJV)

11 His head is like the finest gold;
His locks are wavy,
And black as a raven.

Song of Solomon 5:14-15
New King James Version (NKJV)

14 His hands are rods of gold
Set with beryl.
His body is carved ivory
Inlaid with sapphires.
15 His legs are pillars of marble
Set on bases of fine gold.
His countenance is like Lebanon,
Excellent as the cedars.

Eyes of Jesus

Song of Solomon 4:1
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Bridegroom Praises the Bride
The Beloved

4 Behold, you are fair, my love!
Behold, you are fair!
You have dove’s eyes behind your veil.
Your hair is like a flock of goats,
Going down from Mount Gilead.

Story of Peter

  • Andrew and John were disciples of John the Baptist
  • John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
  • The two disciples heard John the Baptist speak, and they followed Jesus
  • Andrew found where Jesus dwelt
  • Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother said to him, “We have found the Messiah
  • Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus
  • Jesus looked at Simon, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas

The Lamb of God

John 1:29
New King James Version (NKJV)

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:35-42
New King James Version (NKJV)

The First Disciples

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

  • Cephas is aramaic for Stone ( stone also called rock )
  • Cephar in English, ( Peter )
  • Simon means Hearing
  • Peter was converted but not consecrated ( It is Possible for anyone to be converted but not consecrated )

Cast out your NetS

Jesus cultivated Peter

  • Crowd pressed Jesus

Where the word of God was preached, people would press to hear

  • There were two boats
  • Jesus stepped in to the one which belongs to Simon
  • Jesus told Peter to let down the NetS ( Plural )

Jesus is setting us up to bless us, if Jesus asks for a favour

  • Peter cast out his NET ( Singular )
  • Good food all in the word of God
  • Jesus is the bread of life
  • Eat the bread of life and get nourished
  • Bread outside is not going to help you
  • Bread inside is going to help you.
  • Making of Bread
    • Broken, Crushed, Smashed, burned
    • Jesus was broken, crushes, smashed, burned
    • Jesus gave His body for us to eat and be nourished

Goodness of God leads us to repentance.

Jesus went in to Peter’s House

  • Right after the synagogue experience
  • After some days
  • Jesus went right in to Peter’s House
  • Peter’s mother in law was sick
  • Jesus rebuked the fever
    • Fever is not from God
    • Rebuke Fever
  • Peters Mother in law and Wife could have been made satisfied of Peter going with Jesus, because of this incident.

Jesus walking on water

  • Jesus would have send the disciples first, then He left the multitude and He walked up in the mountain
    • Picture of Jesus being in the Fathers right hand.
    • This happened after Jesus fed 5000 men and women and children.
    • This happened after the People wanted Him to be the king. So He departed from them.
      • Jesus came to save us
  • Jesus would have seen from the top of mountain, that they have travelled only 3 miles because of the boisterous wind.
  • Distance of travel = 10 miles
  • After 9 Hours, the Disciples have travelled only 3 miles because of the boisterous winds
  • 4’th watch is the darkest hour ( 3 am to 6 am )
    • Jesus will come and help you in the darkest hour
  • Lake of Galilee is the lowest lake on earth
    • Jesus will come and help you when you are the lowest place
  • As long as Peter behold Jesus, He was above waters, supernaturally
    • We could be supernatural not because of what we have done, what we have prayed, what we have fasted, how much we have prayed, how much we have fasted…………… It’s all about beholding Jesus.
  • While walking in water, Peter might not be even near Jesus, but as soon as Peter started sinking inside water, Jesus immediately hold his hands.
    • If Peter would have been near Jesus, Peter would have tried holding on to Jesus
    • But Peter could be a bit far, So Jesus has to come near Peter in an instance of a second, because sinking in water could be a second. ( It wont take 1 min to sink. Sinking inside water is instant as you could see when you throw a stone inside water )
    • It’s not about us holding on to Jesus with our weak hands
    • It’s about Jesus holding us with His strong hands.
  • Jesus taught Peter step by step.
  • As soon as Jesus stepped in to the boat, Immediately the boat reached the shore.
    • Around 7 Miles covered in an instant.
    • Teleportation in Jesus time

The Lord rides the flood, by Psalmist

Psalm 66:12
New King James Version (NKJV)

12 You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Psalm 29:10
New King James Version (NKJV)

10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the Lord sits as King forever.

At the foot of Mount of Transfiguration

Matthew 16:13-23
New King James Version (NKJV)

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[a] in heaven.”

20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Mark 8:32-33
New King James Version (NKJV)

32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

  • He had turned around and looked at His disciples : meant to say, if I don’t die for your sins, how to save these disciples?
  • Jesus could step into heaven at any time, as he fulfilled Exodus 20. But Jesus died for us to save us

Mount of Transfiguration

Matthew 17:3-8
New King James Version (NKJV)

3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

  • While he was still speaking implies, God was not pleased on what Peter said ( Keeping Moses (Law) , Elijah (Prophet), and Jesus on the same ground )
  • “Hear Him!”, not them
  • Jesus first words after that “Arise, and do not be afraid”
  • When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Luke 22:31-34
New King James Version (NKJV)

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”

34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

  • I have prayed for you : Jesus praying for us, seated in the right hand before anything could happen
  • Your faith should not fail : Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith should not fail. He would have failed, but his faith didn’t
  • Returned to Me, strengthen your brethren : Jesus Prophesying about Peter’s return and strengthening his brethren
  • Then Peter proved his self righteousness on the next verse

 

Luke 22:54-61
New King James Version (NKJV)

Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”

57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”

58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.”

But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”

59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

  • Looked with Jesus eyes, doves eyes
  • I believe Jesus would have seen him not to provoke his mistake, but to still hold on to his faith, returning to Him and to Strengthen His brethren.

Matthew 27:26-29
New Living Translation (NLT)

26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!”

Mark 16:5-7
New King James Version (NKJV)

5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

  • Peter might be crying in a corner

Luke 24:34
New King James Version (NKJV)

34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

John 21:6-7
New King James Version (NKJV)

6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

John 21:9-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

Jesus Restores Peter

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

  • First two “love” word of Jesus is “Agape”
  • Third “love” word of Jesus is “Philia”
  • All three “love” word of Peter is “Philia”
  • Jesus came down to the level of Peter
  • First Jesus feed Jesus then Jesus told Peter to Feed His sheep
  • Jesus first feeds us then he tells us to feed others
  • Jesus won’t let us do something before giving us the ability

Peter Preaches

  • 3000 People saved on the day of pentecostal
  • He was so bold after knowing the love of Christ ( He preached to the people whom he denied before, that He don’t know Jesus )
  • Finally he started feeding His sheep, strengthening his brethren
  • Jesus choose the one who betrayed Him for feeding His sheep. Where sin abounds Grace abounds much more.

Becoming a Pillar

  • Jesus is same yesterday, today and forever.
  • Allow yourself to be cultivated
  • Sometimes its through correction
  • Sometimes it comes through the mouth of some one,  your friends, colleagues, spouse, and even from enemies.
  • If you fall, Jesus is there to pick you up, and He will say “when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren”.

 

Labour not to be rich

Proverbs 23:4-5
King James Version (KJV)

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Do not overwork to be rich

Proverbs 23:4-5
New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!
5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

What is of your own understanding?

Overworking

What she heard about Jesus?

What, the women with the issue of blood heard about Jesus?

Mark 5:27-29
New King James Version (NKJV)

27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

What she heard?

  • Whatever she heard could be a testimonial.
    • Something good about Jesus, which increased her faith.
  • That small faith made her to come behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.
  • She was instantly healed of the affliction.

The more and more you hear about the Goodness of Jesus, you will start receiving healing.