The Carnal Church. . .and the Spiritual    Introduction    We were all born with a sinful, selfish, carnal nature, thanks to Adam's original sin.  Our interests included love of money (for self), lust for sexual pleasures (for self), love of strife, fightings, wielding of power over others less fortunate than our(selves), etc.  In God's terms this is called the natural man.    Our Holy and Righteous Creator knows our bodily and spiritual state at all times and we are rewarded according to that state:  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.  (Proverbs 20:27) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.  (Proverbs 21:2-4) The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.  (Proverbs 21:10-12)   When we become reborn of the Spirit of God all this changes because we have very happily given our everlasting persons over to our Creator to look after, knowing that He shall do this exceedingly well, encouraging us to do the right thing, manifesting His presence as we go about trying to live a life in obedience to Him our King.    And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.  (Luke 22:22-27)   Because our minds and wills, that part of us which is separate from our flesh; that everlasting part that we have given to God, still control our bodies, we learn to use these souls of ours to the pleasing of our Creator, and to use our bodies in submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  For example, we two old people sometimes drive 300 kilometres to a church on a Sunday. Our bodies are obedient to our wills even though the bodies may protest.  Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.  (Proverbs 6:30-32) But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.  (1 Corinthians 6:6-20)   Bearing in mind that these present bodies are merely temporary receptacles for use in this present world, surely then we must use the time allowed to the best advantage before we move on to our ultimate destination.  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.  (1 Chronicles 29:13-15) *To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.* I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.  (Psalms 39:1-13) For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.  (Psalms 78:39) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.  (Hebrews 11:13-16) And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  (1 Peter 1:17)   When born again of the Loving Holy Spirit, realise, accept, that the heavenly Power of Almighty God is inside our bodies, ready to help direct our souls, our hearts, on the Way to the presence of God.  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  (1 Peter 4:1-2) Please realise how this Scripture implies the relative unimportance of our lives as we know them in the scheme of God's almighty purpose.  Also, that our Creator made it so that we have to choose the path to follow; that of obedience to His righteousness and holiness, or rejection to the lusts of the world, which is under the control of Satan.    We must understand the reality of the choice we have, of either being with Him one day, or being with the devil - for eternity.  Here is proof of the reality of our temporary lives. If we choose to be with our God we shall each need to know the laws of His Kingdom before the time of departure and follow them:  GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  (Psalms 119:17-22) Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7)   Some Pastors and teachers maintain that once we accept the Lordship of Jesus and give our souls to Him, He forgives all sin, past, present and future. They do not take into account the proviso that this is in fact so if we attempt to live holy lives. As we shall see, our works shall be tested as by fire, on that day and we shall suffer loss.    The person of the Holy Spirit is actually inside every born again believer and His loving guidance is available to everyone of us.  Every born again believer can have a person to person relationship with God, and furthermore, God has left the option open to each of us as to whether we want such a relationship or not.  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  (1 John 3:18-22)   If we want to use it, Jesus Christ has provided us with all Spiritual power to overcome anything that the spiritual enemy can lay in our way.  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  (1 John 4:4-6)   God is perfect and that perfectness shines through in all our dealings with Him.  There is only one God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit.    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Some of God's creation aspire to be as powerful as Him, and as a result are at war with Him.  Some, though the knowledge of Him is included in their being, resist His call to holy and righteous living and spurn His offer of salvation.  Some recognise Him as being there to serve them. The Holy Spirit is their servant God.  Some want to be blessed, but want to do it "My Way".  Some recognise who He is and aspire to be blessed by being in His perfect Presence.    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Some who profess to be reborn spend much of their leisure time in front of a TV set and are thereby entertained. If you are one such, ask yourself what is being entertained, my body or my soul?  According to the answer, will Jesus be happy with what you are doing?  Is it important anyway?  Is your body the temple of the Living God?    **************   For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  (Romans 8:5-8)   The Carnal Church     Here is that passage of Scripture once again that the whole of the Christian faith pivots around; The words of Jesus:  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  (John 14:21)   The other side of the coin will read: "He that does not have my commandments and does not keep them, he it is who does not love me, and he that does not love me will not be loved of my Father, and I will not love him and will not manifest myself to him."  If you do not agree with this, sit down and contemplate on why not - and the implications if you are wrong.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  (Romans 6:16)   Many of us, when we see the word commandment, think of the ten in the Old Covenant. Thou shalt not. .....  That they still apply we cannot doubt: And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.  (Luke 16:15-18) However, there is a great difference between how they are applied; in the Old Covenant by today's Jews, and the New Covenant by today's reborn Christians.  Jesus Himself shows us the difference: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  (John 3:17) He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.  (John 3:31-35)   Without going into this in detail, let's look at the example of sexual sin.  In the Old Covenant, if two persons were caught in adultery or fornication they were stoned to death - to stop impurity in the nation of the Children of Israel. A worldly body was destroyed in a worldly nation and the reason was the fear of what God could do to that nation (see Exodus 19 and 20). A Commandment of condemnation.  In the New Covenant Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, which is a Spiritual Kingdom.  We see that a person must be reborn of the Spirit of God before he or she can enter into that Spiritual Kingdom:  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  (John 3:5-8) Does this not therefore imply that the judgement of sexual sin (against the worldly body) shall take place in the Kingdom of God?  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (Revelation 20:11-12)   We see also that the way of punishing adulterers or fornicators in the New Covenant churches were different:  It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.  (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) They were of a Spiritual nature so that the eternal soul could be saved.    So we understand that the obeying of the commandments in the New Covenant is a matter of conviction, of conscience; doing so out of love, respect and awe towards the Perfect God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Also, resisting the disobeying of God's will is easier because of the power of the Spiritual Kingdom, of which we are a citizen, and which we can call upon.    Further on the subject of keeping commandments, here is the other Scripture of what Jesus says:  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 5:17-19) We see in the New Covenant, which only became valid after Jesus was killed on our behalf and rose from the dead, thereby destroying Satan's power over mankind, that the words of Jesus are more fully understood:  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;  (1 Corinthians 3:10-21) We see here that Paul is describing works - things that we do for our King while in Satan's kingdom, for the purpose of bringing in the harvest of souls. Yes, you and I are called upon to do so! A Commandment.    Works - what does this mean? Our day to day living, whether at work or play or merely relaxing. It is what we think and how we react to temptations, stresses, other peoples problems and joy. God's commandments (what brings Him joy) are hidden in the way we each choose to live. In the test of time, the worldly deeds will be Spiritually burned away and His commandments shall remain. These are likened to the gold, silver and precious stones mentioned in verse twelve.    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.  (1 Corinthians 4:5)   James explains it further: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  (James 1:12-27) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  (James 2:1-26) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  (James 3:8-18)   Do you want eleven rewards one day; or perhaps five, or will you be happy without any? (Luke 19:11-27)    If you are now convinced that living a holy life is the only way to go, have a look around you in your church and look into the lives of the most "important" people there, including the Pastor or "Predikant", bearing in mind that a spring cannot deliver both clean and unclean water:  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.  (Matthew 7:15-27) For example, if one of the persons in your church, who might even be a deacon, or who "speaks in tongues", has a foul mouth or can discuss the doings of the latest TV "Soapie", he has unknowingly been placed in the church by his boss who is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:1-4).    You see, the commandments of Jesus are not according to the law, but according to the heart of every believer. We don't obey the commandments of God because of the punishment for disobedience, but we obey from the heart, from our souls, in thankfulness because we each realise our weaknesses and God's strength and lovingkindness:  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  (Romans 6:17-18)   This is part of a letter of guidance from the apostle Paul to one of his pastors:  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (2 Timothy 3:1-7) If this seems way-out to you, please don't give up, carry on reading to find the Truth that can make you free:  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:32)   I'm sure that this will be familiar happenings among the members of your church:  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.  (1 Corinthians 3:1-23)   The Spiritual Church    There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (Romans 8:1-4)   Here comes the crunch, the way out of being a member of the carnal church.    I must not put I first, I must put Jesus first.   Yea, yea, what does that mean?  Read on and be happy.   Let it be stated that the Spiritual church do not necessarily regularly meet together. We are scattered over the whole earth and may well be separated by worldly circumstances such as geographical isolation. But we recognise one another and are led by the same Spirit.    Firstly, you, your body, is that church. It is the receptacle of your soul. Because you have put Jesus first, He is manifesting himself and His power to you. You go to the Spiritual assembly of believers to share with other believers the power of God working through your lives, using the Gifts that God gives you from time to time, for His glory:  O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,)be ye also enlarged. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  (2 Corinthians 6:11-18)   Secondly, work out your own salvation, don't expect the "leaders" to do so for you.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.  (Philippians 2:5-16)   An extract from a Bible commentary: "Work out your own salvation" means that the entire church was to work together to rid themselves of divisions and discord. The Philippian Christians needed to be especially careful to obey Christ, now that Paul wasn't there to continually remind them about what was right. We too must be careful about how we believe and live, especially when we are on our own. In the absence of cherished Christian leaders, we must focus our attention and devotion even more on Christ so that we won't be side-tracked.  God has not left us alone in our struggles to do His will. He wants to come alongside us and within us to help. He helps us want to obey Him and then gives us the power to do it. The secret to a changed life is to submit to His control and let Him work. (We rest in Him)  To be like Christ, we must condition ourselves to think like Christ. To change our desires to be more like Christ's, we need the power of the indwelling Spirit (1:19), the influence of faithful Christians, obedience to God's word (not just exposure to it), and sacrificial service. Often it is in doing of God's will that we gain the desire for it (see 4:8-9).    Very briefly, because it isn't really part of this teaching, we believe that God is love. See Hebrews 13:5-6 and 1John 4:4-17. This is part of the Covenant that our King made with us when we became reborn of the Spirit. Our souls and our bodies.    The Keys of the Kingdom    When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.  (Matthew 16:13-20)   If we look carefully at the passage (which is in the Authorised version), we see that when speaking to Simon He used the word "thee". All other versions use the word "you". Thee is a singular word meaning "you only". You is a general word and can mean one person or many.  So, Jesus is speaking directly to Simon only in both cases.  Why? Firstly, because Simon was the only one who had answered.  Secondly, and here is the heart of the whole passage; because Simon had been open to the Father in heaven. This is how the keys of the Kingdom are received, by believing that Jesus is the Christ. This is the Rock which shall withstand Satan's kingdom.  Because Simon was the only one who had answered correctly, Jesus pointed him out as an example of who would receive the keys. All who believe that Jesus is the Christ shall receive the keys. All those people individually who believe are the church of Christ.  Not the congregation of a denomination or of a church building.  The church is entirely Spiritual and is made up of the souls of believers.  Jesus confirms this: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:23-24) According to the dictionary: Must: Used to express compulsion, necessity or obligation, conviction.  So, we see that this is a necessity, driven by conviction. In other words a key of the Kingdom.  This is actually a key to the strait gate at the beginning of the Way to heaven. Without this master key we cannot even get started.    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   As a side issue let's deal with binding and loosing and get it out of the equation.  Here's another passage concerning the subject:  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  (Matthew 18:15-20)   The charismatics use these words of Jesus to "bind" unclean spirits who hold people in bondage.  The Pastors of churches, whose followers, "the congregation" meet in a church building believe that these words concern church discipline of unruly or disobedient members. This second passage seems to confirm this but as we shall see, Jesus used this as one example only of what He meant.  Note also that Jesus is in the midst of two or three church goers who are together (are these reborn?). Bear in mind that the disciples were not reborn at this time, they were like many who attend "church" today. See Luke 9:46-50.  But it goes further than this as confirmed by Jesus:  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.  (John 20:19-23) We see here that this binding and loosing only applied after they had received the Holy Spirit, and this because Jesus had consummated the New Covenant on behalf of mankind.    Do you perceive the incredible power that we can be entrusted with? And the privilege and responsibility thereof?    Here's more: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalms 119:89) Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  (James 5:13-15)   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Here is an extract from a previous teaching1 on this web site2 which explains to a certain extent what Jesus meant when He spoke to Simon:  If you receive the keys of the Kingdom of heaven it is only because you are spiritually ready to be entrusted with them, which means that anything that you spiritually bind or loose on earth will be found to have already been empowered from heaven. In other words you will not have been found to have stepped out of line of God's commandments. In other words you have sufficient spiritual knowledge and the faith that goes therewith to accomplish the wishes of your heavenly Father.  Actually, in your obedience, you are following God's Spiritual promptings.  This is what Jesus meant: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.  (Luke 17:20-21)   Okay, so we more or less understand that the keys of the Kingdom are Spiritual powers that overcome the powers of the god of this world who is Satan, who in his own self has great spiritual power in the world.    Let's try and understand what the word "keys" (plural) means.    Obviously the first and biggest one is believe; to have faith that Jesus Christ is who He says He is, and can do through us what He says He can do.  Now, this is where the Bible clearly states that the more we believe, the more obedient to the Commandments we are and the more God can use our willing souls in Satan's kingdom. We become lights in the darkness because we are powered from on high. We are merely the globes; God is the power that turns us on!  We are resting in the power of God, dependent on Him to do a pure work for His glory and Kingdom.  We don't have to do anything for God but serve Him, He does the work!    The glory belongs to God and none of it sticks to us.    The more we rest in Him, the more He can do and the quicker will the harvest come in, which means that the end of this age will come and we will be with Jesus Christ!    Once we understand this wonderful Truth and are willing to be used, God the Holy Spirit starts prompting us as to what to do for Him so that His Kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.  Watch my lips: What the Holy Spirit asks us to do will always be in line with God's word.  And the rewards will always be according to His word.    Okay, so the Holy Spirit is connected to each of our spirits and from time to time tells our souls what we must do, and we tell our bodies to go there and lay hands on someone, or pray for someone, and what that person requested of God comes to pass because the power of God flows directly through us into that person. Supernatural happenings become commonplace because we are willingly controlled by our Wonderful Creator.  Even if God should wish that mountain to be cast into the sea!    This is what Jesus meant by binding and loosing.    There are certain daily, mundane, worldly things that occupy us as we go about earning our daily bread while we remain on this present earth waiting, and these are handled in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 Corinthians 13.  Up to now we have touched on the Truth of what to expect in the Spiritual Church, but how do we go about it, Just waiting for God to Act?  No, we have to initiate it.   Let's see how strong our faith is.   We see that the following passages of Scripture (of God's word!) is at the end of the epistle to the church at Thessalonica and is like a postscript of any letter, in this case an urgent cry to the church (the people who make up the assembly), who like us, have daily mundane worldly things to do:  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  (1 Thessalonians 5:8-15)   Here are some keys to the Kingdom that Paul urges them to use:  Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)   Rejoice, pray, give thanks The word of God says Rejoice always. When? always! Even when things seem to go wrong? Yes.  Even when I am in depression? Yes. Even when I have lost a loved one? Yes.  Even when I learn that I have an incurable disease?? Yes,Yes!!  This is a command of God, not a request. Why? We'll come to that.    Pray without ceasing. This does not mean that it is all we do, we have to eat, but it must become like a habit. It is how we talk with our God, He knows already, but it empowers our Lord to legally enter Satan's kingdom in His righteousness.    Give thanks in everything. When? In everything. Really? Yes. When I have had a motor accident, have lost a limb and the car is a write-off? Yes, man.   This sounds crazy not so? Yes, in worldly terms, but as we see from the passage, it is the will of God in Christ Jesus, so please believe. You are a citizen of heaven (you is your soul!), your King has you under His wing of protection, He allows Satan certain freedom to act against His servants, but this is to strengthen you and I and build patience for real things to come. God wants the best for us, and for Him. Not for our bodies but our everlasting souls.    These three things make up a key of the Kingdom; it's called Praise.  Use this key and God is able to use His supernatural, heavenly power legally in Satan's kingdom.  Satan's world shall be powerless against you when you are obedient to a Greater, to Almighty God, who is real and hears all you say and think.  Satan's demons also hear you praising your God while they are working you over, and they tremble. They have cause to fear.    Please understand and believe: all you and I are doing is praising our King. He is doing the rest.    Hallelujah, time is short.    You will experience miracles, healings and other supernatural happenings and your faith will grow in leaps and bounds.    We also see in the passage certain commandments of mundane things that must become second nature to us.    If you want encouragement that this idea is nothing new, this is what God says:  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  (Ephesians 2:1-10) We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Look with new eyes while studying your Bible and many preconceived ideas will change.    Do you need reassurance that you will not be going overboard without a life jacket?  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)   To have some further questions answered please go back and reread "The Life of Fulfilment"    Even the Old Covenant confirms the above:  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.  (Psalms 27:6-8) He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.  (Proverbs 22:9-11) Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?  (Proverbs 22:17-21)   The following came this morning while I was praising the Lord for His goodness for this new day and for His provision.    Take time out and meditate on this over a few days:  All of us, when this teaching of always praising God first came to the fore, experienced shock, disbelief and unwillingness to pursue the matter in times of adversity. We sincerely believed that we were reborn of the Spirit of God and that we would take part in the rapture of the church. That may be so.  Take another look here:  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  (Colossians 3:1-3) We notice that Paul is telling us something here that we never saw before. Your affection is part of your soul, not your body. You are dead (to the importance of worldly things) and your (everlasting) life is hid with Christ in God (in heaven).  This passage confirms that there are keys to the Kingdom.    Here's that passage again: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  (John 14:21) Do you see it through new eyes?  An example is a bottle of tomato sauce. If we turn the lid round and round without holding fast to the bottle, nothing can come out. We need to work to get the bottle open. If we don't twist the lid in the way directed, we also won't get anything out. We may as well throw the bottle away, it's no good just looking at it.    A chameleon is called a trapsoetjies in Afrikaans - a soft (careful) walker. If you have ever seen one trying to cross a busy road you will know what is meant.  That is what we must be in our day to day walk with God in this world.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 5:6-11)   Living in the bushveld with the bush thirty metres from our cottage, we see many of the denizens of the wild, literally on our doorstep. Ten minutes ago, while writing the above few lines, I heard a commotion outside, and going to the back (stable) door, saw a bush squirrel on top of our low washing area wall, facing the other way, hanging down and scolding something in alarm. More than likely a night adder looking for frogs for breakfast.  We are inclined to forget how close we are to the wild, walking and working in the garden with sandals on, or when in the environs of the house, even bare feet. This is a reminder to walk softly and carefully.  Do you think it pure chance that this happened now, at this particular time? Is it not rather a spiritual message to me and you?  You see, Jesus made a promise that He would manifest Himself to me.  I praised Him for His loving faithfulness.    Do you experience a bone density problem, or a bone deformity problem?  Can you believe that honeycomb is good for the bones?  The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  (Proverbs 16:23-25) Another key, not so. The Bible is full of them - because Jesus loves US.    That was yesterday. Last night and during the hours of darkness I felt oppressed and could not sleep well, knowing that this teaching was not finished, that an example was needed to complete it.    This morning, my eldest son, who is unconverted and does not go to a church phoned to say that his younger daughter, at School, had lost feeling in her limbs, could not communicate and had been rushed to hospital. Would we please pray for her.  At this time, a visitor was with us, but while in converse with my son, the visitor's cell phone rang and he got up and walked outside. We two old people were able to talk to our God without any distractions.  We two held hands and praised God for His goodness and lovingkindness to us and to her and asked Him to heal her.  I know that my heavenly Father heard me.  Hallelujah!    A copy of this teaching shall be given to my son for him to do with as he wishes.    As you can undoubtedly see, there have been an immediate series of progressive spiritual manifestations as a result of a key or two of the Kingdom being utilised.  Should we go to the example of Daniel the prophet we shall see that it was not always so.  I think it correct to say that Daniel was as great a servant of God as the apostle Paul. He also got spiritual things done that affected the worldly.  Let's read about Daniel: Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.  (Daniel 6:10-23) In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.  (Daniel 10:2-14) We notice that there were certain circumstances similar to Saul's meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus, except that Jesus came directly to Saul (Paul), whereas the angel was delayed 21 days in getting to Daniel by spiritual powers of the air (Satan's kingdom).  Today, as we who are reborn praise and worship our loving God as He has directed, receive immediate response. This is done through the Holy Spirit of God who is in direct contact with our souls because He lives in us. Not so?  This has to mean that we can be empowered by God to use His incredible Spiritual Power to overcome Satan and his demons - if we only learn to use it properly.  In faith, we must find more and more keys with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that God can confound and defeat the works of darkness through our presence in the enemy's camp.    Try this for size: And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.  (Luke 6:20-23) See where our reward is? Do you also leap for joy? For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8:24-28) His purpose, not ours.    By the way, don't expect the enemy to be slow to react.    May the Living Loving God bless you as you willingly and joyfully come before Him in humility, seeking His Truth.  My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.  (Proverbs 23:15-16)  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.  (Proverbs 23:26)  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.  (Proverbs 24:11-14)    1 The Life of Fulfilment 2 www.hosanna.org.za