WE WILL BE CHANGED FROM MORTAL TO IMMORTAL

PROCLAMATION

“… We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed … When the perishable has been clothed with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ”  1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter discussing the resurrection of Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)  Then he discusses the resurrection of the believers who had died. (1 Corinthians 15:12-34)  Afterwards he transitions to a discussion on the resurrected body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)  It is during this discourse that he states that believers will be changed.  When Christ returns, we will change from being perishable to imperishable, and from being mortal to immortal.  This will be done in the twinkling of an eye. 

 

APPLICATION

Some of us will be alive when Christ returns, but dead or alive we will all be changed.  Our earthly bodies are not fit to be in His presence or in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 15:50)  Our human bodies are frail, corrupt, and perishable.  Age, disease, and death cause our bodies to deteriorate.  All believers will be changed from that which is perishable to that which is imperishable.  When He returns, the dead in Christ will rise first and then we who are alive at that time will join them. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)  Our earthly bodies will be transformed into immortal bodies which will be recognizable to others (Luke 16:22-23) but will be different like the angels. (Matthew 22:30)  So, let us all keep the faith and keep on working for The Lord knowing that He will remember our good works. (Hebrews 6:10)  Our labor for Him will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)  We have the victory over death through our Lord Jesus, The Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  To God be the glory!!!

 

THE LORD GOD GIVE US THE VICTORY

PROCLAMATION

“… The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.”  2 Samuel 8:6 and 8:14 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After David had established Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom and brought the ark of God there, (2 Samuel 6:16-17) David consolidated and expanded his kingdom.  He defeated all of Israel’s old enemies and enlarged Israel’s borders.  He defeated the Philistines on the west extending Israel to the Mediterranean Sea. (2 Samuel 8:1)  He defeated the Moabites on the east extending Israel beyond the Salt Sea. (2 Samuel 8:2)  He defeated the Arameans of Damascus to the north, (2 Samuel 8:5-6) and the Edomites on the south. (2 Samuel 8:13)  David doubled the size of Israel (according to Baker’s Bible Atlas) and those that he did not kill became his servants.

APPLICATION

It has been said that the more that we do for The Lord God, the more the devil will attack us.  As we get more involved with kingdom building efforts here on earth, and as we do more to spread The Word of God, to enlarge our territory and influence in the name of Jesus, we should expect to encounter more resistance and obstacles to block us.  However, if The Lord God is with us, then who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)  While we may not be fighting military battles as David did but, with The Lord God on our side, we are more than conquerors of our earthly enemies. (Romans 8:37)  For He has already given us the victory over our enemies in this world. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  He said that He would never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  Besides, some of the battles which we are involved in are not ours to fight, they are His. (2 Chronicles 20:15 and 32:8)  All we have to do is to put on the whole armor of God, so that we can withstand the attacks of the devil, (Ephesians 6:11-18) and just stand and behold the glory of The Lord.

GOING FORTH FROM VICTORY TO VICTORY

Proclamation:

“These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of Arabah … thirty-one kings in all.”  Joshua 12:1-24 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of God which were written by Joshua under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this twelfth chapter, Joshua records the kings, and the land over which they reigned, which the Israelites were victorious over. (Joshua 12:7-24)  Beginning with Jericho, Joshua and the Israelites were victorious over the kings of thirty-one lands. (Joshua 12:24)  As the Israelites conquered these lands in succession, they went from victory to victory.

Application:

It is easy for us to be negative and to focus upon the bad times, and upon our losses.  However, some of our losses were to teach us a lesson, (2 Corinthians 12:7) or they were our punishment for our disobedience. (Joshua 7:2-5 and 7:12)  The Lord God has promised us the victory through Jesus, The Christ. (1 Corinthian 15:57)  All we have to do is believe in Him and obey His Holy Word, and we will be victorious.  When The Lord God is with us, our enemies will not be able to stand against us. (Joshua 1:5)  He will fight our battles for us. (2 Chronicles 32:8)  If The Lord God is with us, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)  We will be victorious if we do all things His way.  If we believe and pray; trust and have faith in Him; read, study and live The Holy Word, then we will enjoy victory after victory, in this life and the next one.  The Lord God is omnipotent!  He already has the victory. (1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 98:1 and Isaiah 25:8) As believers we are born again, and whatsoever is born of God can overcome the world, and that is the victory. (1 John 5:4)

I WILL MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET

05-19-17

I WILL MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET

Proclamation:

“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’”  Psalm 110:1 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  This messianic psalm begins with God, The Father, talking to God, The Son.  This is confirmed by Jesus, The Christ, when He spoke to the Pharisees (Matthew 22:41-45) and by the apostle Peter speaking on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:32-35)  David referred to Jesus, The Christ, as “my Lord” and “The Lord” as God.  Jesus is the only one to sit at the right hand of God.  This sets forth the deity of Christ.

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, had many enemies and included among them are all of the enemies of His people.  Some of them have already been conquered, like sin, Satan, and the world, but there are others which remain to be conquered like the antichrist.  All of the kings of the earth will bow down to Him as The King of kings.  When the time comes, He will judge all nations and all people. (Psalm 110:6)  This will be to the joy of all believers and to the chagrin of everyone else.  That is when we will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

REJOICE AND PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS STRENGTH AND POWER

Proclamation:

“Be exalted in Your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise Your might.” Psalm 21:13 (NIV)

Explanation:

This psalm is a song which was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David to be sung by the people after he was victorious in battle.  This is the companion song along with Psalm 20 that was part of the prayer and praise that the people did for their king before (Psalm 20) and after (Psalm 21) the victory in the holy wars.  This is a psalm of thanksgiving and celebration for The Lord God answering their prayer for the victory.  This psalm begins by finding joy and rejoicing in the strength of The Lord and it ends with the people singing, praising, and exalting The Lord because of His strength and power.  It also addresses and anticipates future victories. (Psalm 21:8)

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, said that all power in heaven and in earth was given to Him. (Matthew 28:18)  As believers we know that The Lord God is omnipotent.  He said things that are impossible for men are possible with God, for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)  Given all that He has created and all that He has done, including all that He has done for us, we ought to also sing and shout praises to Him and exalt His holy and righteous name.  For those whom we pray for, afterwards we should also pray and give God thanks for working things out for them and for giving them the victory.   

WE HAVE THE VICTORY

Proclamation:

"But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of The Apostle Paul written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Corinth.  Paul was encouraging them to stand strong and be unmovable with respect to their faith in The Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)  He told them that not only would they have the victory in this life but they would also have the victory over death. (1 Corinthians 5:54)

Application:

As believers we already have the victory.  Some of us act like we don't know that yet.  It doesn't matter what it is that we are dealing with, we've already won!!!  The God that is within us has already defeated the world, the devil, and death.  When He rose from the grave He said, “All power in given to Me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18)  With Him we are victorious conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  So, it does not matter what it is that we are going through, things will work out for our benefit. (Romans 8:28)  We may have to suffer for a while, and even cry, but in the end we will win, our joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)

The Christian Race Is Difficult To Run

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

The unknown author wrote of these Holy Spirit inspired words to the believers that were scattered about after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, during the time when they were being persecuted for believing.  They were encouraged to lay aside any and every thing which hindered, impede, or encumber them, the sinful and non-sinful things.  They were told to persevere and endure, and continue with determination to run the race and finish the course which God has set before them in a Christ-like manner.

To go through life following Christian principals is demanding and difficult, and it requires discipline and determination.  The race which we run is not a short sprint, it is a long marathon.  
The Christian walk is surrounded by temptations to distract and derail us.  The way is full of trials and tribulations which must be negotiated like hurdles that seemingly block our path, or cause us to stumble.  Though the storms of life may throw water in our faces and make our footing difficult, and though the strong winds may push against us and make our progress difficult, if we keep our eyes and our mind on Christ and press on, for with His help we will be victorious. (Romans 8:37 and Philippians 3:14)

Stand Up And Face Your Giants

"David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of The LORD Almighty, The God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day The LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head..."  1 Samuel 17:45-46 (NIV)

The Bible Book of First Samuel, in chapter seventeen, records the account of David as a young man when he faced the giant named Goliath, the Philistine.  The armies of the Philistines and the armies of Israel were prepared for battle. (1 Samuel 17:1-3)  Goliath, the champion of the Philistines was a giant. (1 Samuel 17:4)  He approached the armies of Israel and told them to send out one man to fight him.  He said that if that man defeated him, his people would serve Israel, but if he defeated that man, then Israel would serve the Philistines. (1 Samuel 17:8-10)  David had only come to the camp of the army to bring food to his three brothers, who were in the army, and to inquire about their status for his father. (1 Samuel 17:17-18)  David heard Goliath's disrespectful challenge to the army of Israel and was upset. (1 Samuel 17:26)  David said that he would fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32)  He refused to wear King Saul's armor, (1 Samuel 17:38-39), and he took five smooth stones and his sling as a weapon. (1 Samuel 17:40)  With the help of The Lord God, David defeated Goliath with one stone from his sling, then he cut off Goliath's head with his own sword. (1 Samuel 17:48-51)

David knew that The Lord God was with him when he fought the lion and the bear, and he knew that He would be with him against Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:34-37)  David faced his giant in the name of The Lord God Almighty, and he did it without fear.  He knew that God would be with him.  David stood up for God and faced the giant.  We also need to stand up for The Lord and His righteousness, even when we stand alone.  God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)  We are to be victorious conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  When we stand up for that which is Godly and right, The Lord God will help us. (Psalms 94:16-17)  He will fight our battles for us. (Deuteronomy 28:7, 2 Chronicles 20:15 and 20:17)  We must not only stand up, but we must speak up.  It is not good to keep silent when we should speak up for The Lord. (Psalms 39:2-3)  If we will not speak up for Him, He will not speak up for us. (Matthew 10:33)

We Are More Than Conquerors

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  Romans 8:35-37 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul wanted the Christians in Rome to know that they already had the victory.  They were more than just mere conquerors over whatever, they were special because of the love of God.  Nothing could separate them for the love of God. 

We need to understand that as Christians, the same applies to us today.  We may go through trouble and hardship, but in the end will conquer it, whatever it is, because we are in Christ and He is in us, and He has already conquered the world and everything in it.  If we truly believe in Him, then nothing can separate us from the love of God.  No matter what the world or the devil throws at us, we will defeat it and be victorious.  Because of Jesus The Christ, and His love for us, we are more than conquerors.

God Enlightens Rewards And Protects Us

"For The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones."  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

King Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, (1 Kings 4:29-34), states that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to those that He chooses, and He rewards, guards, and protects them.

There are many blessings that are given to us for being a child of God.  While we do not all get the same exact blessings, we are all enlightened, rewarded, and protected as He sees is fitting for us.  As we demonstrate that we will do the right thing with the blessings that we have received, then we will be blessed with more.  (Matthew 25:21 & 23) 

Thank God For The Victories And The Blessings

"O Lord, the king rejoices in Your strength. How great is his joy in the victories You give! You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked You for life, and You gave it to him, length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories You gave, his glory is great; You have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely You have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence." Psalm 21:1-6 (NIV)

While Psalm 20 was a song of praise before the battle, Psalm 21 is a song of thanks and praise after the victory has been won. Here, according to John MacArthur, King David offers a celebration after a battle, a thanksgiving for victory. We see his prayer and praise to God, both before and after battle, because it is God who grants the victory.

Each day of our lives we are at war with the devil. In this war there are many battles as we are attacked on all sides. The war is not over but we know how this war ends, Jesus has already defeated Satan and we have the victory. However, we need to thank God for each of the victories over every attack that we faced. No matter how small or large the battle, we need to pray and praise God for the victory, beforehand and afterwards. This test is not about the attacks, the battles, the storms, or whatever temptations, trials, or tribulations that we face. This is about our prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God for our daily victories and blessings.

My Prayer For You Today

"May The Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May He remember all your sacrifices ... May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May The Lord grant all your requests." Psalms 20:1-5 (NIV)

This Psalm of David is a ceremonial song that was sung before a battle. According to John MacArthur it offered a prayer, confirmed their confidence in God, and reaffirmed their dependence upon God.

As we are in a battle with the devil today this seems appropriate for us now. I know that Satan is attacking you, so I pray that The Lord will answer you in your distress, and protect you from all hurt, harm, and danger. I pray that He will remember all of your previous and current sacrifices, and that He will grant you the desires of your heart. Know that I will be happy for you and will shout for joy with you when you are victorious.

We Have The Victory

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

We already have the victory, but some of us act like we don't know it yet. It doesn't matter what it is that we are dealing with, we've already won!!!

Greater Is He That Is In You

"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." 1 John 4:4

Christian need to be aware of and alert to false teaching where ever it occurs, from pulpits, TV, radio, the internet, or personal contact. There is no need to be afraid because the indwelling of The Holy Spirit and the reading of The Word of God will lead us to sound doctrine. Protection from and victory over Satan's hosts and their perversions is guaranteed because He that is within you has already overcome the world and the devil that rules it.

The Bible is our sword and shield in this war that we have already won because God fought it for us and was victorious.

Be Not Afraid

Jesus said, "... Be not afraid, only believe." Mark 5:36

Here Jesus urged a ruler of the synagogue to maintain his faith, to keep on believing. We need to do likewise. When faced with a helpless situation, don't fret, have faith, and keep on believing.

Our faith can do a lot for us. According to the Rev Dr J Benjamin Hardwick, faith:
dissolves doubt; dispels dread; disarms defeat; destroys death.

Our faith gives us the victory over every challenge. All things are possible if we only believe. Mark 9:23

When Your Faith Faces Giants

Walking this Christian walk and fighting these daily battles with the enemy, occasionally we all face situations in life that seem to be overwhelming. Dr. Julius Scruggs, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc., preached a sermon recently which offered some pointers on what to do 'when your faith faces giants.'

Don't develop "giant phobia", do as David when he faced Goliath. (Read 1 Samuel 17:2-51) Remember that God was with you, strengthened you, and made you victorious in your previous battles with the lion and the bear. (17:34-36) Don't pretend to be someone else, use what God has given you to work for His glory. (17:38-40) Stay in The Word and do what you do in the name of The Lord. (17:45-46)

The battle is not ours, God will give us the victory, if we give Him the glory.