The Behold File » You must be Born Again

What Manner of Love is This?

davidluiz — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:40:54 +0000

Thinking about the story of a man who gave his life for his friends, I’m amazed, and all I can say is what manner of love is this? In my thoughts I consider, there must be something more to this, than just love as we are made to understand by the holy scriptures, i search deep to consider why a man should give his life for his friends; and I wonder in amazement, because no man has ever given that much for any one, and I’m doubt any man would be able to give his life for his friend today.

So he gave himself, for something no other person can give himself to or would give himself to; I believe he saw something he did not want his friends to see, I’m sure he’s sacrifice was not just for the pleasure of love, but for the pain of separation – something his not willing to accept; not just for the fun of it, but for the pain of suffering; no wonder he asked the father, if the cup could pass over him, but the father I believe would have answered, “if you don’t pay this sacrifice who would, let’s do this once and for all and have all we have desired to have – a relationship with man (the creator’s most valuable asset).”

This is a story full of contradictions, the story of Christ’s death on Calvary, a sacrifice he paid for you and for me, that we might be free from all the works of darkness and have life eternal; if the gains for this sacrifice were not so important, I believe he won’t have paid so heavy price. I believe if he didn’t see far ahead, he won’t have gone through this suffering; he paid the prize for our freedom and redemption, he did not owe; he was no sinner, but for our sins he suffered, that through his blood we might receive pardon, and escape the damnation of hell to have a place with him in his glorious kingdom (the future for which he paid heavily). He gave his life, that I might have my life back and you’ll have yours too, to live for him, shining his light to a world in darkness in all our endeavors.

Come to him today, Acknowledge all your wrong doings and accept the truth that he paid heavily for your redemption (yours in particular); Believe that his redemptive work was for your total freedom from all the powers of darkness; Confess your sins and wrong doings and accept him as your Lord and Saviour; then receive power to be victorious over the works of darkness to live in victory through Christ all the days of your life. As you do this I believe you are free from all that has held you bound till now, share of his mercies with all you can and be a light in this dark world. God bless you.

This is the most important step any man can take towards real change, it is a decision I took too, and since I took this decision I have been better for it; I write today on this subject because, it is what has brought me from where I used to be (at the back) to where I am today by his grace, and is taking me to where he wants me to be. Take advantage of the truth you know and take the right steps that will cause a revolution in your community, change starts with you!

hisSTORY Before Time…

davidluiz — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:36:45 +0000

Long before time began,
When emptiness filled the universe
And nothingness, the whole terrain
Lived a man, his son, and his oracle
In the centre of everything and everywhere.

There was also a script,
And in the script was everything
But at its beginning was an evil.
Though the evil was avoidable,
But it must happen
For the script was a prophecy!

The man, his oracle and his son were one.
The man loved his son,
So in the script, he sought for him a bride,
And the bride was the end of the script.
But at the beginning of the script was the evil,
And the evil was a tragedy,
And the tragedy must happen.
But then, the tragedy may last forever
– though it was not meant to –
So that there would be no end,
Hence, no bride.
But the bride was the purpose of the script.

So the man spoke with his oracle in sagely tongue.
The oracle gave a solution,
And this was the only way to end the tragedy:
A sacrifice! The sacrifice of a lamb,
Before the script would begin.

The man, in pain, dropped his head
For the sacrifice was his all,
And his son was his all,
For his son was a lamb – the lamb!
But what the oracle said, must be done.
So, the man took the lamb, his son
And with his blood, put an end to the tragedy,
And purchased a redeemed bride.
But this also was a prophecy
A figure of what was to happen later in time

And this was how it happened.
Then time began, and so the story!
The beginning of which was a verse or more
Before Genesis chapter one and verse one!
- To be continued…

(Jesus is the Lamb of God that was slain even before the foundation of the world. He laid down His life so He could redeem the human race. He shed His blood so you and I could be saved and be reconciled to God. But salvation is a choice. Are you a reader? Please be reconciled to God)

Following the Leadership of The Holy Spirit – 2

davidluiz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:45:00 +0000

In the previous series of this message, we stated various reasons why we need to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. To view the previous post, click here. We will move on in this second series on following the Leadership of the Holy Spirit to talk about the first way by which the Holy Spirit leads his people: the Inner Witness.
“The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16
This form of the leadership of the Holy Spirit is called the Inward Witness because the Holy Spirit confirms a certain truth, step we want to take or direction in which we want to move by giving us peace in our hearts or withdrawing peace from our hearts about the issue. This method of Gods leading is considered as the basic way by which God leads his children because that’s how he confirms in our hearts that we have become his children after we confess Jesus as Lord. Most times, God doesn’t send an angel with a heavenly hymn on his lips or give us a major spiritual experience to assure us that we have become his children, rather, we just have an unshakable knowing in the pit of our stomachs (or in our hearts) that our sins are washed away and that our names are written in the book of life. An illustration of this method of Gods leadership will drive home the point more clearly:
“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” Acts 16:6-7
This passage of scripture gives us a clear example of how the Holy Spirit led Paul and his team as they journeyed from place to place to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although the passage does not specifically mention how the Holy Spirit forbade them from preaching the Word in Asia, we come to get a clearer understanding of what most likely happened in the second verse. It says that they assayed to go to Bithynia; in other words, they were about to go there when the Holy Spirit “suffered them not”. It is worthy of note here that if God uses the Inward Witness to assure us that we have been accepted into his kingdom and that we have become his children, it is also highly certain that he will use this same method to lead his children from day to day in their various activities.
As I round up the second part of this message, I feel the need to refer to the fact that many of us from day to day actually have this inward witness to do certain things (like to take a particular document to the office) without knowing why or seeing the need to, only to realize later in the day that that was the most important thing we needed for the success of the day at work or in school. Such gentle promptings are so easy to ignore yet firm enough to get our attention even for the briefest of moments. The problem is most of us are in too much of a hurry most times to pay attention or to consider what we sense in our hearts; much less to act on it. It is therefore on this note that I urge that we slow down and pay attention to such promptings and see God lead us by the Inward Witness.

Following the Leadership of The Holy Spirit – 1

davidluiz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:30:59 +0000

The issue of following the leadership of the Holy Spirit is one that many Christians desire to understand in greater detail. There are a number of reasons why this is of major importance to the believer; one of which is the fact that our followership with the blessed Third person of the Godhead is our ticket into the world of the supernatural, the miraculous and into a realm of abundance that can defy the harshest of conditions. The bible makes a very daring statement regarding the sons of God.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14
Taking a critical look at this verse of scripture, we come to understand a great truth regarding the family of God. We understand that only those who are led by the Spirit of God or to put it in reverse order, those who follow the Spirit of God; can claim to be the Sons of God (notice it does not refer to the children of God. Different criteria exist for one to be a child of God). It can thus be implied that our ability to follow the Spirit of God, our sensitivity to his leadings and how well we understand how he leads his children is the main determining factor in our becoming his Son.
The scriptures clearly define the difference between one that is referred to as a child of God and one that is referred to as a “Son” of God (note that the term “Son” in this case is not gender specific). The difference between both is their level of maturity.
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:” John 1:11-12.
Taking our cue from the scriptures above, we see that those who received him are noted as different from the “Sons of God” referred to because he gave them the power to become the Sons of God. That power that he gave came through the Holy Spirit; who is the source of all power. So we understand that it is literally impossible to become a Son of God without the Holy Spirit. This among other reasons is because our Son ship is determinant on how well we can follow him.
Having established why we need to follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership, we will go on to look at the three major ways by which the he leads his people in a bid to understand how he leads us. Please check for the second series of this article or click here to continue reading.

Celebration Of Life

davidluiz — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:24:37 +0000

As we come to the end of this Easter break, many thoughts cross my mind regarding its meaning and purpose for the believer. Just to set the records straight, the Easter season is not meant to herald the commencement of spring; even though they fall within the same time frame. Neither is it a celebration created to relieve our hard working citizens from the stress of office work; even though it is also a welcome gift. Without a clear definition of issues, there is the risk of neglecting the true meaning of Easter. The Easter season is the season for the celebration of life, for it was in this season many years ago that our Lord died a most gruesome death on the cross for our sake. Nevertheless, we celebrate not because he died but because he arose from the dead. We have the assurance of scriptures, backed by the eternal integrity of God that because he arose, we also rise with him. This is why the baptism of water is so important. It is a symbol of our death with Jesus Christ and also our resurrection with him.

“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain”1 Corinthians 15:13-14

If indeed Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is of no meaning for we have faith in a dead man who has no power whatsoever to keep his word. Then all our hopes would come crashing down and above all, we would yet be sinners; ignorant sinners I might add.

“Yea and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sin.” 1 Corinthians 15:15-17

The Apostle Paul clearly outlined what it would mean for us as believers IF Jesus had not risen from the dead. We would be “of all men most miserable“. But thank God Jesus is risen!

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-21

Hence, we celebrate in this Easter season because the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the basis for Christianity, for the forgiveness of our sins and for our hope of eternal life. Everything we are rests on that one truth; that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive as King of kings before the throne of God. We are also assured of resurrection from the dead because Jesus rose and will also raise us up on the last day by the same power with which he was raised. Therefore, death has lost its sting and has been swallowed up in the Victory of Jesus.

Grasping a detailed understanding of these truths is the duty of every believer and is the reason why we celebrate Easter; because he arose, we are assured that our sins are indeed forgiven and that when we die, we will only be asleep, pending when he wakes us up again on the last day. This is therefore the celebration of life, liberty and victory!

Please click on the link here to read our poem on the death and ressurection of Jesus. It is titled “Have you Considered?” and poses the question of whether we understand the purpose of his death. Be blessed as we celebrate the life that Jesus has given us.

Debtors To The Spirit

davidluiz — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:22:21 +0000

Many times in life, we come face to face with situations and challenges that seem impossible. We face situations and circumstances in which it seems like the only way out is to take the back door; to lie, cheat, steal or simply do nothing. I have come to realize that in some cases, inaction could be as disastrous as negative decisions. We have often heard people lament about how powerless they are regarding certain weaknesses that they have. They shrug their shoulders; throw their hands in the air and say “I had no chance against it”.

“Therefore, bretheren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14.

Many years ago while in primary school, I misplaced a treasured toy of one of my classmates. After expressing his disappointment in me in very clear terms, he demanded that I pay him the value of this toy of his so he could buy another one. Not wanting to get into a fight with my much muscular classmate, I agreed to pay him a certain amount every day of school till the debt was fully paid off. In much the same way, before we became Christians, we were debtors to the flesh; having to do everything it dictated to us. Simply put, the flesh is any thought pattern or action that does not line up with the thought pattern or desired action God expects of you. So also, when we were not born again, we owed it to the flesh to act, speak and think in the manner it dictated through the various circumstances of life. However, after we became followers of Jesus and got filled with his Spirit, we no longer owed the flesh such allegiance. As Christians, we owe it to the Spirit of God to act, speak and think in the way he dictates; all of which is contained and expressed in his Word.

Returning to my story, I remember school days when I did all I could to avoid this classmate of mine so I could spend my lunch money on food. However, there were also days when I was not so lucky and still ran into him by accident. Once I had completely paid him for his toy; money that he instead used to buy sweets, I no longer owed him. Even though he did try to continue extorting money from me, I made it clear to him that my debt had been paid and I now owed it to myself alone to do whatsoever I pleased with my lunch money. As Christians, we are not debtors to the flesh, to bad habits or actions we know are wrong. Jesus paid the debt on our behalf and so we are free to serve the Lord as the Spirit of God leads. The quoted scripture passage above mentions that to avoid living after the flesh, we must follow the leadings and directions of God’s Spirit.

As I conclude, I feel the need to mention again that we are not debtors to the flesh, to negative thoughts, bad habits and sinful ways. As born again Christians, we have a choice! You can say no to the negative impulses, thoughts and feelings you face from day to day. Being in Christ frees you from your debt and gives you the right to choose to do what God wants. The problem is that many don’t realize this. As you read these last few words, whisper this short prayer to God:

“Father, thank you for paying my debt of sin through Jesus Christ. I believe that I am no longer in bondage to the flesh; to act or speak in ways that don’t please you. I ask you to lead me by your Spirit so I can be your child indeed, in Jesus Name. Amen.“

Who Is The Lord?

davidluiz — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:37:45 +0000

A time comes in the life of every believer when he come against “Pharaoh situations”. The bible refers to this as the trying of our faith. These situations will seem insurmountable and will try to hinder our progress towards accomplishing our purpose or a certain goal. They stare us right in the face and ask just like pharaoh did: “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice? I don’t know the Lord!”

“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, thus saith the Lord God of Israel, let my people go that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go”. Exodus 5: 1-2.

Understanding that such situations will come as we journey through life, it is important to seek to know the Lord in a personal way. It is your knowledge of him in an intimate and personal way that guarantees you will fulfill your destiny. Knowing God in this way will force the enemy to bow and obey your voice. It will also give you a life you never dreamed possible; a life of dominion over the circumstances of life. Having said that, it is worth mentioning that the only way you can truly know him is by going on a personal quest for him. It is your responsibility to determine the depth of intimacy you share with the Lord.

In the following paragraphs, I will be presenting three revelations of the Lord that have the potential to change your life.

1. THE LORD THAT CHANGETH NOT:

Malachi 3:6.

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

Taking a look at this scripture, we come to realize that the unchangeable nature of God is the basis for the preservation of the sons of Israel, which we are. This also means that the only way we can be consumed is if the Lord changes. However, we know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever more (Hebrews 13:8).

What this means is that God is dependable. You can stake your very life on the assurance of his constancy. It also means that you can trust him. The Lord has a sound record of zero failures through the corridors of time.
• Noah trusted him for 120 years.
• Abraham trusted him for over 25 years.
• Our Christian fathers trusted him.
• You can trust him! If he didn’t fail any of them, he won’t fail you.

2. THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD:

Psalm 23:1-4

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; he leadeth me in the path of his righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

One of the names of the Lord is Jehovah Rohe which means The Lord my Shepherd. It is a name that implies that our God wants to have close friendship with us; the kind that exists between sheep and shepherd. God is interested in us and wants to be tangibly involved in the details of our lives. Stories abound of shepherds who were able to recognize their sheep years after they were sold!

The strength of this revelation lies in the fact that he will always be there for you – through thick and thin, hell or high water. Man sees things differently from the way God does. As men, we want challenging situations to come to an end immediately. God on the other hand desires to get the greatest glory out of the same circumstance for himself, to honor you and then humiliate your enemies before taking them away (Psalm 23: 5-6). So relax if God doesn’t take your enemies away just yet. He is so protective of you that he will move heaven and earth on your behalf if necessary; because you are intimate with him.

3. THE LORD OUR DELIVERER:

Psalm 34:19

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

We must not fail to realize that despite the many challenges we may face, it is Gods intent to deliver us out of them all. Psalm 20: 1-4 makes us to understand that God’s ear is open to hear us in the day of trouble and defend us. This is important because intimacy with God without understanding the power it makes available will only end in pain and sadness. In fact, God attributed the destruction of his people to a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4: 6). We should also know that God considers our battle as his battle but will only fight for us when we allow him to.

In conclusion, I would like to present one more revelation of who the Lord is to you. God told Moses to tell the people of Israel that his name is I AM THAT I AM; meaning “I am whosoever or whatsoever you need me to be to you.” I’d like you to take a look at your challenge and see God as the solution; not medical science, money or a man. When you receive a revelation of who God is, God will never fail to prove himself sufficient in that area that you’ve seen him. It is my prayer that as you set out on a personal quest to find out who he is, you will find him indeed.