Rick Manis Ministries Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rick Manis
Messages about the amazing grace and unconditional love of God the Father shown through his son Jesus Christ.
Rick Manis shares a common journey that many of us take from a fear-based view of God to understanding His love and grace. Discover how shifting your perception of God can bring peace, confidence, and a deeper relationship with Him.
Key topics:
Transformation from fear-based to love-based view of God
The role of human reasoning and strongholds in perception of God
The true nature of God's love and grace
The Holy Spirit's role in convincing righteousness
Overcoming sin consciousness and condemnation
The significance of Christ's sacrifice and love
The misconception of God as a judge and convictor
The journey of spiritual awakening and revelation
The importance of experiencing God's love personally
Living in the peace and security of God's love
Chapters:
00:00 Building on a Strong Foundation
02:43 The Journey of Knowing God
05:28 Challenging Human Reasoning
07:51 Transforming Perceptions of God
10:48 The Nature of God's Love
13:20 From Conviction to Righteousness
16:03 The Illusion of Sin Consciousness
18:37 The Pursuit of God
21:01 The Revelation of Christ Within
23:25 The Mystery of Christ in Us
26:13 Awakening to the Truth of God's Love
28:15 Living in the Assurance of God's Presence
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In this episode, Rick Manis explores religion’s focus on sin consciousness and encourages us to look beyond this trap. Does legalism prevent sin from ever occurring in a believer’s life? Does Grace promise to eradicate sin in a believer’s life? Here he addresses the profound impact of grace, love, and Christ consciousness on our understanding of sin, behavior, and our worth. He explains how the Cross speaks to the conscience that was never made clear by Old Testament sacrifices. He emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and that true transformation comes from experiencing this love.
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Rick Manis explores the profound nature of love, the kingdom of God within us, and the limitations of moralism. He emphasizes that understanding and embracing God's unconditional love transforms our lives, restores our true self, and spreads peace and unity.
Chapters:
00:00 The Nature of Love
02:32 The Seed of Love and Its Growth
05:08 The Essence of God as Love
07:31 Moralism vs. Love
10:16 The Imperfections of Moralization
12:30 Restoration Over Condemnation
14:49 The Lie of Separation
17:10 God's Ever-Present Love
19:16 Living in the Realm of Love
21:43 The Spirit's Role in Love
23:49 Unity in Diversity
25:58 The Heart of Jesus' Message
27:53 The Power of Love in Action
30:36 The Seed of Love's Increase
31:49 Conclusion and Blessing
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The true meaning of the word "apocalypse" or "revelation" is "unveiling". This message emphasizes how Jesus came to unveil God's love, kingdom, and our identity in Christ. Discover how Jesus' life and teachings invite us to see beyond the surface and embrace our divine origin and destiny.
Chapters:
00:00 The True Meaning of Apocalypse
02:33 Invitation to See and Understand
05:16 Understanding Our Origin and Destination
07:43 The Connection with the Father
10:16 The Revelation of Our Identity
12:49 The Transformation Through Revelation
15:17 The Nature of Sin and Missing the Mark
17:37 The Role of Jesus in Our Understanding
20:12 The Importance of Truth in Freedom
22:11 Living in the Reality of Love
25:08 The Power of Knowing Who We Are
26:58 The Unveiling of Our True Identity
29:01 The Mirror of Christ
30:13 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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Rick Manis explores the concept of God's justice, contrasting retributive and restorative justice, and emphasizing the love and grace revealed through Jesus Christ. The talk delves into biblical interpretations, the cycle of vengeance, the nature of God's justice, and the transformative power of grace in our lives.
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In this insightful talk, Rick Manis explores the nature of God's justice by looking deeply at the Parable of the Laborers. In it he highlights the difference between the debt of payment versus the gift of Grace that beautifully reveals the extravagant goodness of the Giver. Are we owed God’s goodness? Do we work for God’s goodness? Do we simply receive God’s goodness? Rick reveals how God's ways surpass human understanding and invites us into a higher perspective of God’s justice.
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Rick shares an inspiring message that explores the boundless love, mercy, and grace of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding His nature beyond dogma. He shares his personal insights on faith, unity in Christ, and the transformative power of recognizing God's big love.
Keywords:
God's love, mercy, grace, faith, unity in Christ, spiritual growth, Christian faith, divine love, theological insights, spiritual journey
Key topics:
God's unlimited knowledge and mercy
Difference between dogma and faith
Unity in the body of Christ despite differences
The love and goodness of God as central to faith
The impact of recognizing God's big love on personal life
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"Behold the Beauty" is an exploration of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Rick emphasizes the difference between living by the letter of the law and embracing the spirit of life that Jesus offers. Using the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, he demonstrates how the "letter kills" and how Jesus breathed on that scripture and brought life to all. Through the story of Saul's conversion, Rick illustrates how a personal encounter with God can radically change one's life. The message culminates in the understanding that the veil of separation is lifted in Christ, allowing believers to experience the fullness of God's love and grace.
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Rick explores the profound themes of salvation, identity, and the nature of God. He delves into the story of Zacchaeus to illustrate the transformative power of salvation and how it leads to a deeper understanding of one's true self. The message also addresses the misconceptions surrounding separation from God, the impact of fear and shame on human relationships, and the journey towards recognizing our inherent value and union with God. Ultimately, he emphasizes the eternal truth of God's love and the restoration of the soul.
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Rick Manis shares a heartfelt message about the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the joy, healing, and universal love that comes with the birth of Christ. He explores the concept of Soteria, or salvation, as a restoration of identity and wholeness, breaking down barriers and burdens that separate humanity from experiencing God's love. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the joy of Christmas for all people and the assurance of safety and peace that comes from understanding the true message of the season.
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Rick explores the astonishing goodness of God, emphasizing how the true gospel continues to reveal this goodness over time. He delves into the parables of Jesus, particularly focusing on the themes of being called and chosen, the significance of the wedding feast, and the importance of being clothed in righteousness. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the grace and love of God, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God.
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Rick and Judi Manis reflect on the significance of love and relationships, particularly emphasizing the concept of the 'third cord'—a metaphor for the bond of love that includes God. They discuss how this bond can help navigate conflicts, foster understanding, and create a safe space for dialogue. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging the good in others, embracing diverse perspectives, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Ultimately, it calls for unity in love as a response to division in the world.
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In this message, Rick Manis explores the concept of a 'God box'—a limited understanding of God based on knowledge and tradition—and how breaking free from this box leads to a deeper, more profound relationship with the divine. Being astonished by God's goodness and His character, as we live out our personal experiences allows us to challenge the preconceived notions of faith. Rick highlights the mystery of God, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown and continuously seek a greater understanding of His love and grace.
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Rick Manis explores the significance of the incarnation of Jesus, the different types of life mentioned in the Bible, and the transformative power of Jesus' death and resurrection. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as new creations in Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith. The discussion highlights the depth of God's love for humanity and the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
Takeaways:
- Jesus' incarnation is central to understanding our faith.
- There are three types of life: Bios, Psyche, and Zoe.
- Zoe represents the God kind of life, not just eternal existence.
- Jesus' death was a submission to death, breaking its hold.
- The resurrection of Jesus signifies new life for all believers.
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live the Christian life.
- Our identity is rooted in being children of God.
- The old man is dead; we are new creations in Christ.
- God's love for humanity is profound and transformative.
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Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when we feel the pain of the wrong done to us. Our bodies are created with a nervous system designed to protect us and keep us alive. When we hurt, our hearts can close up and we want to keep ourselves safe and away from the hurt. But Jesus came to provide us with the eternal life (quality not just quantity) that gives us the ability to do what only God in us can do. We're invited to participate. We're not required to but we are invited to. It's the way we were always created to live.
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In this message, Rick Manis explores the themes of salvation and transformation, emphasizing the biblical understanding of 'soteria' [greek word for salvation] as a restoration of identity rather than merely a rescue from hell. He discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit in unveiling Christ within us and how this transformation leads to a deeper understanding of our true identity as children of God. Rick encourages listeners to embrace the joy and fullness of life that comes from recognizing God's love and Grace.
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Rick explores the theme of rethinking our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding our union with God and the implications of the New Covenant. He discusses the significance of the law, the concept of heaven and earth as it was understood in the time/culture of Israel, and the idea of separation versus union with God. The message highlights the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and the importance of renewing our minds to live in the fullness of God's love and grace.
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We celebrate Jesus' resurrection at Easter. His resurrection brought a verdict on the ruler of this world: death no longer reigns. Death no longer gets the last word. The resurrection says that a judgment has been made against death. It had its reign, beginning with Adam, but now the Life of Jesus reigns in us. God was never going to let death be permanent, nor would He ever let death be the last word on our existence. Jesus would be the last word. In fact, He is the first and the last, our beginning and our end! We are going to live forever. And even if our outward man perishes, our inward man is alive, being renewed day to day.
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"And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world" (John 12:47, NKJV) God’s justice is not retributive, it is redemptive.
We often see God in light of a court room, a divine judge who is removed and far off, disengaged and solitary The balance of justice hangs in the balance, but we are never quite sure how He will rule. However, God's justice is not like man's idea of justice. It's all about bringing us home to Him where we belong.
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Why did Jesus tell the three parables in Luke 15 to the Pharisees who were complaining of his association with notorious sinners? In these stories, we see Jesus helping the Pharisees see something about the heart of their Father. Something they were missing in their law/works-driven morality view. The lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son all describe the compassion God has for His children who are lost and don't know who they are or who their Father is. In all the stories, we see a Father who isn't angry at the lost ones, but rather goes after them; who is intentionally gathering them to Himself; who is passionately (over-the-top) loving them/valuing them, and consistently celebrating when they are found.
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When we don't know who we are, we will act like someone else. French historian and social scientist Rene Girard developed a theory called "mimetic desire". It demonstrated how human beings imitate (mimic) each other's desires. They easily become rivals and reach for/want the same objects. When we reorient towards God and His love for us, we begin to see who we really are. Made in the image of God, loved by God, connected with God, and never apart from God. We no longer need to desire what others have, because we have what our soul truly desires.
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There are two different ways of dealing with sin and shame. In Leviticus 16:7-10 we see two goats used as an example of this. One goat is a picture of Jesus, sacrificed for the remission of sin, wherein sin is fully dealt with. The other is a scapegoat where sin/shame is placed on it and sent out into the wilderness to die. We see Jesus repeatedly overcoming the scapegoat system, this idea of placing the blame on someone else so we don't have to deal with the uncomfortable feelings sin/shame produce. The story of the Gadarene demoniac is a great example of Jesus restoring a scapegoat and demolishing the community's scapegoat system. Jesus is the G.O.A.T. "greatest of all time" in handling our shame and sin.
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Heaven’s sound is joy, love, and peace—breaking through religious traditions and earthly fears. Jesus showed us this freedom, unafraid to challenge the status quo, bringing LIFE and reconciliation. We have the opportunity to echo heaven’s joyful sound and declare His peace and goodness to all. Do you hear what I hear?
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We spend so much time wrestling with the truth that they are God's beloved children and already have His approval. Stop striving. Stop searching. God has already declared that we are His, and He is well pleased with us. Our identity is securely found in Jesus.
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When we love others in a way that draws on God's life within us, it transforms our relationships. Let the Spirit, the heart of Christ within you, work through you to bring life to others.
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Healing in community can feel counterintuitive, especially when the wounds we have come from others. Yet, it’s part of God’s design. While God is the ultimate healer who restores us to who He created us to be, inviting others into the process can be life-giving and healing in its own way.
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People often think of salvation or "sozo" as simply an escape from Hell. However, Jesus' work is much greater—He restores us to wholeness and unity with God, as we were originally created to be. Salvation is about more than rescue; it's about restoring our oneness with the Father. Through Jesus, we are never alone. He bridged the separation, and now, we are in Him, and He is in us. We're forever included in His love.
"Sozo"- Greek verb- To save, deliver, to heal and make whole
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When we choose to see from God's perspective, we discover beauty in even the darkest places and become more aware of His goodness and love in our lives.
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When we choose to see from God's perspective, we discover beauty in even the darkest places and become more aware of His goodness and love in our lives.
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God's presence is a life-changing reality. Not only does He walk with us in every season, but His Spirit lives within us - guiding, comforting, and providing all we need.
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How do you live the Christian life? Is is more about you getting it right or God and his goodness? Rest in God, receive from Him, and allow His life to work mightily through you!
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The enemy works overtime to convince us that God is a distant, angry judge waiting to punish your every wrong move. REJECT THAT LIE! God is a loving Father who gave everything to be in close relationship with you. He lavishes us with grace and empowers us to share it with others!
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When we realize we are free from condemnation, everything changes! The message of the cross, "I don't condemn you," transforms our lives and perspective of God while also affirming our value and worth to Him. Liberated from the weight of condemnation, we're able to focus on learning and embracing who God really is without being worried about our performance. This freedom draws us closer to a loving Father who is good and kind towards us.
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Happy Holy Week! Jesus came to establish peace between humanity and God, allowing us to reconcile with the Father and attain perfect union with Him. The conflict between God and man is over. His laws reside within us, governing every aspect of our lives, and reigning in love. Jesus is our Prince of Peace!
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The feeling of rejection was a common thread in my life. What if I was just a little bit better? This led to a journey of trying to be liked, measure up, and please others. It was exhausting. It wasn't until I understood the fullness of God's love AND like for me that my perspective changed and I experienced true freedom.
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God's heart is for reconciliation.
"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." - Colossians 1:19-20
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“Law Law Land” describes a system where sin is at the center: trying to manage it, trying to avoid it, trying to be sure everything is fairly judged, trying to please or punish others, depending on their behavior. Here we are focused on keeping laws so that God can hopefully bless us. His approval is based on our abilities to do what is right.
In Jesus we escape into Graceland, a place where Grace flows freely and people are moved by love: the love the Father has for them as well as the love they genuinely feel and want for other people. Here we don’t operate under a contractual agreement, but rather through communion, which is based on unlimited reliability. Graceland is where we trust God, who is love, and commune with Him, relying on His goodness to carry us through the challenges of life.
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In Law Law Land, we operate under a contractual relationship with God. We get caught up in obedience, trying to avoid God’s displeasure by trying to manage sin. Our world becomes consumed with a God who is not very warm or inviting.
In Jesus we escape into Graceland, a place where Grace flows freely and people are moved by love: the love the Father has for them as well as the love they genuinely feel and want for other people. We have been taken by His love and it has given us a true peace and a sense of joy. It is a fulfilling place to dwell in.
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Jesus truly is your "ALL IN ONE" gift, and there is so much receive and celebrate in Him.
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We are carriers of HIS light! As we get to know who Jesus is, we realize who we are, and our light begins to brightly shine into a dark, broken world.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Growing in grace begins with knowing you are fully and unconditionally loved by your Heavenly Father.
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Jesus was the perfect, divine expression of the Father in both word and deed.
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When we aren't aware of our eternal identity, we take on small identities. They may not necessarily be wrong, but they are small, temporary, and and unfulfilling. Our big identity is that of a child of God. The separation mindset allows us to exist oblivious to the truth, and we end up forgetting who we are! BUT God.... He kindly reminds us that we are sons and daughters and that we belong to His family. He welcomes us HOME!
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What is Jesus talking about when He talks about life more abundantly? It's eternal life in HIM that is better and more beautiful than we could ever imagine. It's rest instead of striving. It's fullness. We lack nothing!
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." -John 10:10
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Because of Jesus and His sacrifice, we have the power of resurrection life living in us. We are not just trying to survive life on this side of heaven. Life is stronger than death, and we have access to HIS life NOW!
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When we see God as He is, our fear to approach a HOLY God goes away. His love and goodness towards us is far greater than we could imagine, and His heart is for us to be connected and in union with Him. We are are holy as He is holy, and there is a beautiful relationship available to us through Jesus.
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We love grace and our lives have been transformed by it, but we all want to do better, right? As followers of Jesus, we all still make mistakes. Religion tells us to STOP SINNING and gives is systems to combat the sin in our lives. The Gospel, however, shows us that sin is not our issue. It is ALL ABOUT JESUS and His fruit of the Spirit in us! Allow Jesus to love you in your imperfection, and rest in His finished work!
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In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." It is a promise to us that transformation happens when we believe in Him. Reject the religious mindset of the cycle of hungering and thirsting for more. In Jesus, the work is finished, we are filled, we lack nothing, and we have been made as righteous as He is!
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Jesus, our intercessor, changes our hearts by revealing the heart of the Father to us. Allow Him to lavish you with love and open your spiritual eyes to the reality of His goodness.
"There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus." -1 Timothy 2:5
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Jesus isn't groveling at The Father's feet on your behalf to change His mind about you. Jesus is showing us who The Father really is, and He is so much more beautiful than we thought. We have been reconciled by the blood of Jesus and are righteous and blameless before the Father.
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." - Hebrews 7:25
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When we experience THE Truth, God is revealed to us in His fullness, our lives are transformed, and we are free indeed. As we become aware of Kingdom reality, the worldly, religious, and subjective lenses fall away from our thinking. THE Truth goes beyond our temporal situations, and everything changes when we see it. Truth is a place where love abounds, where all is well, and where we find rest in Him.
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Merry Christmas week, friends! In the gift of Jesus, there are many gifts, a few being sinlessness, a new identity, and complete transformation. Wake up to who you are as a Child of God and all that God has given you through His Son.
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So often as believers, we try and strive and achieve and be someone we are not to please God. Unmask the imposter and rest in your identity as a child of God. Your heavenly Father loves who you are and how He created you to be.
“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.” - Brennan Manning
"All those I dearly love I unmask and train. So repent and be eager to pursue what is right. Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me." - Revelation 3:19-20
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There is a difference in how man things and how God thinks. The flesh wants to condemn and put others in their place, but God's righteous judgement is exuding love, grace, and mercy. It communicates to us how much we are worth to Him.
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James was a strong believer who understood grace. In James chapter 2, he tells us that the fruit in our lives demonstrates our faith in who God is -- "faith divorced from good works is phony." The fruit that we see in our lives comes from where our belief is rooted. Allow God's grace and love to transform your mind. Stay rooted in HIM and allow the fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in your life!
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The weakness of God is greater than the strength of man. His ways are higher than our ways, and His Kingdom operates completely opposite of how the earth operates. Earthly leaders pursue power and want to dominate and control, but our all-powerful God vulnerably gave up everything so we might know His heart -- full of love and grace for His children.
"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." - 2 Corinthians 13:4
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In this life, we will have trouble, but TAKE HEART! Life has been imparted to us, is actively working in us, and has swallowed up death for eternity. Trust your Heavenly Father. He is THE everlasting source of life that takes broken things and makes them beautiful.
"and that you may come to know practically, through personal experience the love of Christ which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience, that you may be filled up throughout your being to all the fullness of God so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself." - Ephesians 3:19
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We create false images of God from fragments of scripture, imperfect nurturing figures, and our interpretation of experiences in life. When we do this, we are left striving, hoping, and full of disappointment. The truth is that God's heart has always been towards us, and when we have this revelation, it shifts our perspective, and our emptiness is replaced with true freedom and intimacy with our Father. The loving and living word of God transforms our hearts!
But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom. We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. 2 Corinthians 3:16 TPT
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As believers, we carry God's humility with us wherever we go, which means we have something special to offer to the crazy world around us! The grace and freedom we have been given in Christ allows us to humble ourselves and be a light to others, even when they believe or think differently than we do. God has equipped you with everything you need to be a light-bearer and bring out the "God-colors in the world".
"You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!" -Matthew 5:13-16 MSG
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The voice of our Shepherd is always leading us towards God, and it will always offer us something different from what the world has to offer! His voice is gentle, pure, peaceful, and lovely. He laid down everything for you and offers you new life. Listen to your Shepherd, and learn the unforced rhythms of grace!
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." - James 3:17 NKJV
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The Spirit of God, which lives inside of us, leads us to all truth. Christ's heart in us radically changes everything in our lives. His heart influences us to express His love, joy, peace, and grace to others. He has reconciled us unto himself, and not we are a part of His ministry of reconciliation. It is His heart in us that allows us to tap into our calling -- to LOVE GOD and to LOVE OTHERS.
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." -Ezekiel 36:26
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Have you ever been weighed down by religion? Have you ever felt like you couldn't do enough for God? Did you know that surrender is the most beautiful way to combat those feelings? HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT. God isn't asking you to be strong; He is asking you to let Him be your strength. Change your thoughts about God, and allow His love to flow through your heart and mind.
"According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:5
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It is easy to proclaim God's goodness when life seems to be going well and things are "under control", but what about when circumstances are difficult and nothing looks like we hoped? How good is God? The truth is that the moment we realize He really is with us, for us, in us, and ahead of us in all things, we can trust that He is a good and loving Father, even in the midst of hardship and disappointment. Choose to be aware of His goodness and watch as HIS peace passes all understanding in your life as you trust Him.
"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." -Psalm 46:1-7
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When you are aware that you are IN Christ, you go from:
Sin conscious to conscious of being LOVED by the FATHER
Inferiority to BELONGING
Separation to RIGHTEOUS
Never good enough to PERFECT and COMPLETE
Live with an awareness of what Jesus has completed for you! You are HIS!
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." -Titus 3:5-6 NKJV
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God sees you, knows you, and loves you. As believers, we are one with Christ, and He has made us Holy. He is all you need, and you have access to ALL of it RIGHT now. You are home, and your Heavenly Father adores who you are.
"Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ." - Colossians 3:3 TPT
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The gift has been given. The promise has been fulfilled. We have been invited into God's family, and our identity as children of God is secure! Merry Christmas, everyone! We have so much to celebrate!
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:15
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The Spirit of God within us reveals the reality of our circumstances. As believers, we are eternal beings and are not defined by the trouble in this world. Value the truth of God over what you are feeling and seeing, and allow that truth to open your eyes and set you free!
"...Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever." -Isaiah 32:15-17
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As believers, we once were blind, but now we see! Our mindset changes the way we pray and relate to God and see the world around us. When we set our eyes on things above and pray for a God's eye view, we see beauty and goodness everywhere. When you see it, you cannot unsee it, and your vision of His goodness will only increase!
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. - Mark 10:51-52
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As long as we continue to live as if we are what we do, what we have, and what other people think about us, we will remain filled with judgments, opinions, evaluations, and condemnations. We will remain addicted to putting people and things in their "right" place.
~Henri J. Nouwen
“And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.” Ezekiel 16:8 NLT
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Graceful means "elegant" and "beautiful". Our God is just that, beautiful, and when you see it, you can't look away or have a desire for anything less. God's character is something you can see, know, and experience. If you are tired and worn out by religion, turn to your graceful Father who has poured out His love on you!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 NKJV
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The more we walk with Jesus, the more we recognize His voice and see His heart for His creation. We are also able to block out the other voices and lies of the enemy because we KNOW our Father's voice better than any other.
Stop, and take a moment to see what God is telling you today. His voice brings healing, joy, restoration, and LIFE!
"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance." -Psalm 89:15, NKJV
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It is one thing to know about God, and it is another thing to KNOW God. True intimacy with our Heavenly Father is found when we spend time with Him and get to know His heart for His creation.
And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! (Ephesians 3:16-21 TPT)
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There are so many moments in this life where we think we can make it in our own strength until life deals us a situation that feels too big and very unexpected. The good news of the Gospel is that God has given us something eternal. HIS STRENGTH. His strength is available to us for eternity, and it never runs dry.
God is good -- yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever! No matter what this world throws at us, we can TAKE HEART, for HE HAS OVERCOME!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
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Jesus is SEATED at the right hand of the Father because He has already accomplished what He came to do! His Life is ours to access when we believe in Him. We are like trees planted by the river, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are children of God, and we have the opportunity to show the world what it's like to know Jesus and be filled with His glory.
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You are ALIVE because Christ is your supply -- He IS life! Don't get caught up in what life here on earth has to offer, but instead, live in the fullness of all your Heavenly Father created you to be!
"Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." ~John 4:14 NKJV
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Scripture tells us that we will be known by our love. When we know Jesus and experience His love, it changes us from the inside. As we catch a greater glimpse of His vision for the world, we begin to love others, build others up, and share God's heart with those that we meet. Who are your Samaritans? How does God feel about them? How can you love them as Jesus has so lavishly loved you?
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” ~Luke 10:33-37, NKJV
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Do you know about God, or do you truly KNOW God? The most beautiful thing is to know God and His kingdom. To be in a relationship with Jesus is to be safe, secure, and full of joy -- Doctrine, law, and rituals will never bring freedom. Say YES to Jesus today, and spend time getting to KNOW your Father's heart.
Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. The one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8. TPT)
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God doesn't expect us to "scrub ourselves clean" to be righteous. Righteousness has been gifted to us by our Father because HE IS GOOD! Shame and fear have no place because of the finished work of Jesus. He has done all the work for us, and all that's left is to believe and receive what He has done.
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." -Revelation 19:8
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ONE WAY: PART 1
Grace Church Orlando Version
It doesn't take much for us to begin judging what is in front of us, but God has given us a new way, the way of life! There is a path of life before us, and it comes from God. When we choose to see others and our circumstances after the Spirit, we find an abundance of joy. Ask, and you will receive! Seek, and you will find! THAT is the Father's heart.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NKJV)
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Shame is defined as the intensely painful feeling of believing we are flawed, and therefore unworthy of love and belonging. Our flesh is constantly at war with the Spirit that is within us, and shame is so often something we feel here on this side of Heaven. Even though Jesus doesn't condone the sin that makes us feel shame, He also doesn't condemn us.
The reality is that Jesus made us new -- we are righteous! We can walk in freedom, knowing that even when our flesh fails, because it will, we are still loved, worthy, children of God.
And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declare my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine. (Ezekiel 16:8, NLT)
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It doesn't take much for us to begin judging what is in front of us, but God has given us a new way, the way of life! There is a path of life before us, and it comes from God. When we choose to see others and our circumstances after the Spirit, we find an abundance of joy. Ask, and you will receive! Seek, and you will find! THAT is the Father's heart.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NKJV)
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Who appreciates the women in their lives? God created women so beautifully and uniquely and has always used them in His story of love. In the beginning, God created man and women in His own image, but as a result of the Fall, Eve lost her identity and Her voice. BUT THEN... Jesus came along and flipped the script, redeeming the past and redefining the future. In Scripture, we see Jesus welcoming women, talking to women, and defending women.
YOU WERE MADE BY GOD.
YOU WERE MADE IN HIS IMAGE.
YOU ARE ROYAL.
YOU WERE MADE TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE FATHER'S LOVE.
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28)
*Special thanks to Dr. Paul Ellis for his research and book entitled, "The Silent Queen." We would recommend this book for more in-depth study on this topic.
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Everyone wants to be seen -- acknowledged, affirmed, understood. Not only can we have confidence that God sees us, but He set the example for what it looks like to see others and offer the same kind of love that we've received.
We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand ~ out in the wide-open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. (Romans 5:1-2, MSG)
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There is nothing that can stop the vision of God. His vision is that the entire world would know His love, and it's happening NOW! When people say love is not enough, they are talking about human love. Fix your eyes on God's love, which will always be enough!
When you see how much God loves you, fear leaves, transformation takes place, you find yourself loving others like Jesus does. Take a stand for GOD'S VISION above all else!
1 CORINTHIANS 13:8-13
"Love never stops loving. It extends beyond the gift of prophecy, which eventually fades away. It is more enduring than tongues, which will one day fall silent. Love remains long after words of knowledge are forgotten. Our present knowledge and our prophecies are but partial, but when love’s perfection arrives, the partial will fade away. When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.
For now, we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face. My understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood. Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run."
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Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4, NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NKJV)
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Jesus gave himself up for you and be to defeat death and the grave forever. The troubles of this life become very small when you realize the bigness and the goodness of God. We see the heart of the Father through the resurrection because we see that He wanted us to be alive with Him forever! What a gift. Happy Resurrection Day!
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"But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God... Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."
-2 Corinthians 9:10,12 NKJV
The brain is a remarkable thing that God has given us to help us navigate our life, but it was never meant to lead us. God leads us through our hearts and our spirit. We are best led through life by God, our loving Creator. His Spirit is our Faithful and True Witness. Christians should be the least gullible people in the world because the Spirit of God inhabits them. They can always check in with the Spirit and be confident that they will be led by Truth.
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For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God. (Hebrews 6:7, NKJV)
God gives to us. Everything we need is in Him. We receive from Him. Just as the earth receives the rain as a blessing from God, we receive what we need from our good Father.
Be wide in your receiving like a wide receiver in football. He does not initiate. He doesn't throw the ball, but rather receives what is being thrown to him. A surfer watches the waves and receives the one that comes. He doesn't create the waves, but rather receives it. An inspired musician or author often describe a "receiving" of the music/word that comes to them from a bigger Source.
I saw the truth that Jesus was bigger than I thought He was. What He did was bigger than I thought it was. His love for me was bigger than I thought it was. His graciousness towards me was bigger than I originally thought. When you see this Truth, you almost can't help to become prone and be at rest and receive. It's all about Him.
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The world system has come out of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which we chose from the beginning. It puts the pressure on us to attain something that is not possible to fully attain. It makes us uncomfortable with our imperfections and flaws and demands, through condemnation, guilt and shame, we motivate ourselves to do better. A great example of a world system is the diet culture, which Judi shares about. Another great example is the apostle Paul who attained the highest achievements as a religious leader when he was a Pharisee. Yet he still fell short. The only thing that saved him from continual condemnation was relying on Jesus Christ and His perfect work. The Kingdom system takes the pressure off of us and places it on God as was intended in the beginning. (Romans 8:1-6)
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Jesus came to give us abundant life. He came to give us the God-kind of life, which we could define as agape love. Too many Christians struggle in life because they are looking at God through the lens of the knowledge of good and evil rather than LIFE. God, who is love, is in our hearts. That love brings life to us, not just in the hereafter but in the here and now. Throughout the New Covenant, we see how the Love of God is what brings us Life as a new creation:
- Romans: Love is the new nature
- 1 Corinthians: Love is perfection
- Galatians: Love make faith effective
- Ephesians: Love made us alive
- Colossians: Love is holding creation together
- Peter: Love is the most important thing of all
- John: Love is God
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Struggling with other humans? When we've done all we can, God takes us into a bigger Love, joy and peace!
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
The church receives from God, and then gives to the earth a Love without any demands.
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This message explores our friendship with God, how this relationship is central to our knowing His voice which is always kind, inspiring you towards love, where you experience inner heaven. This takes you out of living in reaction to a fallen, hurting world.
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There are many voices in the world clamoring for our attention. You can hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. He will always lead you in quietness and peace and joy. The voice of the stranger will lead you into frustration and turmoil. Listen for the voice of the Shepherd who is good. He lays down His life for you and leads you by still waters. Voices of the world will distract and lead you into fear, anger and hate. You can tell which Shepherd you are listening to by what it produces in you. (John 10:14-15; John 10:27; John 10:5; Genesis 3:8; Psalm 23)
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Real peace comes from reconciliation with God. It's a treasure of infinite value. At Christmastime, we are reminded that God initiated reconciliation with man by entering our realm. He gives us a peace that is not like the kind of peace the world gives (which promises to come when all the circumstances line up for us). Real peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of the living God within us. "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh, the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace." (Ephesians 2:14, NKJV)
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The world encourages binary thinking. What's right and what's wrong? In the church, and in the world, we are pushed to either condemn or condone, but Jesus offers us a third option. He offers us the Kingdom of Heaven, full of His grace and love.
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What was the actual curse of Adam? What happened with the choice to partake of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? The world system operates under the realm of good versus evil. Most people believe they are on the side of good, but those who disagree with them are on the side of evil. Each fights to overpower the other. Jesus brought a third option which brings in the reality of His Kingdom and actually reverses the curse.
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We have a secret advantage in the world with the Holy Spirit living in us. We are led and guided in Truth. The Spirit was given to us so that we might know what has been freely given us. When we are pulled into carnality, we forget who we really are and we rob the world of what they really need. They need the light that lives within us.
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1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love. John 1:3-4 says, "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." Love creates, love gives, love extends itself to us in various ways. As you look around you have so much evidence of love... in the beauty of nature, in the smile of a stranger, in the laughter of a friend... you become aware that it is Love who thought it up and made it, especially for us. There is so much to enjoy as we soak in the gracious love of our good, good Father.
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Jesus said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation... the kingdom of God is within you." (see Luke 17:20) In Romans, we see that the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 5:5). It is God working IN us to both will and do His good pleasure (see Philippians 2:13). It's an inside job. The kingdom of God exists from the inside out. This is what produces true and lasting change.
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"And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed." (Hebrews 7:7, NLT) What looks like weakness is actually strength. What looks like a doormat can actually be an elevator. Love is our new nature that is continually rising within us, overtaking our thoughts... "because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5, NKJV)
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Grace Church Orlando June 21, 2020 (Father's Day)
How my Heavenly Father nurtured me. Psalm 27:10, "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me".
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In 1 Corinthians 12:13-26 Paul talks about the unity and diversity of the body. The body is not one member but many. And on those members of the body we think less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor. God gives greater honor to those that lack it so that there would be no schism or division within the body. If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. If one is honored, all the member rejoice with it. There are numerous instances of Jesus honoring the "dishonored" so that they might be healed and any division of "us vs. them" be eliminated. The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Bestowing honor on those who seem to be "not deserving" has the capacity to bring healing and unity.
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James 1:5 says, "God gives generously without finding fault." It is His nature to give. It is who He is: a giver. Because He is joined to us, we too have the capacity to give as He does. Consistently and without finding fault. The word philanthropy comes from the greek "philo" meaning loving and "anthropos" meaning humans. Philanthropy is different from charity. Charity gives to the need while philanthropy goes to the source of the need and gives to that. God is a philanthropist. He loves humans and His giving goes to the very source of the need and gives to that.
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In this unprecedented time, it might be easy to get anxious about all the uncertainty (health, finances, businesses, school, lost opportunities). Here I want to encourage you in the wide open spaces of God. God has placed us in a "large place." There is room for other opportunities, other means of blessing, and other perspectives. Being flexible with God is a wonderful gift of our relationship with Him. Whatever we face, we will not face it alone and, if we remember Him, we'll receive comfort, counsel, and a reminder that His LIFE is what we need most.
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What is truth and how do we recognize it? James 3:17 tells us that wisdom from above is peaceable, gentle, pure, willing to listen, full of mercy and good fruit. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
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Easter 2020 Sunrise Service
"...until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)
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Angels guarding the Garden of Eden signify imaginations or distractions that kept us from the reality of God. We trusted in our sense realm and did not know God. We tried to reach Him with our senses by creating rituals and laws in order to connect with Him. There was a veil separating us (not on His part, but on ours). In the temple, we see a 4-inch veil with cherubim covering the Holy of Holies. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "You shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering in to go in." Jesus tore the veil. When He died, the temple veil ripped top to bottom. He revealed there is no separation between us and God. We can relate to God as our loving, caring Father.
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Jesus is your best friend. Understanding that His love is absolute (independent; not relative to any other thing; incomparable) allows you feel secure and able to rest in His care. You have a good friend who will walk you through any adversity you may face in this world.
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The heart is the center of who you are. The Bible warns us to guard the core of who we are diligently because out of the heart proceeds the manifestations of our life.
You have a new heart because of the work Jesus did on the cross. Because of His death and resurrection you are a completely new creation, forever unified with the Holy Spirit. To see clearly the truth of who you are and all you have because of Jesus is to live fully and free. What you believe about Jesus will determine what you believe about yourself.
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The gift we've been given is the Counselor. It's that still small voice. But what if you feel like you can't hear it? Or you've been told you don't have enough of the Holy Spirit? Jesus expressly gave you the Holy Spirit. He said it would be better for us if He went away because then the Comforter would come. Christ in you the hope of glory! His sheep do hear His voice. If you believe its hard to hear that gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, then it will be. If you believe and are reminded that He does speak to you, does care for you, wants you to hear His counsel, then you will.
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The soul is tied to this world. It's made up of our experiences, thoughts, our hurts, victories, our stories. We all have these. But something truly happened when we became new creations in Christ. We became something more than just a soul man. We became a life-giving spirit. Let's learn to elevate our spirit man (the one who identifies with Jesus) above our soul man (who identifies with Adam and this flesh world).
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God's goodness gives something extra. He goes above and beyond what you can imagine. He is for you and knows what's best for you. A relationship with God is better than sacrifice. It's natural and un-burdensome once you find out how good God is.
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Paul was known as the Apostle of Grace and yet he said things that can sound "law-lie." How do we read the letter of Paul in context, in light of his circumstances and culture while not discrediting the Word of God? It helps us see these scriptures in light of the churches he planted and the people he loved. Jesus never preached church administration. Paul preached Christ and him crucified, but he also wrote letters, encouraging and advising specific people in specific situations. We shouldn't try to make a law or a dogma out of Paul's leading of the Spirit.
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Even before there was a law, mankind endured shame/sin/death. Because man is carrying the effects of that shame, he now thinks he must either get rid of all his flaws or somehow hide them in order to get relief. But Jesus didn't just remove our shame and the curse of the law and forgive our sins, He gave us something even greater to replace these things - His honor. It wasn't just a mercy mission, it was a divine romance.
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Isaiah prophesied that in the coming new covenant our shame (the shame we experienced at the Fall) would be replaced with double honor (Isaiah 61:7). During his earthly ministry, Jesus honored many people who were suffering in their shame. They are still receiving honor today. On the cross, Jesus endured horrific shame and humiliation. Yet, Hebrews 12:2 says He saw it as a small thing compared to the joy set before Him - loving and cherishing us, his beautiful bride.
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God does not define perfection the same way humans do. True perfection is not the absence of flaws, it is God's perfect love in the midst of flaws. God made us naked (vulnerable) on purpose to show our completeness is only found with Him.
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What must we do to work the works of God? To believe on the One He has sent. The reason people struggle with belief and faith is that they think THEY are trying to overcome a situation, sin, problem, etc. But Jesus has already overcome. Whatever is born of God has overcome the world. Things get hard when we place the burden upon ourselves. We were never meant to carry the weight of this world.
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In John 6, Jesus feeds the multitude and they follow Him. However, Jesus tells them they are following Him for the natural provision and not for the true bread. In the time of Moses, God provided for all the needs of the Israelites, but they were never satisfied. There was always something else they needed God to do for them. They weren't engaging in a loving relationship with their Father, they were simply trying to get God to meet their never-ending outer needs. Jesus suggested that connecting with Him was something far better than merely getting temporary needs met. This helps when we are disappointed with God because He is not acting or providing in a way we think He should. Having Jesus is having everything we need. Being in union with Him brings us above the temporary natural world problems and meets our real need inside our hearts.
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In John 3, when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about being born again, he was speaking about being born from above. Those born from above (heaven) return to heaven. Not because of any good thing they have done, but because of their citizenship.
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We miss it when we only have our eyes on a future physical coming of Jesus and neglect the powerful coming into us to make us a holy nation, a new creation. It is He that is in you, causing you to will and do his purpose. Trust the work of the Holy Spirit in you. Your work is over. We are a peculiar people, not because of how we dress or behave, but because of how we see. All revelation, that is the unveiling of Christ, comes from within. [1Peter 2:9; 2Cor. 5:17, 2Cor. 3:16; Phil. 2:13]
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When your heart turned to Jesus, the Holy Spirit intertwined with your soul. You became a new creation. Just as the veil that separated the inner court from the Holy of Holies in the temple was torn when Jesus died, the veil has been removed in you (the now temple of God), joining the Holy Spirit to your soul. You are not just an improved version of yourself. You are someone entirely new.
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He has called us out of darkness into His glorious light. When we are unaware or unconscious of the more-than-enough abundant life, we live as confined to a tiny closet. As you hear the Word, you believe, you look and you see you've been living in a mansion this whole time. You step out into the abundant life that has been freely given to you. You have more than you need in the house. It's yours.
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Palm Sunday: explore the history and fulfillment of Jesus during the week that led up to the Resurrection and what it means to us today.
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When you find your identity in Jesus you become who you were always meant to be. When Simon identified Jesus as the Christ, he became Peter. When Saul recognized Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became Paul. Our identity as a new creation is integral to living our life in freedom and confidence.
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Organic speaks of relationship, which comes out of a real, live, personal union with God, that effects change. He is the pure, the living, the true vine (see John 15).
GMO is a genetically modified organism. This is what we get when religion takes a pure gospel and modifies it in order to "help" the Christian become a better human. But in doing so, it actually has a harmful, long-term side effect.
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The mystery of Christ in us. Emmanuel, God with us. Oneness. All because of love, we were made alive together with Him. We were raised up together with Him. We were made to sit together with Him in heavenly places. We are together with Him in a way that is not just in the same vicinity or beside Him, we have been made as one with Him. As we enjoy being together with Him, we get to know Him, we take on His ways and thoughts ourselves.
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3 John 1: Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
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God has blessed us with every spiritual gift in Jesus. In our Christmas message this year, we open the many gifts included in the big gift of Jesus. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, SO THAT WE MIGHT KNOW the things that have been FREELY given us by God (see 1 Corinthians 2:12).
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Without God it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11). Faith means to be persuaded or convinced. Are we convinced that God is good, that God loves you without condition and that God cares? In the Bible, the overall picture we see is of God's grace, goodness and love. But what about scriptures that seem to say the opposite? In Isaiah 45:7 it appears to say that God created darkness and evil. These soundbites can erode our faith and keep us questioning the truth about how God sees us and feels towards us.
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We are the city of the living God. You are a new creation. You have the Spirit. You live in the Spirit. You walk in the Spirit. You are empowered by the Spirit. You have a new life in Jesus. Flesh produces flesh, but the Spirit produces LIFE. There is a world of difference between the two.
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Come out of that mindset that you are "not there yet." Come out of the belief that you do not have enough. Come out of the mindset that there is something more that Jesus will do beyond what He has already done. He has done it all. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. There will be no new sacrifice. But you will grow in what you already have by acknowledging all the good things that are in you through Christ. You are acknowledging the all sufficiency of Jesus, not the all sufficiency of yourself.
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Titus 1-3
The difference of godly living that comes from trying through fleshly pressure or from resting/receiving through spiritual faith. Trying to inspire the flesh doesn't work because the debt is too big. You find that no matter what you do, it is never enough. It is the kindness of God, the love of God that compels us.
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Matthew 18:21-35
Is our relationship with God based on debt? Is there something we still owe? Something we are required to pay? Or do we have a relationship with the Father based on a payment He made on our behalf? Do we acknowledge and live as though our debt has been paid? An extravagant payment has been paid. If our relationship is based on that free gift, then what is the limit to that grace?
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In Genesis 48:13-20, we see Israel bless the second-born, Ephraim (meaning abundance of fruit), with his right hand, which would usually be reserved for the first born, who was Manassah (meaning to forget). In the carnal world, we operate from lack, wanting to get rid of what's wrong first, but in the Kingdom. we receive His fruitfulness first and the lack is taken care of with that abundance. The Kingdom of God is a gift to us, given by Jesus through His death and resurrection. In it, we are given everything we will ever need to live in the carnal, temporal world. It is so much better for us to lead with the ways of the Kingdom. We've been trained to think carnally: "If I can just get rid of what is wrong, then I'll be happy". But Philemon 1:6 says that our faith becomes effective by acknowledging every good thing within us. The good within us is Jesus. In Jesus is included the eternal, never-fading goodness of the Kingdom of God. Let us acknowledge the good things given us in Christ Jesus like righteousness, completion, holiness, purity, blessing, goodness, joy, life, love.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
We look on things that are unseen rather than the things that are seen (2 Corinthians 4:16). Things that are seen were created by the unseen (the eternal). Creation was made good from God who is bigger, larger, eternal. What is seen in the physical is temporal (temporary, within time, and small). The world considers reality to be what is seen, felt, heard, etc. It's based on the physical senses. That is why the problems of this world seem so all-encompassing and overwhelming at times. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is not seen with ocular evidence. It is within. That is what walking in the eternal kingdom is all about. It doesn't just begin at death (then it wouldn't be eternal). It is here and now. Jesus brought this eternal kingdom back into our physical reality. He said it was within us. He said we must be born again from above (from that eternal reality). Your perception determines your reality. Eternity is what has always been and always will be. In this awareness, all in the temporal is put in its proper perspective and we are free to enjoy that large, open spaces of eternity with God.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Jesus taught us (and showed us) what gracious living looks like. As God is merciful to the unjust, we are merciful. He is good to those who are not good to Him. He died a death that included all those who were enemies of His. The gracious life begins with an awareness of how good, gracious and loving God is. Without that awareness, your graciousness towards others will be limited. A gracious life is built on rock not sand. In other words, it does not ebb and flow depending on what is happening around you and regardless of how other people treat you. You are walking in the flow of abundant life. The Father loves the Son. Jesus knew that in the depth of his heart, so it did not matter what the Pharisees accused Him of. He knew the Truth. As we listen to and see and believe in this Truth, we become established in it and can grow healthily.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
The message of the Cross is foolishness to those with a carnal mind. Jesus didn't come and lead us into military victory or restore Israel's greatness as has been done in Solomon's time. He didn't do what most people in their natural senses would have expected a Messiah to do. Instead, he was crucified. We're preaching one who was killed, didn't live long, was hung in shame by the authorities as an example to others. He died without a natural kingdom. Alone. His followers had all deserted him. But... he rose again. The guy who looked foolish and weak, now risen, living by the power of God. Where's the "wise" now, Paul asks? The world, through wisdom, did not KNOW God. Without Jesus, all of man's best intentions to figure God out, by reading, studying, philosophizing, all come up short. To KNOW God, you enter into a friendship, a loving relationship with Him. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
There is a difference between living according to the world system (working for it, in awe of it, intimidated by it; even religion is part of the the world system which relies on man's flesh to work for it) and living according to a relationship with Someone who loves me. To illustrates what this looks like in my life, how you live in this reality, Judi asks some poignant questions that are often asked of us by those we talk with around the country. The questions deal with complacency?/ waiting over a period of time for answered prayers/ healing/ finances/ abusive past/ etc. God is not as results-oriented as we have thought Him to be. He is relationship oriented. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Knowing God is not the same as knowing about God. Know the person of God who loves you infinitely, who is good to you, who joined with you in death to bring you out and into LIFE with Him. We thought His agenda was to get all the sin out of our life. But really, He just wanted to be with you (He knows the sin will dissipate as you are with Him). He wanted a bride. "So that where I am, you can be also." Paul says, "I have espoused you to Christ." The Old Testament prophesy was that one day you will no longer call me Master, you will call me Husband. The servant doesn't know what the Master does. The whole revelation of the new covenant is that God is love. He wants you to get to know Him. He is not closed off to you. He is not hard to reach, in fact, He came to you. "Let's sit together and reason together." This is not a mental exercise. He is not Someone you are trying to get to do something for you. He just is and as you rest in Him, you realize you have all the Life you need in this moment. Getting to know Him will give you rest for your souls. If you struggle with getting to know Him, intimately and personally, let me introduce you: His name is Love. He is patient. He is kind. He isn't irritable or jealous, boastful or rude. He doesn't demand His own way. He keeps no record of being wronged. He is good to you. As you get to know Him, you will see His goodness towards you more and more. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Paul defines the difference between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh (carnality) particularly in Romans 6. It is the method by which we deal with sin in our lives, whether relying on Jesus or on ourselves. In the flesh, we can never please God. You cannot ever accomplish even the most sincere efforts to rid yourself of sin. You can't please God by trying to be good because it is the Father's good pleasure to GIVE you the Kingdom. You're not trying to get into the Spirit. Paul says, "You are not in the flesh. You are in the Spirit." Present tense. You sink back into what is already there. If you present yourself as "under" you will always be "under". If you present yourself as "trying" to be something, you are saying that you are under it, trying to overcome it. The truth is that you have been given everything you need in Christ Jesus. When you believe and receive that revelation, the struggle falls off. The Gospel is simple. When people try to come up with new carnal ways of overcoming the carnal, we are complicating the simplicity of the Gospel. If you can enjoy God's love for you, even while you have a habit you don't like, that habit will fall off eventually because of the fullness and completeness you are experiencing while enjoying God's love for you. You are free in God despite you.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
The struggle of Romans 7 illustrates a frustration many Christians feel. They want to do "right" but find themselves doing the very thing that they don't want to do. Then they feel shame, frustration and fear. They are acting as a slave to sin. By trying in their flesh to do better they present themselves as slaves to sin trying to get better. They are starting from the wrong premise. They are actually slaves of righteousness in Christ, new creations not subject to condemnation. When we submit to our new husband (the old law husband has died so we are free now to marry the new) we become slaves of righteousness. We produce fruit in keeping with righteousness and holiness. This doesn't mean we do everything right, we are growing, but we are presenting ourselves and knowing ourselves to be a new creation in Christ, no longer subject to that cycle of sin. It's not a mind game, it is the truth. It is a rest. Starting with the true premise we've been given in Christ, we are free to grow and overcome.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
The old paradigm of being on the Potter's wheel, being broken and molded into something better is not accurate for the new creation. If we are crucified with Christ, the old man is dead, not being made into something better. Now are we the Sons of God. As He is so are we in the world. It's not a process. It's a present reality. We grow in the awareness of it, but we are not being made progressively better. We are already made perfect in Him. We see the truth of this and we walk in it. When we present ourselves as someone still needing improvement, we are presenting ourselves as slaves to sin, rather than slaves of righteousness. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem was prophesied about throughout the Old Testament. Hebrews 8 says the Old was ready to vanish away to make room for the New. The system of Jewish rituals and sacrifices was destroyed the day the temple came down. Now there is a new temple - us! We are the new temple of God. Jesus did spend quite a bit of time warning the Jewish people of the coming destruction. In fact, He wept over them and their unbelief. When the day of the destruction came to Jerusalem the ones who were saved were the ones who believed what Jesus had said. They listened and heeded his warnings. Jesus said the temple would be brought down and we know, historically, that this happened in 70 AD, and hasn't been rebuilt since then. There was a judgment that came upon that system of religious law and the knowledge of good and evil it was built on. It was done away with so we might live freely in the Spirit and in love. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
We know that sometimes the media uses "sound bites" taken out of context to create a bigger picture that is false. This is also how a lot of us get confused with scripture. We take a verse (sound bite), totally ignorant of context, and create a picture that is false. Context (when, who, why) makes scripture so easy to understand. In this message, Rick clarifies come of the suffering and "scarcely saved" scriptures.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
How does the love of God stop a person from sinning? When the heart is so full of love, there is no need for selfishness (which is what causes sin). The Fullness Gospel is all about relationship. You'll know the Father by His goodness.There were two trees in the garden. Adam and Eve thought knowing good and evil would be helpful. They could just avoid evil and do good. But even doing the good of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil won't bring life.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
God has put eternity in our hearts. We carry eternal life within us. It is undiminishable life. This is something He freely gives to us. It's not hard, it doesn't need to be a struggle. It is righteousness that comes by faith. In the Bible we see examples of trumpets that grow louder and louder, not running out of air as they do in the natural world. We see fire that never burns out (the burning bush). These point to an eternal reality, one that, through Christ, we have access to. All fruits of the Spirit have a carnal counterpoint that runs out. The fruit of the Spirit never runs out. They are a never-ending well available to us. It is a love that NEVER fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). It is a peace that PASSES all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Of the INCREASE of His kingdom there is no end (Isaiah 9:7). It is a life that defies the law of thermal dynamics. It doesn't deteriorate. It only gets better and better.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
We, as believers, are on the high way, not the low way. The reason Sampson was fighting the Lion in the Valley of Timna was because he was int he vineyard, a place he was to supposed to be. The carnal realm has lions. Spiritual warfare is good for those still operating in that realm. When you realize where you really are, where you've been translated to, you'll realize there are no lions there. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
God is eternal and undiminishable life. He has imparted to us His Spirit. This is your superpower. You've been translated into the eternal reality and this is where your experience of heave is even amidst the natural world today. We have received the Spirit of God so that we would know the things freely given to us (all that was included in our salvation). The carnal mind does not receive the things of the Spirit because they are foolishness to him. The natural mind has learned to accept death, merit systems, lack, pain, suffering.These things are just normal in the natural. The things of the Spirit include absolute Life, absolute Love, Absolute Heaven. They seem too good to be true. Seeing with the Spirit (with God's eye view) allows us to partake of what's been given to us. Where there is no heavenly vision people perish (they get small, confused, perplexed). Where there is heavenly vision, people come alive (they thrive, get big, are in faith, have joy and peace).Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
In Mark 4:26 Jesus is telling how it is with the Kingdom of God. "For the earth yields crops by itself, first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head." This is the parable of the growing seed. Everything you need is already there. The fruit of the Spirit is automatic. When you don't know that, you go up into your head and try to work it yourself. Your flesh wants to produce what you need for yourself. Like an automatic washing machine, trusting God makes life simpler, easier whereas thinking its all on you is like trying to manually wash all your clothes, working your own righteousness. In Romans 10:1, Paul is talking about the Jews and how much he wants them to be saved. "They have a zeal for God, but they don't know God." Law and rules are for those not led by the Holy Spirit. With the knowledge of good and evil, we are left to be our own protection, to provide for ourselves, to produce our own fruit of the spirit. Paul says, "being ignorant of God's righteousness, they seek to establish their own." It's so much better to yield to God and watch the automatic fruit happen. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
In Luke 5:1-8, Peter responds to Jesus just as Adam had in the Garden, by drawing away from Him. "Depart from me, I'm a sinful man," says Peter. Adam hid. Sin consciousness causes us to pull away from God. We feel unworthy. We misunderstand His heart towards us.
God knows good and evil, but He does not operate under that system. He operates in love. Love is above good and evil. It is superior to that fallen system.
Isaiah 54:14 prophesied that we would be established in righteousness. Under the new covenant, we would become righteousness conscious rather than sin conscious. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Sin consciousness makes life hard. God's plan of salvation gives us rest and ease amidst the trials and tribulations of life. A clear word will take it off of you and put it all on Jesus. He takes away all need/lust for self-provision. It was prophesied that God would sweep away our refuge of lies (living with the lie of self-provision), which He did in Jesus. Man will never be able to produce the REAL. There is a REAL life that has been given to us in Jesus. It's free, its not far way and it's not hard. God said He loves us with an everlasting love. In Jesus, we have not received the spirit of the world. Reckon this true for you. Believe it because it is the real. He has loved us with a love that passes knowledge. He has rendered us glorious in Christ.. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
What happened between Friday and Sunday? Between Jesus' death and resurrection? The judgement happened. The judgement has been made and you were acquitted, found not guilty. Because of our justification, He rose from the dead. The resurrection was the sign of power that the justification was complete. It was evidence of victory. We, too, rose from death to life with Him. Now it is time to remember our righteousness. It's time to remember our justification. It's time to celebrate our resurrection, to live and enjoy the resurrected life with Jesus.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
The bible says sin is the transgression of the law. It’s choices people make that hurts themselves and/or others. Sin kills. Jesus came to deliver us from sin, by giving us His life.
James 1:14 says when a person is tempted, he/she is not tempted by God. Rather they are tempted by something inside them - lust. Knowing the unlimited love of God will produce fullness inside a person, which is the anecdote for the lust the draws a person toward sin.
What really annihilates sin? The everlasting fountain (Jesus) inside of us. In the Old Testament, Zechariah 13 prophesies of a coming fountain that would be everlasting. It is an inner fountain (Jesus) that shall be for the cleansing of sin and uncleanness. Through Jesus, we have access to this fountain.
The one thing that truly fills the heart of every man, the one thing they are searching for in every sin/addiction is the unconditional love of God. If we point others to the goodness of God, the love of God, the fact that they have everything they need inside them in Christ Jesus…then they’ll find what they’re searching for, what replaces lust and the desire for sin.
We trust in Jesus and Jesus alone (not in ourselves) in dealing with sin. Instead of living FOR Jesus, we live BY Jesus. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
John 15: Jesus is the true vine, we are the branches. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil brings death. Dead branches come from that tree. Apart from God we can do nothing (lasting or life-giving). Jesus came to give us LIFE and life abundant. He is the Tree of Life. We are grafted in (an unfruitful branch is grafted into the life-giving vine) so that we have HIS life flowing through us, producing life-giving fruit for us and others.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Even if we are under grace, aren't we supposed to do certain things in obedience that show God we are serious about Him (and show others we are serious about God)? Bringing in mixture to do certain things adds sin consciousness. This takes our focus off of Jesus and onto ourselves. We judge ourselves to see if we are pleasing to God or if we are fruitful. These things are good but in the book of Colossians, Paul is telling us how to do this...by pointing to Jesus.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
You can see the story of God's love for you all over the Bible if you read it with righteousness consciousness rather than with sin consciousness. Hear and receive the many facets of God's love for you found in scripture. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
God has made us righteous. But what exactly is righteousness? Is it being good or being holy? Is it simply a legal standing? Man's inner search for righteousness has led to a feeling of something being missing, not being quite good enough. Man has dealt with this inner seeking in a few ways - just give up and indulge, try really hard to be good, or simply believe God is just a universal being and there is no such thing as sin. These ways attempt to solve the dilemma of man's concern with himself and what is lacking in him. We've become sin conscious and try to find a way to get rid of the sin. Jesus says in Matthew 5:20 that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Pharisees righteousness was based in the natural world system. Your righteousness can only exceed theirs if it is of the eternal kingdom. We receive the free gift of righteousness from Jesus. We become righteousness conscious rather than sin conscious. The Kingdom of God is defined in the Bible as righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Righteousness and the Kingdom of God go hand in hand. They are in the now. Righteousness is the ability to be with God with no guilt or inferiority. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Understanding the grace of God is a lot about receiving from God. The key to enjoying eternal life is knowing God is good. If you aren't convinced of His goodness, you will get tripped up on other things. Matthew 13:44-46 - Treasure in the field. We've always believed that was about us being sold out for God. If it's on us giving our all, it'll never be enough. If it's about Jesus giving all, then it has happened and we are the treasure of great price. Luke 18 tells of the rich young ruler. Give you're all, sell all you have and give to the poor then come and follow me. This shows you really love your neighbor as yourself. But the ruler couldn't do it. It exposed the man's shortcomings. He hadn't loved with everything he had. In fact, any good teaching of the law will always leave you knowing that you are a sinner just like everyone else. Then who can be saved? No one can live up to that standard. With man, it's impossible. With God, it is possible - because He did it not us. If you ever wonder if God loves you, just consider this - God gave His all. He sent His Son so that the righteous requirements of the law would be fulfilled. And you wouldn't have to do it. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
What we consider reality is what we see in the natural. That is why two people can have the same experience but have different realities. What we see in the natural is a result of sensory stimuli coming into your brain and your brain making sense of it. The brain is directing what your reality is. This brain is tissue that will one day decompose. Life is in the Spirit. Seeing in the Spirit is the true reality. Eternal life is found in Jesus in the Spirit and is accessed in the present moment.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
At Christmas we are celebrating the fulfillment of a promise that had been made for thousands of years. A large number of good things are wrapped up in that perfect gift of Jesus. Ephesians 1:3 says that every spiritual blessing has been given us in Christ Jesus. Second Peter 1:3 says that God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness through Christ Jesus. That includes abundance, healing, favor, wisdom, the promise of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:3-14 tells the purpose of the Christmas story. In Jesus we see a life that reveals (for the first time) to man the heart, character, way and attitude of the Father. Jesus is the express image of the Father. Jesus says if you've seen me, you've seen the Father. We someone who has taken away the sin problem, the law problem, the knowledge of good and evil problem. Through Him the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled for us. His life provided reconciliation between God and man. He came for us to have life, and life abundantly. We will never be alone. It is the Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. What we couldn't do, a Gift was given to do it for us. Praise God for His unspeakable gift.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
"Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:14.
The Greek word "Irani" means "to join; wholeness, prosperity, union, oneness, completeness, health, wholeness, (shalom). Hebrews used "shalom" as a greeting coming and going - to bring opposites together. We have been brought together into oneness with God.
If you start to feel peace leaving you and your focus goes to your problem/stress/issues, just turn and look at Jesus - you are one with Him. When you look at Him, you are looking at yourself (the truth of who you really are).
What we celebrate at Christmas is the perfect gift to us. Peace. Oneness with God. Every promise, every prophecy, every good thing that we will ever need is given to us; is wrapped up in this one gift. He lived the perfect life for you. So you don't have to live the perfect life. You become one with Him and He lives through you.
In Jesus, God was reconciling all things unto Himself: men, women, Jew, Gentile, slave, free man, husband, wife. All become one in Jesus. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
If you are a child of God, you are an heir. You inherit the Kingdom of God. If you are in the flesh, you are foregoing your inheritance. If you are trying to live a good life in your own power, you are foregoing your own inheritance, which is LIFE, peace, flow, ease, essentially simply bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The manifestations of living out of flesh appear in Galatians 5:19-21. Preaching against these things actually empowers them. The manifestations of the Spirit appear in Galatians 5:22-24. Against these things there is no law. Flesh is against Spirit - they are two diametrically opposing ways of living. The flesh trusts in self. The Spirit trusts in Jesus and the sacrifice He has made. It is the difference between trying to operate righteousness according to a command (which never empowers - it is YOU doing it) and operating in righteousness by faith in Christ where the life you live, you live by the Son of God.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Reading Luke 17:5-19 in context, we can understand what Jesus was saying about casting the fig tree into the ocean and Mark 11:11-24 where he curses the fig tree. Faith of a mustard seed shows us we just need a little. But knowing and fully trusting (receiving) the gift of God's love for us makes a mustard seed of faith automatic. Faith operates through love. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
When we see how Jesus was attracted to weakness, we learn something about the true heart of God. Looking at Hebrews 4:13, we see a scripture that, if taken out of context, could cause fear or confusion. Knowing how good God is and how He sees you in your weaknesses will make all the difference in living your life today.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
This is a study on several scriptures that cause confusion for the new covenant believer by seeming to mix old covenant ideas with new covenant realities. Do you have to forgive others before God will forgive you? What did Jesus mean by Matthew 6:14-15? Nowhere does it say to repent of your "sins" in the new covenant. Is repentance more about changing your mind about Jesus and the Kingdom of God? 2 Corinthians 5 - God is not imputing the world's sins against them. Acts 3:19 - He will convict you of righteousness. Confess means to agree with. What did John mean in 1John 1:9 and who was he talking to? Who were the gnostics and what did they believe that was influencing the early church? Instead of making big of sin as the world does, let us make a big deal out of what Jesus did for us.Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
We've been taught the endgame in Christianity is to get the sin out of our lives so that we can become more Christlike, but when we look at Luke 4:17-21 in which Jesus announced his purpose, we see no mention of behavior change.
He wanted to be with us. He wanted to fill us with his love - so we'd be full. No longer needing the selfishness and self-protection that causes sin.
The work of Jesus WAS the endgame. Before the endgame, they worked towards it. After the endgame, we simply produce the fruit of it. We think the fruit is the change in behavior (no smoking, no fornication, no lying, etc). But the real fruit is love, joy, and peace.
[In this, we are not making light of sin. God hates sin because it causes harm to us and others. Instead we are making much of Jesus.]Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Jesus brought us out of the storm of living according to the natural realm (subject to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil) and opened a door for us into the Kingdom of Heaven (subject to the Tree of Life). It is always open to us. We can have rest - peace, joy and righteousness in the Holy Spirit - even while a storm is rain all around us. Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
Becoming aware of God in the moment gives you the experience of knowing you are loved unconditionally and that everything you need you already have in Christ Jesus. It is not wishful thinking, it is a spiritual truth. God’s name is “I AM.” He is in the now, not in the past or the future. Colossians 1:9-16 Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)
This is a valentines from God to us, reminding us not to reject the power of His love. This is the way to finding peace with God and with man. We are not looking for other ways to stop sin, we are effortlessly receiving the ability to operate in this life according to His Love (as Jesus did). Support the show (https://paypal.me/RickManis?locale.x=en_US)