WISDOM AND THE CROSS

WISDOM IN THE CROSS

But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us WISDOM and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption…1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the POWER OF GOD. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

The crucified Christ is to us power and the WISDOM of God. To them that perish, it is foolishness. Redemption of the lost race of man to put back or conform to the image of Christ was kick started through salvation, while other things like justification, sanctification and glorification follows

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where [is] the wise? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:19-21 (KJV)

God brought Christ into the world by His Wisdom. But through the wisdom that the world had, they did not receive the Christ. [God came to His own and they did not receive Him - John 1:11]The kind of Messiah [Military leader or ruler], that they had in mind was not what God sent. The foolishness of preaching of the cross of the Christ saved those that believed. Christ came in the volume of books to establish the pathway of salvation so that both the Jews and the Gentiles can be saved.

For the Jews require a SIGN, and the Greeks seek after wisdom… 1 Corinthians 1:22 (KJV)

The Jews were continually seeking for a sign from God. They saw Jesus multiplied the bread and turned around and seek for a sign. They said that Moses gave them the bread from heaven, but Jesus said that the bread in the desert did not come from Moses, but from His Father. He then said that He was the bread that comes down from heaven. That was God’s Wisdom that talked to them, but they did not receive nor understand it. The world’s wisdom could not understand that He could say that He would die.

But we preach CHRIST CRUCIFIED, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is WISER THAN MEN; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 (KJV)

AS FOR myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2 (Amplified)

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save JESUS CHRIST and HIM CRUCIFIED. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2 (KJV)

Paul was a learned man and could speak with excellence of words. The power and the wisdom that he came to preach the crucified Christ was exceptionally different and he became all things unto all men that he can win them to Christ. We must learn what the crucified Christ means. Our focus must also be “Christ and Him crucified”. For where there is no cross, there is no redemption!

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are PERFECT… 1 Corinthians 2:3-6(a) (KJV)

Paul says in three epistles that wisdom is spoken perfect saints. Then he keeps on talking to perfect people. We all struggle to be perfect. Wisdom speaks to perfect people, but you’ve got to understand what that Wisdom is. We try to be perfect after worldly wisdom and not after the Wisdom of God. When God calls us to perfection, He speaks His Wisdom to us, He also impart us with the Spirit of Wisdom so that we can be all be perfect and go from one level of perfection to another. That is why we speak wisdom without the embellishment of human wisdom, philosophy and vain deceit after the traditions of men. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches the willing and the mature in Christ spiritual things and they are spiritually discerned or understood.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to NOUGHT…1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV)

The princes of the world are revering to principalities and the devil, but they are brought to nothing. Jesus brought to nothing the one that had the power over death [Hebrews 2]. There is a worldly power that was with worldly wisdom, but they were brought to nothing. We were in bondage because of that, but Christ set us free when He nullified them on the cross. Now He could stand up and say that He is here with the children God gave Him. Wisdom will be justified by her children. The crucifixion was wisdom and the justification comes in the acceptance of that sacrifice without reasoning it out. Everything revolves around the Christ that was crucified and that is the justification.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a MYSTERY, [even] the hidden [WISDOM], which God ordained before the world unto our glory…1 Corinthians 2:7 (KJV)

Christ was crucified before the foundation of the world and was foreordained for it.

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have CRUCIFIED the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8 (KJV)

God wants to give us more than enough, because Wisdom is justified by her children. 

The wisdom and power of God is the Christ that was crucified. If the princes knew that wisdom, they would not crucify the LORD. In the crucifixion, the more than enough is about to hit the children with this blessing. If you can justify the cross, carry your own cross daily, and make the CROSS the only word of wisdom that you speak, you justify the wisdom of God and will have more than enough.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the DEEP THINGS of God. 1 Corinthians 2:8, 9 (KJV)

Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom of the glory of God. It is all ours, but the children have to justify, defend and validate the Wisdom. The Gospel is full of mysteries which are hidden wisdom; there is the mystery of God, of a trinity of persons in the divine essence; the mystery of Christ, of his person, as God manifest in the flesh, of his divine son-ship, and incarnation in the womb of a virgin; the mystery of the Spirit's grace in regeneration, of the saints' union to Christ, and communion with him, the resurrection of the same body, the change of living saints at Christ's coming, with many others.

The Gospel lay hid in God, in the thoughts of his heart, in the deep things of his mind, the counsels of his will, and purposes of his grace; it was hid in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it was hid under the types and shadows of the ceremonial law; and is hid in the Scriptures, which must be diligently searched for it, as for hidden treasures. It was hid from angels, and from Adam, until revealed; it was in some measure hid from the Jews under the former dispensation, to whom it was made known; and in some sense from believers, under the present dispensation, who as yet know it but in part; and is entirely hid from natural men, even from the most wise and prudent among them.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” 1 Cor. 2:12 

God has made a revelation of His wisdom that was so hidden and mysterious, the doctrines of the Gospel to the saints now, not only in his word, which is common to men, nor only to his ministers, but to private Christians and believers. The Holy Spirit has given the internal revelation and application of the truths of the Gospel to the souls of men. God’s wise counsels of old concerning man's salvation, the scheme of things drawn in his eternal mind are now revealed in the word and ministered to us just in the same token as it was inspired by the Spirit to the writers of the sacred scriptures. The truths of God need no garnishing by human skill or eloquence, but look best in the words which the Holy Ghost teaches. The cross was the power of God unto salvation, had Pilate and the Pharisees known that, they would not have crucified Christ the Messiah

DIVINE ORACLE: CALLEDWITH A PURPOSE“Be not thoutherefore asham...

DIVINE ORACLE: CALLEDWITH A PURPOSE


“Be not thoutherefore asham...: CALLED WITH A PURPOSE “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker o...

CALLED WITH A PURPOSE

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own PURPOSE and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” 2 Tim. 1:8-11 KJV

The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than having a spouse and greater than your vocation or career; and even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with the purpose of God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. As a matter of fact you were created only for His purpose. Everything in you and given to you be it talent, gifts and even educational achievements are to be used to fulfill kingdom mandate.

“Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:4-5 KJV

Don't just be PREGNANT with PURPOSE. Give BIRTH to it. Nations are waiting on your Divine seed of LEGACY – Linda Johnson

Jeremiah was pregnant with purpose and was almost stagnated not fulfilling it until God had to come and remind him of the awesome calling upon his life which must be birthed forth.

God has a unique way of communicating His purpose to us in this age called the “dahbar” word which is the present truth or the proceeding word from the throne room of grace. It is fresh and smelling of heaven because it is good smelling and fragranced like fresh oven baked bread. It is light and not burdensome and it refreshes our soul because it lays bare the mindset of God concerning His intent, will and purpose which has been afore concluded concerning that which the Godhead had agreed that we shall perform as men and women called by God.

We are ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven called, ordained and empowered to enforce the kingdom of God upon planet earth to the point such that this earth realm is turned into the kingdom of our God.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.” Jer. 1:5 KJV

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree” Jer. 1:10-11 KJV 

Points in Jeremiah’s life and call:--

1.  God predestinated him [Eph. 1:11]. “Before I formed thee” [vs. 5]

2.  God knew him. “I knew thee.” [vs. 5]

2. God sanctified him. “I sanctified thee.” [vs. 5]

3. God ordained him. “I ordained thee.” [vs. 5]

4. God sent him. “for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee” [vs. 7]. End time Apostolic… “sent out ones” ministry

5. God commanded him. “whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak” [vs. 7].

6. God encouraged him. “Be not afraid of their faces” [vs. 8]

7.  God accompanying him to deliver him and to do the work. “for I am with thee to deliver thee” [vs. 8]

8. God spoke through him. “I have put My words in thy mouth.” [vs. 9]

9. God empowered him “I am sending you with authority” [vs. 10 CEV]

10. God envision him, gave him ability to see into the spiritual realm… “See I have given thee… I see an almond tree”

11. God gave him domain to rule over. “I have set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms”

12. God gave him grace to destroy the works of darkness…”to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy and to throw down”

13. God gave him ability to build and to plant the kingdom of God on planet Earth. “To build and to plant”

With this, we are so sure of Jeremiah’s calling, no matter what happens in the process of time, Jeremiah kept going on with the calling because he had a definite encounter with his Lord who called him.

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” 1Thess. 5:24 KJV

“The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!” 1 Thess. 5:24 MSSG

We must remember that such a vision comes only to the man who is worthy of it, and, in a measure, prepared for it. Jeremiah, like Isaiah at his call, was a young man—he cannot have been over twenty-five. The decadent situation of our nation today like in the days of Jeremiah, somebody must stand up and speak for God; and there must be within us consciously the feeling that ours is the voice that must be lifted up on behalf of Jehovah God.

We must know that we are the man ordained to be used by God. Our whole wonderful life and career just like Jeremiah’s birth, youth, and experiences in life are all geared towards knowing and serving God. We must see that God had been thinking of us, caring for us, preparing life encounters and even our ministry and congregation before we were born like Jeremiah. Clearly, if the past and present have any meaning at all, we are God's marked man. We are marked for anointing, marked for success, marked for prosperity, marked for great grace, marked to perform miracles signs and wonders, marked to take the gospel to the nations of the world. I AM MARKED!

No human life is hidden from God, we have been preordained or predestinated to serve God acceptably. You may be in the valley waiting for your day of showing. Have the assurance that your day of showing must come! It is guaranteed!

“…the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness” Luke 3:2 KJV

Our great nation Nigeria used to be colonized by Britain and after years of colonial rule our mentality, perception, way of life was gradually but surely changed to become like theirs. Though they drink tea because of their extremely cold temperature country but we have imbibed the culture. So have we imbibed their English language and even the wearing of suits.

So also, we have been introduced to the kingdom of God and we are ordained to imbibe the culture of the heavenly kingdom and also teach others through discipleship so that they also can become like Master Jesus who exemplified kingdom living on this planet.

“And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead” Ephesians 4:11-14 AMP.

The watchword is … “that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him”.

It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his hand. We are not just called to be ministers but we all have specific calls and directives of what to do according to what God has purposed for us to do. It is about becoming what God created you to be.

We must not speculate in order to discover God’s will or counsel for our lives but we must receive them by revelation either the one written in the Holy Scriptures or the one that God open our spiritual ears to hear or eyes to see. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life's purpose: Ask God.

UNDERSTANDING GRACE

UNDERSTANDING GRACE

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” 2 Tim. 2:1 

Grace is the divine influence upon our heart and it is good and godly replication in our lives. Simply put it is unmerited favor [gift] bestowed by God. It is beneficial, favorable and impact joy upon the recipient’s life. Grace is dynamite like in nature and available to all believers.  Grace is God’s un-coerced creativity and prevalent, extravagant demonstrations of care, love and favor. God gives nothing less than Himself.

Grace, then, is not a third thing or substance mediating between God and sinners, but is Jesus Christ in redeeming action. Saving grace therefore is bestowed upon all unbelievers who will willingly accept the atoning death of Christ as the price paid for their redemption. Christians live godly lives by the grace of God and Grace transforms our desires, motivations, and behavior into Christ-like ones, it grounds and empowers everything in our Christian life.

“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:4-8

The above scripture is grace. Paul couldn’t say it any better. To him who works, it is debt; merit is payment for work done. To the Lord, we are debtors who cannot pay. The essence of grace is its voluntary free bestowal. We must cling with all our might to the merit of Jesus Christ. He alone has the merit to satisfy the demands of God’s justice, and He gives it freely to us. And the more we understand what God has done for us as sinners, the more willing we should be to do whatever He requires. It is Christ’s merit covering our demerit.

Hear what some bible scholars say about grace

"Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines him to bestow benefits on the undeserving." – A W. Tozer

“Grace is "the unmerited operation of God in the heart of man, effected through the agency of the Holy Spirit." - Berkhof

“Grace is free sovereign favor to the ill-deserving.”- B.B. Warfield

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.”- John Stott

“[Grace] is God reaching downward to people who are in rebellion against Him.” - Jerry Bridges

“Grace is unconditional love toward a person who does not deserve it.” (Paul Zahl)

“Grace is the free and benevolent influence of a holy God operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners” John MacArthur

Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness. We live in a world of earning, deserving, and merit, and these result in judgment. That is why everyone wants and needs grace. Judgment kills. Only grace makes alive. Our identity and our stand in Christendom is by Grace [1 Cor. 1:10, Romans 5:2]. It is favor bestowed on sinners who deserve wrath. Showing kindness to a stranger is "unmerited favor"; doing good to one's enemies is more of the spirit of grace (Luke 6:27-36).

Grace is where God shows us mercy, kindness, and patience instead of the judgment that we deserve for sinning against Him. God's grace cannot be earned by our actions or sincerity. Grace is based on the character of God and not on our sincerity, performance, or ability to keep the law of God. Otherwise, grace would not be grace. It is not of our works [Romans 11:6, Galatians 2:21].  The entire Christian life is driven and empowered by grace: "It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods" (Hebrews 13:9). Peter said we should "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

Grace is - “mercy, not merit.” Grace is the opposite of karma, which is all about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve, and not getting what you do deserve. Christianity teaches that what we deserve is death with no hope of resurrection but that it changes when grace brings life.

Both grace and truth are powerful instrument for living a godly life and doing the works of ministry and both came by Jesus Christ

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” John 1:17 

The Old Testament laws shows how hard by our own strength to attain to fulfill it but Jesus came to give us the free goodwill of the Father which are both natural and spiritual in nature. When grace accompanies truth in our hearts then we can actually have revelation of the truth that sets free [John 8:32].

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Rom 3:24 

Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth [John 1:14]. If as He is so are we in the world, then we also are supposed to be epitome of grace for of His fullness have we received and grace upon grace.

The Christian journey actually do not start until we are justified freely by this grace through the redemptive process that was initiated in Christ Jesus. Of His fullness we have actually received and imparted with one level of grace to another.

“For the grace of God that bring salvation hath appeared to all men,  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-12

The gospel or good news of the Kingdom of God is actually the good news of the grace of God, [Acts 20:24]. By grace the season of sin is done away with and we are to reign through right standing in God as we deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts. 

Grace does not nullify the moral demands of God's law. Rather, it fulfills the righteousness of the law (Romans 6:14-15). It does not annul the righteous demands of the law; it confirms and validates them (Romans 3:31).

Grace is the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus that has set us free from the law of sin and death [Romans 8:2]. God has acted to set us free from sin — not just the consequences, but it's very power and presence. We are now empowered to enjoy the liberation from sin's cruel power and defiling influence by denying ungodliness [Titus 2:12], for we are Christ workmanship recreated by the Holy Spirit for good works [Ephesians 2:10].

“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might by grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 5:21 

Not only does salvation come by grace but grace condones sin and all ungodliness. We must not continue in sin that grace may abound. God forbid! When we pay the price of uprightness in God, nothing good will He withhold from us.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” Psalms 84:11 

Grace is the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us. God's good will works the good work, and then the good work qualifies us for further tokens of his good will. As the cistern receives water from the fullness of the fountain, the branches sap from the fullness of the root, and the air light from the fullness of the sun, so we receive grace from the fullness of Christ continually.

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” Rom 5:2 

Grace is serviceable unto all facet of our body, soul and spirit. Grace for grace is grace for the promoting and advancing of grace. We grow in grace [2 Peter 3:18]. Grace is to be exercised by ourselves; gracious habits for gracious acts. Grace to be ministered as custodian of grace to others; grace is a talent to be traded with; the more you use it to benefit others the more grace is released unto you for further good works! The apostles received grace (Romans 1:5; Eph. 3:8), that they might communicate it to benefit all believers [1Pet. 4:10].

Grace for grace is one grace to improve, confirm, and perfect another grace. We are changed into the divine image, from glory to glory, from one degree of glorious grace to another [2 Cor. 3:18]. Those that have true grace and are humble at heart, have that for more grace [James 4:6]. When God gives grace he says, take this in part; for he who hath promised will perform and will even give more. Grace empowers us for our speech to be seasoned in grace [Coll. 4:6]

Grace is for both in-working in us to make us look and be more like Jesus and it is also for outworking, also working through us to others to change them into Christ likeness. Grace teaches us and when we conform to his will, we will be promoted and made to reign in life [Romans 5:21]. Truth encompasses all that grace reveals and grace is the fulfillment of all that the truth promises.

Grace is generously bestowed by God and abundant in its release [2 Cor. 9:8, Eph. 1:7], it is sufficient [2 Cor. 12:9] and full of wonders [Eph. 1:6]. It is readily available to the humble [1 Peter 5:5]. It saves the human beings needlessly [Eph. 2:5]. It justifies the sinners [Romans 3:24] and grace calls and equip for the ministry [Gal. 1:15, Heb. 12:28] and equips for all other vocation where the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of God is readily needed to excel like medicine, carpentry and engineering. It is a good source of consolation and hope [1 Thess. 2:16]. By grace, we are heirs of God [Titus 3:7, 1 Peter 3:7] and we are full of hope [2 Thess. 2:16]. Under grace we have victory [Romans 6:14].

“…that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it” Eph. 2:5-8 GNB

WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY HOLY HILL?

WHO SHALL DWELL IN THY HOLY HILL

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walk uprightly, and work righteousness, and speak the truth in his heart. He that backbite not with his tongue, nor do evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the LORD. He that swears to his own hurt, and change not. He that put not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that does these things shall never be moved” Psalms 15:1-5 KJV

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” Psalms 15:1 NLT

It's important to note that Psalm 15 is not a prescription for becoming saved but a prescription of how saved people ought to live if they want to please God and fellowship with Him. The list contains both positive and negative qualities, and these qualities must be present in all of our lives at all times. Believers who would fellowship intimately with God must follow David's example and meet three principal personal requirements and several others. Mount Zion is a godly description of the Kingdom of God that came and where believers are to dwell spiritually upon the earth realm. There God is in them and they also dwell in God.

The Kingdom of God produces complete integrity in a believer. Such a man is described in the Psalms with integrity and godly character as “He who does these things shall never be moved". But the righteousness of the Kingdom of God is even more than positive action. God's righteousness produces an infinite longing to grow in holiness, an ardent desire to know Him better, an intense craving for truth in the inward parts. It is longing for the consciousness of the Lord's presence, the panting of the deer after the water brooks (Ps. 42:1), and desperate quest to get away from secret faults and presumptuous sins, uprightness and being innocent from great transgression [Psalms 19:13]. It is that hungering and thirsting after righteousness which our Lord promised would be spiritually filled with abundance (Matt. 5:6).

When a believer truly yearns for the righteousness of God, he possesses the passport that identifies him as a true citizen of the Kingdom of God. Such Zion dwellers have blameless character, righteous conduct, and truthful conversation. If we are right in these basic virtues, we will "work them out" in every area of life and be obedient to the Lord. Walk, work, and speak are present participles, indicating that the dedicated believer is expected to constantly obey the Lord and seek fervently to please Him. "Blameless" doesn't mean "sinless," for nobody on earth is sinless. Blameless has to do with soundness of character, integrity, complete loyalty to God. Noah was blameless (Gen. 6:9), and the Lord admonished Abraham to be blameless (Gen. 17:1), that is, devoted wholly to the Lord.

CRITERIA FOR DWELLING IN ZION - Psalm 15:2-5 (MSG)

1.  A. Walk straight,

      B. Act right,

      C. Tell the truth.

2.  "Don't hurt your friend,

3. Don't blame your neighbor;

4.  Despise the despicable.

5. "Keep your word even when it costs you,

6.   Make an honest living, never take a bribe.

7. "You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this."

Those who are fit for communion with the LORD are known for their conformity to His laws, ordinances, statutes, and precepts.

After his men captured Mt. Zion, David made it the site of his residence and of the sanctuary of God, and Jerusalem became "the city of David" (2 Sam. 5:1-16). The tabernacle, the throne, and the "holy hill" belonged together (see Psalms 24:3-6; 2:6; 3:4; 43:3). To the believer today, Mt. Zion speaks of the heavenly city where God's people will dwell forever (Heb. 12:19-25). David asked this question because he loved the house of the Lord (Psalms 26:8; 27:3-5; 65:4) and desired in his heart to know God better and fellowship with Him in a deeper way. The priests could come and go in the house of the Lord, but David, though he was king, had to keep his distance.

“I have installed (anointed) (established) my king on Zion, my holy mountain” Psalms 2:6 NSB

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” Isaiah 48:1-2

Jesus Christ the King of kings was installed, anointed and His ruler-ship established upon Mount Zion. He is our Rock of offense, Chief Cornerstone and deliverer [Romans 9:33, 11:26, 1 Peter 2:6]. Mount Zion is where all believers dwell now so to speak.

“His foundation is in the holy mountains. Jehovah loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God” Psalms 87:1-3

The authority and the power of the Holy Spirit the seal of God on this Mount is at the gates of Zion. It is here where the water of Life flows through the east gate to water the valley of Shittim and whatever is dead in the path of the flowing river of Life is imparted with God kind of Life. Here abundance of fishes are prominent and the saints, the planting of the Lord or the trees of righteousness produces fruits all year round.

“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one” Zech. 14:9 

The temple is also a proper type or emblem of the Church triumphant in heaven. "Here the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." It is the dwelling-place the eternal residence, of all who are faithful unto death, who are made pillars in that temple of God, to go no more out forever. The seat of government of our God is Mount Zion and He loves it more than any other place. That is where He reside or abide. Zion means fort or sunny. It is also called the city of David and it is the site where the Tabernacle of David was established. Mount Zion, the holy mount, where the temple was built, was the type of the kingdom of heaven. There the ark became stationary, and was no longer carried about from place to place; and the whole was typical of the rest that remains for the people of God.

“For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee” Isaiah 30:19

Spiritually speaking, that is where we also ought to be living. When we do, God promised that we will weep no more, He will be gracious to us and He will answer our petitions. Here unspeakable joy and peace culled from the Prince of peace enormously reside.

"Abide" means "to sojourn as a stranger," To abide, in the language of Scripture, means somewhat more than merely the remaining in one place. It implies an adherence to a thing; or a union with, and connection with it; while "dwell" suggests a permanent residential status, but here the verbs are probably synonymous. Knowing about eastern hospitality, David wanted to enjoy the benefits of being a resident in God's house—enjoying God's fellowship, God's protection, and God's provision. The word "dwell" in the Hebrew is “shakan” and gives us the word Shekinah, referring to the presence (dwelling) of God's glory in the sanctuary (Ex. 25:8; see also 29:46; 1 Chron. 22:19; Psalms. 20:2; 78:69; 150:1). David's great desire was to be with God in heaven and dwell in His house forever (23:6; 61:4), for God is our eternal home (90:1). Believers today can enjoy intimate fellowship with God through Jesus Christ (John 14:19-31; Heb. 10:19-25).

WHY GO UP TO MOUNT ZION

“For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish” Psalms 132:13-18 

1.        To be taught by the Lord Isaiah 2:2-3

2.        Deliverers [those rescued by the Lord], will go up to Mount Zion to govern Obadiah 1:21

3.        Ascend to the place of dignity, ruler-ship and spiritual supremacy

4.        Come up hither to place of spiritual sight “I will show thee” Rev 4:1

5.        Upon Mount Zion there shall be holiness – Obad. 1:17. Place of impartation and standing in holiness

6.        And my people shall process their possession Obad. 1:17 – Place of possessing our possession

7.        And deliverance Obad. 1:17 – Place of deliverance Joel 2:32

8.        Place of establishing the kingdom of God

9.        Place of glory and defense – Isaiah 4:5

10.      Place of drawing near to God Heb. 12:22

11.      Dew of Hermon that falls upon Mount Zion – Blessings - Psalms 133

Obeying God's Ordinances

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speak better things than that of Abel” Heb. 12:22-24 

Only the righteous dwells in this city. It is called the city of JUST men made PERFECT. The Church of the Living God in holiness and full of righteous acts dwell in this City. There is a RIVER which is the Holy Spirit streams of Life that makes glad or bring joy into the life of Zion dwellers. We must get set for character adjustments and infusing of integrity and all round Christ-likeness to dwell in this blissful haven.

Culled from the Upcoming book "Who shall abide in thy Holy Hill?" by Joses Hizkiah

TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MIND

In Paul’s letters, this word TRANSFORMATION is used to describe an inward, metabolic-like renewal of a Christian’s mind through which an inner spirit is changed into the likeness of Christ. Paul told the Romans believers: “Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). The best way to escape conforming to this world is not by trying to be unlike the world, but by allowing ourselves to become like Christ. Furthermore, this change is not effected by a change in outward behavior, but by a change in one’s thinking.

Transformation begins in the mind and continues in the mind. A transformed mind produces transformed behavior. The transformed behavior will empower you to acquire the nature, character and blessings that belong to brethren that live in that realm of Christ-likeness.

As one’s Christian life progresses, he or she should gradually notice that one’s thought life is being changed from Christ-less-ness to Christ-likeness. Transformation does not happen overnight. People are transformed to Christ’s image gradually, as they spend time in intimate fellowship with Him (2 Cor. 3:18).

This involves communion with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14), and continual looking at the law of liberty (James 1:25). It is the Spirit of God that quickens us, the word of God is spirit and its unveiling brings the desired change and a new thought pattern, life style and mind-set.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that uses milk is un-skilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil Heb. 5:12-14

There are immature Christians who are spiritual babes feeding on the milk of the Word of God but strong meat belongs to mature Christians who value, live in and obey the word of God until the engrafted word transforms them and renew their souls after ridding self of all superfluity of naughtiness and every weight and sin that easily beset us.

Eventually, we will begin to mirror Jesus Christ who we beholds through the illumination that the Holy Spirit gives (Eph.1:16-18), and the unveiling of the WORD of God. Paul said, “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18, NASB).

This renewing of our mind is the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon our lives; in Titus 3:5, where "the renewing of the Holy Spirit" is not a fresh bestowment of the Spirit, but a revival of His power, developing the Christian life; this passage stresses the continual operation of the indwelling Spirit of God; the passage stresses the willing response on the part of the believer.

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Col 3:10 KJV

This new man is in contrast to the old carnal mind or unregenerate nature and has the knowledge of Christ. It is totally different from the law that condemns and keeps us in bondage.

And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. 2Ch 15:8 KJV 

Our heart is now the New Testament altar of the Lord and its renewal or restoration to the original mind-set happens where the WORD of God is given pre-eminence and allowed to be inscribed on our hearts through the laser beam of the Spirit of God.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and LEARN OF ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 KJV 

The key word to finding rest for our souls, such that it aligns itself with knowing God is to learn of God’s will and ways in the scriptures…learn of me. We must learn the unforced rhythms of grace through the scriptures.

So a previous physical regulation and command is cancelled because of its weakness and ineffectiveness and uselessness. For the Law never made anything perfect--but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God. Hebrews 7:18-19 AMP.

We cannot put new wine in old wine skin. The new wine is put inside new wine skin which is a new mind-set. The old mind-set is weak, ineffective, condemns, useless, genders to sin, unprofitable and cannot bring perfection. Welcome to the season of better hope, better promises and better life.

This new mind-set brings convictions so that we can confess our sins which are forgiven immediately we do. Everything hinges on grace and truth.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away Isa 64:6 

We can work out your salvation with fear and trembling but after that everything comes to us on the platter of grace, truth and glory. Our righteousness is said to be as filthy rag so we must acquire or receive the righteousness which is a free gift from God. Jesus died so that we can become the righteousness of God in Him.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2Cor. 5:21 

Culled from the upcoming book “A new mindset” by Joses Hizkiah