Freedom to Choose Life

Freedom to Choose the Way of Life

From a July 2007 teaching, [text in brackets mine]

In the book of Jeremiah, God defines the options for the Children of Israel and for us today.

Jeremiah 21:8 - Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.

God gives each one of us the free will choice to choose spiritual life or spiritual death.

Let's define each of the words in the subject of this teaching: Freedom, Choose, Way, Death, and Life

Freedom:         The capacity to exercise choice; free from restraints

Choose:           To select from a number of alternatives

Way:                Freedom to do as one wishes

Death:             The termination or extinction of something

Life:                The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence

We have the assurance of our lives never becoming “extinct” according to Jesus Christ’s statement in the book of John Chapter 5:

John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I [Jesus Christ] say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

We are passed from death (dead in trespasses and sins as in Ephesians 2:1) unto life that is more than abundant (John 10:10)

Jeremiah was a great spokesman for God.  He shared the Word boldly with the people of his day and time.  Many were delivered because of his boldness, but the religious leaders of the day often were opposed to the truth that he spoke because it did not agree with their man-made doctrine. Despite this, he spoke the Word anyway! He said that “[God's] Word became in my heart like a burning fire kindling in my bones.”  He could not keep silent. (Jeremiah 20:9)

To quote chapter 10 of the book Order My Steps in Thy Word by Victor Paul Weirwille:

"Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet, has been called the weeping prophet because he was always weeping over Israel when they turned away from God. (Jeremiah 13:15-17; 22:9-10; 48:29-21) Regardless of what people may call those who seek God and his way, God still reveals himself to the meek [meek means humble & teachable - it does not mean weak]  And sometimes what God reveals is intended to give the unbeliever who is meek an opportunity to leave his spiritual darkness and the valley of death and to follow the way of life.  Jeremiah was God's Messenger to offer God's plan to the people of his day.  "There are two ways before you" Jeremiah told the Children of Israel.  "One way is the way of life; the other is the way of death.  Now you choose which you will follow.  You choose your destiny." ...Those who reject God's Word and those who deliberately abuse it are choosing the way of death.  But those who come to God's Word, believe it, and act on it are choosing the way of life."

Everyone makes the decision of whether or not to believe God sometime in the course of their life. Not everyone will choose to follow God, but be patient because everyone has the free will to eventually become born again:

Matthew 7:14 - Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Because God gave man free will, you and I are fully responsible for the choices we make.  As believers, we can stand before God without any sense of sin, guilt, or condemnation according to the Word.

We know what freedom is, we understand choice, and the decision to choose life is easy!

We can be like Jeremiah and boldly speak the Word. We can give people the best of life in all its fullness!

 John 10:10 says  "...I [Jesus Christ] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

We have the freedom to choose life, and enjoy a life more abundant!

God Bless You!

God Gives Deliverance

From a May 2006 teaching (all verses KJV)

Question:

What have we been delivered from?

Introduction

In order for God to deliver or “rescue” us, we first have to know what we are being rescued from.  We are born into this world as body and soul…dead in trespasses and sins.  We are incomplete without God's Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:1 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [the Devil], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

God has rescued us and made us “alive” by the accomplishments of His son Jesus Christ.  It is a completed work and all we need to do is believe it and act accordingly (Romans 10:9-10)

The book of Colossians tells of God's will for us:

           

Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Verse 13 says [God] who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of [by] his dear Son.

           

The word “delivered” is more emphatically translated “rescued”

This verse is PAST TENSE. It has already been done for us by God’s grace and the accomplishments of Jesus Christ.  We are now part of God's household when we become born again:

           

Ephesians 2:19 - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

This is what we have available because we have been rescued:

We have been saved by God’s grace (Eph 2:5)

We are spiritual royalty and are seated in the heavenlies. (Eph 2:6)

We are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10)

We have the righteousness of God. (1 Peter 2:24)

We are fellow citizens with the saints and the household of God. (Eph 2:19)

We areheirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)

"Already we have citizenship in God's kingdom.  He has already "...made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," as told in Ephesians 2:6.  Legally speaking... When Christ died, we died with him, when he was buried, we were buried in the baptism of his burial.  When he arose, we arose with him.  When he ascended, we ascended with him.  When Christ conquered, we conquered with him.  When he was seated, we were seated with him...What a revelation to the soul of man! What glory, what joy, what peace, what bliss!  We are rescued now."  -VP Weirwille, The Bible Tells me so

We have been rescued from the power of sin and given eternal life by God through the accomplished works of His son, Jesus Christ.

God Bless You!

The Healings of Jesus Christ

From an April 2004 Teaching

The abundant life that God promises in the Bible includes happiness, knowledge, energy, friendships material blessings, and health (physically, mentally, and spiritually). We will be focusing on the health aspect.

In order to take full advantage of this abundant life mentioned in the Word of God, we must know three things:

- What is available.
- How to receive it.
- What to do with it once we receive it.

Jesus Christ walked the earth with power and authority  --  Why?

Because: (1) – He knew what was available from God.

And (2) – He knew what to do with it.

We will be looking at the healings of Jesus Christ, and how he operated the power of God to bring deliverance to those in need.

Every story of deliverance in the Word involves a need being met. What are your needs?
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom [of God], and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

The first topic we will cover is: "What is available?"

The Word of God is available. Answers are within the pages of the Bible for us to gather and utilize daily.  God expects us to start here when we are looking for answers, then if there is more we need to know he can show us by His holy spirit.

The fellowship of the household is available. We all believe together for each other.  We pray for each other.  We look out for one another.

The 9 Manifestations of holy spirit are available:  Speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith (believing), miracles, healings (I Corinthians 12:7-12)

Also note III John 2 which says:
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God's will is that we prosper and are healthy.  Jesus Christ lived these aspects of life.

He knew the Word because he studied it, he had great disciples around him, and he talked to the father daily, looking for answers of peace from God.  He did not yet have the fullness of Holy Spirit that we enjoy today, yet he still had an unbelievable impact in his day and time.  God tells us that we can do the works of Christ and greater in the Gospel of John:

John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus instructed his disciples on what they were to do with this power:

Matthew 10:1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Jesus Christ told them what was available.

~

The next important topic is "How to receive it"

- If you have a need in your life, first bring it to the father in prayer. Pray for health, and boldly believe that he will answer you.

- Go to the Word to establish His primises in your mind. Claim a promise like III John 2 as noted earlier"
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

- Get the help of the household.  When two or more are gathered there is strength.  Here are a few verses confirming this truth:

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight…

We have strength in numbers as we stand together.

~

The next topic is: "What to do with it once you have received it"

Take bold action on the promises of God. Do the works of Christ and greater.  Let's look at one record of healings that Jesus Christ did with the operation of God's power, realizing that we are capable of operating the same power to heal just as he did:

Matthew 8:1-16
When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. … 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel … 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.

What an amazing example we have to follow.  Jesus Christ showed us what is available with the amazing signs, miracles, and wonders that God showed through his life.

God Bless You

What Law Basically Controls the Abundant Life?

From a September 2005 teaching

What Law Basically Controls the Abundant Life?

“I know that the abundant life is available today to those who understand and apply the law of believing.”
– VP Weirwille

What is the abundant life?

The abundant life comes only from God.
Believing is the activator, it takes a positive action.
And as you give, you will receive.

Let's look this record in Mark to illustrate this law of believing:

Mark 9:14 - And when he [Jesus Christ] came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes [religious leaders] questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: …and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

Why were the disciples unable to cast out the devil spirit from the child?  Jesus Christ addresses the reason as we read on:

19 He [Jesus] answereth him, and saith, O faithless [unbelieving] generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Notice the way that the father responds:  "if thou canst do any thing..."  - This is not a vote of confidence, but of doubt and fear.

Before we continue, let's review the motives of the Adversary, the enemy.  He wants to do what?
-Steal, Kill and Destroy.

Jesus Christ came so that what?
-We can have life, and have it more abundantly – John 10:10

Jesus Christ immediately recognized the problem in this situation:

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose…

The man’s believing was what healed the child. He did not think it was possible, and he was blaming everyone else for his own unbelief, but Jesus Christ gave him confidence in God’s power! “…ALL things are possible to him that believeth…”

Believing, confidence, and trust go hand in hand.

People from Butte, MT know someone who had NO FEAR!

Legendary Stuntman Evil Kinevil



When I was young, growing up in Butte I was able to witness when he jumped his motorbike over a formidable lineup of brand new cars collectively worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  If he made even the slightest mistake, not only would he have to pay for all of the damage, it would probably have caused significant bodily injury.  Evel had no question in his mind that he would clear all of the cars.  I witnessed this in person and his boldness definitely stuck out in my mind.  He had no doubt that he would make the jump successfully and he did.

To believe is a very powerful action.  God had it clearly written in His Word for us to recognize.

"Believe" was found 318 times in 284 verses.  Here are a couple:

Daniel 6:23 - …So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I [Jesus Christ] say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Believing is the key to physical, mental, and spiritual abundance.

Believing is the key to the abundant life – It connotes action.

It is available to have not only our need met, but to have abundance in every category of our lives as we believe for God's sufficiency

Anyone can believe because the Word says it, and it is God who backs it up.

Jesus Christ demanded believing whenever possible. The man with the sick child was not convinced that he could be healed until Jesus gave the man confidence through the spoken Word.

We increase our believing by feeding our minds with the spiritual nourishment of the Word and acting with boldness on God’s promises!

God Bless You