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Michael The Disciple
09-30-2011, 01:01 AM
He tells us how to have his presence with us! Nothing is more exciting than to have Jesus as our companion.

14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

Jesus said if we keep his commands he will love us and MANIFEST himself to us! If he has ever manifested himself to you, you know what it means. He makes himself KNOWN to you. It leaves you thinking in wonder, HE KNOWS ME!

Personal revelations of Jesus is what makes the Christian life enjoyable. Its what makes one able to endure temptation and the trials of life.

In what way might he MANIFEST himself to us?

Christians have testified to answered prayers. Dreams or visions that come to pass. Experiences of being led by the Spirit. Obviously the Spirit has various ways of allowing us to EXPERIENCE him.

This is how Jesus shows his love to us in ways we can understand. We also might call this "grace" or his "favor" toward us.

Paul confirms this as the way to have the personal favor of God:

4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil. 4:9

He taught the disciples if they would diligently and carefully do the things he had taught them by word and example God would be with them.

So if we want to have ADVENTURES with Jesus there is a way to see it happen.

We are again taught by the Apostle:

13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11

The Spirit speaks expressly how we can have encounters with God. If we do those things we have been taught we can expect the nearness of God.

The devil has largely deceived believers in this hour that to be zealous toward Jesus commands is "legalistic".

Yet Jesus and the Apostles taught the opposite was true. Jesus said his commandments should begin to be taught right from the start of our walk!

Obedience is only legalistic if it is directed at keeping some other form of righteousness other than the teachings of Messiah (such as Moses law) or if attempted merely in ones own will power absent from the Holy Spirit working in the life.

28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt. 28:19-20

Two things often overlooked in verse 20.

Training in Jesus commandments starts immediately! Todays thinking is like "Wait till they get a personal relationship before teaching commands".

Yet the scriptures teach without OBEDIENCE to his commands we have no assurance he will even be with us!

If indeed we seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we must notice the connection in Jesus saying to observe his commands comes BEFORE the part about him being with us ALWAYS even to the end of the world.

If you desire adventures with Jesus Christ he says you can have them. But we must seek him IN HIS WAY not the way of the flesh.

houston
09-30-2011, 01:07 AM
Title was... um. Well., I thought you were advertising the latest children's literature by RRH.

Michael The Disciple
09-30-2011, 02:24 AM
Title was... um. Well., I thought you were advertising the latest children's literature by RRH.

How about that we are the CHILDREN OF LIGHT?

5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Eph. 5:8

How about that we are the CHILDREN OF GOD?

8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16

Children are adventurous! GO FOR IT!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength! He will manifest himself to you.

Aquila
09-30-2011, 07:16 AM
He tells us how to have his presence with us! Nothing is more exciting than to have Jesus as our companion.

14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

Jesus said if we keep his commands he will love us and MANIFEST himself to us! If he has ever manifested himself to you, you know what it means. He makes himself KNOWN to you. It leaves you thinking in wonder, HE KNOWS ME!

Personal revelations of Jesus is what makes the Christian life enjoyable. Its what makes one able to endure temptation and the trials of life.

In what way might he MANIFEST himself to us?

Christians have testified to answered prayers. Dreams or visions that come to pass. Experiences of being led by the Spirit. Obviously the Spirit has various ways of allowing us to EXPERIENCE him.

This is how Jesus shows his love to us in ways we can understand. We also might call this "grace" or his "favor" toward us.

Paul confirms this as the way to have the personal favor of God:

4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil. 4:9

He taught the disciples if they would diligently and carefully do the things he had taught them by word and example God would be with them.

So if we want to have ADVENTURES with Jesus there is a way to see it happen.

We are again taught by the Apostle:

13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11

The Spirit speaks expressly how we can have encounters with God. If we do those things we have been taught we can expect the nearness of God.

The devil has largely deceived believers in this hour that to be zealous toward Jesus commands is "legalistic".

Yet Jesus and the Apostles taught the opposite was true. Jesus said his commandments should begin to be taught right from the start of our walk!

Obedience is only legalistic if it is directed at keeping some other form of righteousness other than the teachings of Messiah (such as Moses law) or if attempted merely in ones own will power absent from the Holy Spirit working in the life.

28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt. 28:19-20

Two things often overlooked in verse 20.

Training in Jesus commandments starts immediately! Todays thinking is like "Wait till they get a personal relationship before teaching commands".

Yet the scriptures teach without OBEDIENCE to his commands we have no assurance he will even be with us!

If indeed we seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we must notice the connection in Jesus saying to observe his commands comes BEFORE the part about him being with us ALWAYS even to the end of the world.

If you desire adventures with Jesus Christ he says you can have them. But we must seek him IN HIS WAY not the way of the flesh.

:thumbsup

Aquila
09-30-2011, 07:20 AM
Michael,

I'd only add that having an experience in God, or an adventure in the Spirit, isn't reserved for the perfected...else, how'd any of us experience Jesus while bound in the depths of our sin??? There are those who are growing in both grace and sanctification, having various struggles with the carnal mind and/or sins, who can have this wonderful experience. Jesus died to open that door wide to whosoever will... just as they are... knowing that after all is said and done.... they'd never be the same again. You don't have to get cleaned up for the journey... as you walk with Him, you discover that He is cleansing you daily throughout ever day of your life.

I'm reminded of the woman at the well. She had been divorced five times and was currently living with a man who wasn't her husband. Yet Jesus still went out of his way to allow her an experience with Himself. And once she realized who it was she was talking to... she left her water pot at that well and went and told her entire community about the one who is surely the Messiah. No doubt she went back home to the man she was with. I like to imagine that her encounter with Christ was so powerful that in time the man she lived with was won over to the Lord and they married. I like to think that she finally found the love and companionship she so desparately longed for... all because she found the one who is willing to give beauty for ashes.

Michael The Disciple
09-30-2011, 12:51 PM
Michael,

I'd only add that having an experience in God, or an adventure in the Spirit, isn't reserved for the perfected...else, how'd any of us experience Jesus while bound in the depths of our sin??? There are those who are growing in both grace and sanctification, having various struggles with the carnal mind and/or sins, who can have this wonderful experience. Jesus died to open that door wide to whosoever will... just as they are... knowing that after all is said and done.... they'd never be the same again. You don't have to get cleaned up for the journey... as you walk with Him, you discover that He is cleansing you daily throughout ever day of your life.

I'm reminded of the woman at the well. She had been divorced five times and was currently living with a man who wasn't her husband. Yet Jesus still went out of his way to allow her an experience with Himself. And once she realized who it was she was talking to... she left her water pot at that well and went and told her entire community about the one who is surely the Messiah. No doubt she went back home to the man she was with. I like to imagine that her encounter with Christ was so powerful that in time the man she lived with was won over to the Lord and they married. I like to think that she finally found the love and companionship she so desparately longed for... all because she found the one who is willing to give beauty for ashes.

I agree that Jesus does DRAW us to believe in him. Yet please comment on what you think the scriptures I have quoted mean. Why did Jesus say what he said? Why did Paul say what he said?

Michael The Disciple
09-30-2011, 01:19 PM
Aquila

I'd only add that having an experience in God, or an adventure in the Spirit, isn't reserved for the perfected...else, how'd any of us experience Jesus while bound in the depths of our sin??? There are those who are growing in both grace and sanctification, having various struggles with the carnal mind and/or sins, who can have this wonderful experience. Jesus died to open that door wide to whosoever will... just as they are... knowing that after all is said and done.... they'd never be the same again. You don't have to get cleaned up for the journey... as you walk with Him, you discover that He is cleansing you daily throughout ever day of your life.

Jesus does not promise manifestations of his presence to people who are continuing in sin. Read what he actually DID SAY.

14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

He said he will love and manifest himself to those who love him evidenced by keeping his commands.