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  • Jesus Was First

    Pastor John,

    I had a new thought yesterday; it felt new.

    I’ve always understood that many early saints were required to forsake their lives as a result of staying true to their faith (and their declaration of faith) in the Father, and the Son, and their spiritual new birth that marked their new covenant with God.

    I understood that future saints will likely one day be pressed the same way – to forsake their creator (their experience with him) and the real faith once delivered to the saints, or die. But I have never considered that, in this thing, Jesus was also first among many brethren. 

    It occurred to me that Jesus’ whole earthly existence, to the point of his crucifixion, was a life of pressure to forsake his faith in God, and he knew death was imminent for refusing to do so.

    (Even Satan trying to promote him to earthly king was pressure to deny God.)

    Similar to the choice no doubt offered to those saints who were slain, Jesus could have denied his faith, his experience with God when threatened, and he may have lived, if men were allowed to have their way.

    Men likely would have happily absorbed Jesus and his miracle-working reputation into their polluted faith, if he would just deny his own faith.

    I never considered that Jesus went through that difficult trial before the first spirit-filled saint ever faced it.

    Jerry

    ==========

    Yes, brother Jerry.  Jesus Christ is the first of the creation of God, “the first firstborn among many brethren”, the firstfruits from the dead, and the first of everything else “that he might have pre-eminence in all things”.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1834604606103470451

     

  • It Means Something to Jesus

    Dear Pastor John,

    Today I remembered something that the Spirit had spoken to me some months ago, and I thought I would share it with you all.

    So, some months back there was something in my life I was dealing with. It was something I desired, but deep in my spirit I felt that Jesus was not in it. So, over and over again, when I got into a situation where I had a decision to make, I decided to go with Jesus, instead of pursuing this desire. One time, while I was working, and in my heart I was pondering over these things, I thought how I was actually giving something up, because I wanted to please Jesus. I was thinking how I was paying a price, in order to have a deeper knowledge of God.

    Now, as I was having these thoughts, I heard a voice (not audibly, but in my heart) saying to me: “You’re just doing what you’re supposed to do, so stop patting yourself on the back. What you’ve done should be normal, it shouldn’t even feel like a sacrifice.”

    At first, this thought seemed right. I had had thoughts like this (with the same religious feeling) many times before, and even now, I could quote scriptures that would support that this is something Jesus would tell me (or someone else). 
    But this time, right when I was about to accept these words as coming from the Lord, I heard another voice, and when I heard it, I knew immediately that this (and not the other one) was the REAL Jesus speaking. As if replying to the previous thought, this is what the voice said:

    “No. It means something to me when you give up something for my sake.”

    Even now, as I am recalling this, I can feel the love and the gentleness that came with these words, and the comfort and encouragement it meant to me that moment. 

    Right after this, I was reminded of Peter telling Jesus: “See, we have left all and followed you!”, and how Jesus’ reply was not “As you should”, or something along those lines. Instead he was encouraging Peter, telling him: “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

    I know that when we obey God, we should think of ourselves as unprofitable servants who only did what’s required of them. And even recently, I’ve been asking Jesus that he would keep transforming my heart, so that when I’m tempted to forsake the way of the Spirit and go with some desire of my flesh, it would feel less and less of a temptation, because the love, the grace, the joy of the Lord and the glory of His kingdom is so precious to my soul, that the things of this world don’t even feel attractive anymore. And I do believe (in fact, I know) that that is the place where Jesus is leading me, and all of us. 

    And yet… “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses”!

    Jesus knows what it feels like to live in a body of flesh, and so, he is genuinely happy and pleased, when in certain situations (whether it’s something minor or some important decision in life) we make the right judgment, and decide to go with his spirit instead of with our old desires. It means something to him when we hold on to our faith (even if it’s just the size of a mustard seed) and, from our hearts, we do the right thing. 

    I hope it encourages some of you as much as it has been encouraging me in weeks and months past. 

    Love you all!
    Zoli

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1834601104354541949

  • Question concerning False Teachers, Mockers, and Mt. 18:11

    Hey Pastor John,

    I’ve been doing a Bible study on several words, where I look up the word in the concordance and then I read it in the English Standard Version (ESV), the Pastor John’s Version (PJV), and the King James Version (KJV) bibles.  One I read I had a question about was John 10:1. It says 

    “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” John 10:1 ESV

    Who is the thief?  I assume it was anyone who does it the wrong way.  And further, what is the person thieving or robbing?  Their own salvation?  I don’t think it says anything about tithes anywhere near this, which is what I typically associate with thieving from God.  So I assume it is saying if someone tries to enter the fold anyway but how Jesus wants, they’re stealing their own hope of salvation.  Is that right?

    =========

    The thief is a man who comes to the sheep claiming to be from God, but is not.  He may have been officially ordained by a religious institution, but that has nothing to do with the ordination that comes only from God.  And what such a man steals with his doctrine is the allegiance of God’s people that belongs to no one but Jesus.  The Bible says much about these “false prophets”, false apostles”, and “false teachers” who come as ministers of Christ to believers.  Here are a few examples:

    Jeremiah 23

    1. “I did not send these prophets, but they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.
    2. But if they had stood in my council and caused my people to hear my words, they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings.”

    Matthew 7

    1. “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

    2Corinthians 11

    1. For such men are false-apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
    2. And no wonder, for Satan transforms himself into a messenger of light.
    3. So, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves to belike ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

    2Peter 2

    1. But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you who will introduce opinions that lead to damnation, even denying the Lord who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
    2. And many will follow them in licentious ways, because of whom the way of truth will be spoken evil of.

    =========

    Other question:

    Why does Matthew 18:11 not exist in my ESV but it is in KJV? It goes from Matthew 18:10 to 18:12 in my ESV? 

    ==========

    Leftist-leaning scholars use Greek texts that differ from the Byzantine text, which we use.  The Greek text is 95% the same in either case, but in a few places such as this one, they differ.  Still, it is true, even that verse was not in the original manuscript, that Jesus came “to save that which was lost.”

    ==========

    Also, what is the relevance of the crowd who mocked Jesus saying let’s see if Elijah will save him when he was on the cross?  Why did they say that?  Was there a scripture where it says Elijah will save the messiah in the Old Testament that they’re referring to?  Matthew 27:49.

    Much obliged,

    Jonathan S.

    ==========

    Those mockers were referencing the prophecy that Elijah would come before the Messiah appeared (Mal. 4:5–6).  But even then, there is nothing said about Elijah rescuing the Messiah.  Those fools were just making fun of Jesus.

    Thank you for the questions.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1834597692032385134

     

     

  • A Question about the the Samaritans found in 2 Kings 17

    Pastor John,

    Just a quick question…

    Did I understand this correctly?  The Samaritans weren’t ever Jews, but people who were sent from other countries by a foreign king into the land of Israel.

    Wendell

    ==========

    That is correct, Wendell.

    2Kings 17 tells the sad story of how the Assyrian king deported the Israelites from northern and central Israel, and replaced them with foreigners.  That chapter also tells why God did it.

    Pastor John

    ==========

    So, they were never half Jews?? I thought they were half, or in some way descendent of Jews??

    Jenny

    ==========

    They are half-Jews only in a religious sense.  They adopted some of the Jews’ ways.

    Pastor John

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1833165533459460353

  • The Origins of Yahweh

    Hey Pastor John,

    This was an interesting video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3viHpQBZwM ). I took some time to watch it tonight. I also found the link below on Going to Jesus. I decided to try and see if you had written anything on the name Yahweh. Down the rabbit hole I went. 🙂 I am not sure when you wrote this, but I don’t remember ever reading it. It makes so much sense to me now. The Spirit has always cringed in me when I heard it being said. I never knew why, but Jesus always gave me a feeling about it that something wasn’t right. 

    Thanks for sending it out. I know you said it would not be for everyone, but I wanted to do my best to understand and allow Jesus to teach me. 

    Margo

    1028 Yahweh

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1832519040574824784

     

  • Father and Son reading

    Pastor John,

    I loved the reading tonight (Section 6: The Glorification of the Son).*  I love when the truth fine tunes my heart.  There are so many highlights, but this was a new thought for me:

    “Jesus’ parable of the Wheat and the Tares helps us understand that Satan was not cast out of heaven merely because he was wicked.  Satan had been wicked in heaven for thousands of years before he was cast out.  God cast Satan out of heaven because a new covenant of “grace and truth” had replaced the law, as John said, “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”.  

    Wow!  With every “fine tuning” I see more of who Jesus is and more of the love between the Father and the Son. 

    Another highlight is when you were saying that when a man teaches you something about God, it is his testimony because it comes through revelation.  Jesus made choice, and chose you to anoint with truth and understanding.  It is who you are!  My heart was saying a big amen!  Then I started thinking, “Jesus made choice with us too!  He put it in our heart so that when you feed us, we love it!  We devour it and want more!”  What a perfect, wonderful blessing!

    Feeling loved and satisfied tonight!  Thank you!

    Michelle 

    * Father & Son, 19

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1831716242337493406

  • Jesus Makes Life Worthwhile

    Good Morning Pastor John,

    I listened to the message again on this morning on Jesus Makes Life Worthwhile.*  This is so good, and as simple as you could have put it. The flesh will having you doing all kinds of things in the name of Jesus.  There is no push in the Spirit.  I remember at times feeling like I’m not doing enough.  But if all Jesus has given me today is to clean my house and make dinner with a happy heart, I am doing enough.  He will let us know where we need to be.  People see how we live our normal lives, how we conduct ourselves Monday through Saturday.  It’s not in the shout that they recognize the Spirit in us sometimes.  I remember asking Jonathan’s guy friends and Alex one time why they wanted to be at my house so much.  The response surprised me.  Each one said, “it’s peaceful.” Lord, let me stay sensible and peaceful!

    Love you!
    Margo

    * https://youtu.be/7ZXSep5Ptsc?si=AZ_2zMi4VwgXcXCN

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1830635373984407715

  • A Matter of the Heart

    Good morning,

    I have been up this morning thinking more on how perfect Gods design is. 

    For some reason I thought about churches asking for money this morning. When God recreates our hearts, He would never have to ask that heart for one dime. In His perfect design, our hearts want to honor our Father. And to know that protects the hearts of His children that encounter those men in  churches claiming to be from God, and protects them from being deceived. 

    I love how perfectly God has everything covered.

    Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart and gracious speech will have the King as his friend.

    Isaiah 29:13 Then my Lord said, “Because this people draw near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men, learned by rote,”

    Elizabeth D.

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1830632017295245806

     

  • His Mercy

    This is so good!  What a statement!

    I looked up verses on His mercy and it left me feeling very loved.  It cleans out those crumbs of Christianity that God is a hard God. 

    I look forward to being together and reading this! 

    “God called His seat in the sanctuary the “mercy seat”. Had it been up to Satan, he would have called it the “judgment seat” instead.”*

    Psalm 85:10 Mercy and truth have met. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. – Beautiful!

    Psalm 136 sings of nothing but His mercy! 

    Elizabeth D.

    * Remembers 19 PDF

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1829685127074468170

  • “Your Feelings Are Your Life​.”

    Dear Pastor John,

    I would like to share an experience I had during work last night (as I’ve been working in the night shift this week). 

    Just to provide some background, at the end of each workday the chief operators (or group leaders) look at the performance of each operator working under them, and the ones that performed well that day get a chocolate bar. To achieve that, your line of machines cannot produce any avoidable scrap tires + the total “indefinite non-operation” of your line has to be under 20 minutes – that is the amount of time your machines are allowed to be out of operation AND without a “status” given – which informs our superiors (and maintenance) the reason why the machine is not curing. 

    Whether you can reach that goal depends on a number of circumstances that are beyond your control, still, even if you feel like you did your best, but you end up missing the target, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed that day. 

    Well, last night I was put on one of the “easier” lines, one that normally doesn’t have a lot of issues, so I was hoping it was gonna be one of the “chocolate bar days” for me. And fair enough, the shift started out almost perfectly: I finished with “coating” (the least pleasant and most troublesome part our job) in less than an hour, which happens very rarely to me; and the “indefinite non-operation” during that hour was close to zero. I was thanking God for blessing me, but then, as time went by, things started coming up that caused some of my machines to stop more often than desirable. 

    To make a long story short, about three hours before the end of the shift I checked on the computer, and realized that my line, by that time, already had 23 minutes of non-operation without status. What made the situation really disheartening was not the fact that I wasn’t gonna reach the target, but that after such a good start I wasn’t even gonna be close. I got frustrated, and as I was walking back to my line, I started feeling some bitterness, and thinking how unjustly I’ve been treated by life. 

    “But I was doing such a good job…”, I thought, and that moment Jesus very clearly spoke to me: “It was by my grace.”

    I immediately knew Jesus was telling me that the smooth operation of the first couple of hours was a gift from him, and just as I received that with thanksgiving, I should trust him even now and know that he hasn’t changed; only my attitude did.  The mere fact that I realized that this thought came from Jesus changed something inside of me, and the prayer that came out of my heart was, “God, I don’t want to feel like this,” that is, I don’t want to feel bitter and dissatisfied only because things don’t go my way. 

    And, Pastor John, I was so thankful that moment that this was the prayer of my heart because I knew it was something Jesus had done in me.  And the thought that immediately followed this prayer was this: “Your feelings are your life.”  In other words, the quality of your life is not determined by the things you own or the earthly successes you achieve, but how you feel inside – regardless of the circumstances.  If you have joy and peace with God, you have a good life, and you are a happy person.  If you don’t have the joy of communion with Jesus and you don’t feel at peace with God the Creator, you can be the most successful person by earthly standards, and you still don’t know LIFE, as it is meant to be. 

    Pastor John, as I was standing there, facing the machine line, with my back leaning on a pallet of tires, I started tearing up as these thoughts were flooding my heart.  “Wow!” I thought, “This is the ‘life abundant’ that Jesus died for us to have!” Knowing the joy and the peace of God, and understanding what you received when you received the holy Ghost is LIFE! It cannot get better than this!

    Knowing that how I feel is how I REALLY live, is something that, I guess, I have always known, but it is completely different when Jesus reveals it to you.  That is real knowledge! It is now written on your heart and it’s yours! 

    Pastor John, we are a blessed people.  The grace that we’ve been given is truly unfathomable.  And it should make us more humble, and make us walk worthy of our calling.

    Zoli

    Tell us what you think:

    https://x.com/WitnessofSpirit/status/1828811132959678588

     

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