Salt of the Earth

Salt of the Earth is our first study from
Names of the Believers © 1997 by John M. Koessler

My father was a great fan of Dixieland jazz. Over the years he amassed a sizable collection of records and tapes featuring some of the greatest artists of the '20s and '30s. I never acquired a taste for his style of music, and one day when I complained about the "noise," he replied with a favorite Latin phrase of his: "Degustibus non disputandem est."

When I asked him what it meant, he explained: "It means, 'There is no point in arguing about taste.'"

Jesus comments about what might be described as "tasteful Christianity" in Matt 5:13. Here, however, He is not speaking of aesthetic differences but about the critical role the church plays in society. In referring to His disciples as "the salt of the earth," Jesus is saying that Christians make the world a habitable place. In other words, the only reason the present world is livable is because the church is still in it.

Today, when we refer to someone as "the salt of the earth," we usually mean that he or she is a likable person. But when Jesus used the phrase, He was not talking about personality but moral character.

This comparison would not have seemed strange to Jesus' listeners because salt was an important part of their daily existence. Like us, the people of Jesus' day used salt as a seasoning to make food taste better. But during this time, salt's most important function was to preserve food. In New Testament times there was no plastic wrap or refrigerators to keep things fresh. If meat was to be kept from spoiling before it was cooked, it had to be cured with salt. When Jesus calls us the salt of the earth, it is a reminder that we are as important to the society in which we live as salt was to the homemaker in New Testament times.

Jesus' reference to salt would also have been familiar to the disciples because it was used by the rabbis, who compared the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, to salt, and said, "the world cannot survive without salt." By calling His disciples the salt of the earth, Jesus was saying, in effect, "You are the 'living Torah' to those around you."

It is no coincidence that this analogy appears in a context that deals with persecution. It anticipates that persecuted believers might be tempted to ask: "If the world doesn't want us, why doesn't God just take us home?" Jesus' answer is that the world, while it may not want the church, desperately needs its presence.

We should also note that Jesus includes a warning when He refers to His disciples as "salt." He is saying that there is a certain quality that is essential to the church, and without that quality, we become useless. The salt that was used by Jesus' contemporaries was not pure but a mixture of salt and other minerals. When it was exposed to air, it tended to lose its flavor and could no longer serve its original purpose. When this happened, the salt was sprinkled on walkways to prevent slipping, in much the same way we use rock salt today.

How does the church lose its saltiness? By conforming to the world around it. The church cannot function as salt when it conforms to the world it was meant to season.

There are times when it is good to conform. For example, when I am driving on the expressway, I don't want someone going south in my lane when I am traveling north. It is good to conform to the right things. Rom 8:29 promises that believers will be conformed to the image of Christ: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." God uses my circumstances as I offer myself to the Holy Spirit to make me more like Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, the conforming process can work in the other direction as well. Paul warns: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom 12:2).

Who will shape us? Will it be God's Spirit, working through God's Word and our daily circumstances to transform us into the image of Christ? Or will it be the world, which presses us into its own mold? If we allow the world to shape us, we will become like flavorless salt, useless to God and man alike.

Being the salt of the world isn't always comfortable. Roger discovered just how hard it can be when he moved into a flat in a rundown section of Detroit. His upstairs neighbor was an unfortunate woman who suffered from a mental disorder. Her doctors had prescribed medication, but she usually forgot to take it. Roger would often hear her screaming at her husband all night long. Sometimes when she was finished with her husband, she would come downstairs and pound on Roger's door and scream at him.

During one of his neighbors' all-night family fights, Roger heard the woman complain that she didn't have enough money to buy food for the family. So the next day he went out and bought several bags of groceries and left them at their door. The woman took the groceries, but instead of thanking Roger, she cursed him!

Perhaps you work with people whose values are radically different from your own. Like Roger, you may have an unfriendly neighbor. Or it may be the members of your own family who have caused you to plead with God that He change your circumstances. But instead of the changes you asked for, things seem to remain the same. Now you begin to wonder: "If God really loves me, why has He placed me in such a situation?" Jesus' words provide the answer: If the function of salt is to preserve that which is decaying, where will it be needed most?

Lord Jesus, make me more like You so that my influence in the world will leave behind the lingering savor of Your presence. Amen.

(from Names of the Believers © 1997 by John M. Koessler. All rights reserved.)_

Thanks to John Koessler for allowing us to publish his material.www.johnkosessler.com

John Koessler serves as chair and professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He is married to Jane and has two sons, Drew and Jarred. John is the author of ten books and numerous articles. He also serves as a contributing editor for the Moody Bible Institute publication Today in the Word, where you can read his monthly “Theology Matters” column. You can contact John via email at John.Koessler@moody.edu or by phone at (312) 329-4077.

Names of the believer

Names of the believer by John Koessler

MOODY PRESS http://www.johnkoessler.com/
I am always on the lookout for material which will strengthen believers. This book which is now out of print dovetails with the weekly devotional theme we have been building this year. I want to thank the author and encourage you to go to his web page and find out more about him and his other books and resource. I would also encourage you to memorize the key verse for each study. Below you will find the table of contents.
                                                                                                                                  

1. Salt of the Earth

2. Christ's Church
3. Followers of Christ
4. The Branches
5. The Believers
6. The Disciples
7. Abraham's Offspring
8. Those Who Have Been Brought from Death to Life
9. Children of God
10. God's Elect
11. My People
12. Those Who Call Upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
13. The Saved
14. God's Fellow Workers
15. God's Field
16. God's Building
17. God's Temple
18. Servants of Christ
19. Those on Whom the Fulfillment of the Ages Has Come
20. God's Workmanship
21. Fellow Citizens With God's People
22. Partakers of the Promise
23. The Body
24. Imitators of God
25. Children of Light
26. A Radiant Church
27. The True Circumcision
28. Brethren
29. God's Household
30. A People That Are His Very Own
31. Partakers of Christ
32. Those Who Are Waiting for Christ
33. A Holy Priesthood
34. A Holy Nation
35. Aliens and Strangers
36. Christians
37. The Bride of Christ

John Koessler serves as chair and professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He is married to Jane and has two sons, Drew and Jarred. John is the author of ten books and numerous articles. He also serves as a contributing editor for the Moody Bible Institute publication Today in the Word, where you can read his monthly “Theology Matters” column. You can contact John via email at John.Koessler@moody.edu or by phone at (312) 329-4077.

Nursing and Rehearsing the Hurts of the Past

Nursing and Rehearsing the Past or Walking in the Wonder of New Life in God?

When we nurse and rehearse the disappointments and hurts of our past we miss what God has for us today. If we, like the man in the Gospels who had been forgiven much by the king are unwilling to forgive those who have hurt or disappointed us and who owe us comparatively little compared to what God forgave us, we are in danger of losing the very freedom Christ died for.

Matt 18: 21-35 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? 22 Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.23 Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.26 The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me' he demanded.29 His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'30 But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.32 Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. NIV

All of us experience hurt, disappointment and pain at the hands or because of the mouths of people who are acting out of the best intentions. These people may be passionately serving God and due to their own character weakness or lack of wisdom and understanding disappoint or hurt us.

Sometimes the more passionate ones are the most harmful because they act with great force to do what is right. Although we do not want to stifle passion we do want to temper it with wisdom and Godly compassion. I Corinthians 13:4-7 states that love keeps no record of wrongs.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.NIV

The next time you get to talk to someone or a group of people ask them if they enjoy being around people who are angry, complaining and bitter all of the time. Most people will say NO. Psalm 1:1-2 tells us about the person who sat in the seat of the scornful, Blessed is the manWho walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. NKJV

This was a person who sat at the gate of the city and rehearsed to everyone who would come by his plight. They would nurse their wound by telling everyone how they were wronged and by doing this to gain favor so that their cause would be supported and they would be judged innocent and the one with whom they had complaint would have to act to make things right.When we were transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of the son of God's love Col 1:13-14 we had the penalty and the shame of sin removed from us.13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins NIV

When we refuse to forgive others we sit in the seat of the scornful and bring our lives back into darkness because we shut ourselves off from God's life giving Spirit when we cling to the filthy rags of someone's sin against us. We cannot cling to death and darkness and walk in the light and life God want us to each day.

Today God has given you a wonderful opportunity to live for Him in freedom and experiencing the fullness of His love for you.I am not saying this is easy or that it might not take time and hard work, but we have a choice to make.Are you ready to become to forgive, let go and move onto the life that God desires for you or are you going to rehearse your story and nurse your wounds for all to see that you are unwilling to move on to the new things God has waiting?

Rejecting God's love will not resolve your issues. He is waiting for you to forgive as you have been forgiven!

The Fire of His Presence

The natural inclination of people when we believe we have heard from God about a Vision or plan for ministry is to run out and find the best possible way to build it. There are lots of great sermons and books on developing your dream or vision for ministry. It has been said,
"God has Called, You have Answered, You Have been Preparing, Now Begin to Build it."


This sound like the beginning for a good teaching, but there is a missing element without which this will be us attempting to
fulfill the Supernatural Vision God has given us with the plans and ideas of people. It might even be a good plan, but without the "Fire of God's Presence", it is a plan that will not produce the fruit God has desired!


Throughout the Bible Fire is seen as bringing Purity, representing the Glory of God, or the results of God's Presence. Today we are often so busy 'doing the work of the ministry', that we fail to spend time in God's presence where the Fire of His presence can accomplish its work in making us like Him.
What do I mean by this? The following points will help us in our understanding.
1. When Moses came down from the mountain after spending 40 days in God's presence or Glory his face was aglow 'literally' with the Glow or Glory of God's presence.
2. In the New Testament, the word that is added when speaking about the baptism in the Holy Spirit, has within it the the imagery of the dying of a garment or the pickling of a cucumber.
3. There are certain text that speak clearly to the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, but there are additional text which speak about additional or fresh fillings with the Holy Spirit.


From these verses we can say that the more you are filled with His Spirit the More like Him you will become. The more we are in His presence the more we not only become like Him but the more we know His heart and His Mind and ways.
This knowing the Heart of the Father, the Mind of Christ and The Power of the Spirit. Comes as we learn of Him and obey what we see and know Him to do and be.


His Word plays a key role in this but we must be wise in using His Word as it can be a weapon of both life and death.
Prayer plays a important role as well. When we communicate both in communication with him and meditation of His Word and His Ways as evidenced there we build a relationship from which we can know His heart.
Worship, praise and adoration in word, in song and with instruments lift Him up and help us come into proper alignment with Him. We could on on to speak of all of the Spiritual disciplines, but the point is we must have a relationship of our who being, Spirit, Soul (mind, will + emotion) and Body with Him. This relation must be on His terms as declared in His Word (the Bible).


Our relationship with Him must be one in which we begin to realize these two truth:
1. we are in the world but not of it.
2. in Him we live and move and have our being.


It seems that we want a relationship with God that is based on our preferences, but a review of the interactions of God with people in the Bible are varied in many ways. What is never varied is that He is a Supernatural being interacting with His creation.
So, let us seek Him, 'the author and finisher of our faith.'
So, let us make Him and not our labor for Him our number priority.
So, let us spend time in His presence as outlined above.
So, let it be known far and wide that we continue this relationship through out the day and not just in a devotional time or place.


In closing we can have an exciting relationship with Him every day all day without being so 'heavenly Minded that we are no Earthly Good."

The more we are in His presence the easier it is to hear His voice, know His ways and see His power displayed in the lives of people.

Then His plans and Visions for ministry that He gives us will have the Owners authority and Imprint!


Artwork at: Given for You by Graham Braddock http://www.christian-artprints.com/Christian%20art%20-%20Given%20for%20you%20-%20Braddock.htm

God Calls us Clothed in His Glory

God Calls us Clothed in His Glory and Power through the putting on of Christ, Genesis 3:21, Luke 24:49, Gal 3:27

In Genesis 3:7 it says, Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apron like girdles. AMP

In Gen 3:21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. NASU

Prior to this they were covered with the Glory of God because they were made in His likeness and were therefore sinless. When they chose to believe Lucifer and not God the likeness of God was removed and they saw themselves as naked or they saw themselves without the likeness or glory of God and with the nakedness of sin. Because of this they sought to cover themselves with fig leaves. God covered them with the skins of slain animals to show them that He not only cared about their natural lives that would need more than leaves but that He was making a way through the shedding of blood to restore their relationship with Him and would restore the covering of His glory.

When Jesus was praying for the disciples in John 17:22 he said that He had given them the Glory that the father had given Him which is referred to in John 1:14.

John 17:22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;  John 1:14-15 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. NASB

God created us to be clothed in His Glory and to be like Him. In the New covenant we can once again be clothed in His Glory and Power by being clothed with Christ. We see these truths in Luke 24:49 "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." and Gal 3:27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. NASU

Today ask yourself, “Am I putting on Christ and walking in God’s glory so that my sinfulness is swallowed up in His power and glory?” Remember, that Jesus died and was raised from the dead so that you might live the life God has always intended for you, in His glory and power as you put on Christ.

© Copywrite 2011, Wayne Newcomb

Like God

Like God or In God’s Image, Gen 1:26-27
Names of the Believer part 3

 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. NASU

This is an awesome passage and truth. God said “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. There are many wonderful qualities that we have because we are made in His image. We have free will, we are a three part being, we can create and pro-create. More than all of these we are in His image and likeness. We can look hard to discover the many ways we are like Him, but the easiest is look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2.

In Heb 1:3 we see Jesus as the, ‘He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature.’

3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. AMP

What does it mean to be in His image? The starting place may be Gen 1:26 but the practical starting place to see that truth in the flesh is Jesus.

Some people say that because of sin the image of God has been marred in us, and while that may be true Rom 8:29-30 and Col 3:10 tell us that we are renewed and restored or molded into His image.

29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. AMP

  Col 3:10:  And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.  [Gen 1: AMP

Today begin to be transformed as you bring your life into alignment with these truths so that the image and likeness of God revealed in Jesus who lives in you will be made real in all you do and think and are to the people around you.

(c)Copywrite 2011 wayne Newcomb

http://www.abbasglory.com/

God Proclaims You Very Good

God Proclaims You Very Good, Gen 1:26-31

26 God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. [Ps 104:30; Heb 1:2; 11:3.]

27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Col 3:9,10; James 3:8,9.]

28 And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.

29 And God said, See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the land and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.

30 And to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the ground — to everything in which there is the breath of life — I have given every green plant for food. And it was so.

31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. AMP

This passage of scripture is so full of what God says about you that we will spend a few weeks examining it. Within this passage God says you are, created in His likeness and Image, you were given dominion over the rest of the creation on earth, and that God was completely satisfied that you were completely approved of by God.

The Actual Hebrew in verse 31 says that God looked on His creation which now included man and woman and said it was Very Good. This week meditate on the wording used by God to pronounce you very good. In fact all of creation was good, but you were proclaimed very good.

Some will say that this was before Adam and Eve sinned and therefore does not count today, but Jesus redeemed you or purchased you back to God and made you justified through His blood, which was shed on your behalf so that you are ‘just as if you never sinned.’

Now when God says He looked at you and found you to be, VERY GOOD, it is worth taking to heart. Remind yourself that when God who created all things looks at you and declares that you are very good you have a reason to smile and a reason to rejoice.

(c) Copywrite 2011, Wayne Newcomb

Receiving the Prophetic Word

Receiving the Prophetic Word

During any fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and period of New Wine outpouring the gifts of the Spirit and the Five-fold ministry are given fresh to God’s people. It is necessary for those in leadership to train God’s people Biblical principles and practices for receiving and processing Prophetic words given them by those who operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Below are listed several principles which should bring forth God’s intended purpose and fruit from the application of the word given through the prophet or the gift of prophecy. Our goal should be to clearly hear, understand and apply the word to our lives as seen in these three words, Revelation, Interpretation, and Application.

1.       What was the prophetic Word (Revelation)

2.       What does it mean (Interpretation)

3.       How should I apply it? (Application)

What was the word spoken or demonstrated or pictured? It is so important to get this part right. This is where a tape recording, detailed notes, a picture or video come in handy. How shall they run unless the message is clear?

 Hab 2:2-3 Then the LORD answered me and said, Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.3 "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. NASU

If the person receiving the message does not get a clear understanding of what the message is then they cannot ‘run’ with it. They cannot gain a true understanding nor can they apply it as God would have them to. If the word is not recorded in some way the intended target of the word should seek out the speaker or giver of the word. If that is not possible they should seek out these who were nearby when it was given. If none of these are possible they must seek God carefully before proceeding any further.

There are two examples in scripture I would like to point out of principles regarding a message or word given to God’s people. In Luke 2:19, Mary carefully hid the words of the angel in her heart. In Acts 17:11, It says ‘The believers in Berea gladly received Paul’s preaching and then carefully read the scriptures to see if the things he said were true.’

 What does the prophetic word or message mean? To determine the meaning of a prophetic message or word from the Lord we should first seek to see if the scriptures agree with that which were spoken when the messages was given. Looking at several translations, looking up the Greek or Hebrew word meanings is also useful. Examining the Biblical context of the original message is also useful. Sometime the prophetic massager may be sought out to see if they have additional insight into the meaning. Seeking out experienced and mature leaders or believers who move in the Spirit may also help. Here is where we want to include those we are in covenant with and that we trust. Our spouses, mature believing friends and other wise spiritual leaders should be included. We should be asking how the word or message fits with what God is already doing or the direction He has already given us in the past. In Luke 24:32 the disciples talked with each other about the effect of Jesus speaking to them on the road to Emmaus.

How do I apply this word? Application of the word or message is the final part of the equation or process of receiving a prophetic Word. If we seek to apply a Prophetic word without a clear understanding of it and then do not seek the Biblical Interpretation of it we will be unable to accurately apply it. Often people receive a word and immediately seek to act on it. THIS IS DANGEROUS.

One part of the process of applying a prophetic word is the examination of our own heart. A clean heart and right motive are necessary. This along with seeking wise council and understanding the Biblical truth related to the word helps to insure that the word is applied wisely.

There are additional elements of applying a prophetic word. This is the when, where, how etc. Every phase of this process must be bathed in prayer and soaked in the presence of God. A Word from God never contradicts the Bible. God is not a God of confusion and therefore does not contradict Himself. We do not need to kneel and pray about committing a sin or doing something we know is wrong as we already have God’s Word, the Bible, to tell us what is right and wrong. God would not have us violate one covenant He has given us to obey another.

If we are not willing to go through this process the enemy can use what God intended to be a blessing, encouragement and His leading into a detour away from what God would desire for us. Our own motives must be examined and we must continually be humble before God as we seek Him at these times.

There is however no need to fear, or anxious. If we are willing to hear and willing to wait on God’s timing and direction at each step then the prophetic word or message can be a part of God’s working in our lives.

This is not an exhaustive examination of the process of Receiving of a Prophetic Word but should help you as you seek to understand the process of Receiving a Prophetic Word.

Arsenal Books also has: Receiving the Word of the Lord: Bringing Life to Your Prophetic Word at http://www.arsenalbooks.com/ along with many other good books on the prophetic such as Prophets and Personal Prophecy: God's Prophetic Voice Today by Dr Bill Hamon.

(c) copywrite: Wayne Newcomb 2011, http://www.abbasglory.com/

The Names of the Believer in the Bible

The Names of the Believer in the Bible A Weekly Devotional starts Jan 3rd.

You may have seen studies on the names of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but this is the first study to look at the names of the believer throughout the Bible. In this study you will discover what God says about you. This study will based on original research and be sent out at the beginning of each week so that you may meditate on and dwell in its truth all week and allow it to become a part of your relationship with your Creator-Father. The picture of Who I am in Christ is just a part of the study.

This study is offered as a ministry of  Abba's Glory at www.abbasglory.com and will be offered on the Passionate Participation in God Project group on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237088564302

This is also sent out by email to those who request it.

The Names in the 'Who I Am in Christ' Poster by Neil T. Anderson is Just A Part of the Study.

A Life of Intimate Fellowship with God

Enoch’s Amazing Walk with God
How We Can Have an Amazing Walk with God Beginning Today

Gen 5:24
And Enoch walked [in close fellowship] with and pleased God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him].
Heb 11:5-6
Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been in close (intimate) fellowship with God.
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Amp

Imagine a Walk with God like that which Enoch had

What an amazing thing this is, to be in such a close and pleasing relationship with God that you just walk into heaven with Him without dying. What does this walk look like?

Introduction. A Life of Intimate Fellowship with God
• This Walk, Relationship, Adventure that God is calling us to is greater than the George Lucas’s ‘Star Wars’ Movies, it is greater than J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series, greater than Homer’s ‘Iliad.’

• It is an Adventure that will never end. Let is capture your heart, let the roots of your life go deep into the soil of God’s love and join Him in Living a Life of Passionate Participation in God.

Wisdom for the Walk• Align yourself with Jesus the Messiah, the Cornerstone. This is why you were created. This is what Adam and Eve had a taste of and cut it short because they doubted God and had faith in Lucifer.

• A ‘Life of walking with God’ is not meant to be a part of your life, it is meant to be your life! God has given us a free will and does not demand that we give Him our all, but invites us into a life, an adventure of intimate fellowship with Him.

• God is calling, He is inviting us to a life without comparison, a life with Him, the author and perfecter of all that was and is and shall ever be. Heb 12:1-2
• Each person’s journey will be different. It will be your own unique adventure with God, but like John Bunyan’s Pilgrim in his book ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ who was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. ( Heb 11:10 Amp) We were created for more than life on earth, but a life that does not end in death and is much more than life on earth in the flesh without God.

• There is no story ever written or told on video greater than the one God has for you. You however must choose to actively participate with Him in faith.

• BE like Enoch, Live a Life of Passionate Participation in God, walk or live in continuous relationship with Him. THIS is why you were created.

• Chose to walk with God. Do Not just let Him walk with you! Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Operate or live by choosing to continually act in faith by seeking Him out concerning every detail of your life. By doing this your life is lived in active faith as you include God and seek Him concerning every detail and aspect of your life. He is a rewarder of those who genuinely and sincerely seek Him. Heb 11:6

• Your unique life; who you are, how you function, your gifts, heritage education, personality etc. make you the One and only person like you and God wants you to walk in intimate and continual relationship with Him! God love the infinite variety He has created and celebrates every single person. He does not compare you to others. He is not a respecter of one person’s uniqueness over another. He wants an intimate ongoing relationship or walk with you!
Let’s start the adventure by learning more about Enoch’s Amazing Walk With God so that we may Live a Life of Passionately Participating in God.
In our next feature article we will examine the role of faith necessary for this intimate relationship.
Copywrite (c) Wayne Newcomb 2010 Please ask permission to use.