Do you have oil?

We can always say, “I don’t understand but I trust GOD,” But in order to say “AMEN” we need to understand what is being said. (1 Corinthians 14:16).   As Peter tells us, “some things are hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (distort), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction (2 Peter 3:15-16⁾.

At times GOD speaks in parables which conceals what is being said.  The Bible says that is to HIS glory and that it is an honor for us to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2).  When we are puzzled by a scripture it’s time to pray that the HOLY SPIRIT (who explains GOD things to us -1 Corinthians 2:10-12) would lead us to the truth and keep us from deception and then we need to obey 2 Timothy 2:15KJ to “study to show yourselves approved unto GOD,  a workman that needs not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth” by searching out a matter.

Since the Bible was written under the exact direction of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT it is the best place to get our information.

A friend asked about a parable concerning the Kingdom of heaven. I will share what my searching out the matter found.

There were 10 virgins that went out to meet the bridegroom, but the bridegroom was long in coming, all 10 virgins fell asleep so not even one of them was watching.  But GOD in HIS great mercy woke them all up (Matthew 25:1-7).

All 10 virgins had a lamp, 5 of them brought oil, 5 did not.

The 1^st question we need to ask is who are the virgins?  Are they Jews or the Church?   

John the Baptist referred to JESUS as the bridegroom and said he (a Jew) was a friend of the bridegroom— not the bride (John 3:29).

            JESUS referred to HIMSELF as the bridegroom and HIS follower (the church) as the bride (Mark 2:19-20).

*** JESUS was coming for HIS bride.  HIS Church- believing followers (those who have faith in the finished work of CHRIST) are the bride. The virgins are the church of CHRIST.

What are the lamps? In Revelation 1:20 JESUS said the lamps are the churches

*** The lamps are the churches

Did JESUS say everyone in the churches were believers in JESUS?

            No! JESUS said the enemy plants his followers in the churches right along-side real believers in the finished work of JESUS (HE called them tares) and they will remain there until the harvest (Matthew 13:13).

            “Many will say to ME on that day, LORD, LORD did not we prophesy in THY name, and in YOUR name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I NEVER knew you, depart from ME” (Matthew 7:22-23).

  ***notice the NEVER.  They had never ever believed in the finished work of JESUS CHRIST (the Messiah).  For it is written that whosoever calls on the name (character) of the LORD JESUS shall be saved.  Don’t know the details, but these never believed. For had they done that they would be children of GOD (John 1:12, John 3:16, Romans 8:29).

***Not everyone with a lamp (in the church) are believing followers of JESUS.

What is the oil?

Throughout scripture the HOLY SPIRIT is symbolized as oil.  From making the anointing oil Exodus the blazing lamps before the throne in Revelation 4 the HOLY SPIRIT the oil for the lamp. In telling where the lamp got the oil it is said, “Not by might nor by power but by MY SPIRIT says the LORD ALMIGHTY” (Zechariah 3:2-6).

            I John 2:20, 27 says that we who believe in JESUS have the anointing and it will teach us all things.  John 14:16 and 16:13 tells us it is the HOLY SPIRIT that teaches us all things.

            John 7:38-39 tells us that all who believe in JESUS CHRIST receive the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE was not given until JESUS died, arose and was glorified.  Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that when we believed we were given the HOLY SPIRIT a guarantee and Ephesians 4:30 tells us not to grieve the HOLY SPIRIT to whom we are sealed until the day of redemption.

             2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now HE which stablishes us with you in CHRIST and has anointed us is GOD; Who has also sealed us and given the earnest (down payment of what is to come) of the SPIRIT in our hearts.

*** Therefore, we know the 5 virgins with oil (the HOLY SPIRIT) were believers in the finished work of JESUS, while the other 5 virgins were not.  Knowing that they had refused the love of the truth that they might be saved, the 5 without oil shall perish (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Do you believe that JESUS paid for your sins, was raised for your justification and is now at the right hand of GOD’s throne in heaven interceding for your growth? (Hebrews 7:25, 10:14).  Or do you depend on your own efforts to keep you in GOD’s favor?

Which group are you in?

Living by faith and looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

AMEN

Most of us say “Amen” at the end of our prayers and know that it means, let it be so. But in our study of 1 Corinthians 14 we came across verse 16 that says no one can say AMEN to a prayer they do not understand. Since this was said to a New Testament church, I found it interesting that in a church setting that GOD wants HIS people to say AMEN aloud when they hear truth.

So, I did a little research and found a tidbit I think you will enjoy. I know I did.

The word AMEN is a transliteration of the Hebrew word. It means it is faithful and true. When AMEN is said by GOD it means: “It is and shall be so.” When said by men it means, “it is true and so let it be (happen).” Like what Mary said to the angel (Luke 1:38).

In Revelation 3:14 AMEN is a title for CHRIST JESUS because through HIM the purposes of GOD are established.

In the Old Testament it was the responsibility of the Jewish congregation to say AMEN after the reading of GOD’s word and thereby say “it is so” agreeing with GOD’s word. Rabbis (Jewish preachers) said, “that greater is he who responds AMEN (agrees with what GOD says), than he who blesses.

Do you? Do I agree with what GOD says in HIS word or do we turn away to how men explain away the clear words of Scripture when we don’t like or understand what GOD is saying?

Hmmm

I think I am going to say AMEN a bit louder, what about you?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

A hint that works for me. I find that when I am not sure of what GOD is saying, prayer and then researching into the words by cross references in the Bible help me understand much more. The Bible itself I think is the best interpreter of scripture.

pray

I am in shock as I hear more and more of the horrifying lies brainwashing our children from those they trust– the media and the schools and of the extent of the sex confusion and tremendous pressure bearing down on our kids. I cringe when I hear of terrorists, the persecution of Christians, the horrors done to children in wars and the sex trade and the ethnic killings I keep asking my LORD GOD how pray so that I may join HIM in this spiritual battle against the forces of evil (Romans 8:26, 34).

GOD brought a verse to my mind (Philippians 2:13). “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering (Hebrews 13:3).

That got me to asking myself, what would I want GOD to do for me if I was in any of these situations?

Reading of children killed by terrorists, and seeing the damage done in scaring their minds so again I cried out, “How do I join with you in prayer for these, LORD?”

What I saw in my spirit is nothing new, still I feel nudged to share. I saw and felt a calm, while all around me was a whirling storm.

I am to continue to pray for those suffering that they experience that calm that is found in the eye of a storm. like Stephen- the 1st martyr, I am to pray that they be so aware of JESUS’s presence with them that what is happening around and to them fades from view and they can see from GOD’s perspective.

Will you join with me to pray for those suffering as if you were there suffering with them? I know that if I were in the storm they are in, I would want to be with JESUS and have HIS peace fill me and lead me and see the truth unfold.

JESUS said: Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Almighty GOD I come in the name of JESUS and I thank YOU for sending us YOUR SON JESUS and for ready access to YOUR throne and YOUR great and precious promises. I know YOUR heart aches for these little ones and all persecuted as well as those caught in Satan’s snare through addiction of all kinds. I know that YOU are at work behind the scenes and that YOU have reserved a time for judging all who team with Satan to steal, kill and destroy. They choose the lies of Satan and refuse the love of the truth.

LORD I claim YOUR glorious and precious promise that YOU are working all things together for an end result of good for those who love YOU and have called out to YOU (Romans 8:28). But some don’t know YOU and others feel they have fallen too far.

LORD in YOUR great mercy and grace send forth laborers into the harvest fields so that these little ones may hear of YOU and of YOUR love and forgiveness and power and come to YOU.

Please flood them with the Holy SPIRIT awareness of JESUS so vividly that like the 1st martyr Steven all that is happening around and to them fades and their fears melt away as YOUR peace surrounds them in a calm as if they were in the eye of the storm.

I don’t understand YOUR ways, LORD, or YOUR timing but I know YOUR love. YOU sent us JESUS. I know YOUR power and wisdom for I see creation and the order and synchronization, May YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Though I don’t understand I trust YOUR love, YOUR plans and cling to YOUR promises. Help these children FATHER, help the addicts and save those wandering without a shepherd for they don’t have JESUS yet I ask in JESUS name.

Hugs
Sharon

Understand

Have you ever been misunderstood?  GOD promises that in the new heaven and earth we will all be able to understand one another for there will be just 1 language (Zephaniah 3:9). Won’t that be awesome, no more misunderstandings!

Now at the time when all the people of the world spoke the same language and clearly understood one another what is now referred to as the tower of Babel was conceived and building began because the people were afraid to go off to fill the earth as GOD had instructed (Genesis 9:1). Instead they decided to stick together, fortify each another and to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:1-3).

That was their choice, but it was a costly one for when GOD has decided something, HE makes sure it happens (Jeremiah 4:28c). Therefore, after allowing men to make their choice, HE urged them to rethink their choice. That is one of GOD’s ways. GOD motivated them to separate and go fill the earth by confusing their language so they could not understand each other. That is why there are so many languages and dialects on earth today. I think that it is also why people who speak the same language often misunderstand one another.

And such a misunderstanding has occurred with some I know. I felt the results of it last week and again last night but it wasn’t until I was in the tub a bit ago, soaking out the sore muscles from overdoing and talking to the LORD that I felt the nudge to explain and clarify.

There is nothing GOD can learn for HE already knows all things past, present and future. Before I speak a word, GOD knows what I am going to say (Psalm 139:4). But HIS knowing something doesn’t mean HE caused it. I believe GOD is in absolute control and works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). When the LORD made us, HE wanted a loving relationship so did not make us puppets. Scripture and experience show that we make our own choices. GOD determines the times, the places, the circumstances (Acts 17:26) but we choose how to act in each situation.

Now how the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY stays in control while allowing us our own choices is way beyond my ability to comprehend but that’s OK with me for HE is GOD.  HIS ways are not my ways and HIS thoughts are not my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) HE knows all things, while I know in part (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Let me give you an example from an old story of how HE uses HIS knowledge of our future choices together with HIS purposes for an end result of good Romans 8:28 for a people who choose to call on HIM and are the called (1 Corinthians 1:2) to those who want a relationship with HIM.

GOD created the heaven and the earth and all things in them. At last HE made man in HIS image. Now the LORD had planted a garden full of fruit trees and in the middle of the garden GOD placed two trees: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Then GOD put man in the garden and told him that he could eat from any of the trees with fruit on them except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. GOD warned him if he ate from that tree he would die.

Adam was happy, GOD gave him a job to name all of the animals HE brought to Adam and that kept him busy, but he found none like himself, no suitable helper for him. I sense when that awareness hit, he felt left out, and a loneliness came over him… a desire to have someone like himself just as the animals had. So, what do you think? Did GOD wait to give him a wife so he saw a need for one and appreciated her. Hmmm I imagine he rejoiced greatly when they were introduced. Their life was great… they had no problems, nor any reason to fear.

One day, Adam’s wife listened to a beautiful serpent… who really was the devil (Revelations 20:2) and chose to believe the serpent rather than GOD so ate of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil and then gave it to her husband and he took a bite. Something drastic happened when they ate… what had been beautiful before was now something to hide and all of a sudden, they discovered two new things: fear and shame. They realized that GOD’s warning was true, HE meant what HE said… and they had for the 1st time the fear of the LORD.

But since the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, it is imperative we have a fear of the LORD. Before they sinned, Adam and Eve did not have the fear of the LORD. GOD’s purposes to conformed believers into HIS image Romans 8:29 with Hebrews 1: 3 involve their having the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2,3). It is required.

Do you think that knowing what Adam and Eve’s choice was going to be, played a part in how GOD planted the garden?

I do.

I honestly think I make choices and that my choices make a difference in this world. At the same time, I believe, GOD nudges me to pray and to do (Philippians 2:13) then I choose whether I comply or not. I don’t understand it, but my choices are real and do somehow make a difference for the BIBLE says so (James 5:16)à yet GOD’s purposes can never ever be thwarted by me. To me this illustrates how man’s ability to choose shows GOD’s great Sovereign wisdom and power that would otherwise be left unseen. And it is written that GOD is teaching the angels concerning HIS awesomeness through how believers in JESUS) act (Ephesians 3:10).

Hugs
Sharon

PS Some call my choices free will-I don’t because GOD has set boundaries and predetermines the exact times and places according to HIS knowledge of what someone will do (foreknowledge) (Acts 17:26).

Faithful

This morning as I was reading the Word, GOD showed HIS faithfulness to me to prepare me to do what HE assigns (Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 50:4) and also reminded me that delays always have a purpose (Ezekiel 14:23).

When I discovered that I’d run out of ink and paper for my printer, I asked the LORD “what am I to do?  Tuesday’s class needs this lesson before class so they can do the detailed homework for the first lesson in Leviticus on the 30^th” (we skip a week because I must be out of town).  The LORD’s peace settled over me although HE told me nothing.

Well class was crazy Tuesday and we didn’t finish up so are going to do it on the 30^th (problem solved for we get paid on the 25^th and I can get the ink and paper and print out the master and make copies.)  So time wise we are good! Praise the LORD.

But that’s not all, as I was going on to compile the next lesson something caught my eye and I wondered why it wasn’t in the 1^st chapters?  Going back I found it was there so now I have the opportunity to make the correction before I print and my class will see the offerings in a more complete way!  GOD is so good to me. 

Had I printed out the original lesson two important elements would have been left out.  Again I am reminded how I am to give thanks for all things and trust when I don’t understand for GOD will provide one time one way, and other time a different way.

“Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it?” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Hugs

Sharon

How to get filled

Now you cannot tell a glass to be filled with water and expect it to comply. It takes someone to grab a hold of the glass and pour water into it. So, you see my perplexity when the Word of GOD commands me to be filled with the Holy SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18). I am not able to grab a hold of the Holy SPIRIT and fill myself. The HOLY SPIRIT, HIMSELF, must fill me. So, why the command?

Greek words tell us more than English words do. In the original Greek, that word translated ‘be filled’ is a command in the present tense (keep doing it) and has a passive voice (that means that someone else is doing the action). When there is a command for us, but another must do the actual action, it means we must allow it to happen.

All of us, who believe in JESUS, received the Holy SPIRIT when we believed. That is a given. HE is the down payment, a guarantee, showing us that GOD will make good on all of HIS promises to us. The HOLY SPIRIT seals us to GOD until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). One of HIS many roles in our lives is to guide us in the way we should go.  I often refer to this as nudging,  But as in the picture of the donkey all the nudging from behind and yanking forward does nothing unless we allow ourselves to go with the nudges.

Each of us have had a Bible verse, or a piece of a verse come to mind clear out of the blue. Haven’t we? Bearing in mind the role of the Holy SPIRIT to show us what we should do (John 14:26).., plus knowing that the Word of GOD is the sword of the SPIRIT, we can know for sure that when a Bible verse comes to mind, it is the HOLY SPIRIT instructing us to act according to GOD’s specific purposes.

Do we allow HIM to change our course with HIS words and nudgings? The more we go with HIS leading, the more the HOLY SPIRIT fills us with HIS knowledge and power (Mark 4:23-25).

Our part in being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, is simply to do what we know GOD wants us to do. The more you yield to HIM, the more HE fills you.

We can, however, resist the HOLY SPIRIT’s filling us with HIS knowledge and power. We do this by simply saying, “NO! I won’t,” by refusing to act on what HE has directed us to do. Have you ever resisted, and refused to do what you knew, without question, you were supposed to do? When we do, that we quench the HOLY SPIRIT.

It is written, that many in the early church prayed for boldness, and they were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and spoke with boldness. Now, if they had refused to open their mouths and speak, what they knew they should say, they will have resisted and quenched the HOLY SPIRIT within them. So, I think, the command GOD gives us to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT means Yield to HIM and follow HIS lead.

Keep doing what you know GOD wants you to do, and you will find yourself increasingly aware of GOD and what HE wants you to do and that is being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.
hugs
Sharon

Godly sorrow

Paul calls repentance ‘godly sorrow’.(2 Corinthians 7:9) Do you know why? It’s feeling the sorrow of GOD over wrong action. The primary meaning of the word repent is sorrow-be sorry. The 1st time the word is used is Genesis 6:6 and tells of GOD’s sorrow over sin.

GOD gives us repentance (2 Timothy 2:25), lets us feel HIS sorrow over sin so that people can come to their senses and make the right choices. But the choices are still up to us.

As an unbeliever GOD the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us (John 16:8-9) and we feel godly sorrow and know we are in need of a savior. But what we do with that knowledge determines our destiny. If we choose to turn from our old actions to what our new knowledge shows us and we call out to the LORD JESUS to save us, we are saved. “For all who call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

But we also have the option to turn away from the sorrow for sin and the awareness of GOD that HE gives. It changes from sorrow for sin and feeling a need for change and a Savior when we suppress it (Romans 1:18) , shrug it off and refuse to receive the love of the truth GOD has given us. We are told in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 that those who have continually pushed away from themselves the truth, refusing to receive the love of the truth (JESUS is the way, the truth and the life) that they might be saved will be deceived and will perish.

Now, after we are saved and have the HOLY SPIRIT within us and we do wrong but don’t examine ourselves and confess (1 John 1:9) and turn from that wrong, (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will convict us- and we will feel HIS godly sorrow. If we shrug off HIS convicting, then GOD is forced to disciple us so HE will not have to condemn HIS children with the world.

The Word says that GOD disciplines all HIS children, for we still sin and have a lot of growing to do. But this discipline is a sign that we belong to HIM and that HE loves us. Disciplining will continue until it produces right action in us (Hebrews 4:4-11) for GOD has predestined that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD and thus shown to be the called (1 Corinthians 1:2) will be conformed into the likeness of JESUS (Romans 8:29).

As 2 Peter 1:4 says we will become partakers in the divine nature. 1 John 3:2 and we shall be like HIM for we shall see HIM as HE is.

What an awesome truth. May the HOLY SPIRIT enable you and me to grasp some of the glory of that truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) and be quick to accept HIS conviction..

Hugs

Sharon

The Veil

As we talk about things concerning the LORD they can come alive to us. That is why we should be in a life group so we can take part in discussing the Word of GOD

This week as we finished up our series in Exodus, I was explaining to the life group the veil that divided between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle (and temple). As we discussed it I became overwhelmed by the privileges we obtain in the New Covenant that JESUS established on the cross through the shedding of HIS blood for our sin and fulfilling the Law (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 7:19, 7:22, 8:6, 12:24).

In the Holy of Holies only the High priest could go one time a year and he had bells sewn in the hem of his robe so if he did something wrong and died in that place the people would hear that the bells were no longer jingling and pulled him out with the rope tied on him.

The Holy of Holies was where the arc of the covenant stood and the mercy seat on its top is where GOD met with Moses to give him instructions for the people. It was a very sacred place and only the high priest could go in one a year to offer the blood of bulls to cover the sins of the people.

The instant JESUS died on the cross the veil that kept people out tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45) signifying that the way into the Holy of Holies (the Presence of GOD) was now open (Hebrews 9:8). For JESUS blood didn’t just cover the sins of the people that year but took away all sin committed under the 1st Covenant= the Law and thereby established the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15, 10:11-12, 14-20).

Up until JESUS died for us, there was a barrier but now through JESUS we are invited to boldly enter into the very throne room and talk to GOD. While there we obtain mercy and grace to help us in times of need (Hebrews 10:19-22, 4:16).

Thinking on this I pictured the throne room as seen in Revelation 4 where angels encircle the thrown and bow before HIM. The following songs came to my mind and I couldn’t help myself I sang them to the LORD.

Down at YOUR feet O LORD is the most-high place, 
in YOUR Presence LORD we seek YOUR face, we seek YOUR face. 
For there is no greater honor, no higher calling than to bow and kneel before YOUR throne. 
I am amazed by YOUR glory, embraced by YOUR mercy O LORD, I live to worship YOU. 
O LORD, I live to worship YOU.

I worship YOU ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU, 
I honor YOU O Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do. 
I give YOU praise for YOU are my righteousness, 
I worship YOU ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU.

hugs
Sharon L Manning

Eye exam

Have you ever been baffled when trying to explain something to someone that seems so very clear to you, but the other person doesn’t have a clue what you mean? There is that unmistakable blank look. But why?

“But their eyes were held that they should not know HIM” Luke 24:16

That word held in the Greek text speaks of a superior power hindering them from recognizing JESUS and reveals to us that GOD- (the giver of all good things), when HE chooses, can refuse to give us the ability to see things as they really are. In other words, HE can block our vision if there is a purpose in it for GOD does nothing without a just and good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

 “Yet the LORD has not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see and ears to hear, unto this day.” Deuteronomy 29:4

“The secret (or hidden) things belong to our GOD; but the things that are revealed (made clear to us) belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all ( GOD has for us to do)…” Deuteronomy 29:29

“…their eyes were opened, and they knew HIM. (JESUS)” Luke 24:31

“Then JESUS opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

As these verses show us our ability to see, to hear, to understand things as they really are is a gift from GOD. Therefore, we need to ask GOD to open the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:18)

Open the eyes of my heart LORD, Open the Eyes of my heart I want to see JESUS, I want to see JESUS

Open the eyes of my heart LORD, Open the Eyes of my heart I want to see JESUS, I want to see JESUS

To see HIM high and lifted up, shining in the light of HIS glory, pour out YOUR power and love
As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, I want to see  YOU, I want to see YOU

So, if others are baffled by what seems so clear to you pray that their eyes be opened so that they can see.  The prophet Elisha did. 

“and Elisha prayed, and said,’ LORD, open his eyes that he may see’  Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw and beheld the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.(2 Kings 6:17)

Hugs

Sharon 

changes

At different stages of our lives as we grow physically and mentally different things are expected of us. So it is as we grow spiritually. The one constant for the journey is ‘do what you know you are to do.’

Studying Greek taught me things about prepositions I’d overlooked in English. As their name implies, prepositions tell of the position of the verb to the object and thereby help us understand what is happening. This morning the little preposition of eis encouraged me. eis = into. Something is outside an object but is progressing into that object.

Hebrews 10:14 by one offering HE (JESUS) has perfected forever (a FINISHED WORK in GOD’s sight) the ones (believing in JESUS) being sanctified (WORK still IN PROGRESS we are not there in our experience).

For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

I Peter 1:2 (tells us that purpose of the sanctifying work of the HOLY SPIRIT) is to (eis) obedience -a hearkening to/ submission to- JESUS CHRIST.  HE is teaching us how to hear and submit to JESUS desires.

Even though JESUS created the heavens and the earth and all things in them- for nothing was made without HIM- including the angels, JESUS while on earth, never said a single word or did anything until HE got the get go from GOD (John 8:28). For JESUS came to do the will of HIS FATHER (Hebrews 10:7).

That little preposition eis explains what is happening to us. eis = into. Something is outside and object but progressing into that object.  We are not what we should be but are progressing toward the goal of being like JESUS.

The HOLY SPIRIT is constantly at work, bringing us step by step eis = into obedience (a listening to divine instructions and following them.  We are not there yet but step by step be are being changed eis = into submitting to what GOD wants.   

The term from glory to glory used in 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows that as HE reveals things about CHRIST JESUS’ nature we are being changed into what we see thus gaining more and more characteristics of our awesome Savior so that we increasingly look more and more like JESUS.  For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

HE uses the daily events, our struggles, yep, those hard things to complete the work HE has begun in us who believe in JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).  HE who has begun a good work in us will complete it! (Philippians 1:6).  For GOD always finishes what HE starts.  And what’s our part?  Do what we know we should do. 

The simplicity of CHRIST,  isn’t it amazing?

hugs

Sharon