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TWENTY ONE REASONS WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW THE LORD – PART TWO by Rodney Howard Browne

We know we know the Lord because:

6. We have overcome the world and Satan

“I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.” 1 John 2:12-14 NKJV

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18 NKJV

Because we know the Father; because we are born of God; because His word abides in us; because our faith is in Him; because we keep ourselves and choose to not sin – therefore we have overcome the wicked one and he cannot touch us.

7. We hate the world and the things of the world

“Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things] — these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 AMP

The child of God, who knows God, does not love the world or things of the world. The more we come to know the Father; the more time we spend with Him; the less we desire worldly carnal things.

8. We are one with the Body of Christ

“They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19 AMP

Those who know the Father have fellowship with Him and with each other. They are not exclusive, neither do they separate themselves. They do not fight against each other, but they do everything to walk in peace with each other.

9. We are anointed by the Spirit

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:20-27 NKJV

You cannot fake the anointing – you are either anointed or you are not. Those who know the Father also know and recognize the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

10. We know the truth that sets us free

“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21 NKJV

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” John 8:32-36 NKJV

We know the Truth because we know the Father. The Truth sets us free from sin and from the bondage of sin. We are free indeed.

11. Because we acknowledge God and His Son Jesus Christ

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the
beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us —
eternal life.” 1 John 2:22-25 NKJV

We know the Father, and we know Jesus, because we acknowledge that He is Lord, God and Savior. Because we believe, we have eternal life now.

Symbols of the Word of God

Refining fire:

The Word is a fire that purges sin and purifies hearts and lives.

Hammer:

The Word is like a hammer that works to break down all resistance and bring conviction to the hardest heart.

“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV

Mirror:

The Word of God is a mirror that reflects who we are in Christ, so that we can see ourselves as He sees us and we can continue to grow into His likeness.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:23-24 NKJV

Seed:

The Word of God is planted as a seed that multiplies and produces life, blessing and freedom.

The sower sows the word. Mark 4:14 NKJV

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11 NKJV

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Peter 1:23 NKJV

Water:

The Word of God washes us on the inside, like water washes us on the outside.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3 KJV

That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. Ephesians 5:26 NKJV

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalms 119:9 KJV

A Lamp:

Just as we need light to guide us so we can see – with our natural eyes – where we are walking and to make sure we stay on the path, so we need God’s Word to clearly show us the way in life so that we don’t wander off in the wrong direction and perish.

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalms 119:105 NKJV

Rain and snow:

Just as rain and snow comes down from heaven to water the earth and cause seeds to sprout and grow and bring forth fruit, so God’s Word waters and brings life everywhere it goes. It will never fail to produce and prosper.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV

A sword:

God’s Word is a sword that is a powerful weapon to defeat the enemy. God’s Word is sharper than a two-edged sword. It instantly and accurately cuts down into the heart of the matter. Dake’s says that the Word is, ‘Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being).’

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

A bow (for revenge):

Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. Habakkuk 3:9 KJV

Gold:

God’s Word is of more worth than the finest gold.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10 KJV

Power:

God’s Word has the power to create and to produce faith and eternal life.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV

Food to nourish:

Milk for babes:

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

Bread for the hungry:

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV

And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 AMP

Meat for growing believers:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV

Honey for dessert:

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:9-10 KJV

Salvation for All

1. The Gospel program is universal (involving/applying to all):

Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 AMP

The Gospel applies to, and is extended to, ALL people from ALL nations. No one is outside of God’s invitation or His salvation plan. There is only one way to heaven and all men are invited and welcome to come through Him. He is God and there is no other like Him or beside Him or above Him. Men worship all other gods in vain.

2. God is willing to save ALL, or He would not have invited ALL:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

God so loved the whole of His creation that He sent His only Son. He does not just love some people – He loves all people – each and every person that ever is or has or will be born into the earth. He has not pre-destined for only some select people to be saved, as some erroneously preach. The decision to receive salvation through faith is left up to every man and woman, so that no one can make an excuse.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV

God desires ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus didn’t just die for a few – He died for ALL!

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

It is not His will that ANY should perish, but it is His will that ALL should come to repentance.

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 NKJV

The water of life is FREE and available to anyone who desires it.

3. Provision has been made for ALL:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:17-18 NKJV

Jesus came to save the world – the entire world!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 NKJV

Salvation is made available to EVERYONE – from EVERY tribe and nation. The only requirement is that men BELIEVE.

4. ALL who accept the invitation will be saved:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 NKJV

You are not saved by your good works and you don’t have to wait till you die to see if God is going to let you into heaven or not. You are guaranteed heaven as long as you accept God’s invitation and believe in the Name of Jesus. You have to believe in your heart what the Father said concerning Jesus – that He is your Savior: that He died to destroy your sin and rose again to give you new life – and confess with your mouth that He is your Lord. The only thing that will take you to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ. The only thing that will keep you out of heaven is neglecting or refusing to believe in Him.

ANYONE can come to God in faith and receive salvation. Nothing can hinder you from receiving salvation when you have faith in God. There is no one who is disqualified by anything else other than just not believing. You must accept God’s invitation, and when you do, you will receive His salvation.

Continue to Preach the Gospel Despite Persecution by Rodney Howard Browne

The days of visitation and punishment have come; the days of recompense have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is [considered] a crazed fool and the man who is inspired is [treated as if] mad or a fanatic, because of the abundance of your iniquity and because the enmity, hostility, and persecution are great. 8 Ephraim was [intended to be] a watchman with my God [and a prophet to the surrounding nations]; but he, that prophet, has become a fowler’s snare in all his ways. There is enmity, hostility, and persecution in the house of his God.  Hosea 9:7-8 AMP

The prophets of God, the true people of God who speak and live God’s Word, will inevitably suffer persecution when their nation is full of sin and rebellion against God and the Truth of His Word, however, the Gospel must continue to be boldly preached.

The Christian who believes in the power of the Word of God, who is filled with the power of God, who is wholly submitted to the Word and the Spirit, who has clean hands and a pure heart, who is not ashamed of the Gospel, who preaches the truth and lives a godly life, is the devil’s worst nightmare! If the devil cannot stop you from obeying the Great Commission, then he will stir up persecution against you to try to hinder you, discourage you, and/or prevent you from continuing.

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NKJV

The Gospel is the same to all, but not all receive it the same way. Sincere people, who sin because they don’t know any other way, still have a conscience that convicts them, especially when the truth is preached. However, a person who has silenced their own conscience so that they can continue to sin, does not welcome, but rather rejects, the Truth. The generation which has embraced evil will be stubborn and rebellious toward God; therefore, they will claim that God’s righteous messengers, who speak His Word, are merely “crazed fools”, rather than God’s watchmen, so that they can have an excuse for their own sinfulness. Unwarranted enmity, hostility, and persecution, directed toward the messenger, are the results.

If you are a child of God, then you have been given the ministry of reconciliation – to introduce people to Jesus Christ and see them reconciled to the Father. Sometimes you are welcomed; sometimes ignored; sometimes attacked. You cannot quit because you are not welcomed – the word must be preached and the seed sown regardless of the reception.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.  2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV

The Amplified Bible says we must be ready to preach the Word of God anytime and every time, “…whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable; whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome.” We are not responsible for the response TO the message, just the delivery OF the message. We cannot preach merely what people WANT to hear – we are to preach the Truth – we are to preach what they NEED to hear, whether they like it or not. We must correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.

But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:2-6 NKJV

The devil will try to blind men so they can’t see the Light or hear the Truth and so they don’t receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, but as you preach the Truth, God’s light shines into their hearts and they are converted. If you preach your opinion, you will get nowhere, however, the Gospel is full of the power of God and when you preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, then the power of the Gospel is released into men’s hearts and the Holy Spirit goes to work to touch and change their hearts.

You don’t know, you cannot tell beforehand, who will receive the Truth and who will not. Saul (renamed Paul) persecuted the Church terribly – he captured them, jailed them and even killed them – but Jesus met with him on the Damascus road and he became a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, himself. That is why you must be prepared to preach the Gospel and continue to preach the Gospel, through persecution and opposition if needs be, until all have heard and God’s will is done!

SEEING JESUS AS HE REALLY IS

Rodney Howard Browne shows us Jesus as he really is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-14 NKJV

l.  Rodney Howard Browne explains that If Jesus were around today, He would be kicked out of most churches.

  • Jesus was not religious and did not fit in with the religious crowd.
  • Jesus was radical. He was unpredictable. He did not do what people thought He would or should do.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMP – But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
  • Jesus was led by the Spirit of God in everything He said and did.
  • John 3:34 AMP – For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit!
  • Jesus is not physically here on earth where He can be seen. The only Jesus the world will ever see is in born-again believers, children of God, filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • The only way that people can see Jesus in your eyes, hear Jesus in your voice and feel Jesus in your touch is if you allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in you as you obey Him by walking in the love of God toward others and by doing the works of Jesus.
  • To get a picture of what Jesus is really like—read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

ll.  Rodney Howard Browne shows us that there are so many different opinions and theories out there about Jesus, but the Gospel portray Him as He really is.

  • Jesus said what He meant and He meant what He said.
  • The significance of Jesus’ words and actions get lost when people try to interpret the bible allegorically or figuratively, instead of literally.
  • At the end of his account of Jesus earthly ministry, John says, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 AMP)
  • The things we need to know about Jesus are written in the four Gospels.
  • His Birth; His Life; His Earthly Ministry; His Death; His Resurrection; His Ascension.
  • His Birth: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. He was 100 percent God and 100 percent man.
  • His Life: He led a sinless life even though He was tempted with everything that anyone of us are tempted with.
  • Hebrews 4:15 AMP – For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
  • His Earthly Ministry: Jesus spent 30 years preparing for an earthly ministry that began when He was baptized in water and the Holy Spirit at the River Jordan.
  • His earthly ministry lasted about 3 ½ years and 70 percent of that ministry was healing the sick and casting out devils.
  • His Death: His death at Calvary was for the sins of the world—the whole world.
  • His Resurrection: Jesus was raised up from the dead and He stripped Satan of the keys of death, hell and the grave.
  • His Ascension: The angel told the disciples, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11a)
  • John 14:12 KJV – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
  • Jesus sent us another Comforter—the Holy Spirit, who is just like Him—the same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus.
  • This Comforter comes to live in us and with us. This Comforter would allow Jesus to live inside us and to have expression through us in the earth.
  • Christian means: little Christ; little anointed one.
  • Remember Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) And also, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.  29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:28-29)
  • 1 John 4:4 NKJV – You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
  • Allow Jesus to live big on the inside of you so that the world may know He is alive!

THE BLOOD

The Blood of Jesus Redeems us from sin.

  1. Redeem—to clear by payment; to buy back or pay off; to recover; to exchange; to save from sins; to restore the honor or worth of; to recover ownership of by paying a specified sum; to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom; deliverance by payment of a price; to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.
  2. In the New Testament, redemption refers to salvation from sin, death, and the wrath of God by Christ’s sacrifice.
  3. We are redeemed from our own works. We are redeemed from religion and tradition and the Curse of the Law.
  4. 1 Peter 1:18-19 AMP – You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, 19 But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.
  5. Our sins are forgiven and no longer held against us.
  6. Ephesians 1:7
  7. We are purchased by the Blood of Jesus.
  8. Acts 20:28


Blood has to be shed or there can be no remission of sins.

  1. Hebrews 9:22 AMP – [In fact] under the Law almost everything is purified by means of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is neither release from sin and its guilt nor the remission of the due and merited punishment for sins.
  2. Under the Old Covenant, blood sacrifices had to continually be made for sin.
  3. Hebrews 10:1-4 Under the old Covenant the blood of animals was shed to atone for sins. The blood of these animals only covered people’s sin. The Father looked at the blood and counted them as righteous. The animals were a type of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus became our “Sacrificial Lamb” (1 Peter 1:19). The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin and cleanses our conscience from dead works.
  4. Hebrews 9:12-15
  5. Under the New Covenant, the Blood of Jesus completely washes away our sin.
  6. Colossians 1:14 AMP – In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.
  7. Isaiah 43:25
  8. Psalms 103:12
  9. Revelation 1:5
  10. Since Jesus shed His Blood, no more blood needs to be shed.
  11. Hebrews 10:18


The Blood of Jesus reconciles us to the Father.

  1. We cannot stand before God on our own merits. Our righteousness is like filthy rags.
  2. Isaiah 64:6
  3. Romans 3:23 NKJV – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
  4. Through the Blood of the Cross, God has made peace, reconciling all things to Himself, once and for all.
  5. Colossians 1:19-22
  6. We are reconciled back to the Father.
  7. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

  1. The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sin—the sin we committed before and after we were saved. If we make a mistake and repent, His Blood cleanses us every time.
  2. 1 John 1:7 NKJV – But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
  3.  As the old song says, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”
  4. The Blood of Jesus gave us a new and better covenant.
  5. Hebrews 8:6


The Blood of Jesus allows us to come boldly before the Father.

  1. When you come to God, you come boldly by the Blood of Jesus. You don’t enter by your own name. You don’t enter by your good works. You are bold because you know that His Blood gives you the right to come into God’s presence to ask for help.
  2. Hebrews 10:19-23
  3. We have a new and living way. We draw nigh unto God boldly, by the blood, with faith and a clean conscience.
  4. Hebrews 4:15-16


The Blood of Jesus gives us the power to overcome.

  1. Revelation 12:11 NKJV – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
  2. Talk about what God has done for you. Your testimony is a living thing—when you share it, you relive it.
  3. 1 Corinthians 15:57

The Blood of Jesus is held in honor in heaven.

  1. We reign as kings and priests on the earth through the blood of Jesus.
  2. Revelation 5:9-10 NKJV – And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
  3. No one is left out. The Blood of Jesus paid the price for every man, every woman, every tribe, every tongue, every people, and every nation!

Twenty Facts of Eternal Life by John

1. People can have Eternal Life by believing in Jesus Christ according to God’s Word.

John 3:14-16 NKJV – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 NKJV – He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 5:24 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 6:40 NKJV – And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

2. It becomes a well springing up from your heart.

John 4:14 NKJV – But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

3. People must gather fruit unto life eternal.

John 4:36 NKJV – And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

4. It comes through searching and believing the Scriptures.

John 5:39 NKJV – You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

5. People must labor for it – YOU have a part to play to get it.

John 6:27 NKJV – Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

6. It comes by drinking of (i.e., partaking of) the benefits of the blood of Jesus Christ by faith.

John 6:54 NKJV – Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

7. Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life.

John 6:68 NKJV – But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

8. Jesus Christ gives eternal life to His own – those who meet the conditions (See also John 6:27).

John 10:27-29 NKJV – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

9. God commands people to get it.

John 12:50 NKJV – And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

10. God sent Jesus to give it to all who come to Him through Christ.

John 17:1-3 NKJV – Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

11. To know or to experience God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is eternal life (John 17:2-3).

12. Jesus Christ is that eternal life.

1 John 1:1-3 NKJV – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

13. This eternal life has actually been seen, heard, and handled (1 John 1:1-3).

14. People must not only meet the conditions of receiving eternal life, but they must allow it to remain in them after they get it.

1 John 2:24-25 NKJV – Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life.

15. If people do allow it to remain in them, then they will continue in the Son, and in the Father (1 John 2:24).

16. Eternal life is promised to all (1 John 2:25), but it is given only to those who meet the conditions of receiving and keeping it (John 6:27).

17. No one who hates his brother has it.

1 John 3:15 NKJV – Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

18. Eternal life comes from God.

1 John 5:11 NKJV – And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

19. It is only in God’s Son (1 John 5:11).

20. All people may know – be assured – they have it (See also John 3:16; 5:24; 17:2-3).

1 John 5:13 NKJV – These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 NKJV – And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Jesus Glory and Goodness

With that miracle, Jesus showed forth His glory and His goodness. Rodney Howard Browne explains that the reason Jesus turned water into wine as His first miracle was because He wanted that to be a statement. Providing the wine is probably the least that He could have done.

First of all, Jesus came to save from sin and heal sick bodies. The last thing down the line would be to provide wine for a friend’s wedding. But I believe He’s trying to say, “I do the least thing I can do first, because I want to show you that there’s nothing in your life that I can’t take care of. If you accept Me as your Savior and your Healer, I’ll also be your Provider, so that when you have a need, you know I will supply everything that you need.”

In John 15:7, Jesus says, If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Whatever you need, ask, and He’ll give it. After this, Jesus went to the farther side of the sea of Galilee — that is, the Sea of Tiberias,

And a great crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (miracles) which He [continually] performed upon those who were sick. And Jesus walked up the mountainside and sat down there with His disciples.

Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was approaching. Jesus looked up then, and seeing that a vast multitude was coming toward Him, He said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that all these people may eat? But he said this to prove (test) him, for He well knew what He was about to do.

Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennies’ (forty dollars) worth of bread is not enough that everyone may receive even a little.

Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,

There’s a little boy here, who has [with him] five barley loaves, and two small fish; but what are they among so many people?

Jesus said, Make all the people recline (sit down). Now the ground (a pasture) was covered with thick grass at the spot, so that the men threw themselves down, about 5,000 in number.

Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples and the disciples to the reclining people; so also [He did] with the fish, as much as they wanted. When they all had enough, He said to His disciples, Gather up now the fragments (the broken pieces that are left over), so that nothing may be lost and wasted. So accordingly they gathered them up, and they filled twelve [small hand] baskets with fragments left over by those who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

JOHN 6:1-13 AMP

This is a very powerful miracle of provision. People are hungry so Jesus takes a little boy’s lunch and then He multiplies it. Now it’s one thing to hear that God provides food and drink in Bible times, but it happens now too. When my family was living in the Transkei region of South Africa, I heard of a miracle of provision among Baptist missionaries. About sixty people had gathered one night at the mission, and all they had was one chicken. But they prayed and God multiplied their one chicken. All sixty ate chicken and were filled!

God’s provision is not just for Bible times — it’s for right now. It’s for you and me. If we just believe God, He’ll make a way where there is no way. God wants His people to live in a higher realm of the supernatural. It’s time to move up and live in a higher realm of the provision of God in our lives. We’ve got to quit looking at our own resources. If we’re looking at our salary as our source of supply, we’re

going to be devastated if our company closes down tomorrow.

This has got to become real in your daily life. It’s easy to clap your hands and sing in church, “He’s my Provider.” But it’s another thing to really trust in Him when you’re in the middle of a problem. When you lose your job, suddenly you find out how much you really believe in the Lord’s provision

The Gospel Is Simple

Rodney Howard Browne teaches that if you

do any study on issues, try not to get side

tracked away from the simplicity of the gospel. Do not

run off on a tangent into something that does not produce

life.

You will always know if you are into false

doctrine when you begin to lose your joy and your peace.

The scripture says, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at

thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm

16:11). Let peace be your umpire.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in

your study of the scripture. Remember that the Holy

Spirit is the teacher. He will take God’s Word and make it

alive for you. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Having a Hearing Ear

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. The voice

of a stranger they will not follow.” (See John 10:5, 27.) It

is interesting to find out that many Christians who have a

“quiet time” really have a quiet time because they never

hear from heaven. They never listen to see if God would

actually speak to them.

“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are

the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). God will lead you by

His Spirit, but there needs to be a sensitivity to the

anointing and it only comes with spending time in His

presence. Only then do we recognize when God is

speaking to us and instantly obey. In other words, we

need to develop a hearing ear.

He That Has Ears to Hear

“He that has ears to hear what the Spirit is

saying,” is a phrase that is repeated throughout the New

Testament. It’s not talking about the natural ear, but the

spiritual ear.

We know the story of Samuel and how he heard

someone calling his name. He went to Eli and said, “You

called me.” Eli said, “I did not call you.” This happened

several times and then Eli realized that it was God who

was speaking even though he did not hear that voice (not

having ears to hear). He then said to Samuel, “Go lie

down and when you hear the voice, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for

your servant is listening.'” (See First Samuel 3:1-10.)

The Case of the Broken Telephone

We have heard the sayings, “There is none so deaf

as those who will not hear,” and “People hear what they

want to hear.” I am reminded of a story I heard of a

farmer who wanted God to speak to him, One morning,

as he was sitting on his front porch of his farmhouse, a

hand appeared and wrote in the sky the letters G P.

Instead of finding out any further information, the

farmer sold his farm and went on the mission field to

fulfill his heavenly direction. After failing hopelessly and

spending much time in prayer, he heard the Lord speak to

him. He said, “What is the problem, son?”

The farmer said, “Lord, I obeyed You. I did what

You told me. I read the letters in the sky and knew it

meant, Go Preach.” The Lord then said to him, “Son, the

letters did not mean, Go Preach; they meant, Go Plow.”

In this man’s zeal for God, he ran ahead and

misinterpreted the will of God for his life.

Perfect Timing

It is interesting to realize that most people don’t

miss God in the general direction of what God has called

them to do. Rather, they miss the timing, partly because

they don’t listen to what the Spirit of God is saying.

They have never developed their spiritual ear to

the point of hearing God’s voice more clearly. Instead,

they are led by circumstances and situations in their lives.

Blown by the winds of adversity, they wander around

aimlessly, never accomplishing the will of God.

Charismatic Gurus,

Have You Had Your Fortune Told Lately,

and Other Horror Stories

Another scenario is that some Christians gravitate

to so-called “prophets” ( charismatic gurus of the day ( to

get another “word from God.” But it’s always something

vague, something remote, and it never produces a

workable, tangible reality in their lives.

After several years, the individual has a large

collection of predictions, dating back over the years, and

not one has come to pass. But it’s another nail in the

religious coffin of death and bondage.

The truth of the matter is that prophecy is

confirmation, not information. The Bible says, “As many

as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

It does not say, “As many as are led by the prophets are

the sons of God.”

The River Church and attending services as a member

The River Church and attending services as a member

I have been praying and asking the Lord Jesus to help me be a soul winner. I have not been winning people to Jesus, and I REALLY WANT TO BE A SOUL WINNER! So, lately I have been crying out to God to help me in this. Well, a couple of weeks ago my son, Ben, and I were in the truck going home and witnessed a car accident. It wasn’t too bad, and the people involved were all hanging around talking to the police or waiting to talk to the police. We stayed at the scene of the accident in case the police needed a testimony from a witness. So as the police were taking statements from people, I noticed the older lady, Joanne, who was at fault in the wreck, standing there looking very upset, and she was crying. Suddenly, I had tremendous compassion for this lady, and almost started weeping. This feeling of great compassion was not normal for me. I believe it was God letting me feel His compassion and love for this lady. I went over to her and asked her if she was alright, and I wanted to encourage her. Then I asked her if I could pray for her, and she said yes. So I started to pray for her and then it occurred to me to ask her if she had ever asked Jesus into her heart and given her life to Him. All she could say was that she was baptized. I then asked her if she wanted to pray and ask Jesus into her heart, and she said yes. So I led her in the sinners’ prayer, right there at the side of the street with the police and onlookers hanging around, and she gave her life to Jesus. During the time we were praying, no one bothered us or interrupted us at all. I was so excited about leading her to Jesus. God is answering my prayers. I want to lead more people to the Lord. It’s such an awesome experience!

Debby G
Dade City Florida United States