The place called THERE (Part 2)

 Text: John 14:2: In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwelling places; abodes):  if it were not so, I would have told you.  Vs 3: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself:  that where I am, THERE you may be also.

I left off in part one of “The Place Called There”, asking the question, “Are you THERE”?  The Staple singers sang a song, years ago, saying, “I’ll take you there”!  I’m grateful to God that I’ve found and have moved into the place called “THERE” which is in Christ Jesus!! 

·       2^nd Corinthians 5:19: To wit (know), that God was IN CHRIST reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing (holding against) their (our) trespasses unto them (us):  and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Vs 20: Now then we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconcile to God.

Here in part two we’re going to discover what is on the “INSIDE OF THERE”!!

Inside (Web) [the inner side, inward part; internal].

When Jesus said to the disciples that He would “go” and prepare a place (a spot) for them, so that where He was, THERE they would be also, we’ve learned that that place was in the Spirit, or within Himself, who is, the CHRIST!      

The word “go” is the root word poreu’omai, meaning to traverse or pass over, across, or through; beyond; other side; pierce (through); experience; trial.  Jesus was saying I’m going to pierce through the veil of this flesh to destroy the works of the devil, and yet return to you by Spirit to give you the victory over all the power of the enemy.  But I’ve got to experience the testing of the cross!   And it’s the testing of the cross and the resurrection that I must go through that’s going to prepare (make ready) for you, “the place called THERE”, which is IN ME, WHO IS CALLED (leg’o) [laid forth; shown] and MADE (poie’o) [appointed; raised up] CHRIST (the Anointed One)!!

Look at what was written in Hebrews 10:5: Wherefore, when he cometh (eiser’chomai) [to enter: arise; come (in, into), enter in (to), go in (through) / (eis) [to or into (the point reached or entered) of place, time, or purpose as a result, etc), for (intent, purpose) of one mind, to set at one again] into the world [kosmos], he said, “Sacrifice (thusi’a) [a victim]  and offering (prosphora’) [presentation; an oblation] thou wouldest (ethle’o) choose or prefer; desire; delight in; intend; rather] not, but a BODY (so’ma) [the body (as a sound whole); bodily] hast thou prepared (katarti’zo) [completed thoroughly; repaired or adjusted: fitted; framed; to make) perfect (ly join together); restored] me.

·        Ephesians 2:19: Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God:  vs 20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:  vs 21: In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord:  vs 22: In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

Jesus was the victim, the sacrifice (by fire), that was slain, the offering presented unto God, so that the Father could have a BODY, that He could visibly live in eternally, that didn’t have to suffer physical death. And Jesus through His death, burial, and resurrection, gave the Father that prepared (katarti’zo) [thoroughly completed; repaired or adjusted; fit; framed; (make) perfect (ly join together; restored] body, called CHRIST, who is the Church!

Grasp this:  If the Father didn’t allow His physical body (Jesus) to see corruption:  Psalm 16:10: For thou will not leave my soul in hell, neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption (shach’ath) [a pit; trap; destruction; grave]: (Acts 2:27) "corruption" means decay or decomposition:  why would He allow His spiritual body (the church) to see corruption?  1^st Peter 2:5: You also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

·        Colossians 2:9: For in him (CHRIST) dwelleth (katoike’o) [to house permanently; reside; inhabitant] all the fullness (ple’roma) [repletion [filled or well supplied with something] or completion [having all the necessary or appropriate parts; total; finished; whole; perfect] of the Godhead bodily (somatikos’) [corporeally or physically].

In the anatomical structure of the sperm of man, there is a head, body, and tail.  The head has a tip called the “acrosome” (enzymes that makes it penetrate the ovum).  Acrosome meaning akros (extremity):  soma (body).  The body contains mitochondria which gives it energy necessary for locomotion.  The tail (propels the sperm with a lashing movement).

So, even in God’s creative mind, He already had the Head (Christ) and the Body (the church) connected and to be propelled (driven; pushed; or moved in a particular direction forward) by the Holy Ghost.

What good is the Head without the body? What good is a body without the Head? 

·        Colossians 1:17: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (sunista’o) [set together; introduced (favorably); exhibited; constituted; approved; united; stands]:  vs 18: And he is the head of the body (so’ma) [the body (as a sound whole); bodily] the church (ekklesi’a) [a calling out; a popular meeting; a congregation;  assembly] who is the beginning (arche’) [a commencement or chief (order; time; place or rank): corner (at the, the) first (estate); magistrate; power; principality; principle; rule] the firstborn (prototok’os) [first-begotten] from the dead:  that in all things he might have the preeminence (surpassing all others; superiority].

Remember, Jesus Christ was the STONE that the builders rejected, that has now become the HEAD STONE of the corner.

Jesus being “THE HEAD”, in the Greek Lexicon, “the head” is defined as the top!  Matthew 21:42, Jesus said unto them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?  

Jesus being “superior”:  Ephesians 1:22, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.  Ephesians 5:23: The husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is “the head” of the church:  and he is the Savior of the body.  Colossians 2:10: And you are complete in him, which is “the head” of all principality and power.

God the Father is head of Christ in His manifestation as Man or as the Divinity is superior to the humanity.

·        1^st Corinthians 11 [God’s order]:  vs 3: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ:  and the head of the woman is the man:  and the head of Christ is God.

Head is from the Greek word kapto, meaning, in the sense of seizing; the head (as the part most readily taken hold of).  To seize is to ambush, apprehend, arrest, catch, force, snatch, appropriate, embrace, grasp, occupy.  Therefore, we must “ambush, apprehend, arrest” that carnal mind, and “grasp, embrace, and appropriate” the spiritual mind in our lives, so that we can live.

·        Romans 8:6: To be carnally minded (sarx) [flesh (human nature (with its frailties [phys. or mor.] and passions), or a human being (as such); carnal (ly, flesh minded] is death:  but to be spiritually (pneu’ma) [God, Christ, the Holy spirit] minded is life and peace.

That’s why we must: Be ye transformed (changed) by the renewing (refreshing; renovating) of your mind (Romans 12:2).  1^st Corinthians 2:16: But we have the mind (nous) of Christ.  Philippians 2:5: Let this mind (phrone’o) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery, to be equal (totally agreeable) with God.

IN RELATION TO “THE INSIDE OF THERE”, WHO IS THE CHRIST THAT LIVES IN US? 

CHRIST is the understanding (comprehension; discernment) that you (we) are fully God and fully man!  Was not Jesus fully God and fully man?  Well, “As he is, so are we, in this world” (1^st John 4:17).

·        Matthew 1:16: And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called CHRIST.  Vs 17: So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto CHRIST are fourteen generations.

 In the Old Testament, Daniel 9:25-26, He is Messiah: (Heb) (mashi’yach) [anointed; a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint)].  In the New Testament He is Messi’as, being interpreted is Christ, and St. John 1:41, Andrew said to Simon, “We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ”.  St. John 4, the Samaritan woman spoke of Him: vs 25: “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ; when he is come, he will tell us all things”.  She was talking to Him - Christ or the Anointed One, and didn't know who He was.  

So, what’s “inside of THERE”: the ANOINTING. The anointing is the chris’ma, which is an unguent or smearing; the endowment (chrism) of the Holy Spirit; unction.  It’s the chri’o, a smearing or rubbing with oil; consecrating one for service to God.  The anointing, furnishes us with what’s needed to do the greater works Jesus said we would do by believing in Him (John 14:12).

Matthew 1:18-25 [speaking of the birth of Jesus]:  Vs 21: And shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS:  for he shall save his people from their sins.  Vs 23: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Jesus was God’s Anointed One that He had sent to deliver the fallen creation and bring it back unto Himself. But in order for God to do it, He needed someone to do it through. 

Matthew 3:13-17 [Jesus is baptized by John]:  Vs 16: And Jesus, when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water:  and lo, the heavens (ouran’os) [elevation; happiness; power; eternity; the Gospel] were opened (unlocked) unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (connoting the Holy Spirit), and lighting  (er’chomai) [coming; accompanying; appearing; bringing; entering; growing; setting]  upon him:  vs 17: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.

The heavens (higher realms of spirituality) were opened up (unlocked; unsealed) to Him, by the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit descending (coming down) upon Him like a “dove”, connoting the “anointing” accompanying, coming, appearing to Him, entering and bringing to Him the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, dominion, authority, and power He’d need to grow Him into the place the Father had ordained for Him and set Him in the position to do all He was sent to do to glorify His Father.  

Dove in Greek (peristerah’) is [a pigeon].  Dove in Hebrew is (yownah’) [a dove (through the warmth of their mating)].  It goes to another Hebrew root word ya’yin), meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); intoxication: banqueting.

Wine in Greek is (oi’nos).  In Hebrew wine is ya’yin, meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); intoxication: banqueting. 

DOVE & WINE has the same definition, (ya’yin) [to effervesce; wine (as fermented); intoxication: banqueting]. 

Remember the “dove” that Noah sent forth of the ark in Genesis 6, which he sent forth twice and she returned unto him with the “olive leaf” in her mouth, but the third time he sent her out she never returned, signifying the end of the flood.  But she’s not seen again until “she” appears at Jesus’ baptism, typifying the “anointing”, that He (Jesus) would in turn put upon the Church that would become His Body (pitched [atoned] within and without; reconciled) unto God that would be called CHRIST, which is also His wife!

·        1^st Corinthians 12:12: As the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, is one body:  so also is CHRIST.  Vs 13: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

·        Ephesians 5:30: We are members (limbs; parts) of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

·        Revelation 19:7: Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come (present tense), and his wife hath (already) made herself ready.  Vs 8: And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

We the Church, Spirit baptized believers, are now God’s ANOINTED in the earth today!

·        Isaiah 10:27: And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

·        James 5:14: Is there any sick among you?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing (alei’pho) [to oil (with perfume); grease] him with oil (el’aion) [olive oil] in the name of the Lord.  Vs 15: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up:  and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

·        1^st John 2:27: But the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you need not that any man, teach you:  but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, you shall abide in him.

This “ANOINTING” doesn’t break yokes it destroys (demolishes) yokes.  This is the kind of “POWER” God has given unto us!

Charles Fillmore said:  CHRIST is the perfect idea of God for man.  JESUS is the perfect expression of the divine idea Man.  JESUS CHRIST is a union of the two, the idea [thought; mental conception; image; belief; plan] and the expression [representation; appearance], or in other words, He is the perfect man demonstrated [proven; verified; substantiated; confirmed; authenticated].

So, what is “inside of THERE”? -  The KEYS to the KINGDOM (power) (ruling authority):

Matthew 16:13-20 [Jesus questions His disciples about who they thought He was]: Vs 13: Jesus asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am”?  Vs 14: And they said, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist, some, Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets?  Vs 15: He said unto them, “But who say you that I am”?  Vs 16: And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God”!  Vs 17: And Jesus answered and said unto him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona:  for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  Vs 18: And I say also unto thee, “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.  Vs 19: And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Vs 20: Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the CHRIST.

A key is a badge of authority, which can lock or unlock something.  This key can bind or loose!

·        Matthew 10:1-15 [Jesus chooses twelve Apostles]:  vs 1: And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power (exousi’a) [ability; privilege; force; freedom; mastery; token of control; delegated influence; power; authority; liberty; jurisdiction] against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

·        Mark 16:17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.  Vs 18: They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

·        Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power (exousi’a) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:  and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

·        Luke 17:20: When he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, “The kingdom (basilei’a) [royalty; rule or a realm; reign] / (basileus’) [foundation of power] of God cometh not with observation (parata’resis) [inspection; ocular evidence]:  vs 21: Neither shall they say, lo here or lo there!  For behold, the kingdom of God is within you".

·        Acts 1:8: You shall receive power (du’namis) [enablement to work miracles], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

What’s “inside of THERE”? --- PERFECT PEACE!

·        Isaiah 26:3: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee:  because he trusts in thee.

Not just “peace”, but perfect (tamam’) [to complete; clean; upright; accomplish; whole] peace (shalowm’) [safe (in mind, body, or estate); well; happy; prospered; in health; make completed]. 

·        John 14:27: Peace (eire’ne) [prosperity; oneness; quietness; rest] I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled (agitated), neither let it be afraid (fearful).

What’s “inside of THERE”? – DIVINE HEALTH:

·        Isaiah 53:5: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:  the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are (present tense; already; right now) healed.

·        Joel 2:25: And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.  Vs 26: And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God that hath dealt wondrously with you:  and my people shall never be ashamed.  Vs 32: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered (malat’) [to be released or rescued; to bring forth young; preserved; saved]:  for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance (pelatah’) [an escaped portion; remnant], as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant (sariyd’)[a survivor; alive; left; remain; rest] whom the LORD shall call.

·        1^st Peter 2:24: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes you were (past tense) (already done) healed.

What’s “inside of THERE”? – LIFE (everlasting; eternal):

·        John 10:10: The thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  but I am come, that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This is life as God Himself has which is everlasting and eternal life:  John 5:26: For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.

This is the “life” man was alienated from in Genesis with the fall of creation through Adam, but God has given it back to us through Jesus the Christ! 

·        John 17:2: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given me.  Vs 3: And this is life eternal, that they might know (ginos’ko) [absolutely – completely; totally; thoroughly; perfectly]; understand; be aware of; have knowledge; can speak; be sure] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

·        1^st Corinthians 15:22: In Adam all die; even so in Christ, shall all be made alive.

This tells us that we must KNOW who God is in us, and who we are in Him, so that we can live.  Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for the lack (absence; want; need; deficiency) of knowledge.

This “life” Jesus has given us is Zoe life, which is eternal and everlasting!!  John 3:15: Whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal (quality [grade A]) life!  Vs 16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting (unending) life!!

·        John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, “He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation:  but is passed from death unto life.

·        Romans 8:2: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

As we take hold of and believe the truth of God’s Word, the Truth (Christ, the Anointed One) will make us free from death. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). 

·        1^st Corinthians 15:51: We shall not all sleep (die; perish), but we shall all be changed:  vs 52: In a moment (instant), in the twinkling of an eye [see by Spirit] at the last trump (kingdom message of truth that’s now being sounded):  for the trumpet (voice declaring the life message) shall sound (is sounding), and the dead shall be (are being) raised incorruptible (un-decaying [in essence or continuance; immortal]), and we shall be (are) changed.  Vs 53: This corruptible (decayed; perishable) must (not optional) put on incorruption (unending existence; genuineness; immortality), and this mortal (that which is liable to die, but doesn’t have to) must put on immortality (deathlessness).  Vs 54: So WHEN this corruptible SHALL HAVE put on incorruption, and this mortal SHALL HAVE put on immortality, THEN, shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  Vs 55: O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?

This (WHEN & THEN) doesn’t happen via a dirt grave, up beyond the blue, but it can happen while we have these bodies God put us in here and now!!

All of this and more is “INSIDE OF THERE”, CHRIST THE ANOINTED ONE that dwells within us!

What’s “inside of THERE”? – SALVATION: 

·        Romans 10:9: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (so’zo) [(safe); delivered or protected: healed; preserved; save (self); do well; be (make) whole].  Vs 10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (soteri’a) [rescue or safety (phys. or mor): delivered; health; saved].

What is INSIDE OF THERE? – WISDOM:

·        James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom (sophi’a) [wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)]/ (phron’imos) [thoughtful; sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; practiced skill or acumen; intelligence or mental acquirement] let him ask of God that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not:  and it shall be given him.

What is “inside of there”? - revelation; knowledge; understanding:

·        Ephesians 1:17: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom (phron’imos) and revelation (apokal’upsis) [disclosure: appearing; coming; manifestation; revealing; taking off of the cover] in the knowledge (epig’nosis) [recognition; full discernment; acknowledgment] of him:  vs 18: The eyes of your understanding (dian’oia) [deep thought (mind or its disposition); its exercise: imagination], being enlightened (photi’zo) [to brighten up; illuminated; (bring to, give) light; make to see], that you may know what is the hope (elpis’) [to anticipate with pleasure; expectation or confidence; faith] of his calling (kle’sis) [invitation; vocation]; (whose name was called], and what the riches of the glory (dox’a) [dignity; honor; praise; worship] / [(weightiness (heaviness)] (God’s anointing that’s been placed on one’s life) of his inheritance in the saints.

What is “inside of THERE”? – HAVING THE MIND OF CHRIST:

·        1^st Corinthians 2:16: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ!

This word mind is the root word nous, meaning the intellect; mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); understanding.  Intellect is the ability to not just understand knowledge, but to accept knowledge.  But having Christ’s mind goes to another word which is ginos’ko, meaning to know (absolutely or completely); be aware of; feel; can speak; be sure.  This is us, God’s people taking in knowledge, coming to know Him completely, and recognizing completely, in thought, feeling, and will, who He is in us, and who we are in Him!!  Or shall I say becoming ONE with Him.  When we do this, we’ve fulfilled Philippians 2:5, Let (allowed) this mind (phrone’o) to be in you, which was in Christ Jesus:  vs 6: Who being in the form of God, thought (deemed; considered; counted) it not robbery to be equal (in total agreement) with God.

Phrone’o means, to exercise our mind in a certain direction which is spiritual, so much so that we build a partition within ourselves mentally so strong and powerful that the enemy can’t penetrate it with things that are carnal or fleshly!!  This is the “mind-set” that gives us life!!

·        Romans 8:6: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace!

That’s why Jesus said in Luke 17:24-37 (Jesus is talking to the disciples about the day when He’s revealed to His people and  they RECOGNIZE or KNOW who He is in them and who they are in Him):  Vs 37: “Where so ever the body (so’ma) [the body as a sound whole] is, THERE will the eagles (aetos’) [with its wing-like flight)] /(aer) [to breathe unconsciously; respire; to blow; air; atmosphere] be gathered together”.

The “eagles” are the saints, the people of God that has taken on the mind of Christ, and are flying in heights of victory, because we are one (in total agreement) with Him.

John 17 (Jesus’ powerful prayer to His Father concerning His people): vs 20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.  Vs 21: That they all may be one; as thou Father art me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

·        1^st Corinthians 12:12: For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, is one body:  so also, is CHRIST!! 

THERE-FORE, we are already caught up, and have met (already [encountered]) the Lord in the air (unconscious breathing) (1^st Thessalonians 4:17).  Because this wind we are respiring or breathing unconsciously, is the very breath (pneu’ma) [Spirit; wind] or (ruwach) [breath; wind; Spirit] of the living God Himself, that He breathed into the Adam people in (Genesis 2:7):  the same breath that was breathed in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37):  the same breath that Jesus breathed on the disciples (John 20:22):  the same breath that was breathed in the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 2).  This is the same breath that we are breathing today by the power of the Holy Ghost, and this breathing will continue forever, giving LIFE ETERNAL AND EVERLASTING!

So what is “INSIDE OF THERE”?  Everything that you need is “INSIDE OF THERE” (CHRIST)!! 

·        Philippians 4:13: My God shall supply all your need (chrei’a) [employment; affair; occasion; demand; requirement or destitution: business; lack; necessary (ity); use; want] according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Do you “TRUST HIM”?

Again, what does Isaiah 26:4 say: Trust (batach’)[to hie (rush speedily) for refuge); be confident or sure] ye in the LORD forever:  for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength (tsuwr’) [a rock or boulder; a refuge; (mighty) God].

“THERE – FORE”, being “INSIDE OF THERE” is being “IN HEAVEN”, because “THERE” is “IN CHRIST”!!  Remember, “Heaven”, is not out in the sky beyond the blue, but it is “IN CHRIST”! 

·        Ephesians 2:5: Even when we were (past tense) dead in sins, hath (already) quickened (made alive) us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved):  vs 6: And hath (already) raised (sunegei’ro) [roused (from death) in company with; revived] us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly (higher realms of spiritual elevation) places IN CHRIST JESUS!!

So being in “the place called THERE” is being “IN CHRIST”!  WALK IN “THERE” TODAY!!  CHRIST IS OUR ALL IN ALL!!

Pastor Gracie Perry

OUT ON A LIMB

 

TEXT:  LUKE chapter 19 (Show Christ – Son of Man / Divine-human Savior)

Vs 1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Vs 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. Vs 3 And he sought to see Jesus, who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

Vs 4 And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.  Vs 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.  Vs 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

SUBTOPIC: “FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD”

The phrase “out on a limb”, sends a message of trouble; being in a dangerous or uncompromising position where one is not joined or supported by anyone else – you’re in a risky situation.  The reason being is the limb is subject to break.  But how far are you willing to go to get off the limb?  Despite the risk, are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?  Are you willing to step out into unfamiliarity to reap the benefits of getting the fruit (freedom; comfort zone, safe ground)?  Despite fear of that limb breaking, are you willing to step out to the end – because that’s where the fruit is!

 The text opens with Jesus entering and passing through Jericho.  In other words, He had no business scheduled, no meetings to attend, no friends to visit.  I might say that Jesus has traveled through Jericho many times before, but this time it was just prior to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, possibly a week before His crucifixion (purpose for His coming).

I’m convinced that Jesus never “just passes through” places for no reason for He was still seeking to save the lost (vs 10). Jesus’ purpose on this occasion was to have an interaction with the town’s chief tax collector named Zacchaeus, who had become rich in his profession.  He didn’t collect taxes himself; he employed others to do the dirty work.  How many of you know any tax collectors personally?

Not many because the job is so automated today, but during Zaccheus’ day, tax collectors were well known.  They were contract workers for the Roman Government.  Judea was in the grip of a foreign power, and the taxes Zaccheus collected went into the foreign treasury to pay the army that kept his fellow Jews in bondage.  The Jews hated him and viewed him as a “turncoat” and traitor.

 Jericho was an excellent spot for a good tax man because people from Jerusalem to the East passed by it.  Zaccheus was good at what he did.  He oversaw the agents and was able to take a cut of commission from all who collected taxes under him.  If Rome charged five percent tax, he collected ten percent from the people.  He stood on top of the pyramid stuffing his pockets before sending required taxes to Rome.

 It’s no different today.  The Government world is in an uproar; chaos is over the land.  Government officials are at one another’s throats; publicans are filled with the spirit of greed for money and control.  There was no regard for the middleman, much less fellow man.  They’re stepping on others trying to get to the top.  Zaccheus had made it - best job, wealthy, successful (morally) by world’s standards.  He was at the top of the ladder, but in God’s eyesight, Zaccheus was morally and spiritually bankrupt.  He had it all, so he thought, but he didn’t have the peace and satisfaction of knowing God.  

 Matthew 16:26  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?  Job security, financial security, social security is good, but without “eternal security”, what do you have?  Oh, Zaccheus was at the top!  But guess what?  He was one lonely and unhappy man.  Even though he had a lucrative profession, it wasn’t an easy one. Zaccheus found himself out on a limb and I would like to point out three areas of his life he had to face to reach his destiny:

PHYSICAL IDENTITY

We have all described someone in general conversation by their physical status, meaning how you see them:  tall; short, fat; red; blonde; black hair; ugly; pretty; smart; etc.  The sad thing is, we assign value to a person based on what we see – their physical appearance.

 In Zaccheus’ case, people recognized him by his short statute, wealth, and the position he held but really didn’t know the person.  Despite his size, his title, and position, there was more to this man than just being chief tax collector.  He faced some of the same problems of life as anyone else.

 Listen to what “the LORD” told Samuel when sent to Jesse’s house to anoint the new king.

1^st Samuel 16: 6-7, Samuel looked on Eliab saying, “Surely, the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” But the LORD said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees: for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.

 Jesus was about to shine a divine light on a short man with a tall problem.  He was hated by everyone and lived under constant stress working for the Roman Empire.  While others saw just a tax collector, Jesus saw the man behind the profession.

 St. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Jesus makes the first move by coming to the sinner, offering life through Himself.  The hunter knows the game will not come to the house to be shot.  They must go out and seek.

 Now Jesus is in Jericho, and the news has come to Zacchaeus’ ears but not his eyes.  Hearing that Jesus was in town, he was determined to see Him.  What motivated him?  Here’s a successful businessman, who had moved up in the world and earned the title as “chief”; wealthy; didn’t have any observable need but was curious about Jesus.

 Why curiosity?  Luke 19:3 tells us that Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was.  It’s evident he’d heard something about Him and wanted to know more.  All of us are fascinated to see famous people in person.  Also, Zacchaeus had been told that one of Jesus’ inner circles of disciples was a tax collector, who was Matthew.  I guess he wanted to know why one in his own profession would be drawn to Jesus.

 The “Good News” is that no matter what has happened in our past, Jesus walks into the dusty streets of our own lives this very day. We need to be in position to see Him and respond to His loving invitations. Zaccheaus’ curiosity was putting him in the right position to walk into his destiny. Secondly, he faced …

 SPIRITUAL DESTINY

 Defined – predestinate is the future of an individual, hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future.  It’s more than an end result or just achieving a goal.  It’s a driving force that shapes and defines one’s life.

Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the plans I have for you”.  The life of the believer is a part of God’s perfect plan. God has set enmity in our hearts.  He has placed in the soul of every human being a desire to connect to the Creator.  Some fight it; some ignore it; some deny it.  But I don’t care how you look at it, human beings are spiritual beings, and no amount of success or possessions can satisfy the deepest longing of the soul to know God.

 Zacchaeus was in touch with his humanity.  He was morally lost, intellectually lost, socially lost, hated by his profession, short in stature, and tall in sin.  He was a renegade in the eyes of religious people.  He was thought about, as much as a high-level drug dealer is today.  In fact, in the mind of people, tax collectors were on the same level as murderers, adulterers, and other sinners.  It didn’t matter to Zacchaeus; he wanted to see Jesus.  He wanted to figure out what made Jesus different from everyone else.  He was drawn to this man.  At this point, he hasn’t a clue of what’s going on in his heart - the desperate need and the urgency that he had to get to Jesus.

 Perhaps that’s how some of you are feeling right now.  You’re drawn to Jesus; you’re intrigued by who He is; and you want to get to know Him.  One thing I want to point out about Jesus is that He has an amazing way to turn your curiosity into an encounter.  Does anybody know what I’m talking about?  Have you ever been sitting in church minding your business and trying to remain anonymous, and suddenly it seems like the message is directed solely at you?  But you know that Mr. or Miss Preacher doesn’t know you, but the Holy Ghost does!

 I’m a witness; I’m guilty!  That was my encounter!  I felt a choking sensation and don’t even remember getting up out of my seat, but when I came to myself, I was standing in front of the pulpit with my arms outstretched, crying out to God!  I have never been the same because of God’s drawing power!  I found I needed Jesus just like Zacchaeus - and so does the lost and dying world!

 Luke 19:3, the crowd has gathered, imagine when the President of the United States comes to a city, the crowd is thick and lays in wait to see him.  Can you see the spot Zacchaeus is in?  First, he’s short in stature.  Can’t you just see him mingling in that crowd, bouncing up and down on his toes trying to see past the taller folks in front of him?  With that crowd pressing in, there was no way for him to get close to Jesus.  In a crowd like that, I’m sure there were some unhappy taxpayers who would use this opportunity to nudge, kick, push, or accidentally elbow this little old tax collector.  He was risking his safety to possibly end up black and blue to see Jesus. Thirdly, he faced … 

SUPERNATURAL DESTINY

 Luke 19:4 tells us that he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree.  He was short alright but not short on resources.  In that day, it was undignified for a rich man to run; secondly, it’s amazing he chose a tree to climb to see Jesus, being a man of much wealth.  But against all odds, “Zach” wasn’t going to let the crowd, his reputation, wealth, or being a little man stop him from seeing Jesus.

 Understand, faith is the very beginning of everything that really matters spiritually. Hebrews 11:6 states, “without it you can’t please God.” This was nothing but faith in action because Paul stated in Romans 12:3 to a group of believers “God hath dealt to every man the “measure of faith”. The faith that prevents one from thinking of themselves more highly than they ought to, prevents pride and encourages “sober judgment.” It is faith that produces action.

 I ask you, “Do you care enough about the condition of your soul to pay the price to be right with God”?  Are you willing to turn from that pet sin?  Are you ready to run ahead of the crowd to see Jesus?  Are you ready to run to Him?    Are you ready to step “out on a limb? Are you willing to climb a tree?

 This wasn’t just any tree.  It was a sycamore-fig mulberry tree that grows by the side of the road.  It was easy to climb.  It had short trunks with wide lateral branches forked out in all directions.  This was just the right tree for a little short man to climb.  The sycamore tree denotes that which pertained to the world of “material things” (that which society measures you up with); Judaism or the “religious system” which has no substance.  Religion has the form of Godliness (tall steeples, glittering lights, stained glass windows) but denying the power thereof.  (2^nd Timothy 3:5)

 Remember, the tree in Matthew 21:19 - the fig tree; the one that was full of leaves, was deceptive, since fig leaves indicates it has ripe fruit; It looked good to Jesus from a distance, pretty and green, but under close examination, there was no fruit, no substance. Jesus cursed it because it had not borne any fruit.  

 So, Zacchaeus was illustrating Matthew 5:8    Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

His name means pure; righteous.  He was a “god man” from the beginning, because “the spiritual” is not first but “the natural.” 1^st Corinthians 15:46 “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  Zacchaeus was living out of his human side.  He wasn’t in touch with his spirituality until he desired to see Jesus.

 That “sycamore-fig mulberry tree” was a tree of no value, and it bore fruit that was fed to pigs.  In that culture, it was considered humiliating to climb that tree. The fact that He was willing to climb a tree and behave in such a shameful and undignified way indicates that there was more than just an intellectual curiosity about Jesus. This was faith demonstrating the need to see Jesus at any cost, despite what others thought or what obstacles were in the way. But Zacchaeus had to crucify his flesh.

 The tree represented the “Tree of the Cross” the tree that lifts us up to supernatural heights, to Christ Himself. Did not Jesus hang on the cross for the whole world to see! Zacchaeus was willing to step out on a limb.  He climbed to the top of the tree. At the top, the tree created a clear line of vision for Christ to see him. At the top, it helped him to rise above the crowd and put him in the right position for the invitation that would follow.

 The “head” is the top of the body.  That’s where the crucifixion takes place.  That’s why Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, meaning place of the skull.  (Matthew 27:33). The “skull” houses your mind.  That’s where man’s mind is; mortal man; the carnal mind; the one that’s an enemy to God must die.  We must put on Christ’s mind so that He can destroy the “mind of man” or that which is driven by his “humanity” instead of his “divinity”!!

 Please get this revelation!  It was “the Head” that went to the Cross and died.

 

Colossians 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

 But he rose from the dead!  When the “Head” died, the body died with Him!  When the “Head” rose, the body rose with Him!

 Romans 8:11   But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

 It was destined for Zacchaeus to climb that tree.  Why?  To allow the Christ mind to be expressed within himself.

 

Philippians 2:5 Let (allow) this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

1^st Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Do you have His mind?  It’s only by His Spirit that we can begin to know His thoughts and have insight into His plans.

Paul wrote in Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  Vs 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 

Zacchaeus no longer allowed himself to be conformed by the world system.

 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 After Zacchaeus’ encounter with Christ, he became transformed because his mind was renewed, which enabled him to present his body a living sacrifice unto God, which was his reasonable service.

 Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 I’m sure when Zacchaeus started his governmental official role as chief tax collector, his motive wasn’t to oppress the people - not the “spirit man”, the second man (whose name meant pure, righteous, clean, justice) but the “human side”, the first man (as publican, sinner).  He became filled with greed and injustice and was withholding and striving to accumulate wealth.  We see how “greed and injustice” overtook “justice”, and Zacchaeus’ view of getting wealth over-shadowed his view of God, truth, and honesty - until dishonesty and deception determined what he did and how he did it.

 

Proverbs 11:28 He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

The only remedy for short sightedness, selfishness, and greed is obedience to God’s command.  While Zacchaeus was out searching, it was really Jesus who was seeking him.

 

Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.

 Zacchaeus saw that Jesus saw Him.  Do you know that God sees us exactly as we are?  You can put on a front for others to see, but God sees and knows your heart (motives, intentions).  He’s looking at your heart today.  He sees you and me even in all our mess - backbiting, fighting over positions, arguing if women should preach/teach the gospel.

The “big one” is “should women pastor?”  Religious people are arguing over what to wear - whether it’s jewelry, pants, or make-up.  Why worry over outer appearances?  It’s what’s on the inside of you that you should be concerned about.

 

Matthew 15:11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

It makes no difference how rich you are or how intelligent and well-educated you are.  You must come to Jesus with an open and repented heart.

 

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.

 It all starts in your mind.  Therefore, we must change the way we think and start thinking with God’s mind.  For He is an “All Knowing, and “All seeing” God!  He knows everything about you and me.  Zacchaeus found out that Jesus loved him while the rest of the world or society wanted nothing to do with him.  To them, he was a loathsome cheat.  But to Jesus, he was a sinner who needed to be loved.

 

Romans 5:8   But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 At the Savior’s word, old Zacchaeus quickly climbed down that tree!  He climbed up that tree “an old man” with an “old attitude”, but he came down a “brand new man” with a “brand new attitude” to receive God’s kingdom.  Zacchaeus came down from “religion to relationship” with God.  He came down “from darkness” (the materialistic world”) to “the kingdom of light”.

•  2^nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 Zacchaeus went in mastered by passion to get, and he came out swept by compassion to give.  He gave up his riches and gave back to whom he’d stolen.

•  Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.

 Zach got saved!  He had a major heart transplant!  It wasn’t purchased with money.  He didn’t hesitate nor did he resist his Master’s call.  Guess what?  He did not change jobs.  He was a “tax collector” before he met Christ, and he continued collecting taxes after he met Christ.  His job was the same, but his destiny was different.  He now used his job as an opportunity to give glory to God!!!

Zacchaeus’ destiny included his salvation, his vocation, and his determination.  He overcame obstacles (physical limitations; being short; criticism by peers; crowds blocked his access to Jesus), and with all of that, his longing desire drove him into the Presence of Christ, and oh, what an encounter!!

To you, I encourage you - “follow his example”!  To reach the fruit of a tree, you must go out on a limb!  And do not allow anything to prevent you from receiving all that God desires for your life!  The salvation Zacchaeus received is still available today!!

~ Evangelist Brenda Hansley