“Total Separation”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 19 05/20/2007

Genesis 12:1, 4, 5 Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get out of your country and from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:

Our call is like Abram’s call - a call to Total Separation!

God called Abraham to leave—his country, his relatives, his father… So Abram departed, as the LORD had said; and Lot his brother's son went with him… However, it wasn’t a complete separation!

If we want our faith to please God then we need to be totally separated! This is a two fold separation. We are to be separated from the world and separated unto the Lord.

Two cannot walk together unless they are agreed.

Even though Christ was in the world He was not of this world and neither are we to be. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are only ambassadors here representing Christ. A question we must ask ourselves is are we living and acting as an ambassador of Christ or are we just enduring this separation.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon

Now Abram heeded the word of God but not completely.

Many Christians today start off like Abram… they start out with great enthusiasm to follow the Lord, perhaps as a result of a crisis but then later grind to a standstill in their walk.

The key is perseverance, enduring to the end.

God’s call to Abram to leave his country and go to an unknown country is comparable to leaving the world behind looking toward heaven.


God’s call to leave his relatives was comparable to leaving the old nature (the old man) or our flesh nature behind.

Abram went through a lot of self inflicted misery, trials and pain because he really wasn’t separated… but now in Genesis 13 we see a separated relationship developing.

Genesis 13:2,5 And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold… Lot also had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Genesis 13:8 And Abram said to Lot, Let there not be strife between me and you, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are family….

As we look at the lives of these two men we see that

Abram’s life symbolizes a spirit controlled person.
Lot’s life represents a carnal (worldly) person.

Our walk with the Lord requires, rather it demands total separation.

Lot was not separated. It is not noted that God spoke to him. I Corinthians 3:1-3 Brethren, I could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat because you are not able to deal with it, nor are you yet able. For you are still carnal: because there is among you envying and strife and divisions, you walk as men…

Abram built altars to God and pitched his tent.
Lot built his tent and pitched his altars.

Lot lived by sight, Abram lived by faith!

Abram seemed interested in pleasing God, but there is no indication whatsoever of Lot even being interested in God.

Lot got himself into major trouble, just as any believer gets into trouble when he/she does not take time to fellowship with God on a daily basis.

When Lot left Egypt he took something else with him which did him far more harm and damage than his possessions… a worldly spirit.

The conflict between Abram and Lot illustrates the struggle that takes place between the spirit and the flesh.

Lot was self-centered and greedy, Abram was generous and kind. Genesis 13:8-9 And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife between me and you separate yourself from me: if you wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Do you have enough faith to let God have his way to leave things to him without worrying about the outcome?.

Do you stick with faith even if it doesn’t go your way?

Abram was called to Canaan not Lot, yet he gave Lot the choice. He could have insisted on his rights. God had given the land to Abram not Lot. Abram was older, the first choice should have been his - but he had an unshakable faith in His God. He knew full well that no matter the results God’s will would be done!

Abram chose peace by giving Lot first choice.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all men.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to take, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

As Christians we are not to insist on our rights, even as Christ did not insist on His.

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

Lot chose the things seen, things with no eternal value. Genesis 13:10-11 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere…...as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Genesis 13:12-18 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward and southward and eastward and westward: For all the land which you can see I give to you and your seed forever. I will make your seed as the dust of the earth….. Arise, walk through the land, the length of it and the breadth of it; for I will give it to you. Then Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt in Hebron, and built there an altar to the LORD.

In Genesis 19 we read of Lot’s demise. (his wife, daughters)

Joshua 7:21 describes Achan - he saw, he coveted, he took.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I pray that you will be moved by the Word of God, not by self interest. I pray you lean on the promises of God and not on your own understanding.

Remember you are charged by God to come out from among the world.

II Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

II Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

filthiness of the flesh = sins of the mind, our thinking /attitude


If you are going to be what God really wants you to be, you must be careful to confess your sins.

Please take note that it was not until there was complete separation on Abraham’s part that he was fully in the will of God.

Re-cap
Abram: Spirit led, walked by faith, Generous and spiritual, Looked for a city whose builder was God, became father of all believers, made heir of Canaan’s land, pleased God.

Lot: Flesh led, walked by sight, self-centered and worldly, looked for a man made city, had no testimony with his family, lost his wife, his daughters committed incest with him, became father of desert tribes, lost everything when Sodom was destroyed.

“Poolside Miracle”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 18 05/12/2007

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches John 5:2 The pool of Bethesda was apparently fed by an underground stream and at certain seasons the water stirred. This troubling of the water was attributed to an unseen angel who released healing power into the pool and the first person to enter was healed.

Multitudes of crippled, paralyzed and handicapped people gathered to wait for the water to move, hoping they would be the lucky ones. Some scholars suggest the five porches were constructed to shelter the multitudes who camped around the pool. The Word says that by this pool lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. John 5:3

John write, For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had John 5:4

I believe John recorded this Jewish tradition just as the Jews believed it - to expose its weakness and limitation as compared to the all-inclusive, absolute healing power of Jesus Christ.

I don't serve a God who would cause such a horrible scene of selfishness. Strong, rude, self-centered people pushing and shoving their way to a place nearest the pool… that sounds like a God thing to me. Less crippled bullies muscling their way over other poor cripples to get into the pool first. Certainly sounds like it would honor the Father?

Quick - it's moving! What a mad rush it had to be, with the hopes of the weakest and neediest dashed because some more nimble soul got there first.

One poor cripple heard that cry for 38 years. He didn’t have a chance, he’d drag his crippled body a few feet, and by that time it was all over, someone else had stepped into the pool.

People were healed no question, but each healing would only create more anguish and hopelessness for those who had waited so long in vain.

Please understand every poor soul laying by that pool already had something better than a chance troubling the water. They had the precious promises of a loving God who had made provision to heal them all. If you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God and do that which is right in His sight and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you Exodus 15:26

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases Psalm 103:2,3

This hurting multitude was spiritually blind to God's Word. They weren’t laying there handicapped and crippled because they were all horrible sinners - no doubt sin had brought sickness and disease on many of them - but not all.

God could’ve received great glory had they sought out His Word and acted with as much confidence in what He promised as they did toward being first into the pool.

Christ was approached by his disciples about a man who was blind from birth - they asked, Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in Him John 9:2-3

According to the Word - they were waiting for the wrong thing!
Truly my soul waits on God; He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:1,2,5,6

Jesus was drawn to a certain impotent man laying by the pool. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him, knowing that he had been there a long time, he asks him, Will you be made whole? John 5:5,6

Impotency comes in many forms. It can be physical, spiritual, mental - or all of these at once. Mentally and spiritually you may be that man laying by the pool! You are in a situation that seems hopeless - and you see no way out. No one really understands the depth of your suffering - no one seems to care enough to stop and help; no one really touches the hurt in you.

Take a good look at that impotent man, and think of the years of struggle, the hurts loaded on him by uncaring, insensitive people. How often he must have lifted a withered hand to those rushing by to get their own needs met, crying, Some-one, help me! Please! I can't do this on my own!

Jesus asks, "Do you really want to be healed?"

There is a danger in prolonged agony and pain - and that is to finally give up, embrace the sorrow, and just make do with things as they are. The Puritans called it, "hugging the pain"

The Lord's question implied the man was not ready to face the responsibility that comes with being made whole. Listen to the man's immediate response. Rather than a joyful, expectant, "Yes, I will be healed" - he says, Sir, I have no man John 5:7

It is sad, but true, that many hurting people could not survive without their sorrow and pain. I am speaking about people who have built their very lives around pain, affliction and suffering.
They’ve complained and talked about their situation so often and for so long that if they were healed, they’d have nothing to talk about.

They’ve been sad and murmuring for so long, it has become an addiction. If they were healed it’d mean learning a whole new way of life. They'd have to learn the language of hope.

Suffering has the potential of turning people into grumbling, self-centered cripples wallowing in self-pity. How miserable to live with someone like that, because they measure your love by your willingness to cater to their emotional pain.

Jesus said to him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk John 5:8

He might have heard about Jesus; but this man didn’t know Him; he wasn’t at all intimate with Jesus. He had been too trapped by his infirmity. But Jesus knew all about him!

Jesus had come to him in his misery and sorrow - and mercy was about to spring forth! Jesus didn’t cross examine him; He didn’t rebuke him for bitterness or self-pity.

Jesus was touched by this poor man’s infirmity. At this time Jesus made no demands. All Jesus asked of him was to believe His Word and act on it. Rise! Take up your bed! Walk - away from this scene!

Later, after his healing, Jesus would find him in the temple. He would hear the Lord's command to go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you v.14 He’d get to know and trust Jesus. But now, laying by the pool helpless and in despair, he faced the biggest decision of all his painful years.

A Word of resurrection hope had come to him! He was being challenged: Rise by faith, be made whole, join the living or lay there in self pity and die all alone!

The man had to believe this was God at work, that his cries had been heard and his time for deliverance had come.

Jesus said, Verily, I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatever he does, the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he does; and he will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel John 5:19, 20

In essence, Jesus was saying to the Pharisees, "My Father wanted him healed, so I healed him. I do only what my Father wills."

It was God's will, God's love - God's desire, to make this man completely whole. It is so difficult when you are down and weak to believe God still loves you!

When years have been wasted, when sin has crippled your body and soul, when you feel worthless and displeasing to God and you wonder why He’d even still care - it is then that it takes child-like faith to accept that love and step out in faith saying, Lord, on your word alone I will arise - get up out of this crippling weakness - and walk with you!

They cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:17-21

The word of hope, forgiveness, mercy, love and restoration has come to you through this message. Cry aloud! Heed his Word, repent, then rise - walk with the Lord and be made whole!

"Not Among The Tree Huggers"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 17 05/06/2007

The apostle Paul warns that in the last days perilous times shall come. II Timothy 3:1 Paul's use of the word "perilous" means "dangerous, fierce and violent times that sap away all strength." Those times are here!

As tempting as it may be, running away is contrary to everything in God's Word! Besides, if you seek to save your skin you’ll loose it!

Jesus is not coming back for a cowardly people on the run!

Jesus knew what our times would be like. He was aware of all the horrible violence that would take place. He foresaw the outbreaks of wickedness, the school killings and the terrorism . And still He commanded, Go to all the world! Preach the gospel, baptize, heal the sick - I’ll be with you at all times!

Noah lived in a society that had become totally corrupt - a world so violent that God could no longer endure it! God saw the wickedness of man was great and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:5-6,11-13

For 120 years Noah watched his society grow more evil, people consumed with violence, corruption, murder, rape and incest, but he stood in the midst of it, preaching righteousness. Kept by the power of God! He never wavered! All he feared was the Word of God!

I believe God has a role for you in these evil times and it is not just to survive. And it is definitely not just to attend church!

May God find those among us able to say, I am going to do what God wants me to do. I will not run and hide! I’ll stand for God in this wicked hour, even if I stand alone. Jonathan, son of Saul, is a great example of this kind of faith! He too lived in a time of moral and spiritual decay. In the midst of an evil society, Jonathan represents what God is looking for in His people today!

God is looking for courageous men and women who will stand in the gap for their family and for their communities.

Here is the scenario: Israel in seeking to have a human ruler over them appoint Saul as king, but, Israel under Saul became morally wretched. Soon their enemies began to make inroads against them. The Philistines surround Israel with 30,000 iron chariots, 6,000 horsemen and an army as numerous as the sands of the seashore! I Samuel 13:5

When the Israelites saw the enemy's massive power they fled for their lives. They ducked into caves, thickets, among rocks, in pits and high places. Those with Saul followed him trembling I Samuel 13:7 Saul hides under a pomegranate tree along with 600 soldiers, completely confused, not knowing whether to run, surrender or go on a suicide mission!

Totally overwhelmed. Nobody in that tiny group had a plan. They were helpless, powerless - with all hell about to break loose upon them!

Only holiness provides boldness! Only a godly, praying people can stand unshakable in the face of the enemy! The righteous are bold as a lion Proverbs 28:1

In I Samuel 14 we see that Jonathan had a plan, and running wasn’t a part of it!

He decided to undertake single-handed warfare. Good thing he didn’t say anything to the other tree huggers. They’d have laughed him to scorn! You? Alone? Going to fight the enemy territory, just you and your armor bearer?

Yet Jonathan said boldly in faith to his armor-bearer, There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few! I Samuel 14:6 In other words, "I'm going on the offensive. Numbers don't matter to God!"

Every change involves a letting go of one thing to reach out for what is next.

The victory that is needed in your family depends on you! You must step out from under the tree and fight single-handedly, or else the enemy will get the upper hand.

Jonathan's plan had two options: "Stand still," or "Charge!"
I Samuel 14:9-10 Insanity - 600 under a tree 2 swords/spears

I can picture Jonathan standing on a rock, waving his sword and crying out, Hey You! And in mockery the Philistines answer, "Come on up. We'll show you a thing or two!"

I wish I could’ve heard Jonathan praying as he climbed up the side of those sharp rocks: Glory to God, victory is in You! No more running! No devil in hell can destroy my family, my community, my country! O God, fight for me!

Friends, one little victory threw the enemy into confusion and brought them down completely in defeat: I Samuel 14:13-16 Jonathan won only a half-acre victory - twenty dead soldiers. But this small battle steamrolled into a mighty victory.

Remember this: It is the Spirit of God coming on men that makes them dare to step out in faith to do battle! Verse 15 says, There was trembling in the host... and the earth quaked: a very great trembling. The devil panicked!

There were three divisions of Philistines, and the word spread like wildfire, "There's a mighty army coming!"

If we only understood the mighty force with us when we pray, we’d intercede and do battle in faith much more!
Jonathan's sword became lightning-quick and powerful because the Spirit of the Lord was on him. And so it is with every saint who declares war on satanic strongholds: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God II Corinthians 10:4-5

Men and women just like you through faith subdued kingdoms... quenched the violence of fire... waxed valiant in fight Hebrews 11:33-34 This power is available to us today!

Through faith and prayer, we can quench the fiery darts of the devil! We can shut the mouths of the lions! May God remove all fear from your heart, so you can stand up by faith and go against the strongholds Satan has established in your family.

What scares the devil more than anything is a persevering Christian, one who keeps coming back and saying, I'm not giving up, I'm not moving. I'm standing on this rock until I see my Lord's victory! Holy boldness filling your heart!

Will you dare to step away from the pomegranate tree? Are you willing to, simply take God at His Word. Then, "Stand fast, and see the salvation of the Lord!"

I Samuel 14:7 And his armor-bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: go ahead; behold, I am with you according to your heart.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

"Will You Be Found Sleeping With The Five Foolish Virgins?"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 15 04/22/2007

Isaiah then describes an unusual scene: In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach Isaiah 4:1

Seven virgins tried to make a deal to marry a man. Yet, not a word was whispered about an engagement, intimacy, forsaking others, remaining faithful. These women were looking for a loveless, noncommittal marriage, to provide them with a certain status. The number 7 in scriptures usually represents spiritual things. These 7 women may well represent certain people who appear to have a part in God's kingdom. All we want is your name, to take away our reproach.

I believe Isaiah is speaking of the church. He illustrates something important here. He's saying that would-be believers will try to have a marriage of convenience with Christ. They'll want to appear spiritual, claiming to be part of the kingdom of God. They will say things like, I want you, Lord, but I want to go my own way and do my own thing. Just give me your name. I want to be known as one of yours. These folk don't want to have intimacy with the Lord, or to be dependent on him. They want to live unto themselves, no obligations, no commitment.

Is it possible that Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled right now. Churches around the world are filled with millions of people calling themselves Christians, yet have no intimacy with Jesus.

They spend no time in prayer with Him, no time in the Word, They have no idea what God desires of them. Incredibly, God has continued to bear with these people…. Somehow, these people have attached themselves to Christ's name. Yet they did so wholly on their own.

Our Lord won't have any part of such an arrangement. The wise virgin, has great passion for the bridegroom. She constantly longs for intimacy with him: My beloved is mine, and I am his Song of Solomon 2:16. Indeed, the cry of the true Christian is, Lord, I don't want just your name. I desire you at all times. I think of you every night, as I go to bed. And every morning when I wake, my heart goes out to you. Isaiah 26:8-9

The true believer declares, I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels Isaiah 61:10

We're also going to witness an incredible scene from Jesus' parable: While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept Matthew 25:5 All the virgins, both foolish and wise, were asleep. Christ is describing a slumbering church just prior to his coming. He warns in Mark, Watch therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes... Watch that he doesn’t find you sleeping. I say to all, Watch Mark 13:35-37

I’ve always wanted to advertise a sermon title “Will you be found sleeping with the five foolish virgins?” How could these wise virgins be slumbering? How could any godly servant, waiting for Jesus' return for so long, be asleep as the Lord approaches?

Christ's prophesied that in the last days, a great falling away would take place in the church. Paul admonishes Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Romans 13:11 Paul's warning suggests that just before Jesus returns, a great slumber will fall upon many Christians. Even the righteous will be in danger of slumbering. Paul also warned, Ephesians 5:14-16 Wake up, saints. Don't be sleeping virgins. Be wise, and stay watchful for the Lord's return. Make no mistake about who Paul is addressing here. He's speaking to "followers of God...dear children" 5:1

Many believers are going to be tested by this great slumber.

Our Lord's return is closer now than ever. Yet, as I look around, I see many believers falling into a deep sleep. Indeed, over the years this spirit of slumber has already overtaken multitudes. At one time, these people longed for his coming and diligently prepared to meet him. Wide awake with hearts on fire, full of passion for Christ. But over time, they began slowly turning away. Now they make up the company of foolish virgins. This issue of slumbering Christians has been burning in my spirit for years now. I believe God is speaking to many other shepherds. Yet multitudes of God's spokesmen have fallen asleep, just as the sheep in their care have. Isaiah described what we're seeing today, when he cried out, His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber Isaiah 56:10 The unwise virgins were not present at the marriage supper. They were shut out completely. Only those who were prepared were allowed to be with him. At midnight there was a cry made Matthew 25:6

God in His faithfulness has a holy remnant of watchmen who will not be silenced. In spite of being mocked, scorned and ridiculed, these servants cry, It is now midnight, the bridegroom is coming for his bride. Jesus will soon be at the door. Christian, be ready to meet your Lord. Prepare for glory! The good news is that there's still time. The door is still open. And the Lord's greatest desire is to have you at his side for the marriage supper of the Lamb. He loves you even in your negligence.

If you want to be a wise virgin, there are two steps you must take. They're simple steps, but they can't be overlooked!

1. Make Christ the center of your thought life. Let the Lord be in all your thoughts. When you wake up in the morning, whisper his name. At night, as you're going to bed, call out to him in thought and on your knees. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatso-ever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Philippians 4:8 Let this verse be the basis of a simple prayer for you throughout the day: "Jesus, you are true, honest, just, pure, lovely. You are my Good News."

2. Pray throughout the day, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." This simple prayer is the oil for your lamp.

Praying it daily is how you begin to prepare to meet the Lord. You're telling God, "Father, I'm not worthy to be called by your name. I need your mercy. Whatever goodness I may possess gains me nothing. It's all filthy rags in your sight. I know I can't be saved by my good works. I need your grace. I humble myself before you now. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." When the publican first prayed this prayer, Jesus said of him, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified Luke 18:14

In other words, here was one to whom Jesus will open the door. Repent, and determine to seek Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. He promises that if you do, you're sure to find him. He will open every door to you

"Partakers of the Divine"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 16 04/29/2007

We at the Gathering Place have been asking God for an understanding of what Peter meant when he said, we might be partakers of the divine nature… II Peter 1:3-4

However, in the natural we can’t receive these things. They are spiritually discerned. yet, if we are willing and hungry to experience the deeper things of God, the Spirit will not fail us.

The Truth Jesus said would set us free, will be revealed to us. Not only will we see and understand, but those truths will be woven into the very fabric of our being. (partakers of divine)

You can’t possess truth apart from Him, who is the Truth.

Will you continue to pamper self and crucify Christ afresh, or will you die to the self-life (flesh-life, the old life, the carnal), and rise up out of the grave to live in the power of Christ's resurrection, complete in the will of God?

Here in lies the Key - The Church must not only teach death to self it must also teach living the Christ Life! This my friends this is of absolute necessity! Make no mistake in your decision, stand with God and break with self! This is why Jesus came.

His death was no mere accident. He was slain front the foundation of the world. His death was not simply that of a martyr. I lay down my life that I may take it again. No man takes it from me but I lay it down of myself John 10:17-18

A crucified Christ so He might have crucified followers. We must choose to identify with the Cross of Christ. Then we must not only refuse the "old life", we must refuse it consistently, every time our old nature would reinstate itself.

You have this divine nature once and for all when you are grafted into the True Vine. Held in Divine trust so you may choose, again, and again, and continue to choose.

Do you desire Divine Life which flows as a great river from the Lamb? Then you must refuse your own life. Do this, and you’ll be more than a conqueror. Do this, and you’ll no longer agonize over a role, trying to imitate the Christ; you’ll unconsciously, spontaneously walk as Jesus walked.

It’ll be an easy thing, a joyous thing. It’ll be natural for you to be Christian - you’ve been made partakers of His Divine nature. Brothers and sisters up to now we’ve been enjoying a 50% redemption…. We either hear too much about dieing or we hear too much about living. We need 100% both dieing and living!

It is useless to talk of revival apart from a deep participation in the Cross. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We read in Exodus that the oil was not applied until first the blood had been sprinkled. The oil (Holy Spirit) after the blood (Cross) Exodus 31:32 To share the Christ-life, we must partake of Christ death!

Nature teaches this same lesson. Not a tree, not a blossom, not a shrub, not a fruit, but what cost the death of a seed. Clearly through Old Testament type and symbol the Holy Spirit flashes light on this mystery of our co-crucifixion…..

Abraham must sacrifice his Isaac. YES Isaac was spared, yet, in spirit, Abraham offered him up, that is why the promise was made: I’ll bless you and multiply your seed as the stars of Heaven, and as the sand on the seashore.

Joseph is buried in an Egyptian prison before he rises to power which he seemed to share with the mighty Pharaoh.

40 years on the lonely slopes of Midian Moses is schooled. There were graves, scattered all over the mountainside where hope after hope was buried until at last self goes down in utter annihilation. But for those graves, the Man of God who spoke face to face with Jehovah, could not have been used.

The Israelites must go down into the valley of the Jordan, leaving in the bed of the stream twelve stones, in order to enter the land of milk and honey. The waters return as Israel passes, burying the twelve stones, symbolic of Israel's twelve tribes. Israel can’t dwell in the promised land without a constant abiding in death through the 12 symbolic stones, buried in the stream Joshua 4:9

David does not come to the throne until in the caves of the Philistines, he was hunted down like a dog by the infuriated Saul, he dies-deaths innumerable.

Jeremiah dies a thousand deaths as he weeps over the chosen people. Jonah is pitched into the sea and is swallowed by a whale-even then he does not come forth wholly purged from self.

God's people have never in any age come to the mountain-peak of glorious unbroken communion with the Most High, without having the "self-life," the "flesh-life," brought again and again to the dust of death.

Our fretful, greedy, self-centered, fussy, lustful, hateful "flesh-life" must die. absolutely and mercilessly terminated. By an act of faith you must lay hold of Christ’s death as your death; you must place Christ's Cross between yourself and "the body of sin." You must take your stand with Christ on Calvary ground and each time that the "self-life" tries to assert itself, say: "In Christ I died. In His name, I refuse my old nature."

This done, the Holy Spirit will bear witness to your faith and set you free, and keep you free.