THE CROSS, RESURRECTION, & WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST

                      By Russell Hessler—Founder/Publisher of “Blow the Trumpet!” 
                      Outreach Newsletter.                                            Joel 2-v.1

“Let those who receive the word respond!”

MMXII                                                                                                                                                                                                    No.14

            Yes, I know these topics were covered and passages referred to in previous newsletters; however, GOD’S Spirit has impressed upon me that they must be repeated—simply because the Church, as a whole, is still NOT getting it!! Jesus death on the Cross was the ultimate and supreme sacrifice and the final payment for our salvation and redemption (See Matt. Chap.27-v.45-54, Mark Chap.15-v.33-38, Luke Chap.23-v.44-47, and John Chap.19-v.28-30 (any version—read for yourselves). Sadly however, for many believers, that’s pretty much all there is. Listen Christian friend—IT DOESN’T STOP THERE!! After Christ’s death and victory over Hell and death, HE arose from the grave VICTORIOUS! Matthew Chapter 28-v.16-20 and Mark Chapter 16-v.14-20 (any version—read for yourselves) is Christ giving the Great Commission after HIS resurrection. Now, was Jesus just “spitting-out” words to hear Himself talk or giving these instructions because they were a “really good idea”? OF COURSE NOT! The Mark passage clearly spells out what authority ALL disciples down through the ages have in HIS name. And, that means US—YOU and ME.

                One of the, if not THEE, major problem(s) I keep observing in the Body is this—There are way too many believers who still don’t know who they really are in Christ! They have an ongoing identity crisis. A “confused spirit”, if you will. Psalm 139-the first 18 verses clearly identifies who we are as created beings. That’s right—we are created in HIS (GOD the Father’s) image! Can you get yourself around that concept?! We are created in HIS image! We are living, breathing beings, with a soul—and an eternal identity and destiny. Every living human-being that was, is now, and ever will be, is created in the Father’s image, and are also souls with an eternal identity and destiny. Space constraints don’t allow me to list all the verses from the Psalm; however, here are a few of my favorites:  v.14(A) “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made”;  and v.17 “How precious are Your thoughts towards me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (All NKJV).You can read the rest of the Psalm on your own. Now, DO YOU GET IT!? If every living human-being (lost or saved) is created in HIS image, how much more are we in Christ?! But, it doesn’t stop there.

                Let’s go to Isaiah Chapter 43-v.18 & 19 (Jehovah, the Almighty speaking through the prophet) “Do not remember the former things, nor 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 road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (NKJV). Now, apply these passages to your life as a true born-again believer. What are the implications? Do you see the parallel between what Christ did on the cross, HIS resurrection, and who we are in HIM through the father’s creation of each one of us as individuals?! OH, if you don’t, I earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit would give all of you, each and every one of you, an awakening revelation of who you are in HIM (Christ)! What I’m trying to get all of you to realize is the Isaiah passages are the example of what Christ’s death and resurrection means to each one of us—forgetting the former, old life (things) and embracing, receiving, accepting the new life (things). This new life will spring forth from you. THAT’S RIGHT—YOU! Because of what Christ did on the Cross, the Almighty has made a road in the wilderness and a river in the desert for you. No more wandering around spiritually lost, parched, and thirsty. But, it doesn’t even stop there.

                The prophet Jeremiah writes in his book in Chapter 6-v.16(A) “Thus says the Lord:  “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old (ancient) paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you find rest for your souls.” (NKJV). Just what could these old (ancient) paths be? How about the Scriptures?! Why not? GOD says that if we walk in the “good way” we’ll find rest for our souls. What better way to do that then to read, study, follow, and obey GOD’S word—the Bible. Now understand, that doesn’t mean that your life will be trouble-free—it just means your soul we’ll be at rest no matter what.

                So, where am I going with this? Simple—we are called by Christ at the “Great Commission” to be his emissaries. It is no longer about us. It’s not just “fire insurance”. It’s not about us lounging around, listening to quality gospel music, while waiting for the Rapture to occur. It’s about us “Going into all the world”, preaching the gospel to the lost and ministering to the spiritually poor, weak, hungry, and hurting. It’s about reaching out to those who are in need of physical and emotional healing, deliverance, and restoration.

                Brothers and sisters, grab hold of this fact—The Lord will not send us out unprepared or ill-equipped. Remember what Jesus said at the “Great Commission”, in Matthew Chap.28-v.16-20 and Mark Chap.16-v.14-20, about empowering us and being with us “to the end of the age.” Remember what Psalm 139-v.1-18 says about who we are, created in HIS Image and that we are all living souls, with an eternal identity and destiny. Remember what Isaiah Chap.43-v.18 says about forgetting the former things (your old life B.C.) and what verse 19 says about doing a “new thing” in your life—that includes making a road in the wilderness and a stream (river) in the desert. And let’s also remember what Jeremiah Chap.6-v.16(A) says about standing in the way and seeking (asking) for the ancient (old) paths. There is one more connection with that Jeremiah passage that needs to be brought-out—the “old ways” can also refer to the Bible as the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians Chapter 6-v.17), that is part of “The Armor of GOD”. See fellow believers, GOD even has armor for you to wear while going out to do HIS work.

                Our calling and commission is to take what we’ve learned and experienced in our own lives and use that to relate to those who are lost and hurting. And that won’t stop until we’re called home to be in HIS presence—either individually or as the Bride of Christ. Now, let’s get out there and be faithful ambassadors, stewards, and disciples of HIS. AMEN!

Let us pray:  Father, we ask You for the revelation of who we are in You. We ask You for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us who we are in Your Son. Make it very clear to us who we really are as your children. And, Lord, we also pray for wisdom and boldness, so that we may be faithful witnesses, ambassadors, stewards, and disciples, as we go into the world to reach-out and minister to the lost and hurting. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

                  

            

BOLDLY APPROACH THE THRONE..TO BE BOLDLY SENT OUT!

By Russell Hessler—Founder/Publisher of “Blow the Trumpet!” 

Outreach Newsletter                        Joel 2-v.1   

“Let those who receive the word respond”

Issued MMXI                                                                                                                                                                                                                      No.13

                If it’s one thing I noticed that’s lacking in the “Church” today, it’s boldness. Now, I’m not referring to the kind of arrogance that insists that GOD bestows upon us every frivolous type of luxury we demand for our own selfish desires. NO! What I’m referring to is boldness in our prayer life that we are entitled to as true, born-again believers. The kind of boldness that is vital for a victorious Christian life. That’s the kind of boldness I’m referring to—and it seems to be sorely lacking in a lot of believers.

          So what’s the big deal? Simply this—in order for the “true body of Christ” to have a victorious walk (which includes being victorious against the “schemes of Satan & Co.”) and live-out the “Great Commission”, we MUST have that boldness. It appears that many believers either don’t know about, or are too timid to exercise, a bold prayer life; and, that has dire, dire implications. I’ve consistently seen way too often the tragic consequences of a prayer life and walk that lacks the boldness that we as “true believers” are entitled to and have access to. AND, THAT DOSEN’T HAVE TO BE! Do you think “the enemy of our souls”, who’s bent on destroying everything that GOD stands for, is “namby-pambying” around with his plots and attacks against us?! OF COURSE NOT! And, neither should we with GOD’s work! After all, we’re in the “the winners circle!”

          Okay, let’s figure this out. In the Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 28-v.19, Jesus said, “All authority has been given ME in Heaven and on earth.” (NKJ) HE said this at the start of the “Great Commission”.

Then there’s the Gospel of St. Mark Chapter 16-v.15-18 (any version). You can take the time to read Mark’s passages yourself. In essence, it’s another version of the “Great Commission”, with other specific details. Then there’s the Book of Acts Chapter 1-v.8—“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJ). This was Jesus addressing the assembled multitude in the Upper Room after HIS Resurrection. Now, I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like power and boldness being imparted to ALL believers to me! Wouldn’t you agree?

          Now, let’s go to the Book of Hebrews Chapter 4-v.14 &15 (any version), where the writer states that Christ is our Great High Priest, and because of that provision verse 16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NKJ). The NASB has, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence….” The Amplified has, “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace…., that we may receive mercy for….and find grace to help in good time for every need…. Do you notice the key word here—BOLDNESS!

Each version has supplemental key words: confidence, fearlessly, and confidently. The notes in my NKJ for verse 16 include the following:

“Believers should courageously approach GOD in prayer because HIS is a throne of grace, and our High Priest sits at HIS Right Hand interceding for us. THAT’S EXCITING (and empowering)!

          So, as I’ve used this phrase in past newsletters, what’s the bottom line? It’s this brothers and sisters—because of Christ interceding for us we can boldly approach the throne of grace with our needs, requests, and supplications—knowing that The Father will hear and answer them according to HIS plan and timing. But, it can’t stop there. We must also ask for, not only HIS grace and provision, but also for the boldness that HE is waiting for and willing to bestow and impart unto us, so we can be boldly sent-out from HIS presence into the world. From there, we are to further HIS Kingdom and live-out the “Great Commission” by reaching-out to the lost, hurting, and dying.

FATHER—BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICE MADE BY YOUR SON ON THE CROSS, WE MAY NOW BOLDLY APPROACH YOUR THRONE OF GRACE. BUT, IT IS NOT JUST FOR OUR OWN PROVISION, BUT THAT WE MAY BE BOLDLY SENT-OUT INTO THE WORLD TO DO YOUR WILL AND REACH THOSE WHO ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF YOUR LOVE, GRACE, AND MERCY. AMEN.

Life Is A Gift!

Life Is A Gift!

By Russell Hessler, Founder / Publisher of “Blow the Trumpet!” 

Outreach Newsletter.         Joel 2-v.1

“Let those who receive the word respond”

Issued MMXI                                                                                                                                                                                                                   No. 12

                         Life is a gift! What a wonderful thought! It’s true! Unfortunately, there are many in the world who don’t think that way. What could cause someone not to believe this? It’s because they think that theirs and others lives are a worthless waste. Some have even been told by family and friends that they are a mistake. How Terrible! Can you actually imagine stooping so low as to tell someone to their face that they’re a mistake; nothing more than a result of a biological function?! How heartbreaking that must be! It causes me to weep just thinking about it.

          However, the Word of God says differently. Everyone one of us was created by GOD, the Creator, Himself. That’s right! We are created in HIS image, with a specific eternal identity and destiny. Just read Genesis Chapter 2 (any version). GOD has a determined plan and purpose for all our lives—this includes everyone from Adam on down.

          Now, here’s the dilemma—many, many people don’t know and/or understand that. And why is that? Simple. It’s because GOD’s own people, the Church of Jesus Christ don’t know and/or understand that either. We’re supposed to be taking the message of hope and life to the lost; but, how can we carry-out that mission if we ourselves don’t understand the whole truth! Yet, we can’t be too “bent out of shape” with the church. That’s because a lot of them have never been told, or instructed, or taught who they are—period. Who’s responsible for “dropping the ball” on that one I wonder?! You see, it goes way beyond who we are “in Christ”. It goes back to the Garden and Creation itself. Like I previously wrote, Mankind—including every living soul from the beginning up to now (and beyond), was created by GOD Himself (along with the SON & Spirit) for a specific reason, goal, identity, and destiny—which is to glorify HIM and be part of HIS Kingdom! WOW! That should “blow you away”!

          Psalm 139-v.13-18 spells it out quite clearly—especially verse 14a “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” (NASB).I think that pretty much sums it up—We are fearfully and wonderfully made in HIS image.

          But, let’s not stop just at physical life. We were also created with a spiritual life. What the unregenerate don’t understand is that the spiritual life is, for all intents and purposes, dead until we come to Christ and accept HIM as Savior.

          And this is where those who call themselves “true believers” aren’t doing very well. Oh, it’s not that we don’t necessarily want to share the Gospel with them; it’s just that we make them come to us instead of going to where they are, like Jesus did (Read Newsletters 7 & 9). Then when we do finally meet them, they practically have to “beat it out of us” before we’ll say or share anything. This absolutely should not be happening! Are we ashamed of the Savior or our own testimony, or both? We have got to move (with HIS help) beyond whatever it is that’s holding us back. There are way too many souls heading for a lost eternity at stake. We are commissioned to go forward and share the Gospel.

          Jesus proclaimed in the Gospel of John 10- v.10b, “I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (KJV).

          Here’s the bottom line—let us as “true believers” grasp hold of this everlasting truth that we are “…fearfully and wonderfully made” with an eternal identity and destiny. From there, we can take this wonderful truth to those who’ve never heard it before. And, while we’re there, share with them Jesus words in John 10-10b.

          Brothers and sisters, there are far too many people out there that have been lied-to by the enemy under the guise of “scientific evidence” that they’ve evolved from some manure pile or droppings somewhere; and, as a result, are nothing more than a higher form of animal life. This is straight from the pit of Hell, with fire and brimstone, and smells like smoke! So let’s stop making-up these lame excuses for not fulfilling and living the “Great Commission”. We have a responsibility as “true disciples” of Christ to go out and share the Gospel of Life with the lost, hurting, and dying.

          In closing, I’ll just say that I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of this topic. In fact, I could probably write a whole book; but, that’s not what the Spirit’s leading is for right now.

REMEMBER—LIFE IS A GIFT!

LET US PRAY—Father, help us to see and understand who we are and why we were created. Help us to realize that we all have an eternal identity and destiny, and it is an honor and privilege to be part of YOUR Kingdom. Help us to remember that life is a gift, and because it is a gift, motivate us to go out to where the people are (like your SON did & would do now), and share this wonderful news. In JESUS name, we pray, AMEN.