God's Point of View

First I would like to establish God’s point of view as it pertains to life. God’s intention for life is that men would live within the boundaries of Holiness. Holiness has always been God’s preference for life and it will always be. In this lies the great dilemma of man. Because mankind alone could not achieve this, God gave man a life called Christ, so that all those who chose to reside in it might be Holy and find eternal life. St.

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Contrary to what we may have believed, Christ was never God’s backup plan for the fall of man. Christ is the life that God always intended for man to reside in. John states a good account.

1 John 1:1-3

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

his scripture speaks of a life that existed before the worlds were framed, the stars were hung, the moon was placed, the atmospheres created, and the earth was ever formed. This was the life of his only begotten Christ. This was a life already pleasing to the Father. This was indeed good but the Father desired offspring of this same life. Look at this principle. When a man is born (whether he knows it or not), his plight from his mother’s womb to the tomb is only a chance to become a child of God. DISTRACTIONS OF THIS LIFE Many times we deceive ourselves by the distractions of this natural life. We become preoccupied by society’s standard of living, forgetting God’s point of view for the life of man on earth.

Galatians 3:26-29

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Let us list a few of the distractions.

1) Image: How we see ourselves and how we want to be seen by others

2) Preference: Those things we prefer in life and those things that we prefer not

3) Relationships: Self- Explanatory

4) Career VS Ministry: Self- Explanatory

5) Wants

Allow me to show how these things can be a distraction to a child of God.

IMAGE

Have you ever heard someone say, “I want to be like Christ”? Or have you ever said that same thing? Did you question why they said it? Did you question why you would say it? Let us see. Would you want to be like Christ if He never healed the sick, opened blinded eyes and raised the dead? What if all of those things were not cited in His life, only His obedience to the Father, which caused Him great suffering, humiliation and a public death? Would you still want to be like Him? Let us go into the scriptures.

Philippians 2:5-8

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

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

After reading this scripture and assessing your heart, can you truly say you want to be like Him? Are you OK with having no separate identity from the Spirit even when the Spirit puts you in the middle of humiliation? And that same Spirit leads you to a cross? Here is where many times a man’s image becomes a stumbling block to him in God. If we regard ourselves as important, we will not walk in the mind of the one who made himself of no reputation.

PREFERENCE

Let us visit the distraction of PREFERENCE. Do you know that if you prefer a particular belief and the Word of God contradicts or challenges that belief, your preference will cause you to censor the Word of God over and over again, to create a just reason to disobey that very Word? This operation of preference may seem so minor to us but it is actually the beginning of every backslider. Let’s go to the book of Romans, chapter 1.

Romans 1:18-23

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

This scripture shows the consequence of knowing the truth and holding that truth in unrighteousness due to a personal preference. God has the right to give you over to that very thing you prefer which may become your demise. Now, the Trojan horse in this scripture is the consequence, which is in verse 24.

Romans 1:24

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Now the reason I would call this a Trojan horse is because, when this scripture is being lived by people today they do not detect God’s judgment. God will give a man over to the lusts of his mind to live out what is in his heart and

allow him to once again experience uncleanness, to dishonor himself and ultimately be overtaken by his own lust. Now when this is taking place, a person does not always see this as judgment, it may appear as if they are finally getting a chance to do those things that they have always wanted. Usually, they do not begin to discern the judgment until the flesh is suffering the consequence of sin. This is just like a young lady who has grown up sheltered in the church, never in agreement with the life she was born in. She is always in rebellion but is never allowed to express what is actually in her heart. When she comes of age, she is on her own and is able to fulfill all the things in her heart. She begins to indulge herself with those things that were in her imagination. Now at this time, this young lady would never have considered that God had already judged her and His judgment was to no longer stand between her and her lust. God knew her lust would lead her to sin. Let us look into Romans 6:23, and see what it has to say concerning sin.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

WANTS

How can our wants be a distraction? I believe one of the most profound things ever to come out of the mouth of our Lord was:

Luke 9:23

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Many have stumbled at this scripture due to wants, because this scripture alleviates the possibility of you ever receiving what you want in the flesh. And this scripture basically says, to deny your wants and pick up a cross. Please do not get squeamish on me now, remember you said you want to be LIKE CHRIST… He had a cross and we too must pick up our in order to be “like Christ.” The cross is the necessity. “No cross no crown.” After reading these pages, what is now your take on salvation? Does it appear more difficult than you imagined? Does it seem unachievable? Is it still something you will remain in because of association with others? Based on your life right now, do you believe you are accomplishing the salvation walk? If not, have you asked yourself why? Many people that are filled with the Holy Ghost live with the blatant reality that their life is never up to par as it pertains to the standard of God. Are you one of those people who always struggle within yourself concerning the route that God has placed you on? Is not this tormenting, to never be in agreement with the life you possess on the inside? If this is actually true, then what is the solution? I recently learned that the stress level of any situation is dependant upon the workings of the mind. Now in our terms, our stress with the life of Christ is due to the way we think. There are a lot of things that come along with being called a Son of God, such as: Self Denial, Suffering, Humiliation, Patience, Love, and Long Suffering. The development of these things usually comes through trials in the form of situations, circumstances and relationships. There is no way around these trials because they are for our making. So, if there is no escaping trials and tribulations for our making, how do we go through these trials honoring God? THE CALM IN THE STORM When I speak of a storm, it describes the mind when it is in a place of torment and despair because of the conflict between its will and the will of God. This causes much discomfort in our walk. It also causes many to ultimately give up on trying to be holy. I have watched many live a life they know is displeasing to the Father but because they have tried and failed so many times, they now simply refuse to try again. Church, for many of them, becomes a routine which is separate and apart from their heart. Instead of the church producing a Son of God, the only thing that is produced is a church member. Are you a church member? It is amazing how while in this state of being just a church member, the mind can totally ignore the fear of hell. I have heard so many people say things out of pride while in this state, as if God’s judgment is only hypothetical and not actual in the lives of those who dishonor Him. Going back to the book of Philippians:

Philippians 2:1-8

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 LET this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross

Whether we like it or not, this is the only calm in the storm. Christ was the first man to see the world from God’s point of view. He loved us from God’s point of view but more importantly He lived His life from God’s point of view. In the scripture above we see His agreement with God’s point of view. He did what we must now do, LET the mind of Christ be in us. Young people, if we never come to this agreement we cannot walk in His Spirit. If we do not walk in His spirit, we will never achieve holiness. There is a deception that many in the church live in. They can examine themselves and discern their spiritual location but this does not equal spirituality. Spirituality is only achieved by those who walk in the mind of the first begotten. Allow me to speak from my heart. I am always glad to see young people in ministry, but I always ask myself, “why are they here?” Are they here to learn the heart and mind of Christ? Are they willing to suffer as He suffered? Will they deny themselves even if it costs them a boyfriend or a girlfriend? What if there was no glamorous youth ministry, no M.S.O.G., no Portraits of the Word, just the teaching of the doctrine of Christ? Would those young people still remain in ministry? For instance, I know a young man who comes to church every Sunday, participates in the youth ministry and has been a part of many major functions in the church. But when this young man is at home, you would not know that he had the Holy Ghost, because at home he takes on another image. An image created by the world. Why would he do this? Let us examine it. In church the young man is in a spiritual environment controlled by leaders being lead by the Holy Ghost. So this young man does just enough to fit in at that particular time. But at home there are no spiritual leaders and there is no controlled environment. The boy’s true aspirations now come to the front. This is the example of someone not content with the life of Christ or the image of Christ. But like going to church, there is no victory in this type of life. The only thing that will come of this is many trips to the altar to repent, never achieving righteousness, because righteousness was never truly desired. You see, if you are going to church for any other reason than to be holy, you will not make it in Christ. Our desires must be unto God totally, to walk in the spirit. There can be no shadow of turning in our hearts because if there is such a weakness, the enemy will find it and exploit it.

James 1:6-8

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Matthew 6:22-24

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

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.

Most young people in the church struggle with the change of identity. You see the Word says,

2 Corinthians 5:17

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

Many stumble at the second part of this scripture, old things are passed away, meaning what we once were, we are no more. But some are still attracted to what they once were, so they rebuild those things God has destroyed through salvation. For instance, if a young man was once a thug and God saved him, it is up to the young man not to return back to those thuggish ways. The same is true as it pertains to a young lady whom God has delivered from the image of sin. If her mind is not content with what God has done in her life, she will eventually pick up those things that God has delivered her from. Yes, it is amazing to me how many young people are in a life that they do not agree with simply because they will not relinquish the mind of the world. Those are not the only type of people. There are those who try to incorporate their worldly mind into God. But the Bible says:

1 John 1:5

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

There is no darkness in the Father and there should be no darkness in us as well. But if we do not walk in the Spirit we will not achieve holiness. Holiness is God’s intention for our lives as Sons. In the flesh, we do not know God’s point of view but when we walk in the Spirit we feel as He feels and see as He sees. This is why we must walk in the Spirit to complete our salvation, which is the saving of our soul. Christ told us in St. John 15,

John 15:4-5

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Christ is the Spirit that abides in us. He is our place of worship in the kingdom of God. Outside of Him we can do nothing but in Him we are complete.

Colossians 2:9-10

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Christ alone knows the mysteries of Godliness, because the fullness of the mystery dwells in Him. This is why when we walk in Him we do not have to think of how to please Him. The Spirit of Christ leads us in our service to the Father, automatically knowing already those things that are pleasing to the Father. St.

John 5:19-20

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

In Christ are His emotions and His feelings, which both strengthen and empower us to do the will of the Father. It causes us to see ourselves from God’s point of view; even those things we do not care to acknowledge. Christ shines the light in our heart that we might know what abides in us that is unlike Him.

1 Corinthians 4:4-5

4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Corinthians 4:6

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

I hope that this lesson has given you a few things to consider. I desire that all of you make it in this walk. I do not wish to see any of you go astray or fall prey to the enemy’s trap. Allow the Word to take root in your heart so that one day we may all meet the Father in peace.

I love you, Apostle Mike