Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

Only in the presence of God is there true liberty – liberty of spirit, soul, and body. The most important and most powerful liberty comes from within when Jesus moves in after you invite Him and receive Him. Nothing else on earth can compare to the liberty of life and spirit of a believer who has allowed the Holy Spirit to have His way in him/her.

Freedom comes through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and through the Word of God:

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  John 8:31-32 NKJV

We are free from spiritual bondage and fear of punishment and death:

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  Hebrews 2:15 KJV

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15 NKJV

We are free from slavery to anyone but Christ, Who bought our freedom:

For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.  1 Corinthians 7:22-23 NKJV

As long as we serve God, we also willingly obey Him.  The more we submit to Him, the more freedom in which we walk.

We are free from the Law:

But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.  Romans 7:6 NKJV

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2 NKJV

We do no longer serve God out of fear of punishment for transgressing the Law, but now we serve him from the heart, with joy.  We walk in the reality of forgiven sin.

We are free from the fear of death:

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV

We are free from the curse of the Law:

Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified).  Galatians 3:13 AMP

We are free from the control and power of sin:

For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Romans 6:7 NKJV

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.  Romans 6:18 NKJ

We are free from corruption:

Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:21 NKJV Our physical bodies may die, but God has promised us a glorified body that cannot die or grow old and perish.  All of creation will one day share in this glorious liberty!

We are free from the bondage of or to man:

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.

1 Corinthians 9:19 NKJV

God has set us free from the opinion and control of man – only God’s opinion of us, and His will for us, counts. We take our orders from God alone; even so, we choose to love and serve others at His direction.

We are free from religious ordinances:

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Galatians 4:3-5 NKJV

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations —  21 “Do not touch, do not of the taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using — according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.  Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV

When you are a child, you need outer boundaries to protect you and to lead you in a form of discipline and training.  As you grow, you learn to form inner boundaries.  An unsaved person needs the outer boundaries to keep them on track, such as the Law.  A spiritual person is governed by the Holy Spirit within, and he is led and directed by the spirit, and not by the flesh.  God is not impressed with mere religious rituals; He looks for worship – in spirit and in truth – from the heart

There is no freedom for the wicked:

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  John 8:34-36 NKJV

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  Romans 6:20 NKJV

The freedom to sin is not freedom. Submission to sin is submission to bondage and the devil. True freedom comes from yielding to righteousness and the Holy Spirit.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever 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 KJV

The Word of God tells you how to live a productive, successful, fruit-filled life. It all begins not merely with choosing good actions, or even good words, but it begins on the inside of you – in your thought life! Your thoughts shape and direct your attitude. Your attitude shapes and directs your every choice, word and action. The Amplified Bible says that you must FIX your minds on these good things. That’s because, as Jesus told us in Luke 6:45, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. Whatever fills your mind is coming out of you – no matter how hard you try to contain it!

The word THINK used here is translated variously as: think; impute; reckon; count; account; suppose; reason; number. THINK means: to reckon or account; to count; to compute; to calculate; to count over; to take into account; to make an account of; to impute; to number among; to reckon with: to reckon inward; to count up or weigh the reasons; to deliberate; to gather or infer; to consider; to weigh; to meditate on; to suppose; to deem; to judge; to determine; to purpose; to decide. This word deals with REALITY. If I “think”, or reckon, that my bank account has $50 in it, it has $50 in it. Otherwise I am deceiving myself. This word refers to FACTS not suppositions.

Proverbs 23:7 says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. That means that what you think – the attitude of your heart – is the real you. You might say what is expected of you to say, but your actions will betray your true feelings. People who say one thing, yet mean another, are not being truthful; they are not even being polite; they are being manipulative and deceitful. This person is a bad friend, because relationship is based on truth. You might think that you have a relationship; however, there is no real relationship, where one of the two is lying to the other.

Fix your mind on things that are true and truthful

The worst kind of person is a deceitful person – a liar. Many people have convinced themselves that they have the truth or that they know the truth, and yet they are self-deceived and blinded by sin. The only TRUTH is in Christ Jesus. The only whole truth is found in the totality of God’s Word. Psalm 119:160 AMP says, “The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever.” When you think or meditate on God’s Word, you are meditating on TRUTH.

Fix your mind on things that are honest

Think on things that are honest and honorable, or worthy of honor. The Amplified Bible says that you should think on: whatsoever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly (or appropriate). The word translated HONEST means: august; venerable; reverend; grave (serious); to be venerated for character; honorable. This has to do with good and solid character. Think on things that promote good character and good morals; not bad ones.

Fix your mind on things that are just

Think on things that are righteous, just and right. JUST means: upright; righteous; virtuous; keeping the commands of God; observing divine laws; innocent; faultless; guiltless; approved by, or acceptable to, God. Someone who is considered just, or righteous, by God, is a person whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God. The Lord tells you to think only on those things that line up with His Word and that are acceptable to Him. There are many things that are acceptable to man and the world’s system, but they are unacceptable to God. Our thoughts and meditations must be approved of by God, and acceptable to Him – not man!

Fix your mind on things that are pure

Think on things that are pure and chaste and clear. Do not allow carnality in your thought life. Romans 8:7 says that the mind of the flesh – with its carnal thoughts and purposes – is hostile to God. It cannot and does not submit itself to God’s Law. In order for your thinking to change and become pure, rather than be defiled, you must submit to Word of God and fill your mind with God’s principles. Your mind must be renewed and washed by the water of the Word of God! By the Word of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can evict carnal, fleshly, lustful thoughts far from you. And then begin to think on those things that are pure, holy, sacred, chaste, modest, immaculate, innocent and clean.

Fix your mind on things that are lovely

Think on things that are lovely. Think on things that are acceptable and pleasing to God. Don’t fill your mind with things that are nasty and ugly. Don’t read or watch things that are nasty and ugly and cruel and evil. Read the Word of God and good, clean, godly books and watch good, clean, godly programs and movies.

Fix your mind on things that have a good report

The Amplified Bible says: think on those things that are kind and winsome and gracious. Think positive thoughts – not negative. Think positive things about people and things. Love believes the best – not the worst – of everyone (1 Cor. 13:7).

Fix your mind on things that have virtue

VIRTUE means: moral goodness; any particular moral excellence; modesty; purity. Let your thoughts be virtuous and good.

Fix your mind on things that are worthy of praise

If there is anything worthy of praise or commendation – think on those things.

Paul began this whole verse with the words: “Finally, my brethren”. There are a number of things we can and must do in order to please God, to be in right-standing with Him and to be successful in our Christian walk. One of the most important of these is to grab a hold of our thought life. We can no longer afford to let the devil have his way in our mind. We must tear down the strongholds of the enemy and evict our old carnal, worldly way of thinking. Instead we must replace our old thoughts and attitudes with the very thoughts and attitudes of the Word of God. We have been given the mind of Christ and do hold the thoughts, intents, feelings and purposes of His heart    (1 Cor. 2:16).

Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house would you build for Me? And what kind can be My resting-place? 2 For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. Isaiah 66:1-2 AMP

Rodney Howard Browne teaches us that almighty God created everything that exists—the universe and everything in it—including man. As He has declared: heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool! Yet men have not reverentially feared the Lord, as they should have and as He is worthy of, and have exalted themselves, thinking that they are more than what they really are. This was the devil’s mistake. He dared to exalt his throne above the throne of God!

The God Who produced and formed the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines. 25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything, for it is He Himself Who gives life and breath and all things to all [people].
Acts 17:24-25 AMP

Rodney Howard Browne shows us that men have exalted themselves by casting God aside—the very God to whom they owe their very existence; the God who gave them their life and breath—treating Him as if He is irrelevant, ignoring and disregarding Him as if He is only an invention of man. On the other hand, men have exalted themselves, believing that they could actually build Him buildings that could contain Him. There is no building that could be built—no matter how magnificent by man’s standards—that is a worthy dwelling for our God! So great is He!

Just because you think you are really something—doesn’t mean that you are. You can choose your own way and your own path, but it is the road to nowhere. God is not interested in what you can do for Him or impressed by what you can build for Him. He is only interested in what is in your heart.  The man or woman whom God will regard, whom He is looking for and whom He cares about, are the ones who are altogether humble before God. There are many who claim humility, and yet are not, because they are proud of their humility. It is only a surface humility and makes God sick. He especially hates hypocrisy. God has respect and regard for the one who trembles at his word and reveres His commands!

Rodney Howard Browne tells us that if you are indeed a humble person, you will highly respect God’s word. God, and the rest of us, will all see and know this when we see how personally you take His word to you. We will see it by whether or not you act on God’s word, instead of just talking about it, and we will see it by how promptly you obey His commands. This is the only true measure of humility. John 4:24 AMP says that, “God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).” Worship that is acceptable to God is worship that is absolutely sincere, coming straight from the heart.

But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]. Acts 10:35 AMP

God is NO respecter of persons. Anyone—no matter who you are; no matter what you have done; no matter what your nationality—can be acceptable to God on the basis of worshipful obedience!

And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). Acts 2:43 AMP

So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue, and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied. Acts 9:31 AMP

The respect and reverential fear of God was a hallmark of the early church. When Jesus is your First Love, you will give Him the place of honor in your heart and life!

Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 AMP

Let’s not miss out on any of the wonderful things God has in store for us. Let’s consecrate ourselves afresh to reverence Him—to humble ourselves before Him, to get rid of all sin and pride, and to remind ourselves how precious, how wonderful, how powerful and how magnificent our God is and how worthy He is to receive all our praise, honor, adoration and obedience!

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.  Isaiah 61:1 KJV

Why were they in prison? People are in prison because of sin. People are all bound up because of sin.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14 NKJ

The Father, through Jesus Christ, gave us liberty in every area of life. He has delivered us from the power of darkness; the burden of sin is lifted; we are washed clean and forgiven of every sin. It is a fresh start – a new beginning. We are new creatures in Christ. Sin once held us in bondage, but now we are free in Christ.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  Galatians 5:1 NKJV

Sin will put you into, and keep you in, bondage. The liberty we have in Christ is so precious – why would we want to go back into the bondage of sin? Yet there are people, all the time, whether ignorantly or willfully, walk away from freedom and back into bondage. Being free to sin – to do whatever you want to do – is not freedom. Sin is a trap – it brings bondage and devastation – the wages of sin is still death, no matter what age you live in!

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.  Galatians 5:13 AMP

The word of God commands us not to take advantage of the liberty we have in Christ by going back into sin. We have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are forgiven and on our way to heaven. There is nothing we could do to earn His forgiveness, and nothing we can do to keep it. However, that does not mean that we are released from our obligation to walk in righteousness – that does not mean that we can do whatever we want to do. Jesus lives inside you. Would you still do the things you do, if Jesus was in the room – because He is, if He lives in you!

[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16 AMP

Live as free people – free from the inside out – free from the religious works program. However, do NOT do wicked deeds under the pretext of your freedom in Christ. We are set free FROM sin – not set free TO sin. Christians, who do wicked deeds and claim to be exempt from righteousness, God will hold accountable. As a believer, you have a great responsibility to do right – even much more than a sinner who does not have the life and nature of God inside them.

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”  8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  1 Corinthians 10:1-11 NKJV

Paul is talking to Christians who – like the Israelites – drank from the spiritual Rock, which is Christ. He is admonishing us to lay aside the things of our old life and to live in the light of what we have received in Christ. Jesus made us free, but not so free that we can sin with impunity. Paul tells us to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites: do not lust after evil things; do not become idolaters; do not commit sexual immorality; do not tempt Christ; do not be a complainer. Sin destroys everything it touches. God must always judge sin. If you insist on sinning, you also invite judgment.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  1 Corinthians 10:14 NKJV

Never be overconfident in your own ability to walk sinless before God. Walk humbly – have a humble estimation of yourself – walk closely with Him and put all your hope and confidence in Him to keep you pure and on track. Then when you do mess up – because you probably will – be quick to repent and ask His forgiveness. Remember, if you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption, but if you sow to the spirit, you will reap life everlasting.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

We know we know the Lord because:

6. We have overcome the world and Satan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. We are one with the Body of Christ

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

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

9. We are anointed by the Spirit

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

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

10. We know the truth that sets us free

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

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

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

11. Because we acknowledge God and His Son Jesus Christ

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

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

Players always ask themselves this question.  How can I maximize my talent?.  In the Christian life you are always a player, you never stop being a player.

Your first thought might be to say, “Rodney, you can’t be

serious. Surely Jesus won’t meet every need —not every single

need. Some He’ll meet, yes, but surely not every need.”

Yes! He’ll meet every need, every one! Some people think

His power is only for life-and-death situations. But that’s not

true.

 

In fact, Jesus used His power not only to touch people in

every area of their lives, but to meet the needs of His own ministry

as well. When the disciples needed tax money, for instance,

Jesus said to Peter, “Go down and catch the first fish. The money

you need is in his mouth.” (See Matthew 17:24-27.)

 

When you have a need, no matter how simple or how complicated

it is, when Jesus shows up, He’s going to meet that need.

That is the Gospel! It’s Good News!

 

Jesus is also our Miracle Worker. Think about this for a

moment: Jesus walked on water. Nobody benefited from that

miracle except Him. So why, then, did He walk on water? He

walked on water because He needed to get to the other side! He

sent the disciples on across the lake, because when you’re in minister

you need to get away from people and pray sometimes. Then

he walked on the water to catch up with them. When Jesus walked

on water, it did not seem like a necessity, but a luxury. He could

have waited for another boat!

 

If the Pharisees had gotten hold of Jesus, they would have

said, “You’re abusing God’s power! How dare you walk on water

for your own benefit? Who do You think You are? From now on,

please refrain from walking on water and always take a boat like

everyone else. Look at You, taking God’s power and using it for

Yourself”

 

I believe that Jesus walked on water to show us that He

had control over the elements as a sign and a wonder. But I also

believe that He did it to show us that if we are obeying and serving

God, we can trust Him to make a way for us where there is no

way. Most of the time we have no faith for the supernatural, but

God wants us to know that His supernatural power is there for us

when we need it.

 

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible,

but not with God: for with God all things are

possible.

MARK 10:27

 

We could go on and on telling what happens when Jesus

shows up. He showed up at the Pool of Bethesda, around which

lay a great multitude of blind, crippled, maimed, and withered

people. What happened when Jesus showed up? He found a man

who had been there for a long time because he didn’t have anybody

to help him get into the pool.

 

Jesus tells you the same thing He told that man, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk (John 5:8). Do you realize that all we need in our churches, all we need in America, is for Jesus to show up? When He walks in the

door, He is going to make a difference.

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and

his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and

consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may

minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Exodus 28:41

 

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon

his head, and anoint him.

Exodus 29:7

 

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin

offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the

altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and

thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Exodus 29:36

 

And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the

congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

Exodus 30:26

 

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and

consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the

priest’s office.

Exodus 30:30

 

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the

tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it,

and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

Exodus 40:9

 

And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering,

and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall

be an altar most holy.

Exodus 40:10

 

And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and

sanctify it.

Exodus 40:11

 

And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and

anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister

unto me in the priest’s office.

Exodus 40:13

 

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their

father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s

office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting

priesthood throughout their generations.

Exodus 40:15

 

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he

shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his

father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put

on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

Leviticus 16:32

 

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts,

but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine

olive shall cast this fruit.

Deuteronomy 28:40

 

The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over

them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou

over us.

Judges 9:8

 

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye

anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust

in my shadow; and if not, let fire come out of the

bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Judges 9:15

 

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy

raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but

make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall

have done eating and drinking.

Ruth 3:3

 

Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out

of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to

be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my

people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have

looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto

me.

1 Samuel 9:16

 

Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to

anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now

therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of

the Lord.

1 Samuel 15:1

 

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee

what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him

whom I name unto thee.

1 Samuel 16:3

 

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy,

and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to

look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this

is he.

1 Samuel 16:12

 

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise

woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to

be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and

anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had

a long time mourned for the dead:

2 Samuel 14:2

 

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint

him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the

trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

1 Kings 1:34

 

And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to

the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest,

anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

1 Kings 19:15

 

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be

king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of

Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy

room.

1 Kings 19:16

 

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink:

arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.

Isaiah 21:5

 

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and

upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to

make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for

iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and

to seal up the vision and prophecy and to anoint the

most Holy.

Daniel 9:24

 

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in

my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three

whole weeks were fulfilled.

Daniel 10:3

 

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with

the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the

affliction of Joseph.

Amos 6:6

 

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt

tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil;

and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Micah 6:15

 

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and

wash thy face;

Matthew 6:17

 

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand

to anoint my body to the burying.

Mark 14:8

 

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and

Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought

sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:1

 

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman

hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Luke 7:46

 

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that

thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou

mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy

nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with

eye salve, that thou mayest see.

Revelations 3:18

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scripture: Luke 11:33-34  (AMP)

• 33       No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or crypt or under a bushel measure, but on a lampstand, that those who are coming in may see the light.
• 34       Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness.
• 35       Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness.

 

According to the scriptures, the word “eye” is used to denote more than just your physical eye. The word “eye” is used to represent your attitude as well. As you can see from the scripture above, your conscience is the thing that influences your behavior and your attitude and even what you choose to look at with your natural eye.

 

Your physical eye is an extremely important organ in your body. If it is damaged or destroyed, it could threaten your life, because you need your eyes to keep you from danger and to find food and shelter. If you are blind, you are not 100% self-sufficient – you need to be helped by others. Heathen nations, in past generations would put out one or both of their enemy’s eyes because it humiliated them and left them powerless.

 

Judges 16:21  (NKJ)

21         Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fetters, and he became a grinder in the prison.

 

The word “eye” is also used figuratively as the eye of the heart or mind – the organ of spiritual perception, which could be either blind to the things of God or enlightened or opened to see and understand spiritual things.

 

Matthew 13:13  (NAS)

13         “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

 

Ephesians 1:18  (NKJ)

18         the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

 

“Eye” is used as an index of the mind or disposition of man. According to the Bible, you can have a “good” or “bountiful” eye or “proud” or “haughty” eyes or “lowly” or “adulterous” eyes. Emotions, such as anger, are also reflected in and through your eyes.

 

Proverbs 22:9  (NKJ)

9          He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

 

Proverbs 6:16-17  (NKJ)

16         These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17         A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

 

Psalm 18:27  (NKJ)

27        For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.

 

Matthew 5:28  (NKJ)

28        “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

 

When your conscience is sound – it is honest and righteous. When your conscience is honest and righteous – it is fulfilling its office and doing what it should do and your whole body is full of the light of God’s presence. God’s Spirit will shine through you for others to see. When your sound conscience directs your thoughts and actions, you will not think or do things that are sinful or evil.

 

You protect your conscience by protecting your eyes and being careful of what you look at with your eyes. You also protect your eyes with your conscience – you will not stare at a woman lustfully if your conscience is doing its job. Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean that you are shining with the light of God. You must be living and walking in a way that glorifies God. If you are sinning then you walk in spiritual darkness, even though you are saved.

 

So, protect your eyes and protect your conscience and your whole body will be full of the light of God.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Matthew 5:10-16  (NKJ)

10      Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11       “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12      “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13      “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14      “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15      “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16      “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

When you are born again, filled with the Spirit of God and doing the works of Jesus – don’t think that it is going to be an easy ride. The devil stirred up the religious folks against Jesus and he will stir them up against you. You cannot afford to get angry and to fight with people, because they are not your problem. Neither can you back away from the truth and the power of God or compromise. You have to realize that you cannot take persecution personally. Be bold to let your light shine brightly. God will specially bless you for your patience and your faithfulness and people will acknowledge your good works and glorify God.

 

Matthew 5:21-24  (NKJ)

21      “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.

22      “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

23      “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24      “leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

 

It is important that you walk in love and forgiveness toward your brother (or sister) in the Lord. If you have hate, anger and bitterness in your heart, your fellowship and relationship with the Lord will be negatively affected. We cannot have boldness in the presence of God with unforgiveness in our lives. Sin cannot stand in the presence of God.

 

Matthew 5:43-48  (NKJ)

43      “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44      “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

45      “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46      “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47      “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

48      “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

 

Most people are kind and pleasant to those they love and who love them, but God says that we should love, forgive, bless and pray for those who are mean to us and who persecute us. When you bless your enemies, you demonstrate that there is something different about you – different than the rest of the world – you are a child of God. When you are angry and bitter, you are all bound up and in debt to the one you hate. When you bless your enemies you are released and free. They have no power over you. When you walk in forgiveness and bless your enemies – they have no power to affect you negatively. You are lifted above the fray.