New Testament Life Scripture Montage Part II

                                                                                              We have a covenant of love, not based off of works

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” In that He says, “A new covenant ,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:12-13 NKJV

by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22 NKJV

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

                                                                                                     We are not saved through the law

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:21 NKJV

having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 NKJV

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. Galatians 2:19 NLT

By this the Holy Spirit points out that the way into the [true Holy of] Holies is not yet thrown open as long as the former [the outer portion of the] tabernacle remains a recognized institution and is still standing, Hebrews 9:8 AMP

                                                                                             
                                                                                                                 There is now no condemnation

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the
weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Romans 8:1-3 NLT

                                                                                                  The true reason for the law

Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people… Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. Galatians 3:19, 24-25 NLT

                                                                                                 Can we continue to sin then?

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.  Romans 6:1, 15-16 NLT

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:7-9 NLT

                                                                                         It is living by the Spirit that we overcome sin

How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
Galatians 3:3 NLT

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:2, 4-6, 15 NLT

                                                                                        If we accept Christ we are safe in God’s hand

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can  be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It  is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It  is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 NKJV

                                                                                    The true reason God wants us to be saved. To “know” us

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3 NKJV

                                                                                            The sending of the Holy Spirit (Helper)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I (Jesus) go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7 NKJV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26 NKJV

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 NKJV

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 NKJV

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NKJV

he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:2, 5-6 NKJV

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:44-46 NKJV

By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. I John 4:13 NKJV

New Testament Life Scripture Montage

      I believe the Bible can speak for itself, so I created this montage that gives the ten thousand feet overview of scripture, and hits on many questions that are going around in this age about religion and Christianity. If you are not entirely familiar with the New testament teachings, or have had some questions about what Christianity is all about, this may be helpful to you. It may also be a helpful list of scriptures for witnessing.

     Though this is just scratching the surface, there are some key verses in here that everyone needs to meditate on. I do suggest that as you study these,  you go read them in their full context so you are not confused. Like it or not all these statements are in the Bible and are due our attention. If there are any questions, feel free to comment or private message me and I would be glad to help as I can. It is kind of long so I am going to have to break it up into three parts. Here is part I!

Truth of the Word of God

knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. II Peter 1:20-21 NKJV

…For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalms 138:2 NKJV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:33 NKJV

God’s will toward man

“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord . Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. Ezekiel 18:23 NLT

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT

And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him (Jesus), because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.  For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. ” Luke 9:52-56 NKJV

“Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord , who has mercy on you. If any nation comes to fight you, it is not because I sent them. Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat. Isaiah 54:9-10, 15 NLT

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will  be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:11-14 NKJV

Do not be like the world

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. Isaiah 8:11-13 NLT

The Lord himself came to save us from sin

The Lord looked and was displeased to find there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with his strong arm, and his justice sustained him. He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head. He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion. Isaiah 59:15-17 NLT

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJV

Salvation is only in Jesus

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NKJV

Nor is there salvation in any other (than Jesus), for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NKJV

It is God’s goodness that draws us to true relationship

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 NKJV

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. Psalms 18:35 NKJV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), 2 Corinthians 1:3 AMP

We all have sinned

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. I John 1:8-10 NKJV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 NKJV

Forgiveness through accepting Christ

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 NKJV

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:18-19 NKJV

Condemnation for loving the world instead of accepting Christ

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the  Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15 NKJV

Salvation is by grace

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

Accepted into God’s family

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. Galatians 3:29 NLT

More than Sparrows

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin ? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

FEAR NOT!

  On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”  Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41 NKJV).

               * * *

Jesus wanted the disciples to calm the storm, but they were still more mindful of the natural than of the power of God. Jesus had given them a word to cross over to the other side. He did not tell them to attempt to cross over and drown halfway. I don’t believe Jesus was unaware of the storm; he simply was giving them a chance to stand on the word he had given to them. How many times do we cry out for God to take some problem away when he has empowered us to take authority over it ourselves?

Notice the difference between the one who calmed the storm from the ones who feared the storm. Jesus had total peace, enough to sleep through a raging storm, while the disciples had only fear. True faith will always be accompanied by the peace of heaven.

Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “…For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” When Jesus said, “Peace, be still“, He was speaking out of the abundance of his heart. The disciples, out of the abundance of their heart, said, “…we are perishing.” The disciples could not release peace, because they did not have peace. You can’t give what you don’t have.

What the disciples did have was fear; fear is faith in the enemy. (Note: When I talk about fear in this lesson, I am talking about fear that we cling to. It is natural to be afraid, but it is what you do with it that matters. Any fear that does not draw you towards God is empowering the enemy.) When you release fear into a bad situation you are empowering it to continue. You are in a sense coming into agreement with the enemy that “this” circumstance is going to cause real damage, and there is nothing that can be done about it. The only authority Satan has over a born again believer is the authority they surrender to him. The disciples had more faith in the storm to kill them than they had in the one who kept them.

Bill Johnson once said, “You only have authority over the storm you can sleep through.” Fear is the by-product of faith in the destroyer. Peace is the by-product of faith in your savior.
You can find out really quick where your faith is by measuring your peace.

Another thing Bill Johnson likes to say is, on earth, peace is always the absence of something: war, sound, movement. In the kingdom, peace is the presences of someone. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”. He carries peace in his nature.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way (II Thessalonians 3:16 NKJV).

The more aware we become of the presence of God in our lives, the more our peace is multiplied.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (II Peter 1:2 NKJV).

The disciples failed to be aware of the presence of the one who is “Peace.”

Becoming more aware of the presence of the one you carry will increase your faith. Mark says,

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened (Mark 6:51-52 NKJV).

What you consider (what you meditate on), will determine what you are sensitive to. In Mark 6, we see the disciples still struggling with the same fear as two chapters prior because they considered not the miracle of the loaves. They failed to meditate on the supernatural miracles of they had witnessed, and because of that, they still considered the wind and waves more powerful than the one who made the wind and the waves.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you… (Romans 8:11 NLT).

As temples of the Spirit of God, we must not make the same mistake as the disciples. The truth that you know and are consciously aware of will set you free, but it is possible to carry truth and not reap the benefits. The key is your focus. Your focus, what you meditate on, will determine what you are aware of. If you wait until you are in the storm to try to prepare your mind, you will fail. Just as a soldier must prepare at training camp to be aware of the plan, aware of his ability, and aware of his allies before he ever goes to battle, we must know what we have before we get there. The courage of the unprepared soldier will melt in the heat of battle because he is unaware of the tools around him that can bring victory, because the battle will seem hopeless. Hope is the driving force for victory and we have the greatest hope of all; but the hope we are not aware of will not do us any good. We must be aware of great hope we have living inside of us before we step out onto the battle field.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil (Hebrews 6:19 NKJV).

Ask Holy Spirit today to reveal his prospective to you. If you are lacking peace, what is your faith in: the enemy’s power to destroy, or your savior’s power to save? If your faith is lacking, what are you most aware of: on the wind and waves, or the one who created the wind and waves and lives in you? If you find yourself more aware of the enemy’s threats than you are of your savior’s presence, what have you been thinking/meditating on: the miraculous power of the one who calls you his own, or the natural world that is here today and gone tomorrow? Let Holy Spirit lead you as you learn to carry his presences and release his peace into the earth!