Voices

Mitt Jeffords

October 2007

I had these recurring dreams that were almost identical; about the only thing that was different from one dream to the other was the locations. This is what each dream had in common. First of all, it was always night time; and secondly, I found myself always on the run, like some kind of escaped convict or dangerous criminal that was relentlessly being chased, and I felt as though I was always running for my very life. In one dream, I was running through the woods; in another, I was running through city streets; in another, I was running though a neighborhood; and in another, I was running through farmland. No matter which dream it was, I was always thirsty, exhausted and very weary. Even so, I hardly felt like I could spare a moment to stop and rest, or even take the time to look for some water. Every now and them, I came across a storage shed, or a empty doorway, or an old abandoned house that I felt like I could safely hide in and rest for maybe a moment of two; but in every dream, as soon as I would sit down, I would immediately begin to hear these voices in the distance, and I knew that they were the voices of those who were chasing after me. The voices would quickly get louder as they approached me, as though they always knew exactly where I was. I would then immediately take off, running as fast as I could, as though I barely had time to escape. Each time that I awoke from these dreams, I found myself sweating and physically exhausted, as though these chases truly happened to me in some realm that I am not familiar with. My strength would be so completely spent that it would take everything that I had just to get out of bed.

Then one morning, just after I awoke from another one of these dreams, I did something that I had not previously done; I prayed and asked, “Lord, what are these dreams, and who is it that is always chasing me?” The Lord answered and said, “The voices that you heard in your dreams are the voices of your “old man”; you remember those voices, don’t you? These are those voices that you were well familiar with before the day that I called you; in those past times when you were still your own lord and god. O yes, in those past times, your “old man” was your constant companion; an intimate lover that counseled you have to keep control over your own life. He was a personal guide to your conscience; a confidant in times of trouble, and a counselor in whom you greatly trusted. O yes, it is your “old man” that assures you that you are right in all that say and in all that do because righteousness belongs only to a god. You delighted in making your own decisions because that is what a god does. You delighted in those things which you did according to your own will because a god only does his own will. You delighted in making your opinions to be the truth because truth belongs only to a god. You delighted in making a reputation for yourself because a god should have fame. You delighted in the precious image that you made for yourself because a god delights only in the work of own his hands. You delighted in exalting your own name above all other names because there should be no other names before a god. Surely, you remember those old days, don’t you? You do remember the voices of his voice, don’t you?

I Corinthians 4:5 “Judge nothing before the time until the Lord comes and brings to light the hidden things of darkness and the counsels (the voices) of the heart; and then shall every man have praise of God.”

Your “old man” is pursuing after you to woo you; to seduce your heart with sweet words and to entice you with past remembrances; and he relentlessly pursues after you as a jilted lover who desires to have his love back. He it is who seduces you to yield to the counsels of his voice; to those voices that you knew well when you had no other counselor but him. He desires to bring back into your remembrance the “good old days”; for you to look back at your old life and remember how delightful it was when you daily satisfied his desires for you to be your own lord and god. That’s right; your “old man” has no desire for me to be your Lord or your God, for it is impossible for a man to have two masters. He is coming after you, to tempt you with those past remembrances so as to win your heart back so that he might regain his throne over your heart and mind. He is coming after you to win back your heart with new devices that arouse in you these “old desires” to be your own lord and god. O, you do remember which is written where I said, “You are gods”. Your “old man” seeks to do this for his own preservation; that is, your “old man”, he is only your “old man”; he is no one else’s “old man” but yours.

Ecclesiates 7:10 “Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law that I said, “You are gods?”

Psalm 97:7 “Let all be put to shame who serve graven images (opinions), who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.”

Galatians 4:8-9 “Howbeit then when you did not know God, you did service unto them which by nature are not gods. But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, why do you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, which you desire again to be in bondage?”

He is coming to remind of how easy and satisfying it was in those days when you did all things according to your own will. He wants to remind you of how simple it was in those days for you to just say and do those things that seemed right in your own eyes. Your “old man” wants to remind you of how wonderful those times were when you felt like you were in control over the circumstances and situations in your own life. He wants to remind of the old days when you felt free to make your own opinions to be all the truth that you needed to know. Your “old man” wants to remind you of those old days when you never had any weaknesses or faults because you always had a reason or an excuse to justify them with. O, how sweet and enticing are the voice of his words which call out to you from the darkness. Have you not heard his voice? Have you not known that all of your temptations come forth from the voices of your “old man”? O, he comes after all to arouse old desires with enticing and seducing voices that he cleverly disguises.

James 1:14 “But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own desires and enticed.”

Now let me remind of that which is written, for you have a choice to make; a choice of whose voice you are going to yield your heart to believe and obey; for in truth, there is only one Lord and one God; and he is a jealous God who will not have the voice of any other gods before him. I have called you out of this world, and you are no longer a citizen of this world; you are no longer your own lord and god. Take heed; and let me remind you of Lot’s wife, how she was enticed to look back at the life she was leaving behind; and suddenly she was no more. So also does your “old man” continually tempt you to look back at the life that I have called you out of; let not your heart be deceived to save the life of your “old man”; a life filled with the idolatry of “self”. It is now, and it is no longer yesterday, so your “old man” has devised new plans to arouse old desires; and he is coming after with voices of filled with sweet words and false doctrines.

Luke 17:30-33 “Thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed; for in that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Genesis 19:24-26 “Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Luke 9:61-62 “And another also said, “Lord, I will follow you; but first let me go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, “No man, having put his hand to the plow and then looking back is fit for the kingdom of God”.

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (AMP) “But The [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized).”

Now hear and understand and I will show the mystery of your “old man”. But first, answer me this question? From where does sin come from? Does it come from Satan, that old Devil who is the father of the “old man”? What was the sin of Lucifer, and from where was it conceived? Was it not conceived out of his own wisdom when it was corrupted with the desires to make himself to be as God? And once Lucifer had deceived himself with this lie, what lie then did he speak to the angels that so easily overcame 1/3 of them into believing that they also could become as God? And then upon earth, did not Satan use the same voice of words to deceive Adam and Eve with that he had used to deceive himself and 1/3 of the angels in heaven with? I told you before, and I tell you the truth; there is only one God and one Lord, and all others come forth as illusions of lies. Do you now see, that sin of the “old man” is the same sin as Lucifer, his angels, Adam and Eve; the desire for one to make himself to be his own lord and god?

Isaiah 14:12 “How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

Genesis 3:1-6 “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made; and he said unto the woman, “Yea, has God said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” And the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not surely die; for God knows that in the day that you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and then gave it also unto her husband; and he did eat.”

Your “old man” is a child of this world; a child of darkness who is completely alienated and separated from any fellowship and communion with the Father of Light. Your “old man” is only subject to the desires of his father, the Devil; and the Devil only desires to be his own lord and god. The children of darkness are his deceived children who continually exercise themselves in these same desires to be their own lord and god. The darkness is the dwelling place for these ignorant beasts that have no comprehension of the “being” of God, nor do they understand the divine nature of God. Your “old man” is such a beast because he does not know God. Remember that which you once said, “I know the Lord”; but I questioned you and said, “O yes, you do know me as your Savior, but do you know me as your Physician? Do you know me as your Teacher? Do you know me as your loving Father who instructs and corrects his sons? Do you know me as your Redeemer? Do you know me as your Provider? Do you know me as your Deliverer? Do you know me as your friend? Do you know me as your protector? Do you not know that all such ignorance is darkness?

Ezekiel 28:2 (AMP) “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre (the spirit of man from which comes the desire for one to be their own lord and god), “Thus says the Lord God; because your heart is lifted up and you have said and thought, “I am a god”, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas; yet you are only man [weak, feeble, made of earth] and not God, though you imagine yourself to be almost more than mortal with your mind as the mind of God”

(The prince of Tyre is the son of the king of Tyre, who is Satan (fallen Lucifer); like father, like son)

John 8:42-44 “Jesus said unto them, “If God were your Father, you would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither did I come of myself, but he sent me. Why do you not understand my speech? Is it because you cannot hear my word? You are of your father the Devil, and the desires of your father you will do (the desires to be lord and god)”.

Psalm 73:21-25 “My heart was grieved, and I was troubled in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before you. Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom do I have in heaven but you? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides you.”

Ephesians 5:14-17 Wherefore he says, “Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light’. See then that you walk circumspectly (accurately), not as fools, but as wise; redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore, do not be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

So then, who is your “old man”, and unto what desires is he subject to that allows for sin to have dominion over him? Remember, I came into this world to save your soul, not your “old man”. Your “old man” does not trust God. Your “old man” does not love God. Your “old man” does not obey God. Your “old man” will not seek counsel from God. Your “old man” will not diligently seek for God, though he will seek for him as is convenient to him. Your “old man” does not believe God. And neither will your “old man” receive instruction or correction from God. Just as the darkness has no desire to fellowship with the light, and just as lies have no desire to commune with truth, so also your “old man” does not have any desire for you to have any fellowship or communion with God. As the flesh is contrary to the Spirit, and Spirit contrary to the flesh, so also are the desires of your “old man” contrary to the desires of the “new man”. Now I humbly ask you, “Who are you? Whose child are you? Whose desires are you subject to: the desires that delight in doing your own will, or the desires that delight in doing Father’s will? Whose identity are you clothing yourself with? Are you willing to put off the sinful desires of the “old man” and put on the new man, which is Christ Jesus manifest in you? I am the “new man” that saves your soul from the sinful nature of the “old man”.

Hebrews 10:39 “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Ephesians 4:21-24 “If it be so that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, then as the truth is in Jesus, you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (holiness of the truth).”

James 1:13-16 “Let no man say that when is tempted, “I am tempted of God”: for God cannot be tempted with evil and neither does he tempt any man. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own desires and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished it brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone that says unto me, “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but only he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Psalm 40:8 “I delight in doing your will, O my God; for your law is in my heart.”

I am the “new man”, I am the “new man” that is raised up in those who take up their cross to crucify their “old man”. You are not Christ Jesus; I am Christ Jesus in you, the incorruptible nature. I did not come into this world as a Lord or God, but instead, I came off of my throne and came in the likeness of sinful man: the “old man” who is subject to the desires to be his own lord and god. If I had come as Lord and God, then I would have come into this world in fullness of my Father’s glory, and I would not have been despised or rejected by men. Though I came in the likeness of sinful man, I did not come as a man who sought to do his own will, but I sought to do my Father’s will. When I found myself to be clothed in the fashion of the “old man”, I took up my cross daily to crucify these worldly desires to be my own lord and god; for the will of my “old man” was contrary to my Father’s will. I did not come as a Lord or God who desires to be served, but I came as one who serves out of love; for such is the nature of the true God of love. I did not come to exalt myself in my own judgments or in my righteousness, but I came in the righteousness of faith, and belief, and honor, and trust, and love, and loyalty towards my heavenly Father. When I found myself clothed in this worldly fashion, I knew that there was nothing that I could do of myself to please my heavenly Father; but because I believed on my Father’s words, and because I had the faith that stands in the power of his love, I surrendered my heart and my mind into his hands. It was then that I heard his voice speak from heaven saying, “This is my son in who I am well-pleased”.

John 5:30-31 “I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I do not seek to do my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.”

Romans 8:3 “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh in order that the righteousness of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit… 5 Those who are of the flesh are mindful of the things of the flesh (the desires of the “old man”); but they that are of the Spirit (the “new man”, who is Christ Jesus) are mindful of the things of the Spirit… 13 If you live after the flesh (the “old man”), you shall die, but if you, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.”

John 10:17-18 “Therefore does my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

I Corinthians 13:5 “…Love does not seek its own…”

Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith, it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards those who diligently seek for him”.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus was baptized, and when came up out of the water, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him, and lo a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.

I came into this world to be an example for all those who follow after me; to show that the only way to escape death and destruction is to surrender your heart and your minds into my Father’s power and love; though your “old man” waits to deceive with many voices that will tempt you to put forth your own hands to do the best you can. It was for this reason that I came in the likeness of sinful flesh so that my heavenly Father might show the greatness of his power and his love towards all who are clothed in the fashion of the sinful man. I also was compassed about with the desires and the weaknesses of the “old man”; and though I was tempted in all things to be my own lord and god, just like you, I never bowed my heart to any of the lies that tempted me to take control over my own life, to do things according to my own will? Did you see how my “old man” was contending with me even to the end, when I went into the garden in Gethsemane to pray? Do you see how I was so tempted to yield to his lies that I actually sweat drops of blood, the life-blood of “old man” that I resisted to yield to? I waited until my Father sent his Spirit to mortify the deeds and the desires of my “old man”. I never once sought to save the life of my “old man”, but I continued in fervent prayer until my salvation came from above. My Father showed to me the faithfulness of his love when he sent his angels to overthrow the powers, the principalities, the rulers of darkness, and the wicked spirits that rule over the “old man” with corrupted and deceitful desires and affections. Again, when I came into this world, I came just as you were when you were your own; and when I found myself clothed in the fashion of the “old man”, the desires of this world, I did not seek to save my own life, but I took up my cross and surrendered my life into my Father’s hand, asking for him to send his Spirit, which mortifies the deeds of the “old man”.

John 13:15 Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done”.

Hebrews 4:15-5:9 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our weaknesses, but was tempted in all things like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 5:1 For every high priest who is taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God so that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; for who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way except he who also was compassed with weaknesses…6 As he said also in another place, “You (Jesus Christ) are a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec; who in the days of his flesh (the “old man”), when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who was able to save him from death (the carnal mind), and was heard in that he feared; and though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

John 10:17 Jesus said, “Therefore does my Father love me because I lay down my life so that I might take it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

Philippians 2:5-9 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself to be no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man (citizen of this world), he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name.”

Romans 8:13 “If you live after the flesh (the desires of the “old man”), then you shall die; but if you, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.”

Luke 22:41-43 And when Jesus had withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, he kneeled down and prayed saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but your will be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven strengthening him.”

It is those old times that your “old man” desires to keep you in remembrance of; those times when you delighted in doing all things according to your own will; those old times when your soul was completely surrendered to the illusion that you were your own lord and your own god. You remember those old times when felt like you had some power and influence among those who were around you; for does not a god have these things? You remember those old times when you delighted in exercising your judgments of other men; for should not a god sit in the seat of judgment? You remember those times when you delighted in taking control over the situations and circumstances that arose in your life; for should not a god should have authority to do so? You remember those times that you delighted in receiving glory and praise when you did good in the sight of men; for do not all gods receive their own glory and praise? You remember those times when you made a name for yourself according to those things you accomplished for yourself; for should not a god have his own fame? You remember those old times when you whined and complained when things did not go your way or according to the plans you made; for should not a lord and a god have the right to do so? You remember those times when you were honored and esteemed by others for the reputation that you had made for yourself; for should not a god be treated with respect? You remember these old times and how you delighted in all things that were of your own; in your own confidence, in your own deeds and accomplishments, in your own strength, in your own self-image, in your own righteousness, in your own wisdom, in your own power and control, and in your own glory and honor because these are the things that belong to lords and gods. Have you not heard his voices tempting you? Has not your “old man” sought to parade through your thoughts these old things to tempt you with? Now you know, these are the natural desires that all of the citizens of this fallen world are subject to; and by reason of their blindness, they are not able to see any foolishness or wickedness in any of these counsels. Where is the man who sees the truth of these vain thoughts; vain imaginations that suppose that vain men can become good, and faithful, and understanding, and great, and righteous of himself? Foolishness and wickedness delights itself in the thinking of the “old man”; for no man has received any authority or power that allows for him to be a lord or a god; though all seek to satisfy such desires.

Philippians 2:21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, “There is none righteous,; no, not one. There are none that understand, and there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.

Psalm 94:11 “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vanity”.

II Timothy 3:1-5 “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves….lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and having a form of godliness (lords and gods over their own Christianity), but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Hebrews 11:24-25 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”

Isaiah 58:13-14 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your own pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor him, not doing your own ways nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words; then shall you delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.”

Psalm 37:4-7 “Delight yourself in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord (the true Sabbath), and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way (those who take pleasure in being their own lords and gods) because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.”

It is as it written, that all those who follow after my voice, they shall not wrestle with any flesh and blood, but they shall wrestle against the voices that come forth from this world: voices that come forth from the powers and principalities of this world, from the rulers of the darkness of this world, and from the wicked spirits that have all ruled over the kingdom of this world with sin and death. Sin and death rule over the thinking of all who are carnally minded; for in the carnal mind, the darkness appears as the enlightenment of man: and it is in this enlightenment that the light of your “old man” shines forth, showing himself to be his own lord and god. In truth, the enlightenment of the “old man” is the enmity of the carnal mind; the enmity in which the spirit of antichrist moves and dwells in to make the “old man” to be the sovereign ruler over his own world. It is as it is written, that those who submit to the voices of this world are of the world; and the world hears and understands them when they speak because all of the citizens of this world are subject to the same desires. None of these desires are of God, but they are of this world; for there are no desires in the “old man” that delights in God being your Lord and your God. Remember the sin of Lucifer, of his angels, and of Adam and Eve.

Ephesians 6:11-13 “Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

II Corinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds and casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (which is every thought that desires for you to be lord and god), bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

I Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both 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.”

Luke 11:35 “Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.”

Luke 16:15 “Jesus said, “….for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

Romans 8:6-7 “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, and indeed, neither can it be”.

James 5:4 “You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of this world is enmity with God? Whosoever will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.”

For all have sinned; for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. If any man says that he has no sin, he is a liar because he has been deceived by his “old man”, and the truth of the “new man” is not in him. All have sinned. All have been conceived in sin; for the man of sin, the son of perdition (destruction), he is the “old man”; for sin dwells in the vessels that are fitted for destruction. When sin abounds; when the desires of the “old man” abound, do also does my grace abound even more. What? Does this have any meaning to you? When your “old man”, the man of sin, that son of perdition, stands in the temple of your body, to exercise himself in satisfying his worldly desires to show himself to be his own lord and god, then the grace of my love shall abide even greater; for greater is he who is in you than he who these worldly desires inhabit. Who are you? Who is greater: the “old man” or the “new man”? Are the sins of the “old man” greater than the love of God? Do you not know that greatness only belongs to him who you ascribe greatness to; that is, it is whose voice that you esteem and believe that you allow to have dominion over your heart. To those who willingly surrender their hearts to the desires of the “old man”, to believe the lies of Satan, and who take pleasure in being their own lord and god, then they become those children of darkness that sin takes dominion over to keep blind to the truth of God. When sin has dominion, then blindness rules, and when blindness rules, who shall be ashamed of his sins? Who shall repent of those things which he highly esteems? When the darkness blinds the heart, where is the sin: “What have I done wrong, O Lord?”

Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things; who can know it?”

Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”

Romans 9:22-24 “What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power (and his love) known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction so that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he has prepared before unto glory, even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”

Romans 6:12-16 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the desires thereof; and neither yield your members to be as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Do you not know that it is to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

I John 3:8-9 “He that commits sin (satisfying his desires to be his own lord and god) is of the Devil; for the Devil sinned from the beginning (through these same ungodly desires). For this purpose the Son of God (the “new man”) was manifested so that he might destroy the works of the devil (the works of iniquity; those self-righteous works that men do to show themselves to be lord and god over their own Christianity). Whosoever is born of God (the “new man” in Christ Jesus) does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

Romans 5:13-20 “But when sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”

1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world (the “old man” with his worldly desires).”

John 9:39 “Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world so that they which do not see might see; and that they that see might be made blind”. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words and said unto him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said unto them, “If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now because you say, “We see (we know what is right)”; therefore your sin (the desires to be their own lord and god) remains.”

Jeremiah 8:6 “I hearkened and heard, but they did not speak right: no man repented himself of his wickedness saying, “What have I done?” Every one turned to his own course as the horse rushes into the battle.”

Now there are those who sin has dominion, and there are those who are captive to sin. Those who sin has dominion over, they are the children of darkness that are blind to see the sins in their hearts or minds. These are they who are wretched, miserable, naked, blind, and poor in Spirit, but they do not know it. Now the children of light who walk in my truth, they see the evil works of the “old man”, that man of sin. These are the children of light that will not willingly bow their hearts to his lies, and neither will they willing bow their hearts and worship the idolatry of their own lordship and godship. These are they who are under grace; children of faith who are patiently waiting for me to come, to redeem them from this wretched body of sin and death. They have been tempted in all things, and they know that regardless of what my light reveals, nothing will cause my love to depart from them; for even the man of sin is not able to exalt himself to separating the hearts of my people from my love for them. Who is greater but the voice of him who you willingly surrender your heart to obey? Who has power over you but he whose voice you choose to believe? Those who know to do good, but do not do it, it is accounted unto them as sin; but when sin abounds, so also will the grace of my love abound even greater….and my grace is sufficient for them because they know that my love for them is greater than the sin that inhabits the world. Does it mean anything to you that my love for you is greater than the sin of the “old man”? I told you before, and I will tell you again, that many will not be able to stand in the days ahead because they do not know, nor understand, nor believe in the power of my love.

Romans 7:15-22 NKJV “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not do; but that which I hate is that which I do. If then I do that which I will not to do, then I agree with the law that it is good. But now it is no longer I (my soul) who does it, but sin (the man of sin; that “old man”) that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh; my “old man”) dwells no good thing; for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I do. Now if I do that which I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law that evil (the “old man”; that spirit of man) is present with me, the one who wills to do good.”

II Timothy 2:24-26 “And a servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility instructing those who oppose themselves (the “old man”), if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

There are three desires that are of this fallen world that keep its citizens in bondage to the sins of the “old man”. The first desire is the desire of the flesh; which is the desire that is written in the hearts and minds of all men for divinity. This is the affection and desire that the man of sin has to do all things according to his own will. He only delights in doing those things which please himself; and even in the things that does, he only delights in doing them in the manner that he desires to do them, when he desires to them, where he desires to them, and how he desires to them. When your “old man”, that man of sin, finds himself under the authority of another’s will, he is only able to begrudgingly submit himself unto it. The man of sin has no delight in submitting neither to the authority or to the instructions of others. Those who put off this corrupted desire of the “old man”, that put me on, the Lord Jesus Christ; they will suddenly find that they are able to delight in doing Father’s will.

I John 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world: the desires of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the desires of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Matthew 7:21 Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls me “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; only he who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world….”

Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

Psalm 40:8 “I delight to do your will, O my God; yea, your law is within my heart.”

Proverbs 15:10 “Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die.”

1 John 5:3-4 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God (Jesus alone was born of God; that which is being birthed in us is the new man; Christ in us) overcomes the world (these 3 worldly desires).”

Secondly, there is the desire of the eyes; this is that vision that is peculiar to each citizen of this fallen world; a vision where each man believes that the way he sees and interprets all things is the right way those things should be seen and interpreted; for it is as it is written, that every way of a man is right in his own eyes. There is no greater desire than the desire of the eyes: the desire for one to be more righteous in his beliefs than all others are in their beliefs. It is by reason of this peculiar vision, and the desire to be more right than others, that the “old man” seeks for occasions to exalt himself in his own righteousness. He will argue, he will roll his eyes, he will go to war, he will slander, he will make light of, he will refuse, he will fight, he will justify, he will contend, he will scorn, he will reject, he will divorce, he will strive, he will kill, he will despise, he will condemn, he will mock, or he will hate any man, or even God himself, just to defend that which he believes to be right in his own eyes. This disillusional vision only belongs to the citizens of this fallen world; for the truth is, “There are none who are right; no, not even one.” How can the citizens of this world each believe that he is his own lord and god except that he first believes that we he sees things is more righteous than the way others see those things. By a man’s vision he will establish for himself that which he believes to be right and wrong; or that which is good and evil; or that which is truth and lies? Even so, every man’s vision is that which keeps him blind to the righteousness of God, the life of God, the truth of God, and the being of God. Has any man ever repented of that which he believes to be right?

Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord ponders the heart.”

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, “There is none righteous; no, not one.”

Job 40:8 Lord speaking to Job, “Will you disannul my judgment? Will you condemn me so that you may be righteous?”

Thirdly, there is the pride of life; and surely you know that this is the same pride that is abomination in the sight of God. What man does not believe that the life he chooses to live is so right that he judges all other lifestyles according to his own? Does not a man make a name and a reputation for himself according to the way he lives his life? Is not his name and reputation established upon those things which he perform and accomplishes for himself; according to the wealth and possessions that he acquires for himself; as well as the opinions of words that he speaks before others? Does not your “old man” delight himself in the image of his own goodness and his own righteousness? Seeing then that your “old man” is proud of those things that he makes for himself, then know also that he is also proud of the opinions that he forms for himself; for his opinions reveal his beliefs; that which he believes concerning the issues of life: religion, food, politics, health, children, clothing, finances, marriage, friends, traditions, and occupation. For it is in these things a man shows forth his manner of life, and that he himself is lord and god over his own life. O how the “old man” desires to give his own counsel to others concerning these issues of life; freely giving his own advice to others on how they ought to live their lives. There is nothing the “old man” is more proud of than living a life that is free from any help or assistance from others, especially from God.

Psalm 10:4 “The wicked, through the pride of his own appearance (image), will not seek after God; for God is not in all of his thoughts.”

Proverbs 16:5 “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord…”

Isaiah 30:1 “Woe to the rebellious children”, says the Lord, “that take counsel, but not of me….”

Revelation 3:16,17 “So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth because you say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and I have need of nothing”; but you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

These are the desires of this world that are written in the hearts and the minds of the “old man”; the desires for all to be lord and god over their own world. These are the desires that men seek to satisfy so that they can take control over the world around them. Do not men feel a sense of power when they feel like they are in control over their own circumstances and situations? Do not men feel secure when they are in control? Do not men desire to control others? Do not husbands desire to control their wives, and wives desire to control their husbands? Do not parents desire to control their children, and children desire to control their parents? Will not a man use intimidation, threats, fears, lies, judgment, or force in their attempts to gain control? Do not politicians desire to control the peoples with their laws; laws that they themselves are not able to keep? Do not men desire to have more wealth and influence so that they may obtain more control? Does not one wolf fight with another wolf another for control over the pack; or a lion fight another for control over the pride; or a horse fight another for control over the herd? Do not false teachers desire to be lords over the flock rather then to be examples? This is the spirit of this world; the spirit that holds the creatures of this world captive to the desires for one to be his own lord and god.

1 John 4:4-6 “You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he (the “old man” with his desires to be lord and god) that is in the world. They are of the world; therefore they speak of the world and the world hears them. We are of God; and he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God does not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

I Peter 5:2 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof willingly, not by constraint; not for filthy gain, but of a ready mind; neither be as lords over God's heritage, but be examples to the flock (one who takes up his cross daily).”

John 17:15-17 “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.”

I do not hear the words of those who speak of this world; the words of those who ascribe greatness to the man of sin, who delight in satisfying the desires of the “old man”. Two men went into the temple to pray, the one was clothed in the fashion of this world, and he ascribed greatness to the creature rather than the Creator. The other man was clothed in the grace of my love, and he ascribed greatness to his heavenly Father. The one who was a citizen of this world, he proceeded to boast of himself as he worshipped the idols of his own lordship and godship; proclaiming, “I am glad that “I Am” not like other men. I do not smoke or drink; I do swear; I watch what I eat; I am not an thief, nor an adulterer, and neither am I a murderer. I go to church; I preach the gospel; I have done many wonderful deeds; I fast; I pray; I am a good guy; I give my tithes, and my faith is seen in the righteous works I do and in the good words that I speak; and “I Am” especially glad that I am not like this weak and miserable sinner.” I tell you that this is the man of sin who defiles my temple, who stands in temple of his heart showing himself to be his own lord and god. This is he who defiles my temple with the uncleanness of his own righteousness and who fills my temple with the idolatry of his own lordship and godship. I will not hear this man’s voice, for it is abomination to my ears”, says the Lord.

Isaiah 47:10 “You have trusted in your wickedness and you have said, “There are none who see me”; your wisdom and your knowledge has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, “I Am; and there is none else besides me.”

Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags. We do fade as a leaf and all of our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Romans 1:22-26 “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man …Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness (Isa.64:6), in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions (to be the lords and gods over their own Christianity)”.

Matthew 15:7-11 “You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you saying, “This people draw near to me with their mouths, and they honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude and said to them, “Hear, and understand: It is not that which goes into the mouth that defiles a man but it is that which comes out of the mouth that defiles a man.”

Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity (the works of self-righteousness) in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Isaiah 59:1-2 “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God and your sins (being your own lord and god) have hidden His face from you so that he will not hear.”

Psalm 80:3 “Turn us again, O God, and cause your face to shine; and we shall be saved. O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry against the prayer of thy people?”

They that are of this world, they speak of this world; they speak of their own works and their own righteousness, and their own goodness, the things that they have done to satisfy their worldly desires to be lords and gods over their own Christianity. All such words are abominations in my ears. I will spew them out of my mouth because they delighted in the sins of the “old man”; the sins that have dominion over them because of the blindness in their eyes, in their heart, and in their mind. They are not even able to agree with or to believe my words which testify that I see their blindness, their misery, their nakedness, their wretchedness, and their poverty of the things of Christ. If any man thinks that he is not a sinner, then he is a liar who has not sought to know the truth, but is own pride has deceived him. These are they who even provoke me to anger with the words of their prayers; whose words do nothing but ask for those things which satisfy the desire of the “old man”. These are they who add sin upon sin to their sinful desires to be their own lord and god.

1 John 4:5-6 “They are of the world: therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God does not hear us. Hereby we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

1 John 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

Obadiah 6 “The pride of your heart has deceived you…”

Now this other man, the one who was despised and rejected by the one who exalted himself; this man who was an unwilling captive to the man of sin, he was clothed in the grace of my love; and my love covers a multitude of sins. Can there be any garment more beautiful than the garment that is able to cover all of the uncleanness, all of the evil, all of the wickedness, all of the perverseness, and all of the filthiness of the sins of your “old man”? There are many fashions that are of this world that men use to try to cover these things with, but I am able to see through them all. There are no good intentions, no excuses, no righteous works, no reasonings, or any best efforts that are able to hide from my eyes the sins of the heart”, says the Lord. “It is as it is written, “Man looks on the outward appearances but God looks on the heart”. Only my love is able to cover your heart. Remember that which I showed you, that your victory is in my love; for my love conquerors all. I hear the words of those who know this truth. I hear the words of the humble. I hear the words of those who need my help. I hear the words of those who cry unto me saying, “Father, be merciful to me; for I am a sinner, and I can do nothing of myself. Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me from the filth of my own righteousness.” I hear this man, and though he has allowed for me humble him, stripping him of all his worldly fashions that he once used to keep his sins hidden, I will clothe him with my blood; the garment of my truth and my love for him. Though he is a captive of sin, sin no longer has dominion over him because the light of my love has shined upon him; I have forgiven him and my truth has sanctified him, and he knows in his heart that there is only one Lord and one God. I love the words of those who are of a broken and contrite heart; for they are the words of those who have hated the idol worship of “self”: their own lordship and godship.

Proverbs 12:17 “He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness (the “old man”; the hypocrite) shows deceit.”

Isaiah 58:1-2 (AMP) “CRY ALOUD, spare not. Lift up your voice like a trumpet and declare to my people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins! Yet they seek, inquire for, and require me daily and delight [externally] to know My ways, as [if they were in reality] a nation that did righteousness and forsook not the ordinance of their God. They ask of me my righteous judgments and they delight to draw near to God [in visible ways].”

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

Romans 8:37 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

I beseech you and ask for you to consider these questions within your heart. What does it mean to you to become an alien in this world? Does it mean anything to you that I said that you are my workmanship? What does it mean to you when I say that I am alone am your Creator and your Maker? Does it mean anything to you when I say that I alone am your Lord and your God and that I will not have any other lords or gods before me? It is written that I said, “Is there anything to hard for God”; but what meaning does this word have concerning your life? What does it mean to you when I say, “Prove me, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and greatly bless you”? Is it not written, “It is impossible for God to lie”? Have you proved me to be faithful to my words or have you proved me to be a liar? Will it matter to you when you stand before me and I ask for you to declare before me all that which you have proved me on? Remember that which I taught you, that by the blood that has been shed for you on Calvary, and by the faith and the belief that is in me, Christ Jesus in you, and nothing that you have done of yourself, you have received authority to come into my presence; into the presence of my love, my power, my grace, and my goodness. Does having this authority mean anything to you? Do you have any desire to come into my presence? Did I not say that when I send forth my word, it will always accomplish the purpose which I send it to perform? Do you not understand the authority that has been given to you; that if you ask anything of me that is according to my will, then I will send forth my word on your behalf, and it shall accomplish that which I purpose for it to accomplish. Does this mean anything to you? Is there any word that is to hard for me to speak? I am the Word of God; by me were the heavens and the earth created. I am the Word which all things were created by. I am the Word that cast out demons; that healed the sick; that gave sight to the blind; and that raised the dead. I am the Word that accomplishes my Father’s will. Does it mean anything to you that in me, Christ Jesus in you, you have authority to ask for me to send my words to do things for you? You live in a world where all believe themselves to be their own lord and god, yet who among you is able to speak and it is?

Isaiah 55:10-12 “For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and return not there until they have watered the earth, making it to bring forth and bud so that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing that I send it to. For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD: supreme power; the unlimited power of God, who has sovereign control over all the heavens and earth.

Lamentations 3:37 ‘Who is he that says, and it comes to pass when the Lord has not commanded it?”

I am your Lord and your God. I am sovereign over all powers, over all principalities, over all spirits, over all flesh, over all sicknesses and diseases, over all your situations and circumstances; and there is nothing that is able to withstand the move of my Spirit; for I am that Spirit. I am the Word that is life and that is Spirit. I am your Lord and your God, and my banner over your life is love; and my love yearns to send forth my words to perform great and mighty things for you. Does this mean anything to you? Have you believed my words? How can anything mean anything to you except that you actually believe that which I written and spoken unto you? Have you come before my throne, praying fervently in belief, not ceasing until I have come and shown you great and mighty things? Who is he that is great and mighty? I desire to do all things for you because of the love that I have for you; not because you have proved yourself before me but because you allow for me to prove myself to you by believing the testimony of my words. Does it mean anything that authority has been given to you that allows for you to come before the throne of the only true God and Lord who loves you? Do you believe that I will perform all things for you; that I will truly send forth my word on your behalf? Does this mean anything to you? My word, which never fails, will accomplish that which I send it forth to perform; and neither shall my word return to me void; for it shall be accompanied with your thanksgivings and your praises as you delight yourself in knowing that the true Lord and God is your Lord and God, and that he sends his words on your behalf. Does this mean anything to you? My words cannot be believed on by your “old man”, and my words and promises are meaningless to those who only delight in making themselves to be great and mighty in their own eyes.

Song of Solomon 2:4 (AMP) “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him].”

Psalm 57:2 “I will cry unto God most high; unto God who performs all things for me.”

Job 23:14 “For he performs the things which are appointed for me; and many such like things are with him.”

I came into this world, and I overcame this world; triumphing over all the desires of this world and the lies of the “old man”. I am the “new man”; the man who came in the likeness of sinful man, but was made free from all sin. Who then shall overcome the world except those who believe my words and have faith in the power of my love? Who shall find victory over the worldly desires of the “old man” except those who I manifest myself in; the manifestation of the “New Man”? The wise know; I said, the wise know that what you sow is not made alive except it dies first. Shall the “new man”, the life of Christ, come forth in those who seek to save the life of the “old man”? Does this mean anything for you? Will you ask for me to release my love for you, to send my word, the truth that comes to overthrow all of the lies of your “old man”? Does it mean anything to you when I say, “I love you, and you are the object of my affection; even when you are clothed in the fashion of the “old man”? But who among you is willing to lay down his citizenship in this fallen world so that my love can mean something for them? I cannot give myself completely to you until you are first willing to give yourself completely to me. I will not force myself upon you and neither will I take that which is not given to me. Who will ask for me to send the sword of my word to sever all relationship, all friendship, and all communion between their soul and the spirit of man? Who is willing to receive my nature, my character, and my authority: the name that I delight in giving to those who delight in me? Who will come boldly before my throne to ask for my help instead of choosing to help themselves? I alone am your Lord and your God, and I will not put my hand to that which you put your hand to, lest you deceive yourself and steal my glory for yourself. I do not help those who help themselves because they already have themselves to be their own lord and god. Does it mean anything to you when I say, “I will not share my glory with any other”?

I John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Luke 2:35 “Yea, a sword shall pierce through his own soul (Jesus) also; and the thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed”.

Romans 8:13 “If you live after the flesh (the “old man”), then you shall die; but if you, through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of your body, then you shall live.”

Isaiah 42:8-9 “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

Galatians 5:26 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory…”

Lucifer fell to his desires for glory, and he declared, “I will be like the most high God!” He thought that I would share my glory. Did it come to pass? Did he become Lord and God? Were any of Lucifer’s angels able to become Lord and God? Did Adam or Eve become Lord and God? If then Lucifer, the most powerful and beautiful angel that God has created, was not able to bring to pass the words that he declared, then what about the lowly man who proudly declares, “I will be like Jesus Christ”? Shall he be able to bring his words to pass? Can the “old man” make himself to be the “new man”? I am the “new man”. Can a man that is of this fallen world change himself into the image of that which is in heaven? From where comes this wisdom that corrupts one with these deceitful desires that one should have his own glory? O the foolishness! So why would any listen to the lies of the “old man” who proudly proclaims, “I will be like Christ”. For as the sin of Lucifer and his demons are, so also are the sins of the “old man”. For all have sinned; for all have said in their hearts, “I am; and I delight in doing my own will. For all have sinned in their hearts and said, “I am; and I will do that which is right in my own eyes”. For all have sinned; for all have said in their hearts, “I am; and I will do the best that I can.” For all have sinned and said in their heart, “I will follow the counsels of my own heart”. For all have sinned and said in their hearts, “I will justify myself with my own words and deeds”. For sin is the work of the Devil, and those who are of the Devil are subject to sin; subject to the desires of their father the Devil who only desires to be his own god and lord. The god of this world is the Devil, and as his desires are for sin, to be his own lord and god, so also are the desires of all his citizens for sin. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The glory of man is the corruption of man.  

Isaiah 14:12 “How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

Genesis 3:1-6 “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made; and he said unto the woman, “Yea, has God said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” And the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not surely die; for God knows that in the day that you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and then gave it also unto her husband; and he did eat.”

Isaiah 47:10 “You have trusted in your wickedness and you have said, “There are none who see me”; your wisdom and your knowledge has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, “I Am; and there is none else besides me.”

Hosea 10:13 “You have plowed wickedness (your own wisdom and understanding), you have reaped iniquity; you have eaten the fruit of lies because you did trust in your own way….”

Isaiah 65:2 “My hands are stretched out all the day long to people who walk in a way that is not good; after their own thoughts.’

Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Psalm 9:19-20 “Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail. Let the heathen be judged in your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.”

Ecclesiates 3:17-18 “I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men that God might manifest unto them so that they might see that they themselves are beasts.”

Remember that which you have been taught, that as the Holy Spirit is to God, so is pride unto Satan; for pride is that power that burns with desire for a man to be his own lord and god. Pride is that spirit that goes before a fall because it lifts the heart up above the measure of that which God created man to be. Do not forget that pride is the power of the “old man” that is used to resist any subjection or surrender into the hands of the only true God. Do not forget that pride is the substance of darkness, the strength and power of the “old man”. There is no light in pride; only darkness that appears as the enlightenment of man. Pride is only conscious of “self” and it bathes itself in its own glory, its own honor, its own praise, and its own name. Also remember this; Lucifer fell, his angels fell, and Adam and Eve fell because their hearts were lifted up and they said, “I will be like the most high God”. Again, let me remind you as I have reminded you before; there is only one Lord and one God, and this honor or glory shall not be given unto any other, neither now, nor in eternity. Is it not enough that I should give my kingdom to you? Is it not enough that I should fill you with my Spirit? Is it not enough that you are truly the object of all of my affection? Are not my promises enough for you? The heavens proclaim, “You are my workmanship”; but the “old man”, that spirit of antichrist, comes to tempt you to put forth your own hands, to lift up yourself in the works of your own hands; to fashion yourself after an image that your own hands are able to make, thus perverting the entire plan that God has for you.

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Leviticus 26:18-19 “And if you will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power…21 And if you walk contrary (you being your own god and lord) to me, and will not hearken to me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.”

Isaiah 2:10-12 “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.”

1 John 3:8-10 “He that commits sin is of the Devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested so that he might destroy the works of the Devil. Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest and the children of the Devil: whosoever does not do righteousness is not of God, neither he that does not love his brother.”

John 8:43-47 Jesus said, “Why do you not understand my speech (voice)? It is because you cannot hear (understand) my word. You are of your father the Devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie (his voice), he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? He that is of God hears God's words (voice): you therefore cannot hear them because you are not of God.

Now hear and understand; there is that which the “old man” has great need of so that he can show himself “to be like Christ”, and that is the scriptures; the very words which testify of the life of Jesus Christ. How can your “old man” imitate the life of Christ except that he uses the scriptures as a pattern to copy the works that I did and the words which I spoke? How can your “old man” receive the praise and the glory that he desires except that he shows his works and his words to be like unto those that are like Christ? Do not marvel at this but remember that Satan transforms himself to appear as an angel of light, and his demons change themselves to appear as ministers of righteousness. Did not Satan also use the scriptures to tempt me when I was led into the wilderness, to have me show myself to be Christ? The kingdom of God does not come with an outward show. Have you not had others tempt you saying, “Well, if you are Christian, you will do this or you will do that”? Do these not use the scriptures in the same manner that Satan used the scriptures, to tempt you to follow after the instruction of their voice rather than the voice of God? My sheep hear my voice, and they will follow after me; they will not follow the voice of stranger, even when that stranger uses the scriptures to tempt them.

II Corinthians 2:17 “For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”

John 10:4-5 “And when the shepherd puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

Is it not written, that you are the servants to whose voice that you obey? The words that you believe, these are the words that you allow to have power over your life. Have you not observed how Israel, took the law that was given unto them, then joined it with their     natural desires, which then deceived them into believing that righteousness is that which man can obtain through the works of the law? Who told them that this was so, seeing that it is also written that “Righteousness belongs to God”? Did they become servants of the law or servants unto God? Do see how they came to trust the law rather than God? Do you see how the people of Israel were deceived by their own natural understanding of my words? Just as it is with the law so also is it with letter of the word, the rest of the scriptures that interpreted with man’s natural understanding; for these words only have power to arouse the desires of the “old man”. The “old man”, just like Israel, has a zeal for God, but according to his own righteousness, which is aroused by the letter of the word. Do you see how the law and the letter of the word both work in all those who lean to their own understanding? They are both words that have proceeded out of my Father’s mouth, but they have been filled with the natural and not the spiritual. I am the Word made flesh. I am the truth of my Father’s words. I am the truth that the people of God cannot comprehend when they hear the voice of my Father’s words. I am the truth that is only given to those who seek and ask to know my truth. I am the voice of my Father’s words that the citizens of this world cannot hear and comprehend; for spiritual truths can only be comprehended with spiritual understanding. Your “old man”, he is the voice of this world; the voice that speaks of the abilities of the “old man”: man’s wisdom, man’s power, man’s justification, man’s love, man’s goodness, man’s control, and the righteousness of man. Now consider this word; “What does it mean to you when I say to you, “Put off the “old man” and put on the “new man”?

Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that to who you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servant you are to who you obey; whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness?”

Daniel 9:7 “O Lord, righteousness belongs unto you, but unto us confusion of face….”

Romans 10:2 “For I bear them record that they (Israel) have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and have gone about to establish their own righteousness, and have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

II Peter 2:18 “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the desires of the flesh (the desires to be your own lord and god), though much wantonness. Those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption (natural desires to be their own lord and god); for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage.”

Galatians 4:3-5 “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world (the abilities and desires of the “old man”); but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

Job 33:14 ‘For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man does not perceive it.”

Psalm 62:11 “God has spoken once; twice have I heard this, that power belongs to God.”

II Corinthians 3:14-17 “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech; and not as Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished. But their minds were blinded; for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Every lord and god needs to have his own religion; a religion that is established upon a doctrine that defines how that lord and god should be served and worshipped. The letter of the word is just such a doctrine; a doctrine that is formed and established upon each man’s own interpretation of the scriptures. The letter of the word is that form of doctrine that allows the “old man” to exercise all of his natural desires to be his own lord and god, to show himself in appearances to be like Christ; yet, neither the law nor the letter of the word is able to reveal any truth about the divine nature or the being of God. When the “old man” tries to define God, he is only able to translate him into definitions that the natural mind is able to comprehend, but there is no truth in any such definitions because it is impossible for the natural mind to comprehend God. In the natural realm, the things that are seen are the things which appear as truth; for I myself was accused of being the Devil even though I told them that I was the truth about God; the truth that defied and contradicted that which is truth in the natural realm. Was it not those who thought that the truth was the things that are seen of this world that then sought to crucify him who brought the truth from the spiritual realm?

II Corinthians 2:17 “For we are not as many, which corrupt (deal deceitfully) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”

Matthew 23:1-5 “Then Jesus to the multitude and to his disciples saying, “The Pharisees and the scribes sit in Moses' seat: Therefore whatsoever they bid you to observe, observe all and do; but you do not do after their works: for they say, and do not; for they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to bear, and they lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men.”

There is no agreement between the natural and the spiritual; and neither is it possible for the natural to understand the truths of the unseen God. It is for this reason that the world does not know me, and my people Israel despised and rejected me. I spoke in parables to keep a separation between the clean and the unclean; to keep a separation between the righteous who understand the truth and the workers of iniquity who think that they are righteous because they believe that the letter of the word is truth. I am the truth, and only I am able to reveal the spiritual truths of God; truths that cannot be reasoned or imagined, even with the most educated thoughts of the natural mind. For the truth does not concern itself with intellectual or theological knowledge, but rather it is the revelation knowledge of the being and divine nature of God, written in the hearts and minds of his people. The truth cannot be expressed in any human language because it is impossible for that which is natural to even describe rightly the spiritual things of God. God is spirit, and those who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth; not after the deceitful lies of the letter of the word; for by the letter of the word, many will honor God with his lips and praise him with his mouths, but their hearts are far from him because the love for their “old man” burns in their hearts and minds.

Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

I Corinthians 2:11-15 “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, no man knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of God so that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God; which things we also speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches but that which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man (the “old man”) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual rightly judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

When the letter of the word is joined in agreement with the natural desires of the “old man” to be his own lord and god, then comes forth hypocrisy and the works of iniquity; the deeds and the works that men do to show themselves “to be like Christ”. All of the works done by the workers of iniquity are works that are done to show themselves to be righteous; they are works that do not come forth out of love for God, but works that come forth out of the love for the “old man”. It is impossible for the works of iniquity to come forth from the heart that is filled with the love of God. The pretentious words that are spoken out of hypocrisy, they are only vain lies that are spoken to give to others the appearance of righteousness. The letter of the word, this doctrine of the “old man”, is only able to bring forth images of the truth, of righteousness, and of godliness; false images that the natural uses to imitate the spiritual; and when the natural imitates the spiritual, the only things that come forth are hypocrisy and iniquity; crafty illusions that deceive all who walk by sight and not by the faith that stands in the power of God. Those who are under the letter of the word, they account their hypocrisy and their iniquity to be the “new man”; and these think that when they should be separated from the world; that they should be separated from the heathen of the world rather than the heathen of their worldly desires to be their own lord and god. I loved the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and the drunkards; and not once did I ever seek to separate myself from any of them. As the letter of the word works to bring forth hypocrisy and iniquity, the truth of God comes forth to set a man free from works of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Matthew 23:27 “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like unto whited tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but within you are full of dead bones and of all uncleanness (self-righteousness). Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”

Hypocrite: pretender; play actor

Matthew 24:11-12 “And many false prophets shall rise and deceive many (with the letter of the word); and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold.”

Hypocrisy is the best the “old man” can do to imitate the life of Jesus Christ; but this form of imitation only agrees with that outward appearance that is defined in the letter of the word. The hypocrite is the wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing; the “old man” imitating Jesus Christ. The heart of him who imitates never agrees with the heart of him who is imitated; for if there was agreement between the hearts, there would be no need to imitate because their would be oneness. Truly, imitation is the best form of flattery; but God hates flattery. Even so, the “old man” continues to pretend to love his brother with his words, but when his weak brother sins, especially a brother who he does not approve of, he will then show forth either accusation, or mockery, or rejection, or judgment, or disappointment, or scorn, or condemnation; for it is not in the heart of the hypocrite to show forth forgiveness, or longsuffering, or compassion, or mercy because these things come forth from my love. Because the “old man” is never able to correctly interpret the spiritual nature of God, he then uses his natural senses to imitate the spiritual things of the Lord; his love, his truth, his mercy, his humility, his peace, his authority, his belief, his life, his righteousness, or his faith. Because the hypocrite lives to the lies of his pretense, he is always fearful that the truth is going to come and reveal his natural identity. I said, “Follow me”; I never said, “Do the best that you can to imitate me”; for those who try to imitate me are those who say in their heart, “I shall be like Jesus Christ”. There is only one Christ; all else are only vain imitations and illusions. I Am; and I am real; I am not an imitator. The voices that come after you from the darkness, they are voices of lies; lies that tempt you to surrender to hypocrisy; to walk in those appearances and to speak those words that please and satisfy your “old man”.

2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be made partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (the deceitful lust of the “old man” that says, “I will be like Christ”).”

1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy….”

Isaiah 32:6 “For the fool will speak foolishness, his heart will work iniquity, and he will practice hypocrisy to utter error against the LORD…”

Iniquity is all of those good works that your “old man” tempts you to perform of yourself; works that are done to prove yourself to be lord and god over your own Christianity. Iniquity is that perversion of faith that comes forth from the letter of the word that says that man is proven to be a Christian by his own works; while the true faith says that a man is proven to be a Christian by the works that God does in that man. All of the works that come forth from the instruction of the letter of the word, they come forth to satisfy the lie that says, “I will be like Jesus Christ”. Hypocrisy and iniquity are nothing but the dead fruits that come forth from hearing the voice of the letter of the word; while the righteousness of belief and faith are the fruits that come forth when one is able to hear the truth of the word. It is as it is written, “As your faith is, so let it be done unto you”; it is not, “As your faith is, so do it of yourself”. The faith that stands in the wisdom of man, it brings forth the vain works of hypocrisy and iniquity; the best that man can do. The faith that stands in the power of God, it brings forth the abundant life that is in me; the life of Jesus Christ, the best that God can do.  

II Timothy 2:19-21 “Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: “The Lord knows them that are his”. And let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. Therefore, if a man will purge himself from these (his iniquities), he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and ready for the master's use and prepared unto every good work.”

Matthew 7:21-23 “Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls me, “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; only he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord”, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name have cast out demons? And in your name done many wonderful works?” And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me you that work iniquity.”

II Thessalonians 2:3-12 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (the coming of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away (pride) first, and that man of sin (the “old man” who desires to be his own lord and god) be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he (the “old man”) as God sits in the temple of God (our body), showing himself that he is God. Remember you not that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity (the righteous works done to show that man is his own lord and god) does already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked shall be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all the deceivableness of un(self)righteousness in them that perish; because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion (the letter of the word) so that they should believe a lie; that all might be damned who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in un(self)righteousness.”

Psalm 90:8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

Proverbs 16:6 “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.”

John 14:6 “Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Acts 3:26 “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, then sent him to bless you in turning away everyone of you from his iniquities.”

Psalm 39:5-6 “….truly, every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walks in a vain show…”

I Corinthians 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

Matthew 9:29 “Then Jesus touched their eyes saying, “According to your faith be it unto you.”

What has God required of you beyond that which faith and belief will bring to you from above? It is your faith and belief that allows your Father in heaven to show his love for you in performing the great and mighty works that he has promised you. The letter of the word only allows for the “old man” to become great and mighty through the works and the deeds that he does of himself, while God himself becomes great and mighty through the works that he performs for those who come to know the truth. When the “old man” exercises his own wisdom and understanding, his own strengths, as well as the best of his own abilities to perform his own works, he denies Christ who said, “Without me, you can do nothing to please God”. The letter of the word also allows the “old man” to perform his own works when he wants to perform them, how he wants to perform them, and where he wants to perform them so as to satisfy his desires to be lord and god over his own Christianity. These are they who believe that the liberty that has been given to them allows for them to worship and serve God in the manner that is pleasing unto themselves rather than in the manner that is pleasing unto God. These are the voices of the “old man” who chases after you, continually tempting you with the old works of hypocrisy and iniquity. Iniquity and hypocrisy are both well devised plans created by Satan with the intent of overthrowing the faith of those who do not love the truth. Hypocrisy and iniquity are only illusions that seem right in the natural realm.

Romans 4:4-5 “Now to him that works is the reward reckoned of debt, and not of grace; but to him that does not work, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Matthew 13:58 “And Jesus did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”

For all sinned. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. For all have been conceived in sin and brought forth to do iniquity. For all come forth with desires to sin and to work iniquity. For all come forth with the desire to believe the lies that they can be lord and god over their own lives. Behold the disorder of this fallen world; the disorder where fallen man, the man of sin, is exalted to sit upon the throne of the heart to be lord and god. Behold the perversion of the darkness; the perversion where the greatest desire in the hearts of men is to control and rule their own world. Just as the darkness is contrary to the light, so also is order of this world contrary to the heavenly order.

I beheld the earth; and lo, it was void of any life; for there were none who lived, and moved, or had any of his being in communion and fellowship with Father God. Behold the dysfunctional disorder that does not allow for God to be God. For all have sinned; for all have surrendered to his own desires to be lord and god; the desires that allow for sin and death to take their rule over the hearts and the minds of the citizens of this world. Behold the disorder in the kingdom of sin; the kingdom where God is neither Lord nor king. I alone am your Lord and your God; you are neither my lord nor my god. It is only in this world of disorder and darkness that men will mock me, will make light of my words, will doubt my love, will direct me with instructions as to what and how I ought to function. Only in this world of disorder will men not believe my words, will refuse to hear my instruction, will dictate to me, or hate me for who I am. The “old man” hates to subject himself under authority; yet he takes great pleasure in trying to take authority when no authority has been given to him. The “old man” loves to direct God in what to do, how to do it, and when to do it; as though God needed his help. For the sin of man is seen in the disorder of his own desires to be his own lord and god. This is the disorder that conceives and births all other disorders. So then, do not marvel that I said that a man must be born again; for that which is of born of this world is disorder and perversion.

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.

Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, “You must be born again.”

Jeremiah 4:22-23 “For my people are foolish, they have not known me; they are senseless children and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil and to do good they have no knowledge. I beheld the earth (earthy man), and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light (light of life).”

Isaiah 47:10 “For you have trusted in your wickedness; and you have said, “None see me”. Your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you; and you have said in your heart, “I am”, and there is none else besides me.”

Your “old man” is born of the flesh; and all who are born of the flesh use the scriptures to showcase their hypocrisy and iniquity. All who are born of the flesh use the scriptures to judge, to accuse, and to condemn the sins, the weaknesses, the mistakes, and the faults of others; then twist the same scriptures to justify their own sins, and weaknesses, and faults, and mistakes. All who are born in the flesh will use the scriptures to find ways to glorify themselves. All who are born in the flesh will use the scriptures to establish their own righteousness. All who are born in the flesh will use the scriptures as a playground where they can form their own opinions; and then use their opinions to change the image of God into an image like unto their own imaginations. All who are born in the flesh will use the scriptures as they sit in the seat of judgment over the lives of others; determining who to blame and accuse, and who to forgive and excuse. All who are born in the flesh will use the letter of the word as their basis to persecute those who are born of the Spirit. All who are born in the flesh will use the scriptures as a means to declare their own goodness. These are the works of iniquity that come forth from all who were conceived in sin. These are the works of those who allow the “old man” to stand in the temple of their heart, to show themselves to be their own lord and god; to show that they are sufficient unto themselves; and to show that they have no need for any of God’s help. As the darkness is contrary to the light, so also is that which is born of the flesh contrary to that which is born of the spirit; for it is only he who is born of the spirit that delights in surrendering his heart and mind into the hands of God for change; to put off the “old man” who is born of the flesh; and to put on the “new man” who is born of the Spirit.  

Galatians 6:8 “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Zechariah 4:6 “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel saying, “Not by (your) might, nor by (your) power, but by my Spirit”, says the Lord of hosts.”

I Corinthians 15:36 “You fool, that which you sow is not made alive except it first die.”

Galatians 3:1-4 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you so that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would do I want to learn of you: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?”

Romans 2:14-15 “For even the Gentiles, which do not have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.”

Galatians 3:10 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse.”

Galatians 6:12-13 “As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they will also compel you to be circumcised, lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For they themselves who are circumcised do not keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may glory in your flesh (these are they take control over the flock by using the letter of the word).”

From where does this knowledge come from, these voices of words, that so pervert the scriptures? Where does this knowledge come from that is able to twist the truth of God into powerless and vain doctrines? From where comes this knowledge come from that so many trust to be true because it seems right in their own eyes? From where does this knowledge come from that has no power to bring forth abundant life? From where comes this knowledge that so deceives my people that they put their trust in their own doctrines rather than to trust in me? From where does this knowledge come that only focuses on the works, the strengths, the wisdom, the understanding, the righteousness, and the abilities of fallen man, rather than on the wisdom, the power, the wisdom, and the abilities of God? From where comes this knowledge come from that arouses so much unbelief, reasonings, doubts, arguments, excuses, and distrust against me? From where comes this knowledge that satisfies all of the desires of the “old man” to be lord and god over his own Christianity? From where comes this knowledge, this letter of the word, that kills; the letter that led my own people to crucify the only begotten Son of God?

II Corinthians 3:4-6 “And such trust we have in God through Christ; not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also has made us to be able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life…. 12-18 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech; not as Moses who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil that has not been taken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit (the spirit of the knowledge of the truth), and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (from the fleshy desires to be our own lord and god). But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Luke 24:45 “Then Jesus opened their understanding so that they might understand the scriptures.”

John 6:63 “It is the Spirit that makes alive (that we should live, and move, and have our being unto God); the flesh (fleshy knowledge of the scriptures) profits nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.”

From where comes the knowledge of this world; this knowledge that deceives and corrupts all of the citizens of this world? In the beginning, in the midst of the garden of God, there stood a tree, a forbidden tree: the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil”. It was this tree that Satan seduced Eve with his lies to eat from, saying that all who ate of its fruits would become empowered to be his own lord and god. And when Adam and Eve overcome with their own desires to be their own lord and god, they took of the fruit of that tree and ate; and of that tree, all of the knowledge, and the understanding, and the wisdom that is of the darkness had entered into them, bringing with it all manner of wickedness, and evil, and uncleanness, and perversity. Also coming with it were all of the spirits of sin and death to their rule over the imaginations of their thoughts and the intents of their hearts. Mortality and corruption also took their reign over their bodies. Is it not a saying among men, “You are what you eat”?

Genesis 2:17 “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.”

Jeremiah 4:22 “My people are foolish, for they do not know me. They are senseless children who have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, and to do good, they have no knowledge.”

I Corinthians 8:2 “If any man thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, they were transformed; the light of life was extinguished and the darkness of death clouded their hearts and their minds. What fellowship does light have with darkness? What communion do lies have with the truth? What agreement does life have with death? Though they had knowledge, they hearts became ignorant of God as well as all things that are of God. They had eyes, they became blind to see the things of God; and though they had ears, they became deaf to hear the truth and understand the voice of their Creator’s love. Their heavenly Father who they had walked with, communed with, fellowshipped with, and whom they had loved had become unto them as some unknown alien who they were now greatly afraid of. They had become what they had eaten; and that forbidden tree, that Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, it could no longer be found in the Garden of God, but rather it was now rooted in the intents of their heart and in the imagination of their thoughts; and all of it’s fruits, the lies that say that you can be your own lord and god, became the natural desires and affections of their life. God is an unknown alien to the citizens of this world.

Romans 8:5-7 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace; because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Colossians 3:10 “And put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

I Corinthians 15:34-35 “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some do not have the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, ‘How are the dead (carnally minded; the “old man”) raised up? And with what body do they come?”

No, do not look any longer for the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” to be in the garden of God, but look for it in the consciousness of all who are carnally minded, in the citizens of this world; for from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” comes forth the law of sin and death that rules over the thinking of all who are carnally minded. Look around you; can you not see that the harvest is ready? Cannot you know see evil and wickedness nearing full bloom? Did I not say, “Your thoughts are not my thoughts”? How then could that knowledge which is natural to man agree with the knowledge of God? The desire for one to be his own lord and god has so blinded the carnally minded that no man is able to see the evil in his imaginations; the imaginations that arouse the desires within to dream and hope for those things which when they are obtained, will allow for a man to be exalted into godlike status: such things as glory, and fame, and power, and security, and honor, and righteousness, and wealth, and authority, and influence, and control, and the respect of men, and wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. These are those worldly treasures that your “old man” desires to have; those treasures that exalt a man to be more esteemed and greater than other men.

Genesis 6:5-6 “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts (the voices of the “old man)) of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord repented that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”

II Timothy 3:1-8 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power (a form after the letter of the word). And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Luke 16:15 “And Jesus said to them, “You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

All of the citizens of this world are born with these worldly desires written in their hearts and minds; and the inward hopes and dreams of those who are carnally minded is to achieve some manner of exalted status in this life that does not include God. Those who seek to satisfy these worldly desires will follow after their hopes and dreams to make a name or reputation for themselves among men; and these are they who also see that there is one thing that is necessary for them to achieve this god-like status, and that is money. In this world, hopes and dreams can be bought. None of the dreams or the hopes of the “old man” allow for me to be Lord and God. All those who are carnally minded see money and wealth as the pathway that leads to fame, to power, to influence, to greatness, to respect, to security, to honor, to independence, to glory, to that which can even be used to make a man righteous, and a solution to problems. It is as it is written, “The love of money is the root of all evil”; for those who love money are those whose hopes and dreams are rooted in becoming their own lord and god, independent of any need for God. Yes, worldly possessions and monetary wealth are able to satisfy worldly desires, but satisfying desires does not bring forth abundant life. None of these hopes and dreams are able to deliver a man from his sin or free his soul from death. How much would it cost for a man to atone his soul from his sin? How much