ECCE

      The phrase "comparing spiritual (things) with spiritual," comes from 1 Corinthians 2:13, describing, not the teaching of man' words, but the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The message today will be from the Book of Ephesians, comparing the contents of that Book with other scriptures therefore comparing spiritual with spiritual. When studying scripture, it is good to begin with what scripture says about itself: "All scripture is given by inspiration ( theopneustos - divinely breathed in) of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof ( elegchos - a proof, evidence, that by which a thing is proved or tested), for correction ( epanorthosis - restoration to an upright or right state), for instruction ( paideia - instruction, training, nurturing, chastening, correction) in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished ( exartizo - equip fully [as a teacher], complete) unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:16-17).      The Churc...

      We need to understand the power and authority we have as believers, paid for with the blood of Jesus. It is not traditions, doctrines or denominations that are the source of this heavenly power and authority that is manifested on earth through the believer in Christ. In fact, scripture tells us that our traditions make void the Word of God. (see Mk. 7:6-7 , 13 ).      In His last words before His ascension into heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for that power from heaven to come upon them: "But ye shall receive power ( dynamis - strength, power, ability, power for performing miracles, moral power and excellence of soul), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.' And when he (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." (Acts 1:8-9).   ...

     We are seeing an increase of lawlessness and corruption in these last days. The purpose of the "five-fold" ministry gifts to the church according to Eph. 4 is to equip the saints to be built up and unified in Christ. The church or Ekklesia , is defined as the called-out assembly of God's people, but there is no evidence that the church is practicing 2 Chron. 7:14 and seeking God's face in repentance. The church is turning instead to the things of the world. Does the church understand what it means to lead a Holy Spirit filled life?      Man's life began with the breath, or Spirit, of God: "And the LORD formed ( aleph-tav /Alpha and Omega in Greek, the reference to Christ in Rev. 1:8 , Rev. 21:6 , Rev. 22:13 ), man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul ( nefesh in Hebrew)." (Gen. 2:7). In Genesis, from the very beginning, the LORD who created all is written in Hebrew as Elohim ale...