MY LIFE: #47 Love Cast Out Fear The answer for me was not just in accepting the fact that I am loved by God, but rather it is in accepting Christ, who is love, into my mortal being. MAR 31

 

	View in browser It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today. Share The End Times Chronicles MY LIFE: #47 Love Cast Out Fear The answer for me was not just in accepting the fact that I am loved by God, but rather it is in accepting Christ, who is love, into my mortal being. MAR 31   READ IN APP   TRUE LOVE CAST OUT FEAR Since I did not understand the true meaning of love, fear began to punish me by forming in me a belief that I had to pay for my own sins. Also, this is why I searched to find “love” in all the wrong places. The end results - my flesh questions humanity’s expression of love toward me. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19) LUKEWARM LOVE DRIVES ME ‘CRAZY’ The word “love” is one of those words the emergent Christian world has twisted into being some kind of lukewarm catch-all for acceptance, but 1 John tells us something completely different: We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16) Since the most accurate definition of “love” is “God,” we can now put the passage of 1 John 4:18 this way: There is no human forced into alarm or fright through terror in God, but the perfect God casts out phobias and terror of men that derive from Satan. Terror involves self-payment of sin, and the one who lives in terror is not perfected by God in Christ Jesus. One final connection I would like to make – since “God is love” and Jesus Christ is God, we can make a clear statement about 1 John 4:16: We have come to know and have believed in Christ, which God has for us. Since God is love, and the one who abides in Christ abides in God, and God, through Christ Jesus, abides in the born-again believer. Let’s review John 15:5 regarding abiding in Christ: "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Putting the two passages together in a paraphrase, we can see this: I am about the Father’s work (ampelos), you are the limb or growth (klema) that comes forth from Me and that places Me in you; because of this, you can bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. The answer for me was not just in accepting the fact that I am loved by God, but rather it is in accepting Christ, who is love, into my mortal being - salvation. To many, it is a “play on words,” but to me, it is the difference between Life and selfishly endeavoring to find “love.” The fear in my life would block Christ from living out His Life through me. This resulted in me loving myself with a selfish love - like having a love affair with myself. Even though I was a born-again indwelt Christian, Satan would use these fears to form in me a covert rebellion that would rise up against the mind of Christ in me. Thus, I found myself “doing the very thing I hate.” The simple fact is that when we put our hand up in resistance (by not allowing the Spirit of Life to renew our minds), we begin doing the things that we “hate.” When we do this, the residue of the Adamic nature begins to bubble up causing our minds to think and act fleshly. “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good” (Romans 7:15-16). The doctrines of identity within this message are critical for the indwelt believer to embrace. Paul is actually telling us that he isn’t the one doing the things that he hates, but it is the sin that is housed in his mortal body (flesh). He is revealing a clear understanding of his identity (who he really is), as well as the residue of sin leftover from the Adamic nature within his body & mind. He is separating himself from his sin in the most literal way possible. God has revealed to him that there is nothing good in his flesh – trash left behind by the old nature. Even though it sounds like Paul refuses to take responsibility for his choices of sin, he is actually confessing one of the most profound Truths of identity – I am not my sin/flesh. Needless to say, my life became a life of attempting to live up to the standards of the Laws (of God and man), confessing with my selfish behavior that the Law was good - at least in the sense that the Law could be fulfilled through self-effort. The big problem with my “stinky thinking” is that the one who breaks the Law has to be punished with the letter of the Law. This is why “fear involves punishment” (1 John 4:18). The law of sin (in our mortal bodies) constantly pushes up through the body into our emotions, forcing itself into our will, and ultimately wages war against the law of our mortal minds. By resisting the Holy Spirit (who resides in our regenerated spirit), we thus agree that the law of sin has more power than that of Christ within. This is why it is such a horrific sin to submit to the law of sin and death over the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. To be able to say that the reality of two-thirds of our earthly triune is mastered by sin is actually the principle that leads us to be thankful to and through Jesus Christ for understanding the identity war within the true believer. Once our minds begin to resist the overflow of the Spirit, the human mind will default to inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worries, doubts, and fears, which are quick to dump into the mortal body as “selfish behavior.” It is the believer’s choice to walk after the flesh or to live in their true identity in Christ! Living Death is a result of walking after the flesh. Abundant Living is the glorious overflow of the Life of Christ by those who choose to walk in and after the Spirit. Walking after the flesh is choosing to believe that our thoughts, feelings, and appearance define who we are – behavior flows from identity. On the other hand, walking in and after the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus is choosing to believe God’s indwelling Word (Life of Christ) to direct the soul and body in living righteously. Once we dump our stinky thinking, authentic supernatural change can take place in the mind - thus, having Christ-as-Life behavior. How glorious is that? Once I began to appropriate my true identity in Christ, my fears lessened the hold on my daily living. I, we, have to continue to make choices to listen to the voice of the Lord in us and then choose to walk in what He says is true about those indwelt by Him. This is not a one-time occurrence but a daily reckoning to be dead to ourselves, our flesh, and alive unto Christ Jesus. Coming up next is #48, “Accepting my Righteousness.” Review the full library of “My Life Series” HERE. The End Times Chronicles is the host to MY LIFE, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribed Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff. Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney   LIKE COMMENT RESTACK   © 2024 Dr. Stephen Phinney P.O. Box 71, Sterling, KS 67579

Resurrection 2024 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ shocked the world. The resurrection validated Jesus’ claims of Divinity, new Life, and redemption forevermore. DR. STEPHEN PHINNEY MAR 31

 

	View in browser It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today. Share The End Times Chronicles Resurrection 2024 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ shocked the world. The resurrection validated Jesus’ claims of Divinity, new Life, and redemption forevermore. DR. STEPHEN PHINNEY MAR 31   READ IN APP   FORWARD "THE RESURRECTION" IOM America, in partnership with Mel Gibson Productions, has released our 2024 resurrection short film, which has received 20K views. Our passion in Christ is to have our viewers/readers advance the real message of our Savior's Resurrection Day. After watching, please forward the media to family, friends, and strangers - the “share” link is at the bottom of this post. We thank you for helping! RESURRECTION EQUALS HIS INDWELLING It is estimated that less than 1% of humanity has NOT heard of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Knowing of His resurrection does little for the power contained within His sacrifice on the Roman Cross. Jesus’s resurrection is the central event in indwelling Christian theology—the cornerstone of new life—is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These profound life-changing moments, recorded in the New Testament, hold immense significance for believers worldwide. However, few understand the authentic “why” and the results of Jesus’s resurrection in daily living. Satan has made this memorial celebration about Easter Bunnies, eggs, roasted stuck pigs, fancy dresses, and a host of other meaningless idol imagery. God’s enemy has worked relentlessly for generations to delude the authentic message of His resurrection - to provide indwelling LIFE for all who receive the Holy Spirit of promise. I despise Easter more than words can express. The Paganism that Satan has weaved into this day is beyond abominable to the Lord. I liken it to dressing Jesus in an Easter bunny costume on His most Holy day of remembrance. It sickens me. I find nothing cute about the sacrifice our Husband, Savior, and Son of God made and paid to provide indwelling salvation to all those in want. The Death of Jesus Christ Here are the Triune elements of the context of the “why.” Jesus, the Son of God, was mandated by His Father to come to Earth as the promised Messiah, live a perfect life, be hated, tortured, and die for the sins of humanity. His teachings were despised and renounced by the religious norms - past, present, and future. While His death was predicted in the Old Testament, even His own people betrayed and killed Him by placing Him on the Cross - all but one of His disciples betrayed Him in the end. However, during the three and a half years of His ministry, opposition grew, and Jewish and Gentile religious leaders conspired against Him. Being threatened by His words and life, refusing to be fronted with their sins, Jesus was executed in the most deplorable method known in His day - crucifixion. The Seven Deplorable Elements of Crucifixion Arrested and Tortured: On the day before the Jew’s Sabbath, their day of rest, Jesus was arrested, tortured, tried, and sentenced to death. Jesus was subjected to a flogging with a nine-tailed whip, each strap tipped with metal and bone fragments. The executioner lashed the whip into Jesus’ back, buttocks, and legs, causing excruciating pain - even after the victim passed out. He Was Stripped of Dignity: He was crucified on a hill called Golgotha (Calvary) alongside two criminals. Upon reaching the destination of Calvary, Jesus was stripped of His garments - made naked before the world. Roman crucifixion aimed for maximum humiliation and degradation. The condemned were left naked, devoid of any dignity or modesty. The Nailing to the Cross: Contrary to artistic depictions, Jesus was not given a loin cloth. Roman crucifixion was intentionally gruesome and humiliating. Nails were driven through His hands and feet, securing Him to the wooden cross. The pain would have been unimaginable as nerves and bones were pierced, while blood would slowly drain from His body. Suffocation and Agony: Hanging on the cross, Jesus struggled to breathe. The weight of His body pulled down on the nails, causing immense pressure on His chest. To inhale, He had to push up against the nails, scraping His raw back against the rough wood, while nerve pain would increase. Every breath was a torment, every movement an ordeal of slow death. The Sky Darkened: At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Since Jesus was required to become sin, His Father forsook Him, leaving Him isolated and alone until the moment of resurrection. The Mockery and Abuse: Soldiers and observers mocked Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on His head and pounding it into his skull. They spat upon Him, struck Him repeatedly, and taunted Him. The pain from the thorns and the blows intensified His suffering. The Jewish and Gentile crowd jeered, oblivious to the Divine and Holy sacrifice the God of the universe and beyond is making on behalf of their sins. The Agonizing Hours: Jesus hung on the cross for hours. His body weakened, blood loss severe, and dehydration unbearable. The sun beat down mercilessly, exacerbating His torment. Yet, in His agony, He uttered words that would shake the earth below Him - “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” a love that would soon resonate through the ages. Jesus’ death fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies that Isaiah and others referenced (Isaiah 53:5). His sacrifice provided redemption and reconciliation - opening a doorway to full restoration with God to those in want. The horrid day of the Cross would remain active for generations to come. As the Jewish law required a sacrificial flawless lamb, Jesus, Yesuah, became that LAMB and paid that price. The curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom, symbolizing direct access to God from the day of Yesuah’s death forward (Matthew 27:51). The Burial of Jesus Christ became one of the most infamous stories of world history. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, requested Jesus’ body for burial. Nicodemus, another Pharisee, assisted in the process. They wrapped Jesus’ body in linen and placed it in a new tomb hewed from a rock cliff. A large stone sealed the entrance, guarded by Roman soldiers. However, this did not stop the greatest miracle of the ages - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ burial fulfilled the Scriptures (Isaiah 53:9). His resting place became a symbol of redemptive power—a seed of life birthing from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ shocked the world. On the third day, the day after the Jewish day of rest, the first day of the week for Jews to return to their labors, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body to camouflage the stench of death. To their astonishment, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Yesuah was nowhere to be found. As the women stood in disbelief, angels appeared, proclaiming, “He is not here; He has risen!” (Matthew 28:6). Jesus had conquered death, emerging from the grave. The resurrection validated Jesus’ claims of Divinity, new Life, and redemption forevermore. Yesuah defeated sin, death, and Satan. He now can offer indwelling eternal life to all who believe (John 11:25). Share The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are core doctrines of authentic indwelling Christianity. They represent God’s love, grace, and victory over darkness. BUT KNOW THIS: it is the Resurrection of Jesus that provides the pathway to indwelling salvation by the means of accepting the Holy Spirit, the Life of Christ, into the believer’s mortal being. As uninformed and ignorant believers continue to celebrate Easter as an exaggerated pagan Christian holiday—the Holy facts remain in play, the glorious triumph of life over death—knowing that through Christ, we too can experience resurrection and eternal fellowship with our Creator and Husband by receiving His Spirit within our mortal souls. This is why our ministry calls it Indwelling Salvation. At this point, you should understand why I abhor the Easter Bunny? In regards to the paganism that accompanies “Easter,” I say, Satan, get yet behind me! Review what authentic indwelling salvation looks like. Read the sample salvation prayer if you are under conviction BY the Holy Spirit to receive salvation. HERE The End Times Chronicles hosts the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribed Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff. Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney   LIKE COMMENT RESTACK   © 2024 Dr. Stephen Phinney P.O. Box 71, Sterling, KS 67579