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In this blog, I provide encouragement and biblical teaching on the glory, majesty, and power of our Lord Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness.

As the Scripture says:

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves." (Mal 4:2)

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." (1 Jn 1:5)

Some of the topics covered include the deity of Jesus, the supremacy of Christ, the Lordship of Christ, the ongoing earthly ministry of Jesus, His ascension, the name of Jesus, the Refiner's Fire, and the bodily form of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope this will be an edifying and encouraging experience for you that will help you to grow in your walk with the Lord.

Light of the World	Being a Light in a Dark World	Is Jesus God?
Supremacy of Christ	Candle in the Dark	Ongoing Earthly Ministry of Jesus
Christ's Two Ascensions	The Eternal Firstborn of All Creation	All Things Handed Over to Jesus Christ
The Name of Jesus	Jesus is Yehova	The Refiner's Fire
The Bodily Form of God the Father	The Bodily Form of the Lord Jesus Christ	The Light and the Glory
Christ the Beginning	Jesus Alone Reveals the Father	The Glory of the Lord Revealed
Prophecy of Christ's Resurrection on the Third Day	There's No One Like the Lord	The Sinlessness of Christ
The Titles of Christ	Coronation of Christ as King	The Name Above All Names
Three Stages of Christ's Earthly Mission	The Seven Last Words of Jesus	Jesus is Light, Life, Love, and Living Word

Attribution notice: Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.

Please read Opportunities to Serve the Body of Christ.  You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Bodily Form of the Lord Jesus Christ

When you look at some of the paintings and images of Jesus around the world, it's no wonder people have a wrong understanding of Who He really is.  If you want the most recent picture of Jesus, you need to read the book of Revelation.

While the apostle John was on the Isle of Patmos, he saw Jesus in His glorified body.  John said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, ‘Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’ Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” (Rev 1:10-18)

The Lord still has a head, hair, face, eyes, hands, and feet, as He did when He walked the earth, except that now they are glorified with the awesome glory He had with the Father before the creation of the world.

John also said, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.’” (Rev 19:11-16)

As John said, the Lord has eyes that are a flame of fire, and a sharp sword proceeds from His mouth.

The apostle Paul saw Jesus face to face.  Luke wrote of the incident: “As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting…’” (Act 9:3-5)

Personal Testimonies About Jesus
Now I would like to share with you some extra biblical testimonies of people who have seen the risen Lord Jesus.

Anna Rountree describes what the Jesus Christ is like in her books, “The Heavens Opened” and “Priestly Bride.”  She said, “Jesus came to reveal the Father…Jesus appears in heaven in a burning light. Hundreds of spirits surrounded this brilliance, darting in and lifting out like eagles catching heat currents. They were flying with the light as if escorting it. So bright was this great light that it reduced the spirits to silver outlines of themselves in its radiance. It reminded me of figures passing in front of bright headlights on a dark night, although here there was no surrounding darkness. Everything paled that was near this intense brightness.”

Anna saw Him standing in the sanctuary of a church several times before over a period of years. She said, “One time He was standing twenty-four feet high in the sanctuary of a church. At that time He stood in the sanctuary, a rainbow encircling Him, clothed in a shimmering, multicolored cloak. The light radiating from Him looked alive. Suddenly He telescoped to the size of a man and spoke. His eyes, though far away, suddenly were near and riveting, as if aflame.”

She continued, “His eyes are clear blue but as deep as a bottomless pool. It seems that if you could travel into those eyes, you would understand all mysteries, that in plunging toward the bottom of that deep pool, you would pass the answers to all things.  He embodies love, light, and truth. When you stand before Him, a kaleidoscope of understandings floods your spirit, computing faster than lightning.”

Listen to "The Heavens Opened" 

Listen to "Priestly Bride"

Michael Thomas Sambo said in his book, “Divine Revelation of God's Holiness and Judgement,” states:

"While walking on the street of gold along with the angels, in a moment of time, the angels led me to where Jesus was sitting. He was sitting on the throne. No tongue can describe how the throne looked like. The floor of it was built with precious stones. The throne was high and lifted up. The ray of light coming out of the throne was brighter than the sun shining in its full brightness. When I arrived at the throne I bowed down along with the two angels and worshiped the Lord Jesus Christ. I tried to look into the throne but could not because of its brightness."

Listen to Michael Thomas Sambo's Testimony of Heaven and Hell

Marvin Ford in his book, “My Vision of Heaven,” states:

“And since we were worshiping Jesus, I said, ‘Oh, I haven't seen Jesus yet!’ I quoted to you Hebrews 1:3 when he had by himself purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high. And I knew if I found the majesty on high, which is God the Father, I would find Jesus. And I could personally tell him how much I love him and how much I appreciate him. Now I was going through this maze of colors there was a changing process. I don't know why, I can't describe it or even give you any scripture for it. But there was a changing process. And presently I came out into the brightest, whitest, clearest, cleanest, purest, most intense light that I had ever even imagined in my entire life. Oh I was seeing things that I had never dreamed of. And there, anywhere I would look in the upper level of this city 1500 miles square, with that rainbow or that oval type dome for a roof of this city, in there was the throne of God. In any direction I looked, there He was! I could not make any physical being, you know, I couldn't make out any physical being because His Glory filled the throne. But I knew, I knew that Jesus was sitting at his right hand because the word of God said so.”

He continued, “Presently I saw him. A massive, light, shaft of light. And I seemed so small in comparison to Jesus. I worshipped Him. Now when I say I saw Jesus, I knew it was Jesus. I could not make (out) any physical form…the light was so bright that I could not make out any physical being. The only way I could describe that, if you were to take an about 3 million candle power search light, one of these arc lights, you know, that you shine way up into the heavens to advertise the grand opening of a place. During the war particularly when they were searching for planes in the heavens. (That) went way up there for miles it seemed like, in the heavens. Those same lights if you would turn one of those down on a dark night and get out there in front of it, and look at that searchlight, at that 3 million candle power arc light and try to distinguish the filaments in that light, you would have the same success in trying to distinguish the physical being of Jesus. But there exuded from that being Love, Compassion, Tenderness, Purity, Power, Glory but yet so tender. There was a gaze that I sensed. Have you ever just felt somebody just gazing at you? And you looked and you saw them gazing at you. And even while they were gazing at you, you couldn't stop it, they were there all the time? That's the way I sensed the presence of Jesus.”

Lastly I would like to share two testimonies from the world famous evangelist, Brother T.L. Osborn.  He stated:

"The next morning at six o'clock, I was awakened upon a vision of Jesus Christ as He came into our room.  I looked upon Him.  I saw Him like I see anyone.  No tongue can tell of His splendor and beauty.  No language can express the magnificence and power of His person."

"I lay there as one that was dead unable to move a finger or toe, awestricken by His presence.  Water poured from my eyes, though I was not conscious of weeping, so mighty was His presence."

"Of all I had heard and read about Him, the half of it had never been told me.  His hands were beautiful; they seemed to vibrate with creative ability.  His eyes were streams of love, pouring forth into my innermost being.  His feet, standing amidst clouds of transparent glory, seemed to be as pillars of justice and integrity.  His robes were white as light.  His presence, enhanced with love and power, drew me to Him." (Healing the Sick, T.L. Osborn, p. 276).

Sister Ayo from Sierra Leone saw in Heaven and Hell.  When she saw the Lord, she said He was shining as a Light.  She said, if you were to take all the energy in the world and put it all together, it would not compare with the Light of Christ.

He said, "I AM that I AM that I AM. Before Abraham was, I AM.  I created the heavens and the earth.”

A preacher named Paul Gabanek, who suffered much for Christ under communism, said in his autobiography, Ministry of the Holy Spirit in My Life:

"It took place in the jail. The Lord Jesus appeared in great light and clouds were around Him. He was clothed in a white robe with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool. His eyes were like blazing fire and His voice like the sound of rushing waters. I heard Him clearly saying, 'I am the first and the last... Fear not, for I am with you. There is no power against my power, there is no strength against my strength. He who touches you, touches my eyes. Be bold in your heart... all power is given to me in heaven and on earth, don’t forget... ' and many other encouraging words. I felt holy fear in my spirit. I could not look in His face; it was awesome and wonderful. I was strengthened in my soul and I was able to boldly proclaim the Gospel further on.”

Another sister named Angelica Zambrano, is a young lady from Ecuador, who also saw the Lord Jesus Christ.  She states:

"At that moment I heard the Lord's voice, a beautiful voice with thunder and love, 'Fear not, Daughter, for I am Jehovah, Your God, and I have come here to show you what I have promised you. Arise, for I am Jehovah, who holds you by your right hand and tells you, Fear not, I will help you.' Suddenly, I arose. I had been kneeling down, looking at my body, wanting to get back in but not being able to. When I heard His voice, fear had left me, and I was no longer scared."

"As I started walking, the angels began to open a path. There was a strong light shining, and as I gazed at it, I felt peace. As I looked, I saw a beautiful, tall, elegant, muscular man. Light was projecting from Him. There was too much light for me to see His face! But I could see His beautiful hair of brilliant gold and a white garment with a wide golden girdle that crossed His chest. It read, 'KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.'"

"I looked at His feet, He was wearing shiny golden sandals, of brilliant gold. He was so beautiful! He extended His hand to me. When I took His hand, it wasn't like when I touched my body, my hand did not go through it. I asked, 'What is happening?' And He said, 'I am going to show you hell, so that you return and tell humanity that hell is real; that hell exists. And also, My glory will I show you, for you to tell My people to be prepared, for My glory is real and I am real.' He said, 'Daughter, do not fear'- He said it again and I said, 'Lord, it's just that I want to go to heaven, but not hell, because I've heard that it's horrible!' He said, 'Daughter, I will be with you. I will not leave you in that place and I am going to show you that place because there are many who know that hell exists, but they have no fear. They believe it's a game, that hell is a joke, and many don't know about it. That is why I am going to show you that place, because there are more that perish than those that are entering My glory.' When He said that, I could see tears streaming down to His garments. I asked Him, 'Lord, why are you crying?' He replied, 'Daughter, because there are more that perish, and I will show you this, so that you will go and tell the truth and so that you will not return to that place.'"

Putting it All Together
As you can see from Scripture and personal eyewitness testimonies, Jesus still has a body made in the likeness of man, which is made in the image of God; but His glory is no longer hidden.  He looks just like His Father, God, whose bodily form I have written about in another post.  He is arrayed in majesty, robed in splendor, awesome in glory! He is worthy of all your worship and praise.  He expects nothing less than a total surrender of your life to Him, and allows absolutely no idols to remain in your life.   He's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He's coming back again very, very soon!

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. "All Hail King Jesus" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note: Please prayerfully watch and review these testimonies in their entirety, and use the Testimony Review Process adopted by this blog, as you decide for yourself whether the Lord has spoken to these people.  For issues and concerns, each person must confirm with the Lord, whether something is valid or not.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Bodily Form of God the Father, The Name of Jesus, Jesus is Yehova, Is Jesus God?, The Son of Man, The Bodily Form of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Trinity, and the other posts in this blog available through the links in the side bar, as well as the amazing testimonies listed below. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Inside the Gates of Heaven - Testimony of Oden Hetrick	Michael Thomas Sambo's Revelation of Heaven and Hell	Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven
Baptized by Blazing Fire	Sister Ayo - a Revelation of Heaven and Hell	Angelica Zambrano Second Visit to Hell
Australian Pastor Raised from the Dead	Nigerian Pastor Raised from the Dead	Revelation of Hell to Seven Colombian Youths

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Name of Jesus

If we could only grasp the power and anointing that is on the name of Jesus, then we would believe in it, and nothing would be impossible for us.

Yet many today use His name as a byword or a swear word.  And even among those who believe in Him, many are ashamed of His name.

Let's look at what the Scriptures say about His marvelous Name.

The Father and Jesus Have the Same Name
It may come as a surprise to you that the Father and Jesus have the same name, so let me prove it to you. Jude referred to God the Father as the only God our Savior.

He said, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (Jud 1:24-25)

The object of this sentence is "the only God our Savior," whom Jude refers to as "Him."  When Jude gives glory to "Him," the only God, he is referring to the Father in heaven. We know this for certain, because Jude says that we give this glory to God "through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This is consistent with the Scriptures written before Christ, in which God was referred to as Savior (2Sa. 22:3; Psa. 17:7; 106:21; Isa. 19:20; 43:3,11; 45:15,21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8; Jer. 14:8; Hos. 13:4).

Likewise, in Revelation, we read about the great multitude around the throne, declaring that salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb. "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Rev 7:9-10)

And Jesus was named after His Father, for the name "Jesus" in Hebrew is "Yeshua," which means "Yehova [the Lord] is Salvation."  The angel of the Lord told Joseph, "...You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Mat 1:21) Likewise, before the child was conceived, the angel told Mary to give Him this name. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."  (Luk 1:31-33; cf., 2:21-22)

Jesus said, "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him." (Joh 5:43)

Jesus prayed to the Father, saying, "I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. (Joh 17:6).  What name did Jesus manifest?  He manifested or displayed the name of the Father, which is the same as His name, Jesus.

Again in His prayer to the Father, Jesus said, "I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are." (Joh 17:11).  Jesus said that the Holy Father had given Him His own name. That's key!

Once more He prayed to the Father, "I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (Joh 17:26)

Isaiah prophesied, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isa 9:6)

Jesus also equated Himself with the "I AM" title God gave Himself in Exodus 3:14, when "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.'" (Joh 8:58). (I expand on this more in my post Jesus is Yehova). In Hebrew, this name that we translate "I AM" in English is "YHVH," the tetragrammaton for Yehova, meaning approximately "he causes to be" or "he creates".  The Hebrews understood the holiness of this name, and did not write it out in full, preferring to use only the four consonants.  Rather than pronounce it, they preferred to say instead, "the Lord."

We know that Jesus is our Redeemer, "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." (Tit 2:14).  But did you know the Father is also called our Redeemer? The prophet Isaiah prayed saying, "For You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us And Israel does not recognize us. You, O LORD, are our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Your Name." (Isa 63:16)

These passages and others make it clear that the Father and Jesus have the same name.  It is part of the ancient Hebrew culture for a son to be named after his father, which is why it was so surprising to everyone when Zechariah named his son John (Lk 1:59-63).  We still do the same thing today, naming sons after their father.  The son always carries the father's family name, or surname.  For example, I have the same "Lacroix" name as my father, which is French for "The Cross." And sometimes a son also carries the father's given name.  For example, a father named "Charles" may name his son, "Charles." 

The heavenly Father did this when He named His Son, Yeshua (Yehova is Salvation, or Jesus).  However, having the same name does not mean they are the same Person.

The Holy Spirit Shares the Lord's Names
I would also like to mention that the Holy Spirit also shares the Lord's names.  For example, Jesus said the Holy Spirit is another Counselor or Advocate:

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever--" (Jn 14:16 NIV).  The Holman Christian Standard Bible refers to the Holy Spirit here as the Counselor.  The original word "parakletos" means counselor, advocate, or comforter.  And this is the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the believer.

This is the same name used for Jesus in the prophecy of Isaiah quoted earlier, where it states: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isa 9:6)

The Father sends the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ Name.  Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (Joh 14:26)  Just as Jesus came in the name of the Lord, the Holy Spirit comes in the same name.

He is also the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17; 15:26; 16:13).  In fact, the apostle John said, “the Spirit is the Truth.” (1 Jn 5:6), and Jesus said He is the Truth (Jn 14:6).  One more example will suffice to prove my point.  In Acts 16:7 and Phil 1:19, He is referred to as "the Spirit of Jesus."  So we could say that in one sense, the Holy Spirit shares the Lord's Name just as Jesus does.

Jesus Performed Miracles in His Father’s Name
Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. (Joh 10:25)

We Anoint the Sick in Jesus' Name
"Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;" (Jas 5:14)

We Perform Miracles in Jesus’ Name
But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. (Mar 9:39)

But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" (Act 3:6)

"And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Act 3:16)

“Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by this name this man stands here before you in good health.” (Act 4:10)

“While You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." (Act 4:30)

We Cast Out Demons in Jesus’ Name
 Paul "said to the spirit, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!' And it came out at that very moment." (Act 16:18)

The psalmist said, "Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your Name we will trample down those who rise up against us." (Psa 44:5)

"These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mar 16:17-18)

But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." (Act 19:13)

The Name of Jesus is Magnified by Signs and Wonders
When the seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons using Jesus' name, it didn't work and they were severely injured.  This happened because they did not know Jesus personally or have faith in Him. “This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.”  (Act 19:17)

The Name of Jesus is Feared
For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your Name. (Psa 61:5)

Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your Name.  (Psa 86:11)

The voice of the LORD will call to the city-- And it is sound wisdom to fear Your Name: "Hear, O tribe. Who has appointed its time? (Mic 6:9)

"Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for your righteous acts have been revealed." (Rev 15:4)

Also see Deut 28:58; Neh 1:11; and 1 Ki 8:43; cf., 2Ch 6:33.

His Name is Great and Awesome
The psalmist said, "Let them praise Your great and awesome Name; Holy is He." (Psa 99:3)

"There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your Name in might." (Jer 10:6)

"He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name." (Ps 111:9) 

The Name of the Lord is Holy
All throughout Scripture, we see that the name of the Lord is holy.

The psalmist said, "For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name." (Ps 33:21)

Referring to the Father in Heaven, Mary said, "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." (Luk 1:49)  Jesus also taught us to pray, "Father, hallowed be Your name." (Luk 11:2b)

Also see Lev. 20:3; 22:2,32; 1Ch. 16:10,35; 29:16; Psa. 30:4; 33:21; 97:12; 103:1; 105:3; 106:47; 145:21; Eze. 20:39; 36:20,21,22; 39:7,25; 43:7,8; and Amos 2:7.

Every Knee Will Bow at the Name of Jesus
It is the name above all names!  Paul said, "For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name," (Php 2:9)

‘So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” (Php 2:10)

Baptized in the Name of Jesus
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Act 2:38)

"For He [the Holy Spirit] had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Act 8:16)

“And [Peter] ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days. (Act 10:48)

Jesus commanded His disciples to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit..." (Mat 28:19)

Clearly Jesus commanded that we must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Is this one single baptism or not? Is it in one name or three names?  All the other Scriptures above refer to water baptism as baptism in Jesus' name. But they must be understood based on the command that Jesus gave, since He is the foundation of the Church.

When Paul met the men in Ephesus, he discovered that they had only been baptized with John's baptism.  But once they believed on Jesus, they were baptized with water in Jesus' name.  “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  (Act 19:5)

It was after they were water baptized that the Holy Spirit came on them.  "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying." (Act 19:6).  John the Baptist referred to this experience as the baptism with the Holy Spirit, when he prophesied, "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Mat 3:11).  John the Baptist also testified, "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'" (Joh 1:33)

Peter referred to it as receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, when he said, Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Act 2:38)

Therefore, believers must be baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  For He is one triune God in three Persons, who share the same names.  Perhaps this is why Jesus said "baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and not "baptizing them in the names (plural) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Then in addition to water baptism, there is a definite second experience, which may occur before or after water baptism, known as the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, there is yet another experience known as the baptism with fire that may occur in conjunction with or separately the baptism with the Holy Spirit.  All three experiences are distinct aspects of one baptism, and often happen separately.  Yet all three experiences are necessary to live a holy life for Jesus, separated from the world, and to be a powerful witness for Him.

Jesus Came and Will Come Again in the Name of the Lord
At the beginning of the week when Jesus was crucified, as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the people shouted prophetically that He had come in the name of the Lord. "The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mat 21:9)

Only days before He was crucified, Jesus spoke prophetically over Jerusalem of Himself these words: "For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Mat 23:39; cf., Lk 13:35).

The Apostles Preached and Taught in Jesus' Name
"For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles." (3Jn 1:7)

“And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Act 4:18; cf., 5:40)

“But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.” (Act 8:12)

“But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Act 9:27)

“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1Co 1:10)

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” (2Th 3:6)

The Enemy is Hostile to the Name of Jesus
Jesus told His disciples, "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Mar 13:13; cf., Lk 21:17)

The apostle Paul said of himself, before he knew the Lord, "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Act 26:9; cf., 5:40)

John wrote of the coming beast, "And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven." (Rev 13:6)

For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take Your Name in vain. (Psa 139:20)

The Apostles Suffered and Risked Their Lives for Jesus’ Name
Ananias was afraid to go lay hands upon Saul of Tarsus, since he was persecuting Christians, "But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."  (Act 9:15-16)

“…men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Act 15:26)

“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’" (Act 21:13)

Saints Call on Jesus’ Name
“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:” (1Co 1:2)

We Must Receive Children in Jesus' Name
"And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;” (Mat 18:5; cf., Mar 9:37; Luk 9:48)

False Christs and False Prophets May Come in Jesus’ Name
"For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
(Mat 24:5)

"Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and will mislead many.
(Mar 13:6; cf., Luk 21:8)

We Pray and Ask the Father in Jesus’ Name
"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Joh 14:13)

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”  (Joh 14:14)

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” (Joh 15:16)

"In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.” (Joh 16:23)

"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” (Joh 16:24)

"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf;” (Joh 16:26)

We Assemble in Jesus’ Name
Jesus said, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Mat 18:20)

In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, (1Co 5:4)

We Are a People for His Name
God concerned Himself about taking a people for His Name.  James said, "Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name." (Act 15:14)

James continued to quote Amos 9:12, when he said, "so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My Name," (Act 15:17).  We who believe in Jesus are among the nations called by His Name.

His Name Will Be on the Foreheads of His Servants
John wrote: "Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads." (Rev 14:1)

John also wrote: "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." (Rev 22:3-4)

We Give Thanks in Jesus’ Name
“Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;” (Eph 5:20)

In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your Name forever. Selah. (Psa 44:8)

Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your Name, O LORD, for it is good.  (Psa 54:6)

Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your Name; The upright will dwell in Your presence. (Psa 140:13)

"Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your Name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me." (Psa 142:7)

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your Name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. (Isa 25:1)

We Lift Up Our Hands and Bless His Name
It is good to give thanks to the LORD And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High; (Psa 92:1)

So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your Name. (Psa 63:4)

"All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your Name." Selah. (Psa 66:4)

So I will sing praise to Your Name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day. (Psa 61:8)

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your Name forever and ever. (Psa 145:1)

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your Name forever and ever. (Psa 145:2)

We Glorify His Name
"Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad." (1Ch 16:10; cf., Ps 105:3)

"I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your Name forever." (Psa 86:12)

"All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your Name." (Psa 86:9)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your Name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. (Psa 115:1)

Paul said that Jesus’ Name will be glorified in His Saints. He wrote: "To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Th 1:11-12)

We Must Do Everything in the Name of Jesus
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col 3:17)

His Name is Everlasting
Your Name, O LORD, is everlasting, Your remembrance, O LORD, throughout all generations. (Psa 135:13)

Eternal Life in the Name of Jesus
The apostle John said: “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (Joh 20:31)

He also said: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1Jn 5:13)

We Are Justified in the Name of Jesus
“Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1Co 6:11)

Forgiveness of Sins is in His Name
The psalmist said, "For Your Name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great." (Psa 25:11)

Jesus said we must preach "repentance for forgiveness of sins...in His name to all the nations..." (Luk 24:47)

"I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake." (1Jn 2:12)

We Must Believe in the Name of Jesus Christ
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” (1Jn 3:23) 
  
Whoever Calls on the Name of Jesus Will Be Saved
“For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom 10:13)

There is No Other Name by Which We Must Be Saved
In all the Scriptures written before the incarnation of Christ, referring to the name of the Lord, of whom was the Holy Spirit speaking?   Whose name did He mean by "the name of the Lord"?  If not the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, then please tell me what name is meant by "the name of the Lord."

The apostles gave us a very definite the answer. "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."  (Act 4:12)

Putting it All Together
The Father and Jesus have the same Name, as well as the Holy Spirit, and that name is holy.  Jesus performed miracles in His Father’s Name.  He displayed the Father’s Name, Yehova is Salvation, to His disciples.  We have eternal life in the Name of Jesus. We must be baptized in the Name of Jesus, as well as the name of the Father and the Holy Spirit.  There is water baptism, baptism with the Holy Spirit, and baptism with fire.  You could say that all three experiences are distinct aspects of one baptism, and often happen separately.  Yet all three experiences are necessary to live a holy life for Jesus, separated from the world, and to be a powerful witness for Him. The Father sends the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ Name. 

We perform miracles in Jesus’ Name, cast out demons in Jesus’ Name, as well as speak in tongues, and lay hands on the sick and they recover.  The Name of Jesus is magnified by signs and wonders. It is the name above all names. Every knee will bow at the Name of Jesus, for it is great and awesome. His name is feared!

Jesus came in the Name of the Lord, Yehova.  The apostles preached and taught in Jesus' Name. The enemy is hostile to the Name of Jesus. The apostles suffered and risked their lives for Jesus’ Name. Saints call on Jesus’ Name. We must receive children in Jesus' Name.  Even false christs and false prophets may come in Jesus’ Name, so we should beware of this.

We pray and ask the Father in Jesus’ Name. We assemble ourselves together in Jesus’ Name. We are a people for His Name, called by His Name. We must receive children in Jesus' Name.  We give thanks in Jesus’ Name. We lift up our hands and bless His Name. We love His Name and seek it.  We must do everything in the Name of Jesus. Jesus’ Name will be glorified in His saints. We are justified in the Name of Jesus. We must preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus' Name. We must believe in the Name of Jesus Christ.  Whoever calls on the Name of Jesus will be saved. There is no other name by which we must be saved.

This name is unique in that it is the only name with all these wonderful and amazing attributes!  This is the name of the Lord Himself. The one true God has no other another name higher than this one with any greater attributes than this name.

Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mar 8:38).  Don't be ashamed of Jesus' Name.  Lift it up, seek it, confess it, proclaim it, glorify it, and exalt Him.

Then it will come to pass for you, as recorded in Exodus 20:24, “In every place where I cause My Name to be remembered I will come to you and I will bless you.”

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. 

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, I recommend reading the companion message Jesus is Yehova, as well as The Bodily Form of God the Father, The Holy Trinity,  Baptized with the Spirit and Holy Fire Baptism.

You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Image: "All Hail King Jesus" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist. 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

All Things Handed Over to Jesus Christ

Jesus said, "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father...” (Mat 11:27a; cf., Jn 13:3; Lk 10:22a).  There's a lot of meaning packed into that statement!

The Good News Bible translates it, “My Father has given me all things.”  The Darby Bible says, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father.” And the God's Word Bible puts it this way: “My Father has turned everything over to me.”

Jesus also said, "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.” (Joh 3:35)

We know that all things belong to the Father. "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Ps 24:1). And Jesus said, "All that belongs to the Father is mine." (Joh 16:15a, NIV). Since all things belong to the Father, and all that belongs to the Father in Christ's, then all things belong to Christ.

In His High Priestly prayer in the garden, Jesus prayed to the Father, “Everything I have belongs to You, and everything You have belongs to Me…” (Joh 17:10, NET)

All Things From Him, Through Him, To Him
All things are from Him and through Him and to Him!

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36)

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” (1Co 8:6)

"For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings." (Heb 2:10)

All Things Made By Him, Through Him, and For Him
“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” (Joh 1:3)

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Col 1:16)

All Things in Subjection to Him
The Scripture says, "'For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.' But when He says, 'All things are put in subjection,' it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all." (1Co 15:27-28)

“’YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.’ For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.” (Heb 2:8)

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,” (Eph 1:22; cf., Phil 3:21)

All Authority
Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mat 28:18)

“…You gave Him authority over all flesh...” (Joh 17:2)

“…He is the Head over all rule and authority;” (Col 2:10)

All Judgment
The Father has entrusted all judgment to His Son.

"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son.” (Joh 5:22)

“and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” (Joh 5:27)

All the Fullness of Deity
“For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,” (Col 1:19)

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,”  (Col 2:9)

Jesus is fully God and fully man, yet without sin!

All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge
The apostle Paul said of Christ, "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3)

Heir of All Things
The apostle wrote to the Hebrews, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” (Heb 1:1-2)

Jesus is the heir of all things!

Holds All Things Together
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”  (Col 1:17)

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb 1:3)

All Things Summed Up in Him
The apostle Paul said, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Eph 1:9-10). Therefore, all things are summed up in Christ.

Another translation says, “…to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Eph 1:10, ESV).  All things will ultimately be gathered together in Christ.

God glorified in All Things in Christ
“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1Pe 4:11)

It was God's good pleasure that He be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.

In Christ All Things Are Ours
The amazing thing for us, who are in Christ, is that all things are ours in Him.

Paul said, “So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you,” (1Co 3:21-22).  He told the Corinthian believers that all things belonged to them, including the world, life, death, things present and things to come.  This applies to us as believers in Christ, because we are in union with Him. These blessings are all ours with ten thousand more beside.

Paul also said of himself and his coworkers, “as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.” (2Co 6:10).  He said they possessed all things.

Speaking of food, drink, clothing, and all the things that we need, Jesus said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mat 6:33).

Jesus said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luk 12:32) For those of us who are in Christ the King, the Father has given us the kingdom!

The psalmist said, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (Ps 84:11)

The apostle Peter said, “As his divine power has given to us all things which relate to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us by glory and virtue,” (2Pe 1:3)

Since the Lord has already given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, and since we possess all things, and since He has given us the kingdom, this gives new meaning to the Prayer Promises in which the Lord says He will give us whatever we ask for in Jesus name! 

Joint Heirs with Jesus
The saints are joint heirs with Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Rom 8:16-17)

To be fellow heirs with Christ means that whatever He has inherited we have also inherited. Whatever belongs to Christ belongs to us also, as long as we indeed meet the Scriptural condition of suffering with Him. (Also see An Incomparable Inheritance).

All Things Possible Through Faith in Christ
And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."  (Mar 9:23).  No matter what the situation, there is no mountain too high; no valley too low; no problem too great; no sickness or disease that cannot be healed; no financial need too large.

For those of us who believe in Jesus, all things are possible.  Nothing is impossible for us.

Putting it All Together
So to summarize what the Word says, the Heavenly Father has handed all things over to Jesus.  All things are from Him, through Him, and to Him; all things are in subjection to Him; He has been given all authority; all judgment belongs to Him; all the fullness of Deity dwells in Him; all things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him; He is the Heir of all things; He holds all things together; all things are summed up in Him; and God shall be glorified in all things in Christ!

That is why it's true that in Christ all things are ours.  If you are in Christ, you possess all things, including things present and things to come, things that can be seen and things unseen.  As coheirs with Christ, whatever belongs to Him belongs to us also. The Father has given us the kingdom! Seek first His kingdom and all these things will be provided for you. All things are possible through faith in Christ.  Nothing is impossible to Him who believes.

Matthew Henry said, “All powers, all treasures are in his hand. Observe, The Father has delivered his all into the hands of the Lord Jesus; let us but deliver our all into his hand and the work is done.” Let me encourage you to deliver your all into His hand today.

Epilogue: After the Lord revealed this message to me in my own time with Him, and I had already posted this article here, I searched online and found that a brother named Chip Brogden wrote: “Everything He has is freely given to us, and through Him we possess all that He possesses. When He has all that we have, then we have all that He has. When we give Him all that we are, He gives us all that He is. Oh, the depth of this love! Oh, the depth of the richness of His grace to us! Who can understand it? Who can know it?”

I also discovered and read a message once given by William Branham, called Possessing All Things, in which he said, “We may not be rich in this world's goods, but we possess all things. The Church itself possesses all things. Yet poor, yet rich and possess all things. I like that…A little old song we used to sing years ago...”

           My Father is rich with houses and lands,
           He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands.
           Rubies and diamonds, and silver and gold,
           His coffers are full,
           He has riches untold.

“And we are a possessor of it, because we are a child of the King. Amen. The child always falls heir, we know...we're heir to all things, yet we're heir to every spiritual blessing, every physical blessing, every blessing the Bible promises, yet you have to fight every inch of it. That's the way God, He's got it set up. It's always been that way. You have to fight to possess what you know is your own. You have to fight to possess it. And that's what we have to do now.”

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted. The "All Hail King Jesus" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, please also read Identification with Christ, Your Identity in Christ, An Incomparable Inheritance, What's Wrong with the Prosperity Gospel?, and The Fiery Sufferings of the Believer. You may also like Prayer Promises, as well as Is Jesus God? and Supremacy of Christ. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Eternal Firstborn of All Creation

God is so amazing.  Often we try to understand Him using our human intellect, and we limit Him.  We need spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we can have a true revelation of Him.  Jesus Christ reveals the Father to us.


The Firstborn of All Creation
Paul said He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  (Col 1:15).  I love this verse.  Jesus is the image of God.  If you want to know what God looks like, look at Jesus.  He said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." (Joh 14:7).  He also said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (Joh 14:9a)

It says He is the “firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15b).  The word for firstborn is the Greek word prototokos. It means “first born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively): - firstbegotten (-born).”  -- Strongs.

So how can He who is the image of the invisible God, who is without beginning, also be the firstbegotten?

In the heart of the Triune God, Elohim, before He created the first Adam, He already planned for the Word of God to become flesh.

The Lord Jesus Christ created all things, including things in heaven, both the invisible things and the visible.  He created all thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities, including satan.  “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16-17).

In His all-wise, all-knowing mind, do you think He didn’t know that satan would rebel?  Just as Jesus knew Judas was a traitor, the Lord knew what satan would do before He created him.  The Lord also knew how He would defeat, dethrone, and destroy satan before He ever created him.  He knew that He Himself would do it through the cross.  First He banished satan and his demons from heaven.  Then He decided to make something called man in His own image.  Adam became the image of the invisible God.

In the beginning, when the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, we know that satan was already on it, because he was already around when Adam and Eve were in the garden (see Gen 1:1 and 3:1-5).

The Lord gave him dominion over all creation on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”  (Gen 1:26).  Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth included the serpent and all his subordinate minions.  “God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” (Gen 1:28).  Man was authorized to rule of every living thing that moves on the earth.  That included satan, that old serpent, whom the Scriptures says “was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” (Gen 3:1).

But before the Lord ever created man in His own image, He knew that satan would attack man with temptation.  And you can be sure the Lord already knew that man would fall into sin, thereby distorting the image of God in which he was created.  And the Lord already had the rescue plan to save fallen mankind.  As I have already mentioned, before the Lord created the first Adam, He already planned for the Word of God to become flesh.  He knew that He Himself would then be the One to defeat, dethrone, and destroy satan through His work on the cross.  God actually mentioned this plan of His to satan in the garden, when He cursed him saying, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." (Gen 3:15).  The seed of the woman Who would bruise the head of satan is the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy offspring.

The apostle Paul said, "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." (Col 2:15) Jesus has stripped satan of his authority and spoiled him through the power of the cross!

Now through faith in Christ, those who come to Him have their dominion over all creation on earth restored as it was before the fall.  Jesus said, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.” (Luk 10:19)

God’s rescue plan was not an afterthought.  It was premeditated.  He knew that the Word would become the firstbegotten of the Father, Jesus our Lord, who is Christ eternal.  So when the apostle says that Christ is the firstbegotten (prototokos), it means that in the heart of God, before He created man, Elohim intended that Jesus would be the firstbegotten of the Father.  He would be the first, direct human offspring of the heavenly Father.

When Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, there was no seed of man involved. There was no human insemination of her womb, but rather a divine one that came through the Holy Spirit.  “Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.’” (Luk 1:34-35).  It was a virgin birth.  This is why He was called the only begotten Son of God, because He was the first human Son the Father had ever directly begotten.

But God wanted a big family, so through Jesus He brought many sons to glory.  The apostle says, "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings." (Heb 2:10)

Now there are many sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.  So the apostle refers to Jesus as the firstbegotten.  Surely He has now begotten other children, but Jesus was the firstbegotten.  The firstborn son in any Jewish family always has the inheritance rights, and holds a place of preeminence above all the other children.

As far as God is concerned, He was the firstborn even before the first Adam was created.  He already had the solution to man’s woes before man ever had a problem.  God is in control!

The apostle Paul said, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him." (Col 1:17-19)

This is such an awesome description of Jesus.  Before anything else existed, He was.  As the eternal God, He is the beginning.  Not only did He create all things, but all things are held together by Him.  That includes everything from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy.

Once He became flesh, He was then fully man (Son of Man) as well as fully God.  As such, when He rose again after His vicarious death on the cross, He became the firstborn from the dead.  He was the first one ever to be resurrected and receive a glorified body, so he became the first fruits of the coming resurrection.  Like an athlete who places first in every competition, He will come to have first place in everything!

Putting it All Together
When you know Jesus, you don’t need to worry about your troubles.  Just pray about everything, and the Lord will take care of you.  He had the solution long before you ever knew you had a problem.  He Himself is the solution.

He's not only the firstborn of all creation, He is prior to all things, before all, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, and He will ultimately have the first place in everything.  Everything that exists was created by Him and for Him, and is held together by Him.

Therefore this helps explain how the Creator of all things could be called the firstborn of all creation.  It was God’s intent before He created anything that Jesus Christ would be the firstborn Son of God to save mankind from perishing.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Is Jesus God? and Supremacy of Christ. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Is Jesus God?

It is important for us to know whether Jesus was a good man who once lived, whether He was simply a prophet, a teacher, or whether He is actually God. If He is truly God, then that takes everything He did and said to another level. It means that our life depends on Him, and that we must obey Him in everything. It means that we can only be saved through Him. So let’s see what Scripture says about Him.

He is the exact representation of God’s nature
“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:3)

In this verse, the writer of Hebrew is speaking about Jesus Christ, saying He is the radiance of God’s glory and that He is the exact representation of God’s nature. He goes on to say that Jesus holds everything up by His powerful Word.

The Psalmist Calls Him “God”
“But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.” (Heb 1:8)

The writer of Hebrews is quoting Psalm 45. In the first verse, the psalmist states that he is addressing his verses to the King. In the second verse, he states that the King is fairer than the sons of men. In the sixth verse, the psalmist refers to the King as “God,” and declares that His throne is eternal.

The Word was God
The apostle John began his gospel with these words:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. “ (Joh 1:1-14)

John had walked with Jesus for three and a half years on earth, and was his closest earthly companion. Here is what John said of Jesus in this passage:

• Jesus is the Word of God
• Jesus existed in the beginning, at the time of creation
• Jesus was with God in the beginning
• Jesus was God
• Apart from Jesus, nothing came into being that has come into being
• Jesus is the Light and the world was made through Him
• The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and lived among us
• The Word (Jesus Christ) is the only begotten of the heavenly Father, God

He Jesus Was with the Father Before His Incarnation
The Lord said that He was with the Father prior to taking on the form of a man at His birth.  He said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." (Joh 6:38; cf., 6:58). He explicitly said He came down from heaven.

He also said, "What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?" (Joh 6:62). 

Jesus answered and said to them, "...I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going." (Joh 8:14)

And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world." (Joh 8:23)

He also said that He enjoyed glory with the Father in heaven before the world was created (Jn 17:5).  This leaves no question as to the eternal nature of His existence.  He is without beginning.

He is God’s Son, the image of the invisible God
In his letter to the Colossian church, the apostle Paul began by writing:

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” (Col 1:1-19)

In this passage, Paul says the following things about Jesus:

• God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jesus is God’s Son).
• God is invisible. But Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
• All things were created by Jesus -- both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible.
• All things have been created through Jesus and for Him.
• He is before all things.
• In Jesus all things hold together.
• Jesus is the Head of the Body, the church.
• It was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Jesus.

Jesus and the Father are one
Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (Joh 10:30-33, NIV)

The Jews wanted to stone Jesus to death, because He claimed to be God. Jesus did so when He explicitly said, “I and the Father are one.” He went on to say in verse 36, “I am the Son of God.” And He said in verse 38, “the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”

He who sees Jesus sees God
Jesus proclaimed, "He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me.” (Joh 12:45)

If you have seen Jesus, you have seen God the Father, who sent Him.

Jesus reiterated this later when He said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." Philip *said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus *said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” (Joh 14:7-9)

Jesus is the Son of the Blessed One

Here is what happened during the mock trial of Jesus, when the high priest questioned Him.

"But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?' 'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.' The high priest tore his clothes. 'Why do we need any more witnesses?' he asked. 'You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' They all condemned him as worthy of death." (Mar 14:61-64)

The reason the high priest tore his clothes and said that Jesus spoke blasphemy, and the reason they all condemned Him as worthy of death, was that He claimed to be the Messiah the Son of the Blessed One, whom they would one day see sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One. This was understood by all the Jews to mean that He claimed to be God.

Jesus is Equal with God

The Jews understood that when Jesus called God His Father, He was making Himself equal with God. 

"In his defense Jesus said to them, 'My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.' For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." (Joh 5:17-18).

The Greek word for "equal" in verse 18 is "isos", which literally means "equal", and is where we get the word "isosceles", as in the isosceles triangle that is defined as having at least two sides of equal length. This same Greek word is used in Paul's epistle to the Philippians. where he says:

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped..." (Phil 2:5-6). 

This passage teaches us that prior to His incarnation (i.e., His becoming flesh), Jesus was in very nature God, just as Scripture says in John 1:1. Moreover, it says in verse 6 that He did not consider His preexisting equality (Gr., isos) with God something to be grasped. In other words, His equality with God was not inappropriate in any way, as if it robbed God of anything.

Jesus is God blessed forever
The apostle Paul said “…whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.” (Rom 9:5)

In this passage, Paul referred to the covenants, the Law, the temple, and the promises, and said these all belong to the Israelites. He went on to say that Christ came from the Israelites, at least according to his natural body, although we know He existed eternally. He ended by saying that Jesus Christ is “over all” and that He is “God” and He is “blessed forever.” As the NIV puts it, He "is God over all, forever praised! Amen."

All the fullness of Deity dwells in Jesus Christ
The apostle Paul declared: “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” (Col 2:9)

You see, Jesus has a bodily form, and is not invisible like the Heavenly Father. Yet all the fullness of Almighty God resides in Him.

Jesus is our great God and Savior
In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul wrote that we are “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Tit 2:13) He clearly referred to Jesus here as our great God.

Jesus is Himself God
John wrote in his gospel, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known" (Joh 1:18, NIV 2011). The 1978 NIV translation refers to him in this same verse as "God the only Son." This clearly states that Jesus is Himself God.

Jesus is the True God
In John's epistle, he wrote, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1Jn 5:20, ESV). We believe that He is the true God. 

Jesus Received Worship from People 

We see that after His resurrection, His disciples worshiped Him. He did not stop them from doing so, but rather received their worship.

"Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings,' he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'" (Mat 28:9-10, NIV)

"When they saw him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted." (Mat 28:17, NIV)

"Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy." (Luk 24:52, NIV)

Jesus Allowed Thomas to Call Him God 

After His resurrection, when Thomas saw Him, here is what happened. After he put his finger into the nail holes in Jesus' hands, and put his hand into Jesus' side, he called Jesus God.

"Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"  (Joh 20:28-29, NIV)

Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for calling Him God.

Putting it All Together
In these passages, we learn the following things about Jesus:

• God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jesus is God’s Son).
• God is invisible. But Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
• He is the exact representation of God’s nature.
• All things were created by Jesus -- both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible.
• All things have been created through Jesus and for Him.
• He is before all things.
• In Jesus all things are held together.
• Jesus is the Head of the Body, the church.
• It was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Jesus.
• Jesus and the Father are one.
• He who sees Jesus sees God.
• All the fullness of Deity dwells in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus is our great God and Savior.
• Jesus is the Word of God.
• Jesus existed in the beginning, at the time of creation.
• Jesus was with God in the beginning. 
• He Jesus Was with the Father Before His Incarnation
• The Word was God. In other words, Jesus was God.
• Apart from Jesus, nothing came into being that has come into being.
• Jesus is the Light and the world was made through Him.
• The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and lived among us.
• The Word (Jesus Christ) is the only begotten of the heavenly Father, God.
• He Himself is God.
• He is the true God.
• His disciples worshiped Him and He did not rebuke them for doing so.
• Thomas called Him God and He did not rebuke him for doing so.
• Jesus is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 

There are many more passage in Scripture that speak of the divinity of Christ. But if we only had these alone, we have enough to prove that He was more than simply a Prophet or a Teacher. He is Lord of All.  He gave proof of this through His resurrection from the dead after three days, and His ascension into heaven before the eyes of His disciples.

Unlike Mohamed, Buddha, Confucius, Joseph Smith, and others who established religious systems, and whose bones are still in their graves, you will not find the bones of Jesus in His grave.  He is alive forevermore.  He is truly God.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, copyright The Lockman Foundation, used by permission. Other Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Sinlessness of Christ, Ongoing Earthly Ministry of Jesus, The Son of Man, and Christ's Two Ascensions. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.