In the Book of John, Jesus gives us a profound understanding of what it takes to gain entry into eternal life. Yet, it is so simple. Are we reading our Bibles, or are we taking another’s word at what they’re telling us? Do we hinge our understanding and eternal salvation based upon one verse of scripture? What about halves of verses? Let me ask you a question. Who is the “Chief Cornerstone” of our faith? Does everything stand on the words that Jesus Christ spoke?

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” – John 6:63. How can we say that we know the Lord, if we don’t know His words, even His sayings? Below is a very brief video that I would like for you all to consider before we continue.

Throughout the pages of Lift Up A Banner, I do my best to get out of the way and allow the Spirit to teach us by showing what the Bible has to say. Scriptures are always provided with the Words of Jesus Christ as the foundation, and the rest is built off of His sayings. Within the videos and lessons, there are many layers of truths that are spoken and visually seen. Each lesson will in fact build off of a previous one. The same goes with the videos. Jesus Tells us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And no man comes to the Father but by Him. Do you know the way? Do you know the truth? Did you just understand a better portion of the life, by reading this post and watching the short video?

For the majority of the teachers, ministers, and pastors in the world, it all goes something like this: They read a verse or two from the Bible and give us their interpretation of it. How about adding to those verses with what Jesus said? What about two or three things that Jesus said? Truly, we are all being fed with bread alone. I know of a man that founded his “church” off of “except ye be converted,” and entirely omits the second half of the verse, “and become as little children.” Can you even be converted without becoming as little children? Let’s quickly go and take a look at 1 John 3.

“He that committeth sin is of the Devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” Let’s look deeper at the translation of the word seed using the Strong’s Concordance and e-Sword.

Hmm… Quite interesting. Jesus tells us, “ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” As well as, “if any man will come after me, let him deny himself (abstain), take up his cross daily (through self-denial), and follow Me (to be in the same way with, to accompany Him as His disciple).” Paul teaches us about sanctification by abstaining from sex. Jesus tells us, “he that forsaketh not all that he hath, cannot be my disciple.” Hence, conversion can only come through abstinence and “becoming” as little children.

“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.” – Mark 11:9-11. If you take the time to read the six free eBooks, watch the videos, and read the lessons, you will become aware of just how profound those three previous verses are. “The Kingdom of God is within you.” I pray that this will find you well, and that you seek out the Lord with all of your heart and all of your soul. If you are as one who hungers and thirsts after righteousness, you will be filled.

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

Jonathan Heller – Lift Up A Banner