You Have the Same Life That Jesus Had on the Earth Pt. 1

You and Jesus have the same life. If you’re a Christian-a follower of God, through serving Jesus Christ, then the same abundant life (zoe) that was in Jesus, when He was on the earth, is in you. Jesus said, in John 10:10, that He came that we might have life and that more abundantly. He wants us to have the same life that He had-and still has. I John 4:17 states that as He is so are we in this world. Not the one to come, but this one, here on this earth. How can this be done apart from having the same life? It can’t of course.

What does this mean, in simple terms? It means that the same life (zoe) that Jesus enjoyed here on earth is in the Church. Not a denomination, but THE Church, made up of all who have confessed Jesus as their Lord and Savior, out of a believing heart. That means every person in the world; young and old, male and female, who is serving God, through Jesus Christ His Son has within himself or herself, the ability to live in this life as Jesus did in His entire time on the earth.

Something to think about: You have a head and a body. Your head gives instructions to your body, which your body then obeys. Your body gets its commands from the head, which your body carries out. Your head doesn’t carry out commands-it gives them. Really, your head is helpless apart from your body. Likewise, the body is completely dependent upon the head to give it direction. Your head doesn’t pick things up-your body (hopefully) does. Your head can’t drive a vehicle, but it does give commands for the body to carry out to enable a vehicle to safely operate.

Since the Bible clearly shows us that we, as the Body of Christ, have the same life that Jesus has on the earth, why do so many Christians suffer sickness, disease, depression, poverty, fear, for examples? Why are most Christians going through life on earth with their nose to the proverbial grindstone?

Who’s fault-if anyone’s-is it? God’s? No, that can’t be true because that would violate His Word, which is His will. God never wishes anything for the world that doesn’t line up with His written word, including the two verses listed earlier. What about the devil getting the blame. No, that won’t work either, because Jesus soundly defeated the devil, as described in Colossians 1:13, 2:15, and Hebrews 9:12, to name but a few verses. Jesus’s victory over the devil was complete. A 100% annihilation of Satan and his emissaries. And the victory that Jesus won He won for you and me.

If not complete then Jesus failed in His mission, and we’re in a heap of trouble. Fortunately, Jesus’s victory was absolutely complete, defeating sin, sickness (I Peter 2:24 and I John 3:8), and poverty as well (II Corinthians 8:9, 3 John 2). He wiped the slate clean, so to speak. As believers we now have everything we need, in Christ, to make us a success in this life. We have God’s Word, including the armor of God, and the use of Jesus’s own Name. Additionally we are covered by the precious Blood of Jesus, and are led by the Spirit of God. Jesus won the battle, with room to spare.

So, if not God’s or the devil’s fault, whose is it? To be blunt-it’s ours. Either through ignorance or just plain disobedience, we have failed to grasp the reality described above: that the same life (zoe) that Jesus (our Head) had on the earth now belongs to every believer as part of the Church, Christ’s body, hopefully including you. This truth is so strongly opposed by the devil, because he knows that once a person finds out and walks in this truth, Satan’s influence over that person greatly diminishes.

There’s so much to cover in this area that Part 2 will be coming out soon. For some not knowing, zoe (zo-a (long a sound) is the Greek word for life in so much of the New Testament.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2024

What Does God Sound Like?

Most people, perhaps even you, have wondered, “what does God sound like?” Does He have a distinct voice, one that rises above all others? Is there a recording of what God has ever said? If so, what was said?

In answering the question, I’l let God give His answer, using words from, well, His Word. Let’s start with Psalm 103.20, “Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Notice the phrase “the voice of his word.” God’s word has a voice. His voice is heard through His Word, which the angels are listening and responding to.

Oftentimes it’s through the voice of good pastors, feeding their sheep. But, notice that the verse says that angels hearken to the voice of his (God’s) word”-no matter who’s doing the saying-you, me, or the pastor. Angels aren’t looking on the outside, and neither should we. They don’t care how the person who spoke God’s written Word is dressed. No, they’re listening to what’s being said, not what the vessel looks like.

Which is what God does. He hears His Word being spoken and sends answers to prayers based on His Word. God never considers how the mouthpiece looks, for He always looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God’s not impressed by volume either, for Kings 19:12-13 tells us that God speaks through a still small voice-a delicate whispering, if you will. That’s why our minds need to be quiet, so our hearts (spirits) can hear from God, by His Spirit within us. Quiet has a place in our lives.

Instead of asking God to speak louder our focus should be on getting our minds quiet, on God’s written Word. While there’re times to shout, there’s something about being quiet that has its own explanation, that comes by doing. Psalm 46:10 says to be still, and know that God is, well, God.

How long will this process take? It depends on the person. Some folks already have a fairly quiet mind. For them, probably not as long, but it still takes months of daily practicing keeping our hearts filled with God’s Word. As an encouragement, It takes time and discipline to bring our minds quiet where we can hear God speaking to us, through our inward person-our spirits. If you haven’t yet begun, today is a great time to start the process of acquiring a quiet mind before God.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2024

From Death to Life: High School Senior

            From Death to Life: High School Senior

Everyone has a story. Whether yours is told to millions or a few, it’s still your story. And it’s important.

My coming to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior accelerated during my senior year of high school. A young lady in the soprano section of our school choir didn’t talk much, which stood out. Eventually I met her, noticing that she was different, having something I did not have. At the time I didn’t know what that “something” was.

In the spring I met this girl’s family, when I picked her up to drive us to our choir teacher’s house, for a picnic. Her family had a “something” about them that I couldn’t fathom, but found myself liking. 

This girl and her family were Christians. Growing up in a denominational church I knew the term, just not the experience. I attended a church where, outside of singing and the pastor’s 20-minute sermon, the loudest sound was the lady a few rows  behind us unwrapping her candy. 

Two months after the choir picnic our high school graduation was held at Cole Field House, on the campus of the University of Maryland, thus marking the end of my formal education. By now I had become more acquainted with the young lady and her family. Looking back it has occurred to me that this family saw me as a lost young man looking for reality. A one-person mission field.

Searches for reality came in many forms back in 1969, as they do today. Drugs, alcohol, sex-they were all available, but-thankfully-were never participated in. Well, there was a one-half can of stolen beer that, fortunately, I disliked. No regrets to this day about not participating in such activities.

This is part of my story, one of me coming to experience Life. I invite you to join me as I recount portions of the steps taken, which lead from death to Life.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2019-2024

Where’s Your Dependency?

There’s a lot of debate going on about government’s role in people’s lives. Many decry what they consider an over dependency on government in every area of life.

Sadly, I see a similar trend in Christian circles today: a growing dependency by Christians on what someone else says about the Bible. What someone else has written about how to ______________. You fill in the blank. 

While I certainly recognize ministry gifts in our midst, such as teachers and evangelists, they are not to take the place of our own personal time with God and His Word. 

The Bible says that the entrance of God’s Word gives light (Psalm 119:130). Light is knowledge. God’s knowledge is worth having.

Here are three suggestions for receiving the knowledge of God:

First, get alone with God. Talk to Him as you would to someone who knows everything about you, which God already does. 

Sometimes, talking to God is easier than hearing from Him. Just remember that God also has things He wants to say to us.

My second suggestion is get into God’s Word for yourself. Just you, God, and His Word. The more you do this the quieter your mind will become. With a quiet mind you’ll hear better from God.

While all Scripture is good, our main focus should be on the Epistles-letters written to fellow Christians, from Romans to Jude. It is in the Epistles that we learn why Jesus died, as well as our rights and responsibilities as sons and daughters of God.

Thirdly, Get a pad of paper and something to write with. God will share truths with anyone who’ll quieten his/her mind to hear what He saying to that person’s spirit, including yours. Simple, yet rewarding.

Again, God put good teachers and preachers in the Church universal, to inform and inspire us. But not at the expense of us hearing from God for ourselves, in times of prayer and study.

If you’re already doing these three things, you are to be commended. If not, perhaps seeing these suggestions will help you-or someone you know-to hear from God for himself/herself. All while still being blessed from the preaching and teaching from those gifted of God to do so.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 1989-2024

The Value of Church History

History is a fascinating subject. Whether talking about a person or event from thousands of years ago or within the last 20 years, history is always about only the past. Never now or the future. Some reading this remember persons and/or events from as far back as 50 years ago. Perhaps less. 

 The same is true concerning church history. By church I mean the Church-God’s Church-the Body of Christ. Believers in the lordship of Jesus Christ. We believers also have a history. People and events from the past who and which have helped influence where we are as the Church today.

 Throughout Church history many events have taken place. God has used a great number of people like you, to accomplish His plans and purposes. At times those, with such last names as Wycliffe, Tyndale, Augustine, Luther, Wesley, Whitfield, Finney, Woodworth-Etter, Sunday, and Graham have been greatly used by God to bring about God’s love and power.

 For some reason it grieves me that so many believers-especially charismatic Christians-know little or nothing about their heritage. Recently I was at a large meeting, attended by christians from many states and countries. When asked if she had ever heard of Zion, a product table volunteer replied that she had not. Yet her employer, a well-known speaker, regularly teaches on divine healing. 

 Some may say, “What difference does it make, knowing Church history?” Others go to the other extreme, knowing historical details while missing the real message of the moves of God. Another opportunity for balance. 

 Some may remember my three posts from years ago, highlighting people and places in church history who/which have profoundly influenced multiplied millions in the areas of divine healing and speaking in tongues, during the last 120 years. Not just in America but worldwide. Two cities, Zion and Topeka; one place, Azusa Street. You’ll find all three of them mentioned under older posts, beginning March 24, 2017. 

 Knowing church history will hopefully raise awareness of how the present came to be, as well as increase appreciation for those who were wonderfully used of the Holy Spirit to give us a taste of heaven on earth.

May both your present and future be blessed by knowing your past.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2018-2024

No Patents Pending

Generally speaking, patents are issued for original inventions, such as the personal computer or automobile. One need not look around very long to see something that resulted from a patent.

 But no patent has ever been or will be issued for the making of this universe. That includes every star, planet, moon-all objects found throughout the vast expanse of what is called outer space. 

There are estimated to be as many as two trillion galaxies in the universe. Galaxies, not stars. Two trillion galaxies, as in 2,000,000,000,000. Each galaxy contains hundreds of billions of stars within its “borders”. Anyway you slice it, the number of stars is beyond human comprehension-at least mine. 

Regardless of how many stars God made, no patents have ever been issued for any of them. Nor are any pending. Why is this? 

Because God owns this universe. Every galaxy, star, planet, moon, and all objects in between. They’re all His. No one person or group has even come close to creating one celestial object, much less trillions of them. So, no patents issued.

Here’s a thought: the same God Who created this universe cares about every detail of your life. He’s not only big enough to keep this universe going, but He’s big enough for you to trust Him with your life. This includes your present and your future.

Even though there are no patents pending on anything God has ever made He’s keeping the universe running, while giving you His undivided attention. No one else does that, so no patents have been issued on God’s care for you. None pending either.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2018-2024

By Another Name

Joseph Levitch died in 2017. In case that name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps the name Jerry Lewis will. Yes, the famous actor and television personality's birth name was Joseph Levitch. Christians have received a new name-actually more than one-from the moment of their rebirth. I'm not talking about a new earthly name; I'm talking about something new from God, our Heavenly Father. I'm talking about something the world can neither give nor take away. I'm talking about something that's eternal, as in forever.

When you, as a Christian, became a child of God, through Jesus Christ, God had new names for you. one being Redeemed. According to the Bible you're a partaker of God's redemption that's in Christ, our Redeemer (Colossians 1:14). Redeemed; yes that's you.

God calls you righteous. That means you have the ability to stand before Him without fear, condemnation, or intimidation. Not because what you have done, but because of what Jesus did for you, through His death, burial, resurrection, and seating.

Redeemed,  righteous, to name but a few other names.  What God says about you is what you ought to be saying about yourself, because God never lies-so it's the truth.

You didn't change your earthly name when you became a Christian, but now God is calling you by other names: Redeemed, righteous, heir, delivered, victorious, healed, strong,  Take your pick; they're all good,. And they all belong to you.

No matter what someone may say about you remember this: God doesn't see you as merely John, Sandra, Frank, or Hubert. He sees you by another name, the name belonging to someone so close to His heart that He can't stop thinking about this person.

That person is you. And me. All of us, together and individually, by another name.

Something good to know for yourself, to then share with someone you know., as God leads you.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

Sunday Mystery Hour

My wife and I enjoy watching detective mysteries, the kind where we try to figure out who did what to whom, before the hero does. Those from England/Australia rank high. Sadly, for multiple reasons, a Sunday mystery hour happens live before the eyes of many. No television or movie channel access is needed; this mystery is aired live, in thousands of church services worldwide. No signup necessary, for this mystery is found in the hour+-long services being led by many pastors.

I say mystery because many who attend these services are either unchurched, or come from a completely different background than what they're checking out. To use a restaurant analogy, the menu being offered is in a language foreign to the guest.

Generally speaking-and regardless of intent-so much of what's being said in our Sunday services is geared to those already familiar with words and phrases used by pastors and other leaders. In short, the unchurched and those from mainline denominational backgrounds don't speak our lingo. It is, in part or in whole, a mystery to them.

We in churches need to do a better job of keeping things simple. " Can't you feel the Presence of God, this morning?" may register with "regulars" but confuse guests. What if they don't "feel" God? Are they, then, unspiritual or in sin? I know what some mean by that but, at the same time, God's in service with me all the time, because He's in me-whether I "feel" Him or not. The same is true concerning my liver, which I've never "felt."

New people checking out your church aren't stupid; they're hungry for something not found on the menu of traditional restaurants. Their appetite has changed; not so the menu. Worship leaders, pastors, and others in the public eye need to realize that not everyone understands what they take for granted. Trying to learn "Christianese" takes a lot of time, something those new to contemporary settings  may not be willing to take.

Let's not use high-sounding phrases as a means of appearing super spiritual to newcomers. Jesus always spoke using terms common to most people. Parables centered around corn, wheat, mustard seeds, fish, and bread-things people readily understood. Even the Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, used simple words in his preaching,

With pretty good results, I'd say.

There's a time and a place to explain deeper meanings found in Scripture. Using my previous analogy of a restaurant, simplifying our menus will bring more hungry "customers" into our midst. Doing so can help take the mystery out of Sunday services.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024