You Have the Same Life That Jesus Had on the Earth Pt. 2

Here’s a simple question that will help you to better understand Part 1 of this topic: Since Jesus is our Head, and we are His Body, why wouldn’t we, as the Body, have the same life as is in the Head? The answer is, of course, that we do have-as the body of Christ-the same life as Jesus, the Head had on the earth, and has today, in Heaven. Remember that just because we can’t grasp the reality of this truth doesn’t make it a lie.

If we, as the Body of Christ, don’t have the same life in us that Jesus had in Himself, on the earth, then who’s life is in us? II Corinthians 5:17 states that all persons in Christ are new spiritually,, including having a new spiritual life. That being said, who’s life is now in that new creature, in Christ? Where did that life come from?

The simple answer is, of course, that our spirit’s life comes from God’s life, from His very being. In the natural, a child has the same life in him/her that the parents have. My natural life came from my parents, not someone in the neighborhood. My DNA came from my parents. Spiritually, our DNA comes from God Himself, not an angel or other entity. Let that thought soak in your heart. Let it percolate in your mind. And then act on what you believe. Doing so will change your life. It certainly has changed mine, day by day.

God's Cousins

Trying to figure God out is a waste of time, energy, and resources. God has no beginning nor end. Hebrews 11:6 says that those who come to God must first believe that He is-that He exists. I don't claim for one moment to know how, but I believe it to be true. Throughout the New Testament there are numerous references to God as Father: the Father of Jesus; the Father of those who have become His children, through confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, out of a believing heart.

But what about all of God's family? Some teach that Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, is the mother of God. If that be true, then who is God's father? Does God, then, have brothers, sisters, in-laws, out-laws (just kidding), or grandchildren? Does God have cousins?

The truth is that, although singularly used to give birth to Jesus, Mary isn't the mother of God; she was the mother of Jesus's humanity, not His deity. Jesus existed in heaven long before He ever came to the earth as both God and man (John 1:1,2,14).

God has, in fact, no mother, father, siblings, or other such relatives, including cousins. However, God has a family. This greatest of families is made up of those human beings who, as I stated earlier, have openly confessed (declared to be true) Jesus as their Lord, out of a believing heart (spirit), according to Romans 10:9,10.

In short, God has lots of children-hopefully billions of them. Many have gone on to  Heaven; the rest are still here on Earth (Ephesians 3:14,15). God's family knows no color, language, or socio-economic restrictions. Salvation is of the heart, not the pocketbook.

No, God doesn't have cousins, just a growing family of children from around the world who make up what the Bible calls the Church, the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:24). If you're one of those children then you are my brother or sister, in Christ. We may differ on some things, but I love you with the unconditional love of God.

If you're not yet part of the greatest family of all go to our website, hubertgardner.org,, where you'll find a page to receive Christ for yourself, becoming part of God's family.

Then I'll get to love another member of His family- without sending Christmas cards.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2018-2024

Where is God?

A few days ago I asked this very question to a fellow Christian, "Where is God."?" Her response was to the effect that God is with her, which is true. God is also for her, as he is for every Christian. Her answer though, is, unfortunately typical of so many Christians endeavoring to explain where God is. For a variety of reasons, too few Christians have been enlightened as to what the real answer is to the question, "Where is God?" The real answer is, for the Christian, God is not only with and for you, He's actually IN you.

Your internal organs, such as stomach, pancreas, and heart, are called that because they're in you. Not just with you, but IN you. What a difference in knowing that all of your internal organs are in you, functioning according to God's design.

In the same manner, as much as I'm thankful that God is for and with me, I'm infinitely more thankful that He is IN me, in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Hearing others talk about God being in them is wonderful. Knowing this truth for myself, however, is changing my own life, knowing that the Living God, the Creator of the Universe, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, has taken up permanent residence in my heart, my spirit. The same spirit that God used to raise up Jesus from the dead is IN you, me, and every other Christian on planet Earth.

So, where is God? He's in every Christian, through the New Birth, when a person confesses Jesus as his/her Lord out of a believing heart. And He's in them to stay.

Whether due to lack of teaching or overlooking this truth, the person's response to my question, "Where is God?," is what drives me to get this vital truth into people's lives, including knowing where God is. Knowing that, no matter the situation you may be facing, God is in you, will change your outlook on life.

"God is in me."  Say this to yourself. Begin to see yourself this way (because it's the truth) until this truth becomes real in your own heart. Because it's then-and only then-that knowing where God is will change your life.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

No Sequel Needed

Great books do not need a sequel; the original is sufficient in itself. Although sequels were done to them, books like To Kill A Mockingbird, Gone With the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz are, in my opinion, just fine as they are.

The greatest book ever written, and the one with the most annual sales is, actually, the Bible. Actually 66 books within the one Book, the Bible is history, a narrative of the life of Jesus Christ, and letters written to Christians. It also contains the book of Revelation, a lengthy vision that John, the last of the original disciples had regarding end times.

For centuries the Bible has endured criticism, derision, hatred, and questions concerning its sacred origins. It has survived countless attempts to eradicate it from the face of the earth, to be blotted out from all memory-all to no avail.

Jesus said that His words would not pass away (Matthew 24:35). The same is true concerning the rest of the Bible: what holy men of old wrote, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) is as true today as when it was written. God says what He means and means what He says. No sequels, revisions, updates, or corrections are needed.. As I said in my book, Born To Win: A Study Guide for New Believers, God said it right the first time.

Much time is spent arguing whether the Bible is really God speaking to us today, or merely a work of fiction compiled from the pens of many men over the years. Any book that has changed countless lives over the last 2,000+ years is worth studying. It's the only book ever spoken by God through the lives of those who not only wrote what God said to write, but who first lived it.

Regardless of doubters, scoffers, and others opposed to God's Holy Word, the Bible's words were correctly written the first time. Unlike the afore-mentioned books, the Bible stands as the written will of God. As is. Forever. No sequel needed.

And that's more than enough proof for me to act upon the timeless truths of God's Word, the Book needing no sequel: The Bible.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

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

Lies About God

In my experience, God is the most misunderstood person-ever. Some things you can say about God is that He's all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and loving. In fact, God IS love. At the same time there are some things said about God which just aren't true; they're lies. Here are just a few things said about God which, although seemingly true, are lies:

Lie #1: God is in control

You've probably heard it from the pulpit of a service you've attended,"God is in control." But if God is truly in control than why are so many Christians being killed for their faith? Why are so many millions suffering from sickness, disease, and/or poverty? If God is in control it doesn't take much intelligence to realize He's sure made a mess of things.

The truth of the matter is that there is a devil in this world. According to the Bible, his name is Satan, the enemy of God and every Christian. Satan is the ultimate thief, whose three-fold purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy human beings, just like you and me. Whether by sickness, tornados, poverty, or murder, the devil will-if allowed to-make lives miserable. Then he'll then laugh when people, whether intentionally or in ignorance, blame God for what they allowed the devil to do. No, God is not in control.

The truth is that Christians are to rule over the devil, enforcing his defeat, according to James 4:7 and I Peter 5:8,9. Romans 5:17 teaches that we are to reign in this life, as kings-not paupers. We are to put the devil on the run, in Jesus' Name. Now that's the truth.

Lie #2: God can do anything He wants to:

This is another lie that many, including myself, have heard more than once. To be truthful, it's a lie. Why? Here are things God simply cannot do:

He can't make people get saved; He can't make people pay tithes; He can't make people serve Him. Although He wants to, God, Who is a gentleman, can't make anyone do any of these things, because we all have the gift of choice-to obey or disobey God. I could go on about things God can't do, but you get the point: God can't do anything He wants to.

Filter what you hear, through the truth about what's being said or written. Get to know God for yourself, through His Word and through fellowshipping (talking) with Him. Who knows, there may be other lies about God you'll hear and reject, because you know better.

And that's the truth. What other lies about God have you heard? How have you responded?

Secret Passages You'll Love

Secret passages have been around for years. Medieval castles often had (some still do) secret passages which the owner(s) used for their own purposes, such as a way of escape from intruders. The fictional hero Zorro used a secret passage to get from his fireplace to a cave where Toronado, his trusted horse, waited. Then, on to set the captives free. So far, no secret passages have been found in our home.

Secret passages have been used to lead people to hidden treasures in caves, for instance. History gives us story after story of secret passages to pirate treasure around the world.

The Bible references things which are hidden; truths which are there for those willing to go exploring. Not with the latest technology, but with their spirits. Yes, God has priceless treasures waiting for those willing to search for them.

Proverbs 2 refers to wisdom as a hidden treasure, waiting to found by those willing to search for it as they would silver or gold. Like gold, this treasure is often beneath the surface, so to speak. It takes dedication, persistence, and patience to find real Bible wisdom. While yes, there's a price to find this treasure, it is one well worth paying.

In Bible school one professor said that the things of God are like a treasure map: God tells you where the treasure is, but it'll take some digging on your part to find it. In life, searching for God's wisdom starts with the Bible, God's Word-the original Book of Wisdom. Finding God's wisdom takes searching certain passages of Scripture. These passages are a secret, hidden TO-not from-those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's a secret passage you'll love: Colossians 1:26,27: "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but now is disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Christ IN you, not just with and for you. In you. That's a mystery to the mind, a mystery that most Christians haven't found out, yet. Understanding the reality of this passage will absolutely change the way you live. Other secret passages you'll love: Ephesians 2:5,6; 2 Timothy 1:7; First John 4:4.

The above passage is one of so many in the Epistles, letters written to Christians, including you and me. Secret passages just waiting to be found, revealed, and imparted to others who desperately desire to live free from satan's tyranny.

Now, on with your search. Move over, Zorro.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Things God Can't Do

"God can do anything-after all, He's God."  I've heard that before, as many of you have, as well. It's sounds right, but is it true? Can God really do anything, simply because He's, well, God? Or are there some things even God can't do? Here are some things God can't do:

1. God can't make people confess Jesus as their Lord, thus becoming His children. If God did He'd be forcing some to do what they have no heart to do. God is Love; God's love never forces or makes someone do or say anything against their will.

2. God can't make people serve Him, even Christians. He won't make them pray, go to church, or walk in love towards others, for the same reason He doesn't make people believe on the Name of Jesus.

3. God won't make people tithe. This one touches a nerve, since most Christians don't tithe (the word tithe means 10%) their income. Tithing wasn't something done under just the Old Testament. Last time I checked, Hebrews 7:7,8 was in the New Testament. Tithing is a means of worship for getting the Gospel out while getting blessed-not for helping God out financially. Heaven doesn't need our money; the Gospel does.

These are but three quick examples of things God can't do. With these in mind what are some things you can think of which God can't do? Some things God wants to do but can't. Ask God to show you other things He can't do. You might be surprised at some of the things He'll show you. Then pass them along. What God shows you might help someone else to see God in a new way.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024