The Christian's Toolbox
The Christian's toolbox is the place in our hearts where we have all of our God-given tools for immediate use in our lives and ministries to build, renew and repair lives for the Kingdom of God.
As we come up with other tools, let's keep adding them to your toolbox, because “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).
A large part of our Christian growth takes place by the renewal of the mind, creating emotional security through faith in the power of God's grace. We are given this warning by the apostle Peter, “Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17, 18).
The Word of God
The Holy Bible is simply God's love story fulfilling our need for love and acceptance. His Word reveals the Lord rescuing His wayward children through faith in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants fulfilled by the promised Seed, Jesus Christ (Gen. chs.12; 15; 17; 2 Sam. 7; & Gal. 3).
Jesus is the Word made flesh, who came as Prophet, Priest and King to give us His authority and stability (Matt. 28:18-20). The Word of grace empowers us as believers to solely depend upon His finish works, establishing His will, thoughts and covenant. We build our lives upon His absolute-immutable Truth—the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 10:4).
The Attributes of God
The Lord (Yeshua) is our Salvation (Psa.27:1). Jesus is “…the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Knowing His inherent characteristics, magnifies Him as Savior and Lord in our hearts, causing faith to arise in worship to the King of Righteousness, and establishing our security in His Mercy.
As Christians, we are Spiritually connected to God — our Heavenly Father. As His children, He is to us: Eternal life, love, wisdom, righteousness, truth, peace, goodness, holiness, comfort and counsel. He is our Creator (Elohim), infinite, transcendent, sovereign (Adonai), and self-sufficient. He is merciful, but wrathful, just, immutable, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present and so much more.
Our God is El Shaddai—God Almighty, all-sufficient, more than enough; the sole source of all blessings (Gen. 17:1). It’s the goodness of God that brings repentance (Rom. 2:4).
The Finished Works of Christ
Our minds are to be renewed with the power of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, creating a Word-ruled mind, the mind of Christ, who spoke, saying, “It is finished!” All our sins were forgiven; past, present and future. There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).
Unlike the Old Testament High Priest, who offered sacrifices daily, “Jesus did this once for all…with his own blood, he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever” (Heb. 7:27; 9:12). “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time…he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (Heb. 10:10, 12).
“Jesus gave His life…to rescue us from this evil world” (Gal. 1:4). “… He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross” (Col. 2:15). “…the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn. 3:8).
Confession of the Word
True biblical faith simply responds to what God has already done by grace. As believers, we confessed with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead and were saved (Rom. 10:9).
Confession not only means “to acknowledge faith in”, but “to say the same thing” that God says in His Word about us. We’re not trying to get God to respond to us, but we are responding to what He did 2,000 years ago by grace through faith in Christ’s finished works. We trust solely in God’s Word.
Faith only appropriates what God has already provided by grace (Eph. 2:8, 9). We are to “…hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)" (Heb. 4:14; 10:23), confessing who we are in Christ’s sacrificial offering for us; our healing and abundant prosperity as Sons of God. Paul exhorts, “…that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Phm. 1:6).
Our Identity in Christ
Faith in God's grace opens our eyes to see ourselves as He sees us. Then, the way we see ourselves changes our desires and behavior. The Apostle Paul taught in Ephesians that knowing our positional identity in Christ (seated in Christ, chs. 1-3), results in our ability to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil (walking and standing in Christ, chs. 4-6), established in grace.
We see the power of God's love and grace in our union with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Sin’s power is broken, our old man is dead, and we are a new man in Christ (Rom. 6:3-11). We were crucified, buried, risen, seated, hidden and now reign with Christ. We are co-heirs; blessed, loved, chosen, washed, redeemed, delivered, and made righteous, alive and complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). “…we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10).
Therefore, we are new creations, born of God, Sons and Temples of God, far from oppression, more than conquerors, overcomers, priest and kings. We have a divine nature and all things that pertain to life and godliness. We can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens us, fulfilling the prophecy, “…the Sun or Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings” (Mal. 4:2).
The Blood of Jesus
It is the sinless blood of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, that empowers us to carry out our royal priesthood, while reigning as Kings in the righteousness of Christ (Rom. 5:17).
Jesus paid the price for our sin and brought us into God's presence. As priests, “…we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus…therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God” (Heb. 10:19; 13:15).
We offer the sacrifice of praise with our mouths by confessing Scriptures on the blood. For instance, confess: I am redeemed, justified and made righteous by the blood (Rom. 3:24-26). I have peace with God by the blood (Col. 1:20). I am loved, washed and overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Rev. 1:5, 6; 12:11). God’s glory and presence will follow (Heb. 10:22).
The Name of Jesus
Jesus (Yeshua), our Mediator and great High Priest, has entered into heaven, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God” (Heb. 4:14-16), for salvation, deliverance, restoration, wholeness, healing, soundness, freedom, safety, prosperity and victory (1 John 5:4).
As royal priests, we have the eight redemptive names of God fulfilled in our Yeshua, so proclaim: Yeshua-Shammah is ever present (Eze. 48:35); Yeshua-M’Kaddesh my Sanctifier (Lev. 20:7, 8); Yeshua-Tsidkeenu my Righteousness (Jer. 23:6); Yeshua-Shalom my Peace (Jud. 6:16-24); Yehsua-Rapha my Healer (Ex. 15:22-26); Yeshua-Jireh my Provider (Gen. 22:9-14); Yeshua-Raah my Shepherd (Psa. 23); Yeshua-Nissi my Banner/Victor (Ex. 17:8-15).
Our humble dependence is upon His name alone (Acts 4:12). Because of His finished work, Jesus is the High Priest of our priestly profession and Intercessor (Heb. 3:1; 7:25). Jesus said, “My Father will grant your request because you use my name” (John 16:23). His name is above all other names (Phil. 2:9-11).
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is free to baptize (immerse) us in God's presence because we have taken authority over our lives as priests through the blood and the name of Jesus. He is no longer grieved nor quenched by the sin of unbelief, but through faith in God's grace, He is free to flow forth as rivers of living water (John 7:38, 39).
We need the power of the Holy Spirit for witness (Acts 1:8). He is promised to us and to our children (Acts 2:17, 39), to all who ask Him (Luke 11:9-13). Jesus not only places us in the Spirit at salvation (1 Cor. 12:13), but baptizes with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5,8; 2:4,33). We received the promise through faith (Gal. 3:13, 14). Faith comes by hearing the word on the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts, chs. 2; 8; 10; 19). Study these chapters!
Praise the Lord, letting the Spirit give us the words, even new syllables in tongues for greater power, boldness, desire to pray and praise constantly and effectively for witnessing and ministering to others. We have God’s anointing (1Jn. 2:20, 27).
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal. 5:22, 23). All these fruit are in us once born again of the Spirit, but not producing more fruit yet (Eph. 5:2).
Jesus said, “…I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing….But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (Jn. 15:5–8).
He went on to say, “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love…I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (Jn. 15:10– 14).
The Gifts of the Spirit
Spiritual gifts work by God's love. We are commanded to, “Follow after Charity (Gk. agape), and desire Spiritual gifts…” (1 Cor. 14:1). Charity is the love that Jesus commanded us to remain in so that we would overflow with joy.
The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10), to operate in the gifts of His Spirit. “There are different kinds of Spiritual gifts but the same Spirit as the source of them all…wisdom… knowledge… faith… healings… miracles... prophecy… discerning of spirits… tongues and interpretation of tongues…He alone decides which gift(s) each person should have” (1 Cor. 12:9-11), all from the prompting of the Spirit.
In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Prophecy with God given faith, serve and teach others well, encourage, give generously, leaders take the responsibility seriously and if showing kindness, do it gladly. Love with genuine affection (Rom. 12:6-10).
Spirit Soul and Body
The Spirit is our divine core, born of God’s love. The fruit and gifts of the Spirit flow forth from our spirit, “…your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Eph. 4:24).
The soul is the gateway for the spirit-filled life to change your behavior for a bold ministry (Eph. 3:16-20). Being baptized in the Holy Spirit, means that our soul (mind, will and emotions) is being renewed as we “…let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (Eph. 4:23).
As a result, our body will “…reflect the glory of the Lord…who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Cor. 3:18). “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again” (1 Thess. 5:23).
Spiritual Warfare
The Spirit-filled believer is a mighty soldier, fighting the good fight of faith in the new covenant of Jesus Christ. As soldiers, our weapons are not physical, but we speak the Word, the name and the blood of Jesus, casting down the enemy's imaginations that are against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:4-6).
Jesus is the Captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10), Who has gone before us defeating the enemy and winning the war (Col. 2:14, 15). The only battle left is contending for the faith by standing in what Jesus has already accomplished at Calvary (Jude 3). We keep on the full armor of God: the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Feet shod with Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit and Praying always (Eph. 6:10-18).
As believers, we possess the Spirit of faith (2 Cor. 4:13). The same Spirit and power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us and is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (Rom. 8:11; Eph. 1:19,20; 1 John 4:4). As sound-minded soldiers, we are wide-awake with authority in Christ to resist the enemy steadfastly by faith (1 Peter 5:8, 9). Faith works by love (Gal. 5:6).
Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship
As royal priests, these three are our language of faith, offering sacrifices continually to God, “… Who has called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light” ( 1 Pet. 2:9).
As faithful priests, we enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise (Psa. 100). Then, we experienced his Most Holy presence, since Jesus, our great High Priest entered before us, “…so we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16).
Praise activates our spiritual weapons against the enemy of our soul for the battle is the Lord’s (2 Chr. 20:15, 17, 22). Then, we worship by singing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever” (Rev. 5:13).
Prayer, Meditation & Memorization
We pray from our throne-room position as priests of the Most High God, “…a river brings joy to the city of our God, the secret home of the Most High (El Eylon)” (Psa. 46:4). We understand how generous He has been to us, since we are seated with Christ. We tend to not asked so much when we understand who we are, what we have and what we can do (Phil. 4:13, 19). We pray from victory ground.
Meditation is a constant looking at God’s grace until that becomes an inner image and the inner image becomes so real that you begin to speak as though it is already in existence (Psalm 1:2, 3; Joshua 1:8). For instance, let your throne-room reality (the throne of grace) become so real that you see yourself sitting there with authority in Jesus' name,“…raised up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6).
Memorizing God's Word allows us to instantly weld our Sword of the Spirit in the face of temptation and Satan's opposition (Luke 4:1-13). For witnessing, we have a word in season (2 Tim. 4:2). Also, the “A to Z Identity System” on the website helps to memorize our identity with words from A to Z: I am anointed, accepted, blessed, chosen, delivered, eternally secure, forgiven, etc., on out to “Z”, zealous.
God Loves You
Our goal is to be anchored in God’s love. Remember, our spirit is made perfect in love when we were born again, but our soul (mind, will and emotions) is always growing to really know and believe more perfectly that God loves us.
“All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love” (1 Jn. 4:15–18).
As our thoughts line up with God's love story in the Holy Bible, His divine love flows forth from our hearts to experience the joy of Jesus as royal priests. “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Our website presents to you the beauty of God's Word. We suggest, especially to those who are new Christians, to obtain a New Living Translation Bible (Tyndale House Publishers), at their local Bible bookstore. It is clear and precise in sharing the simplicity of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Won’t you draw near to God today?