God's Supernatural Blessings

God offers much grace for us. It is no coincidence that Paul says he always prays that we may receive a revelation of all the blessings God wants to give us (Ephesians 1). God's goodness and power exceed all, and no book in the world can put God's complete goodness and blessing into words. In this chapter, we cover more blessings of God's Kingdom, but know that God wants to bless us with much more.

Direct Connection with God

We have a direct connection with God. Before Jesus died, there was a temple, and inside the temple was a small space where the Ark of the Covenant stood in the holy of holies. In this space, God 'dwelt' on earth. No one could enter, and no one could be in God's presence. This space was partitioned off from the holy place by a veil, and once a year, the high priest was allowed to enter this space. Before entering this space, he had to put on linen clothes, exuding holiness (Leviticus 16:4). He also had to first reconcile by offering a bull as a sin offering to God (Leviticus 16:11). If the high priest failed to do this, there was a good chance he would die by the holiness of God (Leviticus 16:3). God is holy and man is unclean, so no relationship on earth was possible. God's holiness would cause all the unclean to drop dead instantly. Only with an offering of reconciliation was it possible for the high priest to reach God and serve in the holy of holies.

That is how it is today. Only with the reconciliation sacrifice of Jesus Christ it is possible for people and God to be together. A great blessing of God's Kingdom is our direct connection with God. When Jesus completed His work on earth on the cross of Calvary, God didn't need to live apart from people anymore. From that time onwards, God could come to people. God Himself tore the veil that separated God from people.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (…). (Matthew 27:50-51)

Jesus's crucifixion brought reconciliation to people. This means that God can live again with men. Today, the Holy Spirit's indwelling in believers achieves this. We may approach the throne and enter God's spiritual sanctuary with boldness. Jesus paved the way for us, and as High Priest, He atoned for our sins.

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22, NAS)

In the future, this will occur in a visible form where God will dwell with people (Revelation 21:3).

Living in Direct Connection with God
How can we live in direct connection with God? Hebrews 10 shows some beautiful concepts that relate significantly to a living connection with God. We may approach God with a sincere heart and solid faith. An honest heart means a genuine and committed attitude towards God. This state is attainable because our heart is sprinkled and our conscience cleansed. The reason for this is the work of Jesus, by which we are sanctified and justified in Him. In addition, we have received the Holy Spirit, who has 'written' the laws of God in our hearts and minds. When the Holy Spirit guides us, we remain pure. This work is partly accomplished by water baptism, as mentioned in verse 22. Finally, it is important to encourage one another and not neglect the church's mutual assemblies. In this way, we pay attention to one another and are on fire together for God so we do not forget God in our lives and our connection with the Creator isn’t broken.

Speaking to God

Despite knowing we have a direct connection with God—through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, it is crucial to know we have a direct line of communication with God—fellowship and intimacy. In an earthly kingdom, the king has no time to speak to and build relationships with all the people. In God's Kingdom, things work differently. Every citizen of God's Kingdom has a personal line of communication with God the Father, and everyone can reach God—day and night. No matter what has happened or how 'bad' we have become because of sin, God always wants to speak to us and will forgive our sins if we come with repentance. God is always available and present to have conversations with His children. Here, we can also think of intercession, confession, a prayer of gratitude, praying blessings to others, or praise. Being grateful to God and honoring Him with our prayers is the key.

We are urged to keep praying and to talk to God continuously. This is often perceived as an obligation, but it is a great blessing from God. We may always and uninterruptedly pray and speak to God. God will not get tired of our prayers, will not become impatient, and will have plenty of time to talk to us. Indeed, God longs to speak to us all the time and show His goodness to us.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2, NAS)

We can pray together with other believers or alone in private. When we pray alone, we know God is there and are rewarded for praying.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6)

Besides, prayer is a bi-directional process. God wants to answer our prayers. This may be through a voice inside us, a Bible text, or a spontaneous thought that enters our minds. For example, God can encourage us, give us a mission to build His kingdom or give us a prophecy for someone else. We have a speaking God!

Finally, God promises an answer to prayer—either spiritual or material blessings when we pray.

Ask, and it will be given to you. (...) For everyone who asks receives. (...) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him. (Matthew 7:7-11)

Living in Answer to Prayer
Several principles are essential for answers to prayer, which we will cover very briefly.

Principle 1: Ask God. This principle may sound redundant, but it is imperative. God gives us good gifts when we ask Him.

You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. (James 4:2)

Principle 2: Know God's will. We receive blessings in our lives only if they are God's will. Before we pray, we need to know His will to pray in faith.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Principle 3: We must pray in faith. Unless we have faith that God hears our prayer, God cannot (or has difficulty) answering our prayer.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. (Matthew 21:22)

Principle 4: The proper motive. We shouldn't ask God for things to fulfill our lusts and deal with blessings selfishly and inappropriately. God doesn't think it is wrong to pray for ourselves but wants the motive to be correct. For example, asking God for a car if we need or want it is legitimate so that we become more mobile. It is wrong to pray for a car if we want to make others jealous of us or to start a competition with neighbors asking, "Who has the nicest car?"

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:3)

Principle 5: Be patient. Sometimes, God's promises take a while to materialize. Be patient; if God promises something, He will give it!

The Body of Christ

The following blessing of God's Kingdom is that we are part of the body of Christ and the global church of Christ. We don't refer to the material body of Jesus on earth but to a spiritual reality in the Bible. The body of Christ is the church of Christ on earth. It is a great blessing not to be alone in our worship, walk of life, and ministry but to have millions of brothers and sisters. Together, we are building God's Kingdom on earth. The church is the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head of this body.

And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning (…). (Colossians 1:18)

The body shows diversity and simultaneously forms a unity. Looking around us, we see different brothers and sisters with various ministries. One is a speaker and can give the most beautiful sermons. Another is a prophet who can communicate the words of God perfectly. Yet another has been given the gifts of healing, and many have been healed through his ministry. God uses everyone for a particular purpose and has placed each believer in the Body of Christ. One is meant to be a hand, while another—a foot. Everyone is needed in the Body.

The subject of 'the Body of Christ' is a blessing from God and a commission to us. It is a blessing because we are encouraged, admonished, or comforted by other believers and ministries. We can learn much from a Bible teacher, receive God's words through a prophet, or be accepted in love by a shepherd. God has not placed us alone on the earth but in a body and a family so that we can serve each other in love. There should be a lot of love in the church that meets the following:

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

With this being the starting point of a congregation, it is a great blessing to join one!

At the same time, being the body of Christ is a commandment. Others encourage us, and we, in turn, may inspire others with the ministry, talents, and love we have received from God. This is how we together ensure a perfect body of Christ, where no parts are lacking. The human body needs all organs and limbs to function perfectly. In the body of Christ, we need all ministries and all believers to function perfectly.

But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (1 Corinthians 12:24-2 7)

Living in the Body of Christ
We will deal with two points for living well in the body of Christ. Firstly, we wish not only to receive from other ministries, brothers, and sisters but also to distribute ourselves with the ministries and gifts God has given us. We are the Body of Christ, and collectively, we strengthen each other. Secondly, meeting each other in a congregation. It is impossible to seek out every member of the body of Christ, as millions of people belong to this body. That is why God has given local congregations to each city or region. Paul calls us to attend mutual meetings in these local congregations to strengthen and encourage one another. (Of course, it is also possible to have an itinerant ministry to support several local congregations, like an apostle).

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

God's Protection

God protects and guards us. We see God's protection extending over various Bible figures throughout the Bible. For example, think of Elisha, who was protected by an angelic army of God (2 Kings 6:16-17). Think of David, who wrote several Psalms about God's protection over his life.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. (Psalm 91:9-10)

God protects us with supernatural protection. This doesn't imply that there can never be tribulation in our lives. Unfortunately, many Christians live in tribulation caused by people who want to terrorize or kill them. God protects all His followers, yet Christians cannot escape persecution or even death at times. Persecutions will remain until Jesus returns. Yet our God is our Protector and wants to protect us in our ways and guard us from danger. We may trust Him in any circumstance we encounter.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Even if we are persecuted and Christians are killed because of their faith, God provides everyone with (spiritual) protection. We don't have to fear those who can kill the body. We have hope and security that are more powerful than death because our spirit is secure with God in heaven. God protects us, no matter what happens to our bodies on earth. God is faithful and never loses sight of us.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Living in God's Protection
The assaults on our lives don't come from people but from the spiritual world. The spiritual world can use people to attack us with fiery darts. It is a promise from God that He will protect us from danger. Meanwhile, Paul calls us to arm ourselves against the day of evil. Let us read Ephesians 6 to see how we can arm ourselves, preventing the fiery darts of the enemy from striking us.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

For this paragraph, it takes us too far to analyze this text further. Our task is to arm ourselves to stand strong in any circumstance!

Victories

God wants us to be victors and not losers. God is a victorious God and doesn't lose. When we read the book of Revelation, we see that Jesus is victorious over the devil and the antichrist. Just as Jesus isn't a loser, we shouldn't be losers. By our faith, we are victors together with Him!

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. (1 John 5:4)

With Jesus, we have conquered the world through our faith. This means we have defeated the devil (1 John 2:13) and sin (1 John 2:16). We are no longer meant to be losers in circumstances but victors. Jesus has given us power and authority over our spiritual adversaries.

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)

We are expected to have a victorious faith that moves mountains and defeats darkness. The Bible contains verses and stories where God achieves victory through people.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Paul lived a life of victories. Things didn't go well from a human point of view. For instance, consider Paul's imprisonment, his shipwreck, and death threats. Yet Paul could say that He lived a victorious life with Jesus. He could speak about Jesus; people came to faith, and darkness was defeated. Sometimes, the circumstances around us tell us that we are losers or in the process of losing. If we stand firm in faith and authority, we can never lose and will always attain victory in Christ. We have been given victorious faith and placed in God's Kingdom that never fails. Persecutions or temptations may come, but God protects us so we can attain victory.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Victories apply to spiritual matters, relationships, work, health, finance, or school. God has given us victorious faith.

Living in Victories
There is constantly a battle. I don't refer to people fighting each other, but battles of the minds. The devil wants to attack us in our minds with lies and half-truths. To live in victory, it is essential to overcome our thoughts.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

We have to battle against the strongholds in our minds. These strongholds are false reasoning, disobedience to God, and incorrect thoughts. We battle against these strongholds and are allowed to bring everything to obedience in Christ. It is essential to continuously speak against the wrong thoughts by telling them the truth of God from the Bible or personal prophecies. For example, if a thought arises that says, "Surely God doesn't forgive you," we may say, "Yes, for it is written, 'For You, Lord, are good, mild to forgive and rich in mercy to all who call on You'" (Psalm 86:5).

Victories begin in our minds and trickle down to the (physical) parts of our lives. In addition, it helps to regularly seek God by praying, fasting, or studying His Word and asking Him what we should do on earth. If we follow and implement God's will, no enemy or spiritual power can stop us. We then have an invincible God who is on our side. And finally, we sometimes need patience. It may be a process after which victory comes. During that time, may we continue to struggle and trust God.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)

Grace

God's Kingdom is a Kingdom of God's grace. We aren't placed under the law but rather under God's grace.

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17)

Talking about grace, people often think that we are free in our lusts on earth. We live in grace, so I am allowed to steal, cheat, commit adultery, etc. This kind of grace doesn't exist in the Bible, and I don't preach it. We are free from the law and sin. This allows us to live in the freedom of the Spirit. We don't have to obey the law involving circumcision, keeping the Jewish feasts and sacrifices. We are allowed to live in freedom and let the Holy Spirit lead us. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul explains this principle by first addressing living under the law and then living under unholy freedom. He then proclaims the right path of grace and freedom.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

We are told to remain in that freedom and grace and not let a yoke of slavery weigh upon us. That yoke of slavery is the law with all its provisions and the goal of being justified before God by the law. In addition, we shouldn't be servants of the world with all its lusts (Galatians 4:3). So how can we live? If we cannot be under the law and have unholy freedom? That is the beauty of God! He has a solution that allows us to live in holy freedom, receiving all God's provisions while not being slaves to the law. God has given us His Spirit, through which God takes the initiative and sanctifies and justifies us.

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Galatians 5:4-5)

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Living in the grace of God means having the Holy Spirit lead our lives. Living in grace means that we (can no longer) do sin, and the power of sin no longer rules over us.

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace (...) you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18)

We may serve God and righteousness because we no longer have sin ruling over us and are set free from it. What a great grace of God! He has freed us from the law and sin, allowing us to live in grace and true freedom!

Living in Grace
To live in grace, we will examine one exhortation: obedience to the Holy Spirit. If we listen to the Holy Spirit and walk in the ways of the Holy Spirit, we will live perfectly in grace.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)

Wisdom

Another blessing of God's Kingdom is wisdom. God has given us His wisdom so we can make wise decisions.

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)                                        

God is the only right source of wisdom. Many scholars in the world think they are wise. I don't want to argue that today's scholars are knowledgeable and can make amazing inventions and discoveries. But knowledge is very different from wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and choose appropriately in life. Knowledge is having a lot of information or facts about a particular subject. According to the book of Proverbs, wisdom surpasses knowledge and comes from God. At the same time, people also receive knowledge and corresponding insight from God. In the Bible, apart from Jesus, Solomon was the wisest man alive. His wisdom was so profound that people worldwide visited him to ask questions. Solomon received this wisdom because he offered sacrifices to God and asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3). In Proverbs, he tells how we, too, can become wise. The two main principles are: 1. Asking God for wisdom, seeking wisdom well, and realizing that wisdom comes only from God. 2. Observing God's commandments and living righteously.

Solomon was extremely wise, and the apostles, too, walked in the supernatural wisdom of the Holy Spirit, so they knew exactly what to answer.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (Acts 6:8-10)

Finally, the key is to realize that God's wisdom is foolishness to the world. The world cannot understand the gospel's 'foolishness.' At the same time, God's 'foolishness' is wiser than all men. God's wisdom far surpasses all wisdom on earth; only the world fails to see and understand that.

(...) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:23-25)

God's wisdom is next level. For example, when considering provisions and prosperity, God says, "Give, and it will be given to you." The world wouldn't say this.

Living in Wisdom
How are we supposed to live with the wisdom of God? James explains this to us in his letter.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

James makes it quite simple: If you lack wisdom, ask God, and He will grant it to you. We may ask God for wisdom, an answer, or a solution in a particular situation. When we ask for wisdom, we must believe that God will grant it, as James says in his letter.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

If we fail to ask or have doubts and unbelief, we won't receive wisdom (or other blessings) from God. In addition, Solomon calls us to seek God's wisdom (Proverbs 2:4). To conclude, there is one book in the world that contains all wisdom: the Bible. If you want to be a wise man or woman, read and study the Bible, and you will receive wisdom.

Peace and Joy

The last blessing we address in this section is peace and joy. These are qualities that belong to God's Kingdom.

For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can live in peace and joy with God and our brothers and sisters. Because we are justified, we live in peace with God. No longer considered enemies of God in an unclean body, we can live in peace with Him through our faith in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

Peace with God doesn't mean peace between two equal parties, as in a war or dispute. Peace is something God grants to us. Because Jesus has borne the punishment, God no longer has to punish us for sin, and we no longer have to live impure lives. After all, Jesus has borne this punishment for us. Consequently, we experience peace and serenity about ourselves that the world is unaware of. Things are working out well for us. In addition, we may live in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters and spread God's peace throughout the world.

God's Kingdom also consists of joy in the Holy Spirit. This joy can suddenly erupt in church service while you are reading a Bible text or worshiping God. God is a God of joy and celebration.

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)

God is a God of joy and wants to share His joy with us. We see this in the story of the lost son, in which the son returns home. The Father is pleased and encourages his older son to be happy for his brother.

It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found. (Luke 15:32)

Living in Peace and Joy
Joy and peace are fruits of the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22)

This means that the Holy Spirit may guide us, and we may grow in peace and joy. It is both something God gives to us and something we can grow in.

Summary

In this chapter, we have briefly discussed some of God's great blessings. God is a God of blessings, and His blessings abound. We have covered the following blessings.

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