This Is Our Father: How Jesus Revealed the Heart of God in the Gospels

Clint Byars 5/2/25 Clint Byars 5/2/25

How to Ask in Faith: A New Covenant Perspective on Prayer

“You’re not waiting on God. He’s already moved. Now it’s your turn to walk in what He’s done. Think, feel, and see the truth when you pray—and let the reality of Christ’s finished work renew your mind and transform your life.”

#1 Two Kinds of Prayer

“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us—and we know we have what we asked.”

— 1 John 5:14–15

Prayer is one of the most vital aspects of our walk with the Lord. It's multifaceted—where we interact with Him, where we listen, where we ask, and where we declare. Today, I want to focus on how to ask in faith, and what that looks like in light of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving into this theme of prayer leading up to Easter, but this message sets the foundation by tackling our mindset and heart posture when we pray. When we truly understand what Christ has already accomplished, it transforms how we pray—shifting us from pleading to confident expectation.

Declaring vs. Asking in Prayer

To begin, it's helpful to categorize two basic types of prayer: declaring and asking. While there are many forms of prayer, these two give us a foundational framework. Declaring is when you speak what is already true in Christ—what He has finished, what He has given, what He has promised. Asking is when you request something, often needing wisdom or insight, or drawing from what Jesus has already made available. These are not mutually exclusive forms but work together.

We are not trying to twist God's arm or convince Him to act. As I put it, “We have a unique presentation of the gospel here in that we just really focus on the finished work. We focus on who we are in Christ. We focus on the effects of the death, burial, and resurrection. And we look at the idea that as we behold Him, we become like Him.”

So much of prayer is about reframing. It’s about holding up our situations in the light of what Christ has already done. It’s less about asking God to come down and intervene, and more about learning to see our reality through the lens of our union with Christ.

You Are Already Perfect in Spirit

Before we were in Christ, we were spiritually dead—cut off from God, alienated, lost. But something miraculous happened when we placed our faith in Jesus. “We were dead in our sin… But then when we put our faith in Him, He gives us a new heart. He resurrects our spirit.”

So many believers struggle with the concept of being “perfect in spirit,” but the reality is, “You could say you’re perfect in spirit right now. Say it: ‘I’m perfect.’ And if you think that you're not, then quit being self-righteous.” This kind of bold language may make some uncomfortable, but it’s key to understanding our identity. We’re not saying our flesh is perfect. We’re saying our spirit has been made new—righteous, holy, blameless in Him.

2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us that God “has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness,” and through His great and precious promises, we become partakers of the divine nature. That’s not future-tense—it’s now. This is why we can approach God with confidence. We are not unworthy beggars. We are beloved sons and daughters, qualified by Christ Himself.

The Legal Battle Is Over

Sometimes when we pray and we don't see immediate results, doubt creeps in. We start making lists in our heads—maybe I didn’t give enough, maybe I brought something cursed into my home, maybe I’m disqualified. But these thoughts are rooted in law-based thinking.

As I said during the message, “You start thinking, ‘Maybe I brought some Masonic coins into my home and there's a demon robbing my blessing’… and it’s like, if you start thinking that way, then you get into this legal battle that has already been dealt with.”

Colossians 2:14 is clear: the law that stood against us has been nailed to the cross. That means there's no longer any accusation that has legal standing. “Everything past, present, and future—He nailed it to His cross.” That’s not permission to sin. It’s an invitation to live in freedom, knowing our righteousness is a gift. “I want to live in a way that reflects the holiness He’s done on the inside of me… I say no to sin—not to be accepted, but because I already am.”

Asking According to His Will

When we ask in prayer, we ask according to His will. But what does that mean?

Let’s look again at these anchor scriptures:

1 John 5:14-15 – “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
Mark 11:24 – “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (KJV: “believe that ye have received them”)
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”
John 14:13-14 – “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do… If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Asking “in His name” means in line with His nature, His character, His authority. “We’re not naming it and claiming it. We’re not calling Bugattis into our lives,” I joked—but the truth is, God isn’t withholding things from us. He wants us to know His will so we can ask with confidence.

And how do we know His will? Scripture, His character, our identity in Him, His promises—and most of all, the finished work of the cross.

Prayer in Light of the Cross

Our model for prayer must be shaped by what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Isaiah 53 gives us a prophetic glimpse into this great exchange:

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

So what do we do when we’re depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? We look to the cross. “You may feel like a loser. But what did He do that I can ask for? He carried my sorrows. He bore my griefs. He felt the shame, the condemnation, the rejection. So now, I can expect healing. I can expect peace. I can expect joy.”

This is not wishful thinking. This is a legal transaction. “It’s yours now. The timing was 2,000 years ago.”

Faith Is Not a Bribe

It’s important to remember that faith doesn’t get God to move. God has already moved. Faith is not leverage; it’s a response. James 1:5-8 tells us to ask for wisdom in faith, “with no doubting.” God gives “liberally and without reproach.”

We don’t go to Him and get reminded of our failures. We go to Him and get reminded of His provision. “He’s not going to say, ‘Well, you haven’t been to church in a while.’ He’s going to remind you, ‘Remember the cross. I dealt with that.’”

Double-mindedness is a battle most Christians face. The Greek word dipsychos means “two-souled”—split between faith and doubt. As I said plainly, “Most of our prayer is doubt-driven and lack-focused.” But that’s not who we are. We can learn to bring our hearts into alignment with truth.

Capturing Every Thought

This leads us into true spiritual warfare. It’s not about chasing demons; it’s about stewarding our inner world. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says:

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds… bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

You’re not trying to get demons to obey Jesus. “You’re wrestling your thoughts into captivity until your thoughts are in agreement with what Jesus accomplished on the cross.”

That’s the battle. And you do it not just until your thoughts agree mentally, but until your emotions and mental pictures shift too. “Think, feel, and see the truth when you pray.” That’s transformation.

Transformation Through Mind Renewal

Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. That’s how you prove what God’s will is. It’s not about striving—it’s about being renewed.

And when it comes to sin? “Stop it. It’s killing you.” Not because God is angry, but because it’s harming your ability to walk in what God has for you. “It’s damaging your capacity to be shaped and molded and transformed by the Spirit of the living God.”

The blood of bulls and goats couldn’t cleanse your conscience. But the blood of Jesus does. He cleanses your heart so you can approach Him boldly, not weighed down by guilt or shame. And when that happens? “You are unstoppable.” Not because of your strength, but because of what you’re letting God do in you.

Practical Application

Let me leave you with something to do:

Pick an area in your life that you want to see transformed.
Read Isaiah 53.
Ask yourself: What did Jesus do on the cross that applies to this?
Meditate on that truth until it brings hope and changes how you see the situation.

“Host the word.” That’s what we do. We don’t strive. We plant the seed, and the seed grows. We stay in faith. We think, feel, and see the truth.

The transformation doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from beholding Him.

So let me ask you: Are you ready to ask in faith?

Then declare what’s true. Ask boldly. And renew your mind until you’re fully persuaded of what Jesus has already given you.

“Peace, joy, righteousness, healing, provision—rightfully, legally, yours. Now. Say ‘Now.’”

Clint Byars 5/2/25 Clint Byars 5/2/25

There Is a Godly Way to Fulfill Every Desire You Have

James teaches us that temptation comes from within. We’re only tempted by the things that we desire. There is a godly way to fulfill every desire, but through brokenness, perversion, and confusion, we choose to fulfill our natural desires in ways that do not honor God’s natural order, which is sin. But sin is no longer our master, for we are dead to sin in Christ. Join us today as we discuss how to stand in His strength and overcome.

Easter Sunday

“But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.”

— James 1:14

Where Does Temptation Come From?

Understanding the Root of Desire, the Nature of Sin, and How to Overcome Temptation in Christ

Temptation is one of the most universal experiences in the human condition, yet it’s often misunderstood. Many believers wrestle with shame or confusion, wondering why they struggle with certain thoughts or urges, assuming something is inherently wrong with them. But the Bible paints a more nuanced picture.

At its root, every desire we have is part of God's design. God created humans with longings—for connection, meaning, influence, creativity, sexuality, food, purpose, love. These desires are not sinful in and of themselves. In fact, they are reflections of our design in God's image. But because we live in a fallen world, and because of personal trauma, abuse, or cultural perversion, we often begin to express those God-given desires in broken or sinful ways.

As James 1:13–15 (NKJV) explains:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

This passage shows clearly that temptation begins inside us. The enemy doesn’t plant foreign desires into our hearts. He tempts us by leveraging the desires we already have—and trying to twist or shortcut the way we meet those desires.

The Temptation of Jesus: A Blueprint

Let’s look at how temptation works by observing Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). This moment in Jesus’ life offers one of the clearest demonstrations of both the strategy of the enemy and the way of victory.

After His baptism, Jesus received public affirmation from the Father:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Immediately after this powerful moment of identity, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted. And what was the first thing Satan said?

“If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3)

The enemy attacked Jesus’ identity—the very truth the Father had just spoken. Jesus’ desire to walk as God’s beloved Son was pure and good. But the enemy tried to sow doubt and lure Him to prove who He was outside of trust in the Father. This is how temptation works: it targets our identity and offers a shortcut.

The next temptation came after forty days of fasting. Jesus was hungry. So Satan said:

“Command that these stones become bread” (Matthew 4:3)

Again, the desire was legitimate—hunger is natural. But Satan tried to entice Jesus to misuse His divine power to meet a valid need in an illegitimate way, breaking His fast prematurely and stepping outside of God's leading. Jesus responded:

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world—if He would worship him (Matthew 4:8–9). Why would this tempt Jesus? Because Jesus knew the Father had promised Him the nations. Psalm 2:8 says:

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

Jesus had read the Scriptures. He knew He was destined to reign, to be King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). But again, Satan offered Him a shortcut—to claim the promise without the cross.

This is the essence of sinful temptation:

a shortcut to fulfill a godly desire in an ungodly way.

Why We Sin: Broken Expression of Good Desire

Unbelievers sin because it’s their nature. New creations in Christ sin not because we’re evil by nature in Christ, but because we choose to express our desires in broken ways. Lust is a shortcut to intimacy. Greed is a shortcut to provision. Pride is a shortcut to influence. Jealousy is a shortcut to belonging. All sin is misdirected desire, and temptation works by enticing us to satisfy a legitimate need or longing apart from God’s way.

But in Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we don’t have to follow the pattern of the flesh anymore. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6–7).

How Do You Overcome Temptation?

Let’s follow Jesus’ model and Scripture’s instruction:

Keep your heart pure before God.
Proverbs 4:23 says:
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Be honest with God about your desires. Let Him search and heal the broken places.
Know what is written.
Jesus resisted temptation by quoting Scripture. The Word of God is your sword (Ephesians 6:17). Whatever area you struggle with—whether it’s sexual sin, anger, control, insecurity—find out what God says about it. The Word transforms desire.
Know your identity in Christ.
Jesus didn’t perform to prove who He was—He stood on what the Father said. You are God’s beloved child (1 John 3:1). You have everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Temptation loses power when you're rooted in your identity.
Rely on grace in the moment.
Hebrews 4:15–16 says:
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Grace is not just forgiveness after the fact—it’s power in the moment to do what’s right from the heart.

God’s Goal: Fulfilled Desires, God’s Way

God is not trying to strip you of desire. He wants to fulfill the desires of your heart—in a holy, life-giving way.

Psalm 37:4 says:

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

That doesn’t just mean you get what you want. It means He shapes your desires and satisfies them with Himself.

So when you're tempted, remember:

It starts with a good desire.
The enemy offers a shortcut.
The Word offers a way of escape.
Your identity in Christ secures your victory.
Grace empowers you to walk it out.

If you stay rooted in God’s truth, your desires will not destroy you. They’ll lead you into deeper intimacy with God, and you’ll learn to walk in victory, expressing every desire in a way that glorifies Him.

Clint Byars 5/2/25 Clint Byars 5/2/25

He Is Risen: Living from the Finished Work of Christ

You are holy, unblemished, and blameless. Not because you’ve earned it, but because Jesus has presented you that way to the Father… So live from that place. This is not about striving. This is about resting in what Jesus has done. Let Him love you into wholeness.

Easter Sunday

“[Jesus] was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.”

— Romans 4:25

The Stone Was Rolled Away for Us

Jesus' resurrection changed everything. One of the first miracles we see is that He could walk through walls—so the stone covering His tomb wasn’t rolled away so He could escape. It was rolled away so that we could look in. And who were the first witnesses? Women—Mary Magdalene, who had a shady past, and Joanna. Their testimony was legally invalid in Jewish courts, yet God chose them to be the first proclaimers of the resurrection. This speaks volumes about how God values each individual, regardless of their past or cultural limitations. Their inclusion in the story adds authenticity to the gospel account—it’s not what someone would make up if they were trying to convince a skeptical audience.

God Had to Become Man

We must understand that Jesus didn’t overcome death simply because He was God. God gave dominion over this world to humanity. That means a human had to fix what was broken. A spiritual being couldn’t intervene without violating that original authority. So God became man. Jesus, as a perfect man, bridged the gap. He fulfilled the law and lived without sin, qualifying Himself as the substitutionary atonement for all of mankind. He could repair the breach between God and humanity—not as God in His divinity, but as God in the flesh.

It Wasn’t Just to Appease Anger—It Was to Kill Death

This part of the gospel often causes confusion. The shedding of blood and sacrificial language can sound brutal or even pagan to modern ears. But it wasn’t about satisfying a bloodthirsty God. Rather, it was about confronting and destroying death. God was indeed angry with wickedness, but Jesus' sacrifice wasn't about appeasing wrath—it was about breaking sin’s power. As I said, "Death had to be killed." Jesus suffered your sin on the cross and your death in the grave so that you never have to taste separation from God.

Romans 4:25 — Delivered and Raised

"[Jesus] was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:25)

The full effect of our sin ran its course in Jesus. It wasn’t just punishment—it was the culmination of sin’s effects. On the cross, He took on the weight of all that separated us from God. And in the grave, He descended into the depths of what death truly means. But He didn’t stay there. He rose. And in that resurrection, our justification was sealed.

1 Corinthians 15 — The Gospel Reminder

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 remind us of what’s central: the gospel. He says it’s what we must continually be reminded of. That Christ died for our sins, was buried, and raised on the third day, according to the scriptures. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter, the Twelve, over 500 others, James, and finally Paul. Jesus spent 40 days post-resurrection walking among people, teaching and preaching. Imagine witnessing that! Yet Jesus said it was better for Him to go away so the Holy Spirit could come. That’s a mind-shifting truth. The Spirit in us is greater than Jesus beside us.

The Spirit in You is Greater

You have what the early disciples didn't have before Pentecost—the very Spirit of God dwelling within you. This isn’t a passive truth. It’s a call to engage. The Spirit empowers us to live from the inside out. We renew our minds, not to earn anything, but to align with what’s already true in our spirits. This is where transformation happens—not from striving, but from resting in the finished work while actively participating in faith.

Hebrews 9:11–12 — He Entered for You

“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12)

When Jesus told Mary not to touch Him after the resurrection, it was because He hadn’t yet ascended. He was carrying His own blood into the heavenly tabernacle. The old tabernacle was a shadow. Jesus entered the real one. And He did it with His own life. Blood represents life. So when His blood was poured out, it was His life being poured out. Your darkness was exchanged for His light. Your weakness for His strength.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — You Are the Righteousness of God

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:21)

You don’t have two natures. You aren’t half sinner, half saint. You have one nature—and it is the righteousness of God in Christ. If that’s hard to say, it means you might still be relating to God based on behavior. But righteousness is a gift. It’s a legal declaration that you are now in right standing with God—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done.

Romans 3:21–24 — Righteousness Apart from the Law

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed… even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe… and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

You can’t earn this. It’s free. All have sinned, but all are justified by grace. This is the gospel—freedom from performance and confidence in the finished work.

Romans 8:3–4 — He Condemned Sin in the Flesh

“For what the law could not do… God did by sending His own Son… that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Walking in the Spirit doesn’t mean being ultra-spiritual or mystical. It means putting your faith in Jesus. That’s it. When you believe, you’re in the Spirit. And when you live from that place of belief, transformation follows.

Colossians 1:21–22 — You Are Holy and Blameless

“Once you were alienated… But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless.”

Let that settle in: you are holy, unblemished, and blameless. Not because you’ve earned it, but because Jesus has presented you that way to the Father. Your sanctification isn’t a process of self-cleansing. It’s the result of the blood of Christ. Your holiness is a result of your union with Him.

Hebrews 4:16 — Boldly Come for Grace

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Because you’ve been justified, you don’t have to shrink back. You come boldly. Grace is found by faith. And faith is your response to who God is and what He has done. So when you feel weak or guilty, remember: He’s not pulling away from you. He already dealt with your sin. Now He invites you to draw near for help.

Final Picture — Presented Before the Father

Here’s the picture: Jesus paid for your sin. He descended into the grave, rose again, and then ascended into heaven. He carried His own blood into the heavenly mercy seat and made atonement once and for all. Then, with you in His arms, He presented you to the Father and said, “Look what I’ve done.”

That’s where you live now—in the presence of God, accepted, righteous, loved.

Live From That Place

So live from that place. This is not about striving. This is about resting in what Jesus has done. Your transformed desires, your ability to resist sin, your capacity to love and serve—all of that flows from knowing who you are in Him. Let Him love you into wholeness.

You are forgiven. You are justified. You are righteous. You are holy.

Live from the finished work of Christ.

Clint Byars 4/23/25 Clint Byars 4/23/25

Let Him Love You Into Wholeness: A Palm Sunday Message

Let Him Love You Into Wholeness

As we remember Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, I want us to look beyond the crowds and the palm branches and focus on one truth: He knew what was coming.

He knew the suffering He would endure. He knew the betrayal, the trial, the scourging, and the agony of the cross. He knew the weight of humanity’s sin would rest fully on His shoulders. And still, for the joy set before Him—He endured it (Hebrews 12:2).

#4 Two Kinds of Prayer

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

— Hebrews 4:16

Let Him Love You Into Wholeness

As we remember Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, I want us to look beyond the crowds and the palm branches and focus on one truth: He knew what was coming.

This wasn’t passive endurance. It was an act of total surrender, fueled by love. Jesus didn’t walk blindly into suffering—He stepped into it willingly, knowing every detail. And what was the joy set before Him? It was pleasing the Father. It was fulfilling the eternal plan of redemption. And it was you—redeemed, restored, made whole. He saw you on the other side of the cross.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed in such agony that He sweat great drops of blood. This wasn’t just stress. It was a spiritual war—a full resistance against sin. Hebrews 12:4 says, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” But Jesus did. He resisted sin to the point of bloodshed. Why? To break the power of sin for all mankind.

This moment in the garden reveals His humanity, His vulnerability, and the depth of His obedience. He could have walked away. He could have called legions of angels. But instead, He said, “Not My will, but Yours be done.”

He bore our punishment—not just the pain of the cross, but the judgment we deserved. He experienced our death. And not just physical death—He went into the grave. Into the separation. Into the place sin had dragged us. And He did it willingly, fully knowing what was coming.

And He did it for love.

This is the love we’re invited to receive—not just as an idea, but as an experience. As a source of strength in our inner man. As a living reality that reshapes how we see ourselves, God, and the world around us.

This isn’t a theological concept to merely understand. This is a love to experience in your inner man. His heart for you—the choice to endure it all with joy because of you—can be a meditative anchor. You can take that truth and turn it over in your heart until it reshapes your inner world.

Because when you know how deeply He loves you—when you really see what He endured with you in mind—you begin to open your heart. And when your heart opens, grace flows. And when grace flows, healing and wholeness begin.

That’s how we live transformed lives. Not by striving or performing. But by letting His love in—so fully that it changes us from the inside out. You don’t need to convince God to help you. You just need to be willing to let Him love you. Willing to believe His love is real and present. Willing to receive it in your weakness. That willingness opens the door to grace.

And the good news is—He knows how to help you.

Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus understands the struggle. He understands the weight. He understands what it feels like to be pulled in every direction and still choose the Father’s will. And because He understands, He can help.

He doesn’t just forgive from a distance. He steps into our weakness and offers strength. He’s a faithful High Priest—not just representing us before the Father, but working within us to restore, redeem, and renew. When you feel weak, He offers grace. When you feel ashamed, He gives mercy. When you feel too broken to continue, He reminds you: I’ve been there. I did this for you. And I am with you now.

That’s the power of His love. Not only did He endure the cross for us, but now He lives to make intercession for us. He stands with us. He strengthens us. And He’s committed to loving us into wholeness.

So today, let this be your meditation:

Jesus knew what was coming.
He resisted sin until He sweat blood.
He bore your punishment.
He experienced your death.
He did it for the joy of saving you.
He understands your weakness.
He is willing and able to help you.

Let that truth strengthen your heart. Let it shape your thoughts. Let it become your security. And most of all:

Let Him love you into wholeness.

Clint Byars 4/15/25 Clint Byars 4/15/25

How to Pray: The Lord's Prayer As A Model

Prayer isn’t about convincing God to act—it’s about rehearsing the truth of what He’s already done. “It’s how we merge the realities of heaven with our earthly mindset. When you pray, ask: Who is God in this moment? What did Jesus already accomplish? And what truth do I need to align with today? We’re not trying to twist God’s arm—we’re laying hold of what’s already ours in Christ. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Him. And through Him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

#2 Two Kinds of Prayer

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:20

So much of the Christian experience, especially in prayer, has been taught from a place of performance. We think we need to pray long enough, loud enough, or with enough fervency to get God to act. But here’s the truth:

"The reality is, He has moved. He has given us all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3).

"We know His will because we know His character."

"We know what is legally ours in the blood of Christ."

When you pray, you’re not twisting God’s arm. You’re aligning your heart with what He’s already accomplished through Jesus. You’re reminding your soul that Jesus has already given you everything you need for life and godliness.

Three Questions to Ask When Praying

Whenever you enter into prayer, ask yourself three key questions:

Who is God in this situation?
Is He your Healer? Your Provider? Your Shepherd? Every name of God reflects His unchanging character. Prayer begins by anchoring yourself in who He is. You can trust the character of God and always expect him to be who he is when you pray.
What did Jesus accomplish through His death, burial, and resurrection?
If it was finished at the cross, you have every right to expect to experience it.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him, the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Speaking the "Amen" is laying a brick on the foundation of truth. It’s agreement. It’s settled.
What do I need right now?
James 1:5 gives you permission to ask boldly:
"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."
There’s no shame, no guilt, no reprimand. Just a Father ready to guide you.

Faith, Not Fear

Too often, our prayers are fear-based. We beg, plead, and worry our way through them. But James 1:6-8 warns us about this:

"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... a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

We can’t afford to be double-minded. And yet, many of us live as if we are two people. We must bring our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs into unity with what God has declared.

"Faith is a response. It’s seeing God rightly and aligning our lives with that truth."

Bringing Every Thought Captive

We often treat spiritual warfare like a fight against external forces. But the battle is in the mind. We’re told to bring every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), but captive to what?

"Arrest every thought that contradicts the finished work of Jesus, His righteousness, His victory, and His love."

Refuse to entertain thoughts rooted in shame, fear, guilt, striving, or lack. Measure every thought against the obedience of Christ—because it is through His obedience that we are justified and made free.

Walking Through the Lord’s Prayer: A Framework for Transformation

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer not as a rote repetition but as a framework. Here’s how I walk through it, phrase by phrase:

“Our Father, who art in heaven”

Start with relationship. This was a radical shift for Jesus' audience. Calling God "Father" implies intimacy, connection, and identity. Let His Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are His child (Romans 8:16).

2. “Hallowed be thy name”

This is worship. Acknowledge His holiness and set apart His name in your heart.

3. “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

This is kingdom alignment. Expect heaven to manifest here. Yield your will to His. Repent if your life is out of sync with His desire.

4. “give us this day our daily bread”

Bring your needs to Him. He knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:8), and He values you more than birds or flowers (Matthew 6:26-30).

5. “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”

Affirm your forgiveness in Christ, and extend that grace to others. Not to earn righteousness, but to walk free from bitterness.

6. “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”

This is awareness. God doesn’t tempt (James 1:13), but we ask for discernment to walk in the Spirit and avoid pitfalls.

7. “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever”

End with Lordship. Affirm His rule, power, and eternal glory over your life.

Jesus’ Model for Prayer

Here’s a simple framework to use as you engage in prayer:

Relationship
Lordship
Worship
Kingdom Alignment
Obedience
Needs
Repentance and Humility
Spiritual Awareness
Authority and Glory

I encourage you to slowly walk through the Lord’s Prayer daily. Write out your responses. Ask, Does this feel true to me? Do I believe this applies to me? What thought or emotion do I need to surrender to walk in this truth?

Clint Byars 4/7/25 Clint Byars 4/7/25

Becoming Like Christ: The Power of Being Seen

What does it mean to be changed into the image of a son of God? Not just to admire Jesus, not just to follow His teachings, but to actually be transformed into His likeness? Scripture gives us a powerful answer:

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

This passage is more than a poetic idea—it is a roadmap for transformation. And the key phrase is "with unveiled face."

What Does It Mean to Have an Unveiled Face?

The Greek word used here for “face” includes the idea of both looking and being seen. So when Paul says we behold God with an unveiled face, he’s not just talking about seeing God—he’s also talking about letting ourselves be seen by Him.

#5 Our Hope of Heaven

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Becoming Like Christ: The Power of Being Seen

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

This passage is more than a poetic idea—it is a roadmap for transformation. And the key phrase is "with unveiled face."

What Does It Mean to Have an Unveiled Face?

That means real transformation begins in a space of transparency. It begins when we come before the Lord without hiding. We stop posturing. We stop trying to earn righteousness or to clean ourselves up first. Instead, we let Him see everything—the shame, the sin, the fear, the pride—and we do not run.

This is not about condemnation. This is about intimacy. Because when we let God see us fully, we allow His Spirit to minister to the places we’ve kept hidden. That’s where transformation takes place. That’s where the old falls away and the new man rises.

Letting Ourselves Be Seen

In quiet moments with God, have you ever remembered something that made you cringe? That wave of shame, that pang of regret—those are the very things we must bring into the light. Not to be judged, but to be healed.

The unveiled face is the courage to say, “Here I am, God. All of me. Even the parts I don’t want to admit.”

And in that vulnerable space, God doesn’t meet us with disgust. He meets us with glory. His opinion, His view, His truth about who we really are in Christ begins to override the story we’ve been telling ourselves.

Replacing Shame with Dignity

Transformation means we stop being defined by our sin, our shame, or our failures. We are defined by our identity in Christ. Psalm 8:5-6 says:

"You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands."

You’ve been crowned with glory and honor. That’s dignity. That’s worth. That’s what God speaks over you—even when you feel unworthy.

So when the Spirit reveals something painful within you, the response isn’t to cover it up. It’s to let it be seen—and then put on the new man. To say, “Yes, I see that—but that’s not who I am anymore.”

This is the discipline of transformation: letting the old identity fall away and actively stepping into who God says you are. Not becoming someone different, but discovering who you already are in Him.

The Mirror of Glory

When Paul says we behold the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, he’s saying something profound: what we’re seeing reflected is not just Christ—but Christ in us. We are not just looking at something unattainable. We are seeing our own potential, our own identity, unveiled and shining back.

But the key is honesty. Transformation doesn’t come through pretending to be someone you’re not. It comes through letting the Word of God read you—mirror you—so that what is false can fall away and what is true can rise.

As you let the Lord search you, as you let yourself be seen, the process of transformation begins. Not through striving. Not through shame. But through the Spirit.

Embrace the Process

This is the hope of heaven: that we would be conformed to the image of the Son—not by hiding, but by showing up with open hearts, unveiled faces, and a willingness to let His Spirit do the work.

So don’t run from the mirror. Don’t avoid the quiet place. Let yourself be seen. And as you do, you’ll find that what’s reflected back is not your failure—but His glory in you.

watch this series

Clint Byars 4/4/25 Clint Byars 4/4/25

Finished Work Deliverance: Breaking Free from Legalistic Mysticism

Demons are real. They’re active today. But they’re operating illegally, contrary to the theology of many modern deliverance ministries. Deliverance and casting out devils are legitimate aspects of the church’s ministry in the world, but not like what’s typically displayed in deliverance seminars.

Much of deliverance ministry is steeped in legalistic, spiritual-sounding mysticism. Instead of being anchored in the finished work of Jesus Christ, much of today’s deliverance practices revolve around an unbalanced focus on evil spirits, dialogue with demons, mystical legalistic checklists of open doors, and burdensome rituals for "freedom" that have already been secured for us by the blood of Christ.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”

— Colossians 1:13

We need to make a clear distinction between New Covenant deliverance, which rests entirely on what Jesus has accomplished, and mystical legalism, a man-centered form of ministry that inadvertently empowers evil spirits rather than truth. The church needs to make clear what true freedom looks like under the New Covenant, and debunk the myth of demonic “legal rights.” And we need to establish a biblical framework for helping people walk free from demonic oppression, based on Jesus' victory and the believer's identity in Him.

We Have Already Been Delivered

The foundation of New Covenant deliverance is found in Colossians 1:12-14:

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins

Notice the past-tense language: He has delivered us. This is not a future hope or a conditional outcome—it is a completed fact. The word "power" here is exousia, which means authority. Before the resurrection of Christ, demons and evil spirits had some sort of rank and authority in the heavenlies. But under the New Covenant, Jesus disarmed them entirely through His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."
(Colossians 2:15)

This victory is not merely symbolic—it’s legal, eternal, and spiritual. The enemy no longer has authority or rights to use the Law or our sin to accuse us, because Jesus removed the very foundation of accusation:

"Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."
(Colossians 2:14)

The list of sins and failures that demons might claim as justification for oppression has been erased. Jesus removed the law's ability to condemn, disarming the accuser at the core of his strategy. Jesus was tried, judged, and punished for each and every one of your sins, past, present, and future. As 1 John 2:2 says And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. So nothing you do gives the enemy a right to oppress you. You might still experience oppression, but we’ll get to that.

The Name Above Every Name Means Authority

Deliverance is not achieved by shouting or performing rituals—it’s exercised in the name of Jesus, which means His authority.

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."
(Philippians 2:10)

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This authority is not something demons can resist when properly enforced. Deliverance happens not because we "break contracts" with demons or discover some hidden sin from 10 years ago, or cancel curses from your grandfather who was a Freemason—it happens because Jesus reigns supreme.

"Demons don’t need permission to attack you; they’ll lie and manipulate if you let them. But they have no legal ground or right. Jesus stripped them of that."
— Finished Work Deliverance

Jesus Forbade Demons to Speak—So Should We

Modern deliverance ministries often feature ministers interrogating demons: asking their names, where they came from, and why they’re present. But in Mark 1:25, Jesus models a completely different approach:

"But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’"

Jesus forbid them to speak. He didn’t entertain dialogue. He didn’t build his strategy around information from the enemy. He silenced them and commanded them out. When he addresses the man in the Gadarenes who was possessed by a legion of demons, he is asking the man his name, not the demon's. Jesus was trying to connect with the man and ask him questions, as he did in several other cases when he healed that person.

Involving demons in conversation is not only unnecessary—it’s dangerous. Demons are liars by nature (John 8:44). Building a ministry on their testimony and revelations creates confusion and gives them a platform they no longer have a right to.

In the New Covenant, the only name that matters is Jesus. His name, not knowing a demon’s name, is the authority that sets people free.

Mystical Legalism: The False Gospel of Conditions

A prominent teaching in some deliverance circles is that demons have “legal rights” to inhabit or oppress people based on open doors. Lists often include:

Unconfessed sin
Unforgiveness
Involvement in New Age practices
Generational sin
Secular entertainment
Sexual sin
Not tithing
Soul ties

These teachings may sound spiritual but they functionally deny the sufficiency of the cross. If demons truly had legal rights because of these things, it would mean that Jesus’ blood was insufficient to deal with sin, and the person must now “earn” their way back into freedom through works or rituals.

But Scripture says:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."
(Romans 8:1)

And:

"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."
(Hebrews 10:14)

If the believer is perfected in Christ, there is no remaining legal charge that can be used to oppress them. Deliverance becomes about truth displacing lies, not earning God's protection.

This is actually even true for unbelievers. An unbeliever’s sin does not give the enemy rights to their lives, just because they aren’t saved. Why? Because Jesus has ALL authority in Heaven and on Earth, and the enemy has NONE, period, no matter what!

Heart Beliefs: The Real Battlefield

Though demons have no legal rights, many believers believe they do. And that belief can cause them to tolerate lies, oppression, and fear.

Proverbs 4:23 says:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
(NLT)

The heart and mind, not wrestling with the demon, is where battles are won or lost. If a person believes they are vulnerable, unworthy, or cursed, they may submit to a lie even though Jesus gave them victory 2000 years ago.

Deliverance, therefore, involves renewing the mind and aligning heart beliefs with the truth to properly exercise Christ’s authority, which we have been given permission to use. Not just permission, but a commission:

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
(John 8:32)

When someone embraces the truth of who they are in Christ and know the power of His authority within them, demons lose all influence—not because of a ritual, but because faith activates the reality of the finished work.

This is evident with The Seven Sons of Sceva.

In Acts 19:13–16, the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons “in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches.” But the demon replied:

"Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"

They didn’t know who they were in Christ, and the enemy could tell. But, Like Paul, when you are confident in the supreme authority of Christ, the enemy knows and flees from you, because they are fleeing from Christ in you. This is why we need to establish people in the Gospel and their identity in Christ, rather than merely rid people of demons and then send them off to be oppressed again.

This is a sobering reminder: authority comes from identity, not performance. If you are in Christ, you carry His authority. If you're not rooted in your identity, the enemy may bluff you into fear and launch you on a never-ending trail to find the “open door that has given the enemy a right into your life.”

Yes, We Should Turn from Sin—But Not Because Demons Have Rights

Should we avoid sin, forgive others, and detach from occult practices? Absolutely. But not to avoid demonic access—because we are already delivered from the power of the enemy in Christ. We should avoid those things for several reasons.

We are dead to sin

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin still kills because you reap what you sow, but the enemy cannot use it against you as a legal precedent to oppress you, because the Law used to accuse you was nailed to Christ’s cross and He paiod the penalty for each and every one.

We should repent but repentance is not penance for sin; it is realignment. It brings our minds and hearts into sync with the identity we already have. We should forgive others, but because we are already forgiven in Christ. We should avoid sin and dark things, but not because it may give the enemy rights. Those things dull our hearts and make us susceptible to deception, which is the enemy’s only weapon under this New Covenant.

The Truth About Generational Curses

Where Did Generational Curses Come From?

The idea of generational curses comes from Old Covenant law, particularly:

"You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me."
(Deuteronomy 5:9)

And:

"The Lord will not spare him... and all the curses that are written in this Book will settle on him."
(Deuteronomy 29:20-21)

These were part of the Mosaic covenant, which was a conditional agreement between God and Israel: obey and be blessed, disobey and be cursed.

What Changed?

Jesus came under that law and fulfilled it completely. Then He took the curse of the law upon Himself:

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)."
(Galatians 3:13)

The generational curses found in Deuteronomy were God’s response to law-breaking. But Jesus bore those curses, satisfying the justice of the law so that we could be free.

This is why Ezekiel prophesied:

"The son shall not bear the guilt of the father... The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself."
(Ezekiel 18:20)

And why the New Covenant, declared in Hebrews 8, is based on better promises—because it’s not dependent on our works, but on Christ’s.

There is no longer any generational curse for a believer. The blood of Jesus is stronger than family sin patterns.

We may have generational lies that are passed down from our ancestors, but we can repent (change our minds and turn away from sin) and align with truth. Modern science reveals that epigenetics carries traits like thought patterns, behavioral propensities, and predispositions, which may mimic unavoidable demonic oppression, but those issues are corrected through mind-renewal unto transformation.

Ghosts and Familiar Spirits

Evil spirits like to keep it in the family. If your ancestor entertained a demon and then died, that spirit is going to try to inhabit or attach itself to someone of a similar disposition because they are familiar with that family. And they will masquerade as the ghost of your deceased loved one, or another figure that is familiar with your family and your life.

Familiar spirits following a bloodline down to a new host do not have the right to be there, and they have no authority to enforce a curse. So it’s entirely unnecessary for break legal curses that may be present through your ancestors' sins. However, you may need to cast away an evil spirit that oppressed your deceased loved one or family member.

The Truth That Sets Us Free

Deliverance is not about finding the right formula. It’s about believing the truth.

The cross was enough. Jesus disarmed the enemy, nailed the law to the cross, took the curse, and gave us His authority. We are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), not fighting for victory, but from it.

Sin doesn’t give demons rights—only deception gives them influence. When we walk in truth, we walk in freedom.

Walking Someone Through Deliverance: A New Covenant Approach

Here’s a biblical, finished-work-based process for helping someone walk in freedom:

Step 1: Establish Identity

Start by reminding the person who they are in Christ:

They are forgiven (Col. 2:13)
They are free (Gal. 5:1)
They are seated with Christ (Eph. 2:6)
They are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)

Step 2: Confess the Lordship of Jesus

Ask them to speak out loud:

"Jesus is Lord. He has all authority in heaven and on earth. I belong to Him."

Step 3: Speak to the Spirit

From that place of authority, instruct them to say:

"In the name of Jesus, I command every unclean spirit to leave. You have no right to be here. I belong to Jesus."

Step 4: Silence and Dismiss

Don’t dialogue with demons. Don’t ask them their names. Simply command them to go.

Step 5: Ask the Holy Spirit

Invite the Holy Spirit to speak truth:

"Holy Spirit, show me where I’ve believed a lie. Teach me who I am."

Identifying the lie is not necessary to be free, it’s only a follow-up measure to guard the heart going forward.

Step 6: Renew the Mind

Help them write down truths to meditate on daily:

“I am free.”
“I have authority in Christ.”
“The enemy is defeated.”
“God is for me.”

Step 7: Encourage discipleship Ongoing Transformation

Encourage them to put on the new man daily by:

Meditating on truth
Letting go of condemnation
Living in fellowship with God
Choosing grace over fear

We encourage you to walk people through discipleship after you have helped them rid themselves of demons. (You’re welcome to use our Discipleship tool, which is free in this course)

Final Words

You don’t need to be afraid of the enemy. His only weapon is deception. He has no legal rights. He has no authority. Jesus stripped it all away.

You don’t need deliverance ministries that dig up your past or tell you you’re cursed.

You need the gospel.

You need Jesus.

And once you know who you are in Him—the enemy will know it too and will voluntarily flee from you.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Clint Byars 3/28/25 Clint Byars 3/28/25

Who Were the 12 Disciples and How did they Die

Here’s a detailed list of Jesus’ 12 disciples (also known as apostles), including a character sketch, profession, where they met Jesus, what they did after the resurrection (based on tradition and history), and how they died.

1. Peter (Simon Peter)

Profession: Fisherman
Met Jesus: While fishing in Galilee (Mark 1:16-18)
Character: Bold, impulsive, passionate leader. Denied Jesus three times but was restored and became a pillar in the early Church.
After Resurrection: Preached at Pentecost, performed miracles, led the Jerusalem church, evangelized Jews and Gentiles.
Death: Crucified upside down in Rome under Nero (~64 AD), saying he was unworthy to die as Jesus did.

2. James (Son of Zebedee)

Profession: Fisherman
Met Jesus: While mending nets with his brother John (Mark 1:19-20)
Character: Zealous, ambitious (asked to sit at Jesus' right and left), part of Jesus’ inner circle.
After Resurrection: Preached in Jerusalem and Judea.
Death: First apostle martyred (Acts 12:1-2), beheaded by Herod Agrippa I (~44 AD).

3. John (Son of Zebedee)

Profession: Fisherman
Met Jesus: Same moment as James, his brother
Character: Intimate with Jesus (called “the disciple Jesus loved”), contemplative, deep thinker, part of inner circle.
After Resurrection: Cared for Mary, led churches in Asia Minor, wrote Gospel of John, 1–3 John, and Revelation.
Death: Only apostle believed to have died of old age (~100 AD in Ephesus), though he survived exile and persecution.

4. Andrew

Profession: Fisherman
Met Jesus: First called disciple, formerly a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40)
Character: Eager evangelist (brought Peter to Jesus), humble, often in the background.
After Resurrection: Preached in modern-day Turkey, Greece, and possibly Scythia.
Death: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.

5. Philip

Profession: Unknown (possibly tradesman or fisherman)
Met Jesus: From Bethsaida, directly called by Jesus (John 1:43)
Character: Analytical, practical (asked Jesus to show the Father), approachable.
After Resurrection: Missionary in Phrygia and Hierapolis (Asia Minor).
Death: Crucified or stoned in Hierapolis.

6. Bartholomew (possibly Nathanael)

Profession: Unknown (likely a scholar or tradesman)
Met Jesus: Introduced by Philip (John 1:45-49)
Character: Honest, skeptical at first (“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”), sincere.
After Resurrection: Preached in India, Armenia, and possibly Ethiopia.
Death: Flayed alive and beheaded in Armenia.

7. Matthew (Levi)

Profession: Tax collector
Met Jesus: At his tax booth in Capernaum (Matthew 9:9)
Character: Outcast, detail-oriented, radical life change; author of the Gospel of Matthew.
After Resurrection: Ministered to Jews and possibly traveled to Ethiopia or Persia.
Death: Martyred in Ethiopia or Persia—stabbed or burned.

8. Thomas (Didymus)

Profession: Possibly a tradesman
Met Jesus: Not specified; listed early in the disciples
Character: Loyal, analytical, doubting but also deeply faithful ("Let us go and die with him").
After Resurrection: Evangelized in India (Mar Thoma tradition).
Death: Speared to death near Chennai, India (~72 AD).

9. James (Son of Alphaeus)

Profession: Unknown
Met Jesus: Not detailed
Character: Quiet, possibly called “James the Less,” likely overshadowed by other disciples.
After Resurrection: Traditions place him in Egypt.
Death: Clubbed or stoned to death in Egypt.

10. Thaddeus (also called Judas son of James, or Lebbaeus)

Profession: Unknown
Met Jesus: Not detailed
Character: Curious (asked Jesus why He revealed Himself only to His disciples), faithful.
After Resurrection: Preached in Syria and Persia with Simon the Zealot.
Death: Clubbed to death or martyred in Persia.

11. Simon the Zealot

Profession: Former political zealot
Met Jesus: Not specified
Character: Passionate, nationalistic, later redirected zeal to kingdom of God.
After Resurrection: Possibly evangelized in Persia, Egypt, or even Britain.
Death: Martyred—traditions say crucified or hacked to pieces with Thaddeus in Persia.

12. Judas Iscariot

Profession: Treasurer for the disciples
Met Jesus: Not specified
Character: Greedy, deceptive, betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, remorseful but did not repent to Jesus.
After Betrayal: Hanged himself (Matthew 27:5), or fell and burst open (Acts 1:18).
Death: Suicide shortly after Jesus’ arrest.

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Clint Byars 3/26/25 Clint Byars 3/26/25

Unlocking the Power of Faith: Superposition, Quantum Reality, and the Promises of God

Just like in quantum physics, where reality exists in a state of superposition until observed, the promises of God exist in limitless potential, waiting for us to choose them by faith. If we remain carnally minded—limited in our thinking—we will continue to live under restrictions, but when we align with God's truth, we step into His abundance. As we behold Him, we become like Him, transforming every aspect of our lives.

#5 Our Hope of Heaven

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Just like in quantum physics, where reality exists in a state of superposition until observed, the promises of God exist in limitless potential, waiting for us to choose them by faith. But to walk in this reality, we must be spiritually minded, believing that all things are possible. If we remain carnally minded—limited in our thinking—we will continue to live under restrictions that bring death, rather than life and abundance.

As Jesus said in Mark 4:24:

"Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more will be added to you."

This principle reflects quantum physics' observer effect—where what we focus on determines reality. If we observe lack, we reinforce lack. If we observe God’s abundance, we step into His unlimited provision. The issue is not whether God's promises exist but whether we choose to engage with them.

The key is understanding who we are in Christ. God has an incredibly high view of humanity, and we should align our perspective with His. If we adopt a low view of ourselves, as many religious teachings suggest, we excuse sin, failure, and lack. However, the Bible tells a different story.

What Are We? Understanding Our Divine Identity

Psalm 8:3-6 lays out God's perspective:

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels,And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet."

The Hebrew words used here are profound:

Glory (kābôd, כָּבוֹד) – Meaning weight, splendor, majesty, dignity, or honor. It is often used to describe God's presence and excellence (Exodus 33:18).
Honor (hādār, הָדָר) – Meaning adornment, majesty, beauty, or excellence. It conveys the idea of being set apart for distinction and worth.

Many struggle with feelings of insignificance, but God has already crowned us with dignity and purpose. Being "crowned with glory and honor" does not mean we are gods, but it does mean we are entrusted with reflecting God's rule and goodness.

Romans 8:29 confirms this:

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son."

As we behold Christ, we become like Him. Our elevated view of humanity makes room for the leaven of God's kingdom to work in our hearts, transforming us from within. This is critical because the way we see ourselves directly affects how we live and engage with God's promises. If we see ourselves as powerless, we will live defeated. If we see ourselves as crowned with glory and honor, we will rise to that level of authority.

Prayer and Quantum Faith: Aligning With the Kingdom

Rather than begging God to intervene, we must recognize that we have Christ’s power and authority to affect the material world—just as the observer effect in quantum physics shows that human consciousness affects material reality. The Bible supports this principle:

2 Peter 1:4:

"By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature."

If we are partakers of the divine nature, then our role in prayer is not to ask for what we lack, but to align with what God has already provided in Christ. Just as Jesus demonstrated mastery over the created world—walking on water, multiplying food, and commanding storms—we, too, are meant to walk in authority, shaping reality through faith.

Jesus didn’t merely ask God to intervene. He spoke to storms, commanded healing, and operated from a deep awareness of His divine authority. This was not magic—it was alignment. His thinking was perfectly in tune with God’s will, and as a result, creation responded to Him. We are called to this same level of authority.

Examples of Kingdom Prayer in Action

PROVISIONS:

Instead of praying from a place of lack, recognize God as Jehovah Jireh, the provider. See His abundance and align yourself with that truth. Say:

"Father, I thank You that You have already provided all things that pertain to life and godliness. I align my heart with Your abundance, knowing that I lack nothing in You."

If we do not believe God is a provider, we limit our ability to receive His provision. As Jesus multiplied food, He did not question whether it was possible—He simply aligned with the Father's abundance. Likewise, provision is about aligning with God's nature rather than striving to earn His blessings.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Rather than asking God to fix a broken relationship, embody the nature of God’s love. See yourself as a conduit of His reconciliation. Say:

"Father, You are love, and I am one with You. As I behold Your love, I become love. I release grace and wisdom into my relationships, and I call forth healing and restoration."

Jesus was moved with compassion and healed them all (Matthew 14:14). Love is a powerful force that transforms everything it touches. When we see God as the ultimate reconciler, we become instruments of reconciliation in our relationships.

HEALTH:

Instead of asking for healing, acknowledge Christ as Jehovah Rapha, the healer. See yourself as already healed in Him. Say:

"Jesus, You bore my sickness and carried my pain. As I behold Your wholeness, I allow that truth to transform my body. Healing is not a future event—it is a present reality."

Jesus did not treat sickness as something outside of His authority. He spoke to it, commanding healing. We must approach healing with the same confidence, seeing ourselves as already whole in Christ.

Entanglement with God: Living in His Reality

In quantum mechanics, entangled particles instantly affect each other, regardless of distance. Spiritually, we are entangled with God.

1 John 4:17 says:

"As He is, so are we in this world."

This is a profound statement. It means that everything that is true of Christ is true of us in the spirit. Our job is to let that truth transform our thinking so that it manifests in our lives. We are not distant from God—we are one with Him.

Raising Our Expectations

Psalm 8:6 tells us that God has put "all things under our feet." Yet many believers struggle because they view themselves as unworthy. Jesus confronted this mindset in John 10:34:

"Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?"

Jesus was reminding them that they were created for dominion. The challenge is that many believers see themselves as powerless when, in reality, they are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). If we elevate our expectations, we will step into greater measures of faith and authority.

Final Thoughts: Becoming What We Behold

2 Corinthians 3:18 declares:

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Prayer is not about convincing God to act—it is about seeing Him clearly and aligning with His reality. As we behold Him, we become like Him, and His promises manifest in our lives. Faith is not about striving—it is about choosing to believe in the reality of His kingdom and letting that truth shape us from the inside out.