For thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. These are the words spoken by Jesus to John the Baptist when Jesus appeared before John to be baptized. John did not understand why, someone of such prevalence would approach John to be baptized. Indeed, the idea was so unimaginable to John that he told Jesus that it should be the other way around. In fact, John figured that he was not even worthy to untie the shoes worn by Jesus and here Jesus was asking to be baptized. John thought it was he who needed to baptized. But here was Jesus looking to be baptised. And so John, as the scriptures point out, baptized Jesus. In so doing, John had seen the dove from heaven descend and rest on Jesus. John was right. Jesus was altogether pure.
There are some interesting parallels to be noted here. Fire did not descend upon Jesus as was the case in Acts chapter 2 where purification was required prior to the descent of the Spirit of Jesus into the assembled group of believers. Still, Jesus was the holy child of God. Jesus is the only begotten Son. He was conceived by the holy spirit seed which is why John was so reluctant to baptise Jesus. It is also the reason Jesus spoke the foregoing words.
But when John obeyed and baptized Jesus, it was to fulfill all righteousness. In that moment, Jesus was revealing the righteousness of God. He who never had sinned took our sin upon Himself. He, the just one put Himself in our place. He was also revealing to future generations - us - the scope and scale of the love God had for His created people.
Talk about mercy love and grace when the God who created man would put Himself in our place. Oh, the love that went in to fulfilling the salvation plan. Oh, the grace that brought that same plan of salvation to man. Oh the mighty gulf that God did span when He died for us at Calvary. He put Himself in our place so that we might be saved. Equally important, because of God's love, we become clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.
This puts a totally different slant on righteousness. Herein is the righteousness of God revealed. Who is going to say that we are still dead in trespasses and sin when Christ has died, sacrificing His own life for us. What condescension to bring to us redemption? Think about it! God took the form of man to bring to us a salvation plan. He Himself bore our sin in His own body nailed to a tree. He did not turn back when He was tortured for He knew that it as a consequence of those whipping stripes, we would be healed. This is truly redemption.
This is the second parallel. God’s plan of salvation was hidden from the previous generations. Still, it is now made known to us. We have the benefit of knowing that the Son of God became a curse in order to fulfill all righteousness. I stagger at the thought. Why me?
It is for this reason that I, having arrived at the place where I perceive that there is nothing that could ever possibly separate me from the love of the Spirit of God which was in the man Christ Jesus (God Himself as a son), could find the peace and love that was extended to us from any other place. Indeed, we have been reinstated from Adam's world of sin to glorious freedom. We've been purchased but not with silver or gold. We have been redeemed and our debt paid in full by the love God had for us. The scriptures state, "what God has cleansed, do not even think of condemning. For there is no condemnation to anyone that is in Christ Jesus."
Further, the bread of life is meditating upon the love of God our Saviour. Jesus said, this is my body given for you. This is my blood shed for you. Now, with the plan of salvation fulfilled, the purpose of God is proceeding. As the scriptures state, the next step, after asking Jesus into your heart is to be born again of the water and of the spirit. We need to enter into the new covenant receiving the promise of His Spirit. If we follow the instructions of Jesus, and fulfill all righteousness by being baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus, we receive all the blessings intended from God.
We receive His sealed covenant, the covenant of God in Christ. Like the believers in Acts 2, we become filled with His Spirit, speaking in other tongues as His spirit gives utterance. Peace to all who are partakers of this plan of redemption. Likewise, peace to all those who are children of the second Adam (which is the Lord Himself) born again just like Jesus said of water and of His Spirit. Because it is at this juncture that we can sing to psalms and hymns in thanksgiving. We can reflect on the spiritual things making melody in our heart to the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tempted, Yet Without Sin - PART 41
When praying to God, the believers lifted up their voice in unity. Prayers that recognized the goodness of God. Prayers like"Lord, you alone are the maker of the heavens and the earth. All things were made by you, and without you Lord, there would be nothing but emptiness." Imagine what emptiness would look like. Only a void where God's creation exists today. But instead, God provided a place, this place called earth.
In another scriptural example, David, a believing ancestor under the influence of God's holy spirit said, "Why are the Gentiles raging? What is this turmoil among the nations? People are busying themselves with empty things. Why are the thoughts of the people so foolish? Planning their little plots against me, the almighty God?"
These questions asked by God our creator. All the while, the kings of the earth are setting themselves in array against Him, conspiring with the rulers. Indeed, the kings were mustering together to make some common cause against the same God who was willing to die for them. Wake up folks. Realise the truths that God has delivered.
"Jesus is my only begotten son. My holy child who bears my name. My spirit conceived Him. He is my seed, and in Him I am pleased to dwell." In other words, God is saying, "I was in the man Jesus." God had become as a son, brought forth from a surrogate mother’s womb. While clothed with generational sinful flesh, God was indeed tempted and tried, just as all men are who are recipients of Adam’s fallen race.
Yet in all points, God was without sin. Rather, He humiliated Himself in an endeavour to express Himself to you as a son. And as a brother. Likewise, as a kinsman in the flesh. By doing this, God was ensuring that His own predetermined plan, the one predicted before the world was formed, would surpass any human understanding of the love and mercy God had for us. In fact, even while the human race, indeed you and I, were still opposing God's plan of salvation, He was intent on accomplishing deliverance on our behalf. The course was marked out by me, God related in the scriptures. Me, as your Saviour, and predetermined by my own counselled will, prior to the very existence of anything.
Then why God asks are people still opposed to me? Has sin rendered them/you incapable of making just decisions? Or, are you just like Pilate? Think of the Lord look upon the situation that exists globally today. People everywhere are denying the Almighty God, choosing instead to worship what they know not. Lovers of pleasure, marrying and divorcing, and shacking up. Advocating alternative lifestyles. Abortions. There is a great forsaking in the midst of the land. Evil is flourishing, and spiritually Lord, the world is so dark.
But Lord, we know you are the light of the world. We need you to come and shine your light on us today. Therefore Lord, we beseech you to stretch forth your hand of deliverance. Enable us who trust in you to spread the good news gospel. That with all boldness, we may speak with honesty and sincerity the word of your salvation plan.
Most of all, that we would open wide our mouths and with perfect courage, we may at all times continue to speak your gospel message to those who have not had an opportunity to hear your gospel. Lord, work within us, confirming your Word with the same signs and marvels that the Apostles displayed in the New Testament times. Perform miracles once again among the multitudes, thereby healing the sick. Deliver those who have been imprisoned by the deceitfulness of satan’s delusions of bright lights, from the one who was never very good at keeping promises anyway.
Lord, deliver the people. Lord, we ask that you will always remember that we are your adopted children, our citizenship status before you. For there are many of us who still recognize that our deliverance was purchased by your demise as a son, and as He was, we are now. We know that because we are in Jesus, our prayers will be assuredly answered. Still Lord, shake the pillars of our hearts and fill us with your Holy Spirit presence. Send us out Lord to be going about your business, preaching the gospel so that you may save those people who, unfortunately, at this moment appear to be lost. We know Lord that you are the light of the world who shines on us.
May all who read this arise and trim your lamp. If you have no oil in your lamp, ask Jesus to breathe on you the oil of His holy spirit. Be baptised into the name of Jesus. Go forward into the harvest field. May our God of love, mercy and compassion hold your hand. And know this - that your labour is not in vain when it is labour for the Lord.
Stand in the offering plate, and when you do, give yourself. Jesus did not die for your money. Jesus died for you. The cattle upon a thousand hills belong to the Lord and yet, He still died for you. May God’s peace rule you.
In another scriptural example, David, a believing ancestor under the influence of God's holy spirit said, "Why are the Gentiles raging? What is this turmoil among the nations? People are busying themselves with empty things. Why are the thoughts of the people so foolish? Planning their little plots against me, the almighty God?"
These questions asked by God our creator. All the while, the kings of the earth are setting themselves in array against Him, conspiring with the rulers. Indeed, the kings were mustering together to make some common cause against the same God who was willing to die for them. Wake up folks. Realise the truths that God has delivered.
"Jesus is my only begotten son. My holy child who bears my name. My spirit conceived Him. He is my seed, and in Him I am pleased to dwell." In other words, God is saying, "I was in the man Jesus." God had become as a son, brought forth from a surrogate mother’s womb. While clothed with generational sinful flesh, God was indeed tempted and tried, just as all men are who are recipients of Adam’s fallen race.
Yet in all points, God was without sin. Rather, He humiliated Himself in an endeavour to express Himself to you as a son. And as a brother. Likewise, as a kinsman in the flesh. By doing this, God was ensuring that His own predetermined plan, the one predicted before the world was formed, would surpass any human understanding of the love and mercy God had for us. In fact, even while the human race, indeed you and I, were still opposing God's plan of salvation, He was intent on accomplishing deliverance on our behalf. The course was marked out by me, God related in the scriptures. Me, as your Saviour, and predetermined by my own counselled will, prior to the very existence of anything.
Then why God asks are people still opposed to me? Has sin rendered them/you incapable of making just decisions? Or, are you just like Pilate? Think of the Lord look upon the situation that exists globally today. People everywhere are denying the Almighty God, choosing instead to worship what they know not. Lovers of pleasure, marrying and divorcing, and shacking up. Advocating alternative lifestyles. Abortions. There is a great forsaking in the midst of the land. Evil is flourishing, and spiritually Lord, the world is so dark.
But Lord, we know you are the light of the world. We need you to come and shine your light on us today. Therefore Lord, we beseech you to stretch forth your hand of deliverance. Enable us who trust in you to spread the good news gospel. That with all boldness, we may speak with honesty and sincerity the word of your salvation plan.
Most of all, that we would open wide our mouths and with perfect courage, we may at all times continue to speak your gospel message to those who have not had an opportunity to hear your gospel. Lord, work within us, confirming your Word with the same signs and marvels that the Apostles displayed in the New Testament times. Perform miracles once again among the multitudes, thereby healing the sick. Deliver those who have been imprisoned by the deceitfulness of satan’s delusions of bright lights, from the one who was never very good at keeping promises anyway.
Lord, deliver the people. Lord, we ask that you will always remember that we are your adopted children, our citizenship status before you. For there are many of us who still recognize that our deliverance was purchased by your demise as a son, and as He was, we are now. We know that because we are in Jesus, our prayers will be assuredly answered. Still Lord, shake the pillars of our hearts and fill us with your Holy Spirit presence. Send us out Lord to be going about your business, preaching the gospel so that you may save those people who, unfortunately, at this moment appear to be lost. We know Lord that you are the light of the world who shines on us.
May all who read this arise and trim your lamp. If you have no oil in your lamp, ask Jesus to breathe on you the oil of His holy spirit. Be baptised into the name of Jesus. Go forward into the harvest field. May our God of love, mercy and compassion hold your hand. And know this - that your labour is not in vain when it is labour for the Lord.
Stand in the offering plate, and when you do, give yourself. Jesus did not die for your money. Jesus died for you. The cattle upon a thousand hills belong to the Lord and yet, He still died for you. May God’s peace rule you.
Friday, February 25, 2011
PREACHING JESUS - PART 40
The Apostles requiring assistants to help spread the gospel message to the world conversed with believers in this fashion. They said, "Look you out seven men of honest report and filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom." The reason for this is so that the apostles could appoint men of faith to attend to the daily ministration of the people. Indeed, this was necessary for two reasons. First, the increasing number of people that had come to believe the gospel message made it more difficult to ensure that every believer was supported in their quest to serve Jesus, and second, the complications that continually emerged by ongoing persecution. (Acts chapter six elaborates on these credentials).
The apostles praying, laid their hands upon the people. Seven people were appointed, energized by the Holy Spirit in power. Philip was one of the seven chosen to serve by the multitude. Now appointed, as outlined in Acts chapter 8, Philip went to a city called Samaria and preached Christ to them. The people were receptive to the gospel message that Philip spoke. As well, hearing and seeing miracles, and the lame healed was just a starting point. Unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, fled the bodies of many that were possessed. Many more believed. In fact, there was great joy in the city. No, Philip was not practising medicine. He was simply preaching Christ to the masses. Philip just simply believed that God was capable of restoring people to good health. In so doing, he harnessed a childlike faith with God as His instructor.
Remember what the scriptures state. Throughout, Jesus advocated for believers to become like children. Jesus taught that expressing childlike faith in God is akin to a non-wavering faith. But like children, our faith, even if our faith is only a mustard seed in size, is capable of catching God's attention. What was the scriptures said? That God, in response to our faith, is capable of moving mountains. Only believe, He said, because without faith, it is impossible to please God, our Saviour.
Even more so, it is our faith that is so critically important. Believe that all things are possible. If you have faith as a grain of mustard, all things are possible. You see, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus came to redeem man out of the house of Satan’s bondage. In other words, Jesus overcame captivity. As a captive, Jesus assumed sinful man's place at Calvary. He wants to cover your sins with the blood He shed too.
This is why it shouldn't be a secret as to what God can do. The words of an old gospel hymn come to mind, "What He has done for others, He’ll do for you ... With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you ... It is no secret what God can do."
Just like Philip, who just preached those everyday truths that pertain to the Kingdom of God, Jesus wants you to do the same. In the name of Jesus the Christ, the residents of Samaria responded when Philip suggested that their seed of expressed faith arising in their heart, needs to be watered. Using the analogy , that all seeds need water, they were all baptised into the name of Jesus. The name that is above every other name in heaven and on earth. The important note here is that there was no hesitation. These people believed the message and straightway, went down into the water to be baptised. The same day, straight away, and by so doing, they stepped into a new dimension of life redeemed by Christ.
They stepped into a realm where they now understood that God Himself as a Son had fulfilled a plan for their salvation. Over time, the news that Philip had preached Jesus (blood, water and spirit) to the Samaritans reached the ears of the Apostles who were at Jerusalem. The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria. Upon their arrival, they prayed for the believers that they might receive God’s Holy Spirit too. For as yet, the Holy Spirit had not descended upon them. They had not yet received God promise as all believers would.
But they had taken the first steps to a personal relationship with their God and Saviour. The Samarians had repented and were baptised into the name of Jesus. They were redeemed and although they had great joy were effervescent, clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, the scriptures noted that as of yet, the Samarians had not yet received the breath of Jesus breathing into them His Holy Spirit.
Why is this so important? Why is the message in the scriptures written this way? Well, these things are written that we might believe and that we all should be of one accord, continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, as delivered to believers through the mouths of the apostles. These are the principles of the doctrine of Christ. There are other scriptural references too. Philip's experience with the Samarians is not isolated. The scriptures detail other examples of repentance and remission of sins being preached in Jesus Name. Acts chapter 2, Acts chapter10 and Acts chapter 19 are prime examples.
Peace to all those who are of God's household. Have faith in Jesus.
The apostles praying, laid their hands upon the people. Seven people were appointed, energized by the Holy Spirit in power. Philip was one of the seven chosen to serve by the multitude. Now appointed, as outlined in Acts chapter 8, Philip went to a city called Samaria and preached Christ to them. The people were receptive to the gospel message that Philip spoke. As well, hearing and seeing miracles, and the lame healed was just a starting point. Unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, fled the bodies of many that were possessed. Many more believed. In fact, there was great joy in the city. No, Philip was not practising medicine. He was simply preaching Christ to the masses. Philip just simply believed that God was capable of restoring people to good health. In so doing, he harnessed a childlike faith with God as His instructor.
Remember what the scriptures state. Throughout, Jesus advocated for believers to become like children. Jesus taught that expressing childlike faith in God is akin to a non-wavering faith. But like children, our faith, even if our faith is only a mustard seed in size, is capable of catching God's attention. What was the scriptures said? That God, in response to our faith, is capable of moving mountains. Only believe, He said, because without faith, it is impossible to please God, our Saviour.
Even more so, it is our faith that is so critically important. Believe that all things are possible. If you have faith as a grain of mustard, all things are possible. You see, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus came to redeem man out of the house of Satan’s bondage. In other words, Jesus overcame captivity. As a captive, Jesus assumed sinful man's place at Calvary. He wants to cover your sins with the blood He shed too.
This is why it shouldn't be a secret as to what God can do. The words of an old gospel hymn come to mind, "What He has done for others, He’ll do for you ... With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you ... It is no secret what God can do."
Just like Philip, who just preached those everyday truths that pertain to the Kingdom of God, Jesus wants you to do the same. In the name of Jesus the Christ, the residents of Samaria responded when Philip suggested that their seed of expressed faith arising in their heart, needs to be watered. Using the analogy , that all seeds need water, they were all baptised into the name of Jesus. The name that is above every other name in heaven and on earth. The important note here is that there was no hesitation. These people believed the message and straightway, went down into the water to be baptised. The same day, straight away, and by so doing, they stepped into a new dimension of life redeemed by Christ.
They stepped into a realm where they now understood that God Himself as a Son had fulfilled a plan for their salvation. Over time, the news that Philip had preached Jesus (blood, water and spirit) to the Samaritans reached the ears of the Apostles who were at Jerusalem. The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria. Upon their arrival, they prayed for the believers that they might receive God’s Holy Spirit too. For as yet, the Holy Spirit had not descended upon them. They had not yet received God promise as all believers would.
But they had taken the first steps to a personal relationship with their God and Saviour. The Samarians had repented and were baptised into the name of Jesus. They were redeemed and although they had great joy were effervescent, clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, the scriptures noted that as of yet, the Samarians had not yet received the breath of Jesus breathing into them His Holy Spirit.
Why is this so important? Why is the message in the scriptures written this way? Well, these things are written that we might believe and that we all should be of one accord, continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, as delivered to believers through the mouths of the apostles. These are the principles of the doctrine of Christ. There are other scriptural references too. Philip's experience with the Samarians is not isolated. The scriptures detail other examples of repentance and remission of sins being preached in Jesus Name. Acts chapter 2, Acts chapter10 and Acts chapter 19 are prime examples.
Peace to all those who are of God's household. Have faith in Jesus.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
HAVE YE RECEIVED SINCE YE BELIEVED? - PART 39
Have you received His Holy Spirit since you believed? This question was originally asked by Paul when he met certain believers. Their reply? "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit." Paul then asks, "Unto what then were you baptized?" And they replied that they were baptized in the fashion practiced by John the Baptist.
As the scriptures relate, Paul then sets out to explain that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Preparing the heart and minds for the soon appearing of the lamb of God whom had been crucified. Jesus. John said he was the 'early news edition' forecasting the imminent appearing of Jesus. As John pointed out, Jesus, "who I John am not worthy to even fasten His shoes." Yes, indeed I baptize you with water but He that comes after me, Jesus, will baptize you with His Holy Spirit. The believers received Paul’s words and were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid his hands upon them in Jesus name, the promise of God descended upon the twelve disciples and they began to speak in other tongues. The tongues were accompanied with prophesy.
In other words, as the scriptures state, there is only One Lord, one faith, one baptism. For by one Spirit have we all been baptised into one body. We are buried with Him by baptism into His death and we rise up out of the water clothed in justification. We are sealed with His promised Holy Spirit. We can speak in tongues. The language of our heavenly Father adopting us and making us His redeemed children. His Holy Spirit confirms that we are now His children.
He had seeded us in His death. And now, He that has the son has life. We are not endeavouring to introduce an alternative gospel here. Rather, we are confronting those who have been side swiped by so called men of God. Individuals appointed and titled by organised religion that haven't adhered to the Word of God. Like the false apostles that Paul exposed, Paul submitted that they were messengers of Satan transforming and presenting themselves as messengers of light.
If indeed they were messengers of light, then they would preach the Word of God! As it is written in the scriptures. As we were commanded. The scriptures tell us not to preach any other doctrine, other than the doctrinal truths which were delivered. It's time to stop hiding in the bushes. Like Adam in the garden. Only in their case, they hid behind the Bible in order to make merchandise of you. We have just read that Paul and company baptised 12 persons into the name of Jesus. These 12 were not baptised into descriptive titles such as the case advocated today. The "in the name of the father, son and spirit" as adopted by the so called church fathers in 300 AD. They, having laid aside the scriptures, altered the word from the original which was baptism into the name of Jesus. His name is Jesus!
Still they march on in defiance of the truth. Those who are of God will hear the Word of God, receiving God’s engrafted Word with meekness. It is they who will abide in God’s Word with thanksgiving. As concerning the receiving of God’s Spirit, they did speak in tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. Today does not differ from the experiences shared in Acts chapters 2 and 10. Some advocate that this experience has ceased, now that we have entered into the 21st century.
Well, I think they ought to go through the Acts of the Holy Spirit and reflect on how, when He enters into a believers heart, God pours out His Spirit upon all believers. His spirit which He has housed in fleshly bodies and His promise which extends to all generations does not change because time has passed. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever,
Instead, run from those who oppose God’s Word. God is no respecter of persons. When the scriptures state that they were all filled with His Holy Spirit, rest assured that is exactly what occurred. Similarly, when you are filled with the comforter which is His Holy Spirit, you will experience the same pouring of the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, move on into the epistles. In the meantime, tarry before God allowing Jesus to breathe His breath on You.
May God’s Word find in your heart good soil, causing you to grow in grace and the knowledge of our great God and only Saviour the Lord Jesus (the Christ). Peace to all who are in Jesus.
As the scriptures relate, Paul then sets out to explain that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Preparing the heart and minds for the soon appearing of the lamb of God whom had been crucified. Jesus. John said he was the 'early news edition' forecasting the imminent appearing of Jesus. As John pointed out, Jesus, "who I John am not worthy to even fasten His shoes." Yes, indeed I baptize you with water but He that comes after me, Jesus, will baptize you with His Holy Spirit. The believers received Paul’s words and were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid his hands upon them in Jesus name, the promise of God descended upon the twelve disciples and they began to speak in other tongues. The tongues were accompanied with prophesy.
In other words, as the scriptures state, there is only One Lord, one faith, one baptism. For by one Spirit have we all been baptised into one body. We are buried with Him by baptism into His death and we rise up out of the water clothed in justification. We are sealed with His promised Holy Spirit. We can speak in tongues. The language of our heavenly Father adopting us and making us His redeemed children. His Holy Spirit confirms that we are now His children.
He had seeded us in His death. And now, He that has the son has life. We are not endeavouring to introduce an alternative gospel here. Rather, we are confronting those who have been side swiped by so called men of God. Individuals appointed and titled by organised religion that haven't adhered to the Word of God. Like the false apostles that Paul exposed, Paul submitted that they were messengers of Satan transforming and presenting themselves as messengers of light.
If indeed they were messengers of light, then they would preach the Word of God! As it is written in the scriptures. As we were commanded. The scriptures tell us not to preach any other doctrine, other than the doctrinal truths which were delivered. It's time to stop hiding in the bushes. Like Adam in the garden. Only in their case, they hid behind the Bible in order to make merchandise of you. We have just read that Paul and company baptised 12 persons into the name of Jesus. These 12 were not baptised into descriptive titles such as the case advocated today. The "in the name of the father, son and spirit" as adopted by the so called church fathers in 300 AD. They, having laid aside the scriptures, altered the word from the original which was baptism into the name of Jesus. His name is Jesus!
Still they march on in defiance of the truth. Those who are of God will hear the Word of God, receiving God’s engrafted Word with meekness. It is they who will abide in God’s Word with thanksgiving. As concerning the receiving of God’s Spirit, they did speak in tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. Today does not differ from the experiences shared in Acts chapters 2 and 10. Some advocate that this experience has ceased, now that we have entered into the 21st century.
Well, I think they ought to go through the Acts of the Holy Spirit and reflect on how, when He enters into a believers heart, God pours out His Spirit upon all believers. His spirit which He has housed in fleshly bodies and His promise which extends to all generations does not change because time has passed. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever,
Instead, run from those who oppose God’s Word. God is no respecter of persons. When the scriptures state that they were all filled with His Holy Spirit, rest assured that is exactly what occurred. Similarly, when you are filled with the comforter which is His Holy Spirit, you will experience the same pouring of the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, move on into the epistles. In the meantime, tarry before God allowing Jesus to breathe His breath on You.
May God’s Word find in your heart good soil, causing you to grow in grace and the knowledge of our great God and only Saviour the Lord Jesus (the Christ). Peace to all who are in Jesus.
THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS - PART 38
Through faith in His name can God make man whole again. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith arises within us when we begin to pay attention to the Word of God. God reached out to mankind. God sent His Word so that we might be saved. In the beginning was the Word and without word it is impossible for anyone to even theorize the significance of God's plan. In order to bring salvation to fruition, God counselled with Himself to determine a plan of salvation that would appeal to man. Once decided, God spoke His Spirit Word. And lo and behold, the worlds were framed by the Word of God.
All that man produces is first counselled in his mind, and then he endeavours to express his thoughts in word. Sometimes he draws a picture illustrating his thoughts. In so doing his word takes on a visible form of expression. In this context, right from the start, Adam was capable of speech and thought. In creating man, God talked with Adam. Unfortunately, man listened only with one ear. The conversation and thoughts passed through his grey matter before exiting through the other.
Still, God knows best. God knows what is good for man. Inasmuch as He is the designer of man, there was no design flaw when God created man. Indeed, Adam was perfect. Why Adam and God had fellowship together right up until the time that Adam thought that he knew more than God. This is when Adam got his feet stuck in the mud. But God loves His creation. In fact, if you think about it, man was God Himself as a man in a created form. Further, the whole of creation is a visible expression of God. In short, God in visible created form.
Similarly, God set man over the very works of His own hands causing us to say, "What is man and man’s offspring that Lord, you are mindful of him?" Even the very hairs on our heads are numbered. As the scriptures state, the heavens not only declare the glory of God but the earth shows and expresses His handiwork.What a wonderful world God has created for us. Be still then. Stop getting caught up with the cares of this life. Day follows day and night follows night. God has us in the palm of His hand.
But further and further we roam in an opposite direction from God. What will our answer be when Jesus beckons us home? At the end of life road is God. In the meantime, this is the best life you have ever lived. It is the best place that you or I have ever been. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, we spin a tangled web of sin. We inherit the wages of sin. The unwritten law is we reap the results of the seeds that we plant and as a consequence, the wages of sin is death. However, as related earlier, God has no pleasure in man’s death. It was not God’s intended plan of man’s destiny.
The concrete jungle, the bright lights and the electronics are only distractions that keep us from getting to know our God and Saviour. In fact, until we come to know God, we remain slaves to a system that endeavours to imprison us. A system intent on moulding us into servitude until we gradually lose our individuality. Like the Hebrews of old, they were in the eyes of the Egyptians second class citizens. That is, until they cried out to God. In that moment, upon hearing the cries of His people, God raised up and deliver them.
God brought them out of that house of bondage. But God didn't just deliver the people from bondage. God gave them good health as well. As the scriptures state, there was not one weak or sickly person among them. God brought them out with full severance pay. Consider the goodness of God. He is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him. Call upon Him. God has made a way for man to escape from a life that doesn't make him a better person.
Life is not around the next corner. Instead, God says look to me and be saved. Be delivered. Be healed and comforted. God desires to give you peace, joy and prosperity. So, why settle for less? All the aforementioned have been bequeathed to you if you will only believe in God's plan of salvation.That He loved you so much that He would become as one of us so that we might renew our friendship with God Almighty.
When we read the Bible, we learn that Jesus is literally the very Word of God. A visible personal illustration of God’s love and mercy. The Word proceeding from Jesus mouth is what you and I ought to grab hold of. His word is the pearl of greatest price. For in Him and in Him alone is Life eternal. In the end, let no man deprive you of the blessings God has for you. God has invested His natural life as your deliverer. Why linger? Certainly, if nothing else is working, it's time to revisit your friendship with a God who loves you. Return to Me, God says, for I have redeemed You.
This is my blood shed for you. This is my body given for you. Now it is your call! Don't miss this opportunity. Come and let God bless you. Enter into this wonderful conversation today.
All that man produces is first counselled in his mind, and then he endeavours to express his thoughts in word. Sometimes he draws a picture illustrating his thoughts. In so doing his word takes on a visible form of expression. In this context, right from the start, Adam was capable of speech and thought. In creating man, God talked with Adam. Unfortunately, man listened only with one ear. The conversation and thoughts passed through his grey matter before exiting through the other.
Still, God knows best. God knows what is good for man. Inasmuch as He is the designer of man, there was no design flaw when God created man. Indeed, Adam was perfect. Why Adam and God had fellowship together right up until the time that Adam thought that he knew more than God. This is when Adam got his feet stuck in the mud. But God loves His creation. In fact, if you think about it, man was God Himself as a man in a created form. Further, the whole of creation is a visible expression of God. In short, God in visible created form.
Similarly, God set man over the very works of His own hands causing us to say, "What is man and man’s offspring that Lord, you are mindful of him?" Even the very hairs on our heads are numbered. As the scriptures state, the heavens not only declare the glory of God but the earth shows and expresses His handiwork.What a wonderful world God has created for us. Be still then. Stop getting caught up with the cares of this life. Day follows day and night follows night. God has us in the palm of His hand.
But further and further we roam in an opposite direction from God. What will our answer be when Jesus beckons us home? At the end of life road is God. In the meantime, this is the best life you have ever lived. It is the best place that you or I have ever been. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, we spin a tangled web of sin. We inherit the wages of sin. The unwritten law is we reap the results of the seeds that we plant and as a consequence, the wages of sin is death. However, as related earlier, God has no pleasure in man’s death. It was not God’s intended plan of man’s destiny.
The concrete jungle, the bright lights and the electronics are only distractions that keep us from getting to know our God and Saviour. In fact, until we come to know God, we remain slaves to a system that endeavours to imprison us. A system intent on moulding us into servitude until we gradually lose our individuality. Like the Hebrews of old, they were in the eyes of the Egyptians second class citizens. That is, until they cried out to God. In that moment, upon hearing the cries of His people, God raised up and deliver them.
God brought them out of that house of bondage. But God didn't just deliver the people from bondage. God gave them good health as well. As the scriptures state, there was not one weak or sickly person among them. God brought them out with full severance pay. Consider the goodness of God. He is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him. Call upon Him. God has made a way for man to escape from a life that doesn't make him a better person.
Life is not around the next corner. Instead, God says look to me and be saved. Be delivered. Be healed and comforted. God desires to give you peace, joy and prosperity. So, why settle for less? All the aforementioned have been bequeathed to you if you will only believe in God's plan of salvation.That He loved you so much that He would become as one of us so that we might renew our friendship with God Almighty.
When we read the Bible, we learn that Jesus is literally the very Word of God. A visible personal illustration of God’s love and mercy. The Word proceeding from Jesus mouth is what you and I ought to grab hold of. His word is the pearl of greatest price. For in Him and in Him alone is Life eternal. In the end, let no man deprive you of the blessings God has for you. God has invested His natural life as your deliverer. Why linger? Certainly, if nothing else is working, it's time to revisit your friendship with a God who loves you. Return to Me, God says, for I have redeemed You.
This is my blood shed for you. This is my body given for you. Now it is your call! Don't miss this opportunity. Come and let God bless you. Enter into this wonderful conversation today.
Monday, February 21, 2011
HEALING IN THE NAME OF JESUS - PART 37
The rulers, elders, scribes, and the high priest were gathered together in the one place. Their purpose was to examine Peter and John concerning the healing of a man who had been lame from the day of his birth. The background is laid out in Acts chapters 3 and 4. Herein, the decision of the powers is recorded. In Acts 4 verses 15 through 19, the question is asked. "What shall we do to these men? For indeed a notable miracle has been done and manifest to all. We cannot deny it".
Their concern was to prevent the man's healing from being told to other people. Certainly, they were not interested in having the message that God heals people who are sick spread any further. Among the strategies discussed, the idea of threatening the two, so that they would no longer speak to anyone concerning the name of Jesus emerged. Indeed, the back room wheeling and dealing amounted to nothing more than an attempt to gag the truth about God. To keep the general populace in ignorance.
To advance their motives, they demanded that Peter and John no longer teach or preach anything in Jesus name. One might relate this command to a present day gag order. Peter and John stunned at the pinnacle of their stupidity retorted to them in language that would mess with their heads. Remember that Peter and John, at least in the eyes of these great powers, were considered ordinary unlearned and ignorant.
Judge this, they stated. Is it right that we should do as you say or is it right that we should rather obey God? For we, having witnessed the power of the almighty God at work cannot simply stop speaking the things which we have both seen and heard. You can just imagine the response. The powers were not happy. In fact, they may have been foaming at the mouth at the impertinence of Peter along with John. Still, the powers again threatened them and told them to stop their teaching. Unfortunately, in spite of their anger, they could not find any justifiable reason to punish them.
Is it not amazing then that ordinary people glorified God for this poor man’s healing. They glorified God while the powerful authorities that existed in that day were blinded with their own importance. And as such, they would not depart from their own hidden agenda. The same blindness occurs in high places today. Darkness too.
But there is light. There is truth as well. Although there is a covenant of death, the good news is that there exists a covenant of life. And yes, there is a heaven. And yes, there is God. Indeed, in the precious name of Jesus was this notable healing (a miracle) attributed too. And yet, we refuse to teach or preach in this name. Surely, common sense dictates that we ought to pursue the opposite direction, if, as the scriptures point out, this and other miracles occurred as a result of having faith in the name of Jesus.
In relaying the account of this man's healing, we have not even begun to discuss all the miracles that were previously demonstrated when He, who is, the only begotten son of God walked physically among the people. Surely we would do well to promote faith in Jesus. Here was a man, attempting to fulfill his life obligations begging for money. Peter and John had no money. What they did have was better. Peter and John were possessors of something money could not buy.
For greater is God’s Spirit that is in you than the fallen angel demons that are in the world. The systematization of error that is entrenched, constantly opposing any and all advancements of the truth. The truth that Jesus saves. Jesus heals. Jesus delivers those who call on His name. This man's life is a story of why the love of money is the root of all evil. At the end of the day, neither Peter nor John sent an invoice to the previously crippled man. The only prescription delivered was a verbal prescription.
"In the name of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
Remember when Jesus was also being questioned by the powers that be for his motivations to heal the sick? Jesus was questioned because he had said to an invalid, that thy sins be forgiven. When confronted by the religion of the day, Jesus was asked, "Who can forgive sins? Only God can." In response, Jesus reframed His words saying to the man, "Rise. Take up your bed and walk." To His opposers, he asked, "Is it easier to say thy sins be forgiven you, or arise take up your bed and walk?"
To this day, Jesus still heals all those who come to Him. Believe in this New Covenant that God has made. Jesus last will bequeathed to all believing mankind. Don't get sidetracked. Instead, let the dead beats bury their dead as you become inheritors of all the promises of God, including all benefits. God in Jesus bless you.
Their concern was to prevent the man's healing from being told to other people. Certainly, they were not interested in having the message that God heals people who are sick spread any further. Among the strategies discussed, the idea of threatening the two, so that they would no longer speak to anyone concerning the name of Jesus emerged. Indeed, the back room wheeling and dealing amounted to nothing more than an attempt to gag the truth about God. To keep the general populace in ignorance.
To advance their motives, they demanded that Peter and John no longer teach or preach anything in Jesus name. One might relate this command to a present day gag order. Peter and John stunned at the pinnacle of their stupidity retorted to them in language that would mess with their heads. Remember that Peter and John, at least in the eyes of these great powers, were considered ordinary unlearned and ignorant.
Judge this, they stated. Is it right that we should do as you say or is it right that we should rather obey God? For we, having witnessed the power of the almighty God at work cannot simply stop speaking the things which we have both seen and heard. You can just imagine the response. The powers were not happy. In fact, they may have been foaming at the mouth at the impertinence of Peter along with John. Still, the powers again threatened them and told them to stop their teaching. Unfortunately, in spite of their anger, they could not find any justifiable reason to punish them.
Is it not amazing then that ordinary people glorified God for this poor man’s healing. They glorified God while the powerful authorities that existed in that day were blinded with their own importance. And as such, they would not depart from their own hidden agenda. The same blindness occurs in high places today. Darkness too.
But there is light. There is truth as well. Although there is a covenant of death, the good news is that there exists a covenant of life. And yes, there is a heaven. And yes, there is God. Indeed, in the precious name of Jesus was this notable healing (a miracle) attributed too. And yet, we refuse to teach or preach in this name. Surely, common sense dictates that we ought to pursue the opposite direction, if, as the scriptures point out, this and other miracles occurred as a result of having faith in the name of Jesus.
In relaying the account of this man's healing, we have not even begun to discuss all the miracles that were previously demonstrated when He, who is, the only begotten son of God walked physically among the people. Surely we would do well to promote faith in Jesus. Here was a man, attempting to fulfill his life obligations begging for money. Peter and John had no money. What they did have was better. Peter and John were possessors of something money could not buy.
For greater is God’s Spirit that is in you than the fallen angel demons that are in the world. The systematization of error that is entrenched, constantly opposing any and all advancements of the truth. The truth that Jesus saves. Jesus heals. Jesus delivers those who call on His name. This man's life is a story of why the love of money is the root of all evil. At the end of the day, neither Peter nor John sent an invoice to the previously crippled man. The only prescription delivered was a verbal prescription.
"In the name of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
Remember when Jesus was also being questioned by the powers that be for his motivations to heal the sick? Jesus was questioned because he had said to an invalid, that thy sins be forgiven. When confronted by the religion of the day, Jesus was asked, "Who can forgive sins? Only God can." In response, Jesus reframed His words saying to the man, "Rise. Take up your bed and walk." To His opposers, he asked, "Is it easier to say thy sins be forgiven you, or arise take up your bed and walk?"
To this day, Jesus still heals all those who come to Him. Believe in this New Covenant that God has made. Jesus last will bequeathed to all believing mankind. Don't get sidetracked. Instead, let the dead beats bury their dead as you become inheritors of all the promises of God, including all benefits. God in Jesus bless you.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - PART 36
For we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ we shall be saved. In Acts 15 verse 11, Peter declared how God had chosen him to deliver the good news of the gospel to the gentiles. In preaching the gospel, Peter reminded the believers that it is God alone who knows the hearts of individuals. Likewise, it is God that has said that there is no difference between us the Jews and the Gentiles. God, in emphasizing that there is no difference between the two peoples had given to the Gentiles His holy spirit even as He had also given his spirit to us. In other words, God did not distinguish between peoples. Rather, He purified their heart by their faith.
Remember, at the time, Peter himself had thought that the Gentiles were unworthy of God. But God removed those dark religious views. He revealed to Peter in a vision that what He had cleansed and made whole ought not to call common or unclean. Yes, admittedly, it is hard to teach an old dog new habits. However, when God is doing the speaking, a change of opinion is a minor detail. In Acts chapter 10 verses 9 thru’ 17, Peter and friends eventually arrive at Cornelius' house. Cornelius makes it clear that those of his household were present before God, to hear all the wonderful things that God had commanded them to say. Inclusiveness? Definitely, for God is no respecter of persons.
In Acts 10 verses 34 through 44, we read that while Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit descended onto all of them which heard the word. Peter and friends heard the Gentiles speak in tongues, and magnify God. They were astonished. Why? Because God was pouring out His spirit onto the Gentiles. Indeed, God was pouring out the very same gift as He had previously done in Acts chapter 2. Peter, then opens his mouth saying, "Can any man forbid water ... that these Gentiles who have received God’s holy spirit should not be now baptised." Then Peter commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus.
You see, God has placed no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. This is why Cornelius' household gathered together to hear what God had to say. These family members wanted to hear, and believe, that Jesus' blood would cleanse them, just as it does us, from all sin. If considered further, the scriptures make it more than evident that through God's love, He has cleansed us, regardless of whether we are Jew or Gentile, male or female, or slave or freeman.
Indeed, the blood of God’s holy spirit which flowed in Jesus veins was poured onto the earth so that we could be cleansed. His blood cleansed even those who were chained and fettered by Satan’s enticing deceptive practices. Jesus exposed Satan as the father of lies and the deceiver of the whole world. Unfortunately, with so strong a delusion, the world’s inhabitants have no inclination that they are in the bonds of iniquity.
The good news is that God's light has arisen. It's a new day. We have seen the morning star in the east. The true light now shines. Because of God's plan of salvation, we can get out from under. The scriptures state it this way - whomever the Son sets free is free indeed. Surely, given God's grace, it's time to repent and be baptised into the name of Jesus the Christ. Like those early believers in the New Testament, you also shall receive the gift of God’s holy spirit.
Remember when Paul was told to arise and be baptized? In so doing, God washed away his sin as he called on the name of the Lord Jesus. But the miracle of salvation did not stop there. No, indeed, God filled the early believers, and Paul with His holy spirit. In another example, the Eunuch said to Philip, "Philip, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" To this question Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart you may." And so they did. The scriptures show that they both went down into the water where Philip baptized the believing Eunuch. These are the actions taken by individuals when the the Spirit of God comes in to abide in believing hearts.
God asks the same of you. That is, to save yourself from this unbelieving deceived generation. Come to Jesus. His arms are open wide - ready to embrace you and pardon you from your sins. It was He who spread His arms wide at Calvary for you and me. This same Jesus wants you to come too. Be blessed in Jesus.
Remember, at the time, Peter himself had thought that the Gentiles were unworthy of God. But God removed those dark religious views. He revealed to Peter in a vision that what He had cleansed and made whole ought not to call common or unclean. Yes, admittedly, it is hard to teach an old dog new habits. However, when God is doing the speaking, a change of opinion is a minor detail. In Acts chapter 10 verses 9 thru’ 17, Peter and friends eventually arrive at Cornelius' house. Cornelius makes it clear that those of his household were present before God, to hear all the wonderful things that God had commanded them to say. Inclusiveness? Definitely, for God is no respecter of persons.
In Acts 10 verses 34 through 44, we read that while Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit descended onto all of them which heard the word. Peter and friends heard the Gentiles speak in tongues, and magnify God. They were astonished. Why? Because God was pouring out His spirit onto the Gentiles. Indeed, God was pouring out the very same gift as He had previously done in Acts chapter 2. Peter, then opens his mouth saying, "Can any man forbid water ... that these Gentiles who have received God’s holy spirit should not be now baptised." Then Peter commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus.
You see, God has placed no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. This is why Cornelius' household gathered together to hear what God had to say. These family members wanted to hear, and believe, that Jesus' blood would cleanse them, just as it does us, from all sin. If considered further, the scriptures make it more than evident that through God's love, He has cleansed us, regardless of whether we are Jew or Gentile, male or female, or slave or freeman.
Indeed, the blood of God’s holy spirit which flowed in Jesus veins was poured onto the earth so that we could be cleansed. His blood cleansed even those who were chained and fettered by Satan’s enticing deceptive practices. Jesus exposed Satan as the father of lies and the deceiver of the whole world. Unfortunately, with so strong a delusion, the world’s inhabitants have no inclination that they are in the bonds of iniquity.
The good news is that God's light has arisen. It's a new day. We have seen the morning star in the east. The true light now shines. Because of God's plan of salvation, we can get out from under. The scriptures state it this way - whomever the Son sets free is free indeed. Surely, given God's grace, it's time to repent and be baptised into the name of Jesus the Christ. Like those early believers in the New Testament, you also shall receive the gift of God’s holy spirit.
Remember when Paul was told to arise and be baptized? In so doing, God washed away his sin as he called on the name of the Lord Jesus. But the miracle of salvation did not stop there. No, indeed, God filled the early believers, and Paul with His holy spirit. In another example, the Eunuch said to Philip, "Philip, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" To this question Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart you may." And so they did. The scriptures show that they both went down into the water where Philip baptized the believing Eunuch. These are the actions taken by individuals when the the Spirit of God comes in to abide in believing hearts.
God asks the same of you. That is, to save yourself from this unbelieving deceived generation. Come to Jesus. His arms are open wide - ready to embrace you and pardon you from your sins. It was He who spread His arms wide at Calvary for you and me. This same Jesus wants you to come too. Be blessed in Jesus.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
GOD MANIFEST IN FLESH - PART 35
Esau sold his birthright for a morsel of bread. Actually, Esau despised his birthright. In Hebrews chapter 12, verses 16 -18, the scriptures tell how Adam also sold his birthright for a morsel of fruit. Unknown to Adam however, was that the fruit was laced with death. A natural but yet spiritual death. Remember, Adam had been warned of God not to eat of the tree of knowledge. But it looked good. So Adam, further enticed by Eve, who had already looked upon the beautiful features of satan, did the one act that God had instructed them not to.
For Eve, one look at satan caused her to be swept off her feet. Surely, she thought, anything so beautiful would never lie. In the end, as we know, both Adam and Eve lost out. As a consequence, in the end, it could be said that they both entered into an alternative lifestyle. Certainly, they had been removed from the land that flowed with milk and honey. The Garden of Eden. Instead, they entered a world of weeds. What a tumble.
Like the prodigal son who thought that the grass looked greener on the other side, life became what it was never intended to be. The prodigal son, optimistic about his future, sets off into a world that was unfamiliar to him. In so doing, he bit off more than he could chew. The bright lights of enticement, as it turned out, did not lead to the good life. Rather, the prodigal son ended him up in the pig pen, ruined, destitute, homeless, and friendless. In fact, as the scriptures state, he was so hungry that the idea of a good meal could only be found in slop pig food. Another tumble.
But by the grace of God the prodigal son still had a brain. He was still capable of thinking. He asked himself, "What am I doing here?" (Luke chapter 15) Unfortunately, in today's society, there are those that never seem to have enough brain left, brains that are capable of producing a reflective thought. Still others burned all the bridges behind them when they left the homestead. And now? They have no place, family, or friends in which to return.
In the meantime, God was watching. Caring. Extending His infinite love to the creation that He had breathed life into. He asked, "What has happened to my created beautiful sons and daughters that I had breathed my soul life into?" Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, hiding from God in the bushes, while God called, "Where are you? Have you eaten of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil?"
Of course God already knew the answer. But the blame game commenced regardless. Adam blamed God for giving him the woman. Then he blamed the woman who in turn blames the fine looking well dressed well spoken dude in the garden. It's everybody else’s fault, he surmised. Everyone else’s fault except mine. Do you remember reciting the old nursery rhyme? Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. Well, it did not stop there. We are all Adam's offspring.
We inherited the inheritance that they, our fore parents passed on by their profanity. We inherited the fallen nature. Still, God was and still is watching, caring and extending His love to us. The bottom line is that we need a Saviour. We do not have enough critical thinking mechanisms left to devise our own plan of salvation. Instead, we endure total darkness. The lights are all out. We have become so educated with stupidity that we profess ourselves atheists or agnostics, despising the very existence of God. What do the scriptures state? Professing themselves to be wise, they instead became fools. They endeavoured to pass their deception onto children, like teaching a parrot to say "Pretty Polly, pretty Polly."
Regardless of how we try, God still cries out to humanity through His created wisdom. Not once or twice, but every day of the week. 24/7. Confronting us and saying, "I am God alone, and besides me there is no other saviour." God has by Himself broken the barrier of sin. God offered to man and woman a new birthright with an unbelievable inheritance, complete with abundance great and a multiplicity of precious promises, He has provided for man’s redemption, offering a new beginning and a new heart.
In God's plan of salvation, we can become completely cleansed and forgiven of all sin. Both present and past sins. Adam and Eve are not the parents of this new family. No, God is the Father. The Spirit of God fathered the man Jesus. He being God Himself manifest in the flesh took our sin onto Himself. He was cursed and yet He loved us. Because of this unbelievable action by our Lord God Almighty, we have an opportunity to be set totally free. He offered Himself for us. Now that is love. Indeed, unmerited love. Amazing love.
At the end of the day, we might think we have messed up. Blown our life! And as such, there is no apparent hope. But there is hope! Listen to the scriptures for they state, "Look to me all you people wherever you are. For I am God and I love you so much that I sacrificed myself for you." Not only are we offered salvation, and to be free in Jesus, but He says that He will be the first to welcome you home. Just like the father did in the parable of the prodigal son. There, he put a ring on the youth's finger, provided a good meal, and listened to the sound of music and dancing. God is good!
For Eve, one look at satan caused her to be swept off her feet. Surely, she thought, anything so beautiful would never lie. In the end, as we know, both Adam and Eve lost out. As a consequence, in the end, it could be said that they both entered into an alternative lifestyle. Certainly, they had been removed from the land that flowed with milk and honey. The Garden of Eden. Instead, they entered a world of weeds. What a tumble.
Like the prodigal son who thought that the grass looked greener on the other side, life became what it was never intended to be. The prodigal son, optimistic about his future, sets off into a world that was unfamiliar to him. In so doing, he bit off more than he could chew. The bright lights of enticement, as it turned out, did not lead to the good life. Rather, the prodigal son ended him up in the pig pen, ruined, destitute, homeless, and friendless. In fact, as the scriptures state, he was so hungry that the idea of a good meal could only be found in slop pig food. Another tumble.
But by the grace of God the prodigal son still had a brain. He was still capable of thinking. He asked himself, "What am I doing here?" (Luke chapter 15) Unfortunately, in today's society, there are those that never seem to have enough brain left, brains that are capable of producing a reflective thought. Still others burned all the bridges behind them when they left the homestead. And now? They have no place, family, or friends in which to return.
In the meantime, God was watching. Caring. Extending His infinite love to the creation that He had breathed life into. He asked, "What has happened to my created beautiful sons and daughters that I had breathed my soul life into?" Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, hiding from God in the bushes, while God called, "Where are you? Have you eaten of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil?"
Of course God already knew the answer. But the blame game commenced regardless. Adam blamed God for giving him the woman. Then he blamed the woman who in turn blames the fine looking well dressed well spoken dude in the garden. It's everybody else’s fault, he surmised. Everyone else’s fault except mine. Do you remember reciting the old nursery rhyme? Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. Well, it did not stop there. We are all Adam's offspring.
We inherited the inheritance that they, our fore parents passed on by their profanity. We inherited the fallen nature. Still, God was and still is watching, caring and extending His love to us. The bottom line is that we need a Saviour. We do not have enough critical thinking mechanisms left to devise our own plan of salvation. Instead, we endure total darkness. The lights are all out. We have become so educated with stupidity that we profess ourselves atheists or agnostics, despising the very existence of God. What do the scriptures state? Professing themselves to be wise, they instead became fools. They endeavoured to pass their deception onto children, like teaching a parrot to say "Pretty Polly, pretty Polly."
Regardless of how we try, God still cries out to humanity through His created wisdom. Not once or twice, but every day of the week. 24/7. Confronting us and saying, "I am God alone, and besides me there is no other saviour." God has by Himself broken the barrier of sin. God offered to man and woman a new birthright with an unbelievable inheritance, complete with abundance great and a multiplicity of precious promises, He has provided for man’s redemption, offering a new beginning and a new heart.
In God's plan of salvation, we can become completely cleansed and forgiven of all sin. Both present and past sins. Adam and Eve are not the parents of this new family. No, God is the Father. The Spirit of God fathered the man Jesus. He being God Himself manifest in the flesh took our sin onto Himself. He was cursed and yet He loved us. Because of this unbelievable action by our Lord God Almighty, we have an opportunity to be set totally free. He offered Himself for us. Now that is love. Indeed, unmerited love. Amazing love.
At the end of the day, we might think we have messed up. Blown our life! And as such, there is no apparent hope. But there is hope! Listen to the scriptures for they state, "Look to me all you people wherever you are. For I am God and I love you so much that I sacrificed myself for you." Not only are we offered salvation, and to be free in Jesus, but He says that He will be the first to welcome you home. Just like the father did in the parable of the prodigal son. There, he put a ring on the youth's finger, provided a good meal, and listened to the sound of music and dancing. God is good!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
GOD'S ULTIMATE PLAN OF SALVATION - PART 34
One person believes that he is of Paul and another states that he is of Apollos. But this is not what the scriptures state. Indeed, the scriptures state that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but it was God who gives the increase. Remember earlier messages. You are God’s building. Jesus the Christ is the only foundation. He is also the corner stone. In fact, there is not any other foundation than this. The solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ.
God's plan of salvation was not man-made. It was God-made. So why then would the foundation of God's church be created with man-made cement mix. God is not dependent on man’s maintenance. However, we are totally dependent on God. (Corinthians chapter 3) If we read further into 1 Corinthians chapter 10, we discover the following. When the exodus of Egypt was front page news, all of those who had demonstrated their obedience to God’s command and sprinkled the blood of a lamb around their door posts and lintels were not harmed, as God had promised. These people were now en-route to the Jordan River. To observers, traveling to the Jordan River was like heading down a dead end street.
Plodding on and loaded with the spoils of their former taskmasters. The taskmasters recouping from their now impoverished place watched as their former slave labour hit the road. Let's bring out the army along with the big guns, they thought. Surely, they will protect our comfortable luxurious lifestyle. What they were unaware of was that God had heard the cry of the Hebrew slaves. Their prayers had ascended to His ears, and He being a compassionate God was touched with the feelings of their infirmities.
In other words, God moved with compassion toward them. Remember that God is altogether pure humanity. In fact, we were originally designed by God (the potter) to be an earthly visible expression of His own humanity. We were to be the sons of God. The plan was that we would be a perfect creation. God created man with His own hands. What is man that you Lord are mindful of him?
They approached the barrier river. When confronted with the Jordan River, there was no doubt fear and dismay that arose in them. But Moses had the rod /staff in his hand. Recall that Moses was a faithful servant in the plan of God’s creation? Jesus is the builder of the house. And Moses knew in whom to trust. Moses waited. God instructed. "Moses" God said, "Lift up the rod/staff over the waters" and ...!
Look at what happened next. Where did that wind come from? Why even the wind and the waters obey Him? Walls of water on either side of the river while the ground stayed dry underfoot. A cloud over head and the people were free. What a getaway. The Hebrews all crossed over to the opposite bank, with sighs of relief and amazement. But the big guns of the army emerged, endeavouring to pursue the Hebrews. In so doing, their fate was sealed. The watery walls of the Jordan River collapsed over them when they attempted to cross and they perished.
This is the fate that inevitably will befall all those who oppose baptism in the name of Jesus. The rod, the staff, the Covenant of God. Those who continue their cement mix formulae of baptism - into the titles father, son, and spirit will never make it to the opposite bank. They will never even see the shoreline. Going into the water without the name of Jesus, they arose with wet clothes but without the justification they sought. The Hebrew people were delivered by God’s determinate counsel saying, “Let my people go so that they may serve me.
The scriptures do not distinguish between one and another. Rather, they were all to eat the same spiritual meat and similarly, all to drink the same spiritual drink. In the same context, they were to drink of the spiritual rock that followed them. That Rock was Christ. As the scriptures state, Let there be no divisions among believers. Instead, let us continue steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teachings delivered to us and confirmed to us with signs and wonders and gifts. Remember, if God confirms His Word, no man has the power to dis-annul it. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit has to say. Peace to all in Jesus name.
God's plan of salvation was not man-made. It was God-made. So why then would the foundation of God's church be created with man-made cement mix. God is not dependent on man’s maintenance. However, we are totally dependent on God. (Corinthians chapter 3) If we read further into 1 Corinthians chapter 10, we discover the following. When the exodus of Egypt was front page news, all of those who had demonstrated their obedience to God’s command and sprinkled the blood of a lamb around their door posts and lintels were not harmed, as God had promised. These people were now en-route to the Jordan River. To observers, traveling to the Jordan River was like heading down a dead end street.
Plodding on and loaded with the spoils of their former taskmasters. The taskmasters recouping from their now impoverished place watched as their former slave labour hit the road. Let's bring out the army along with the big guns, they thought. Surely, they will protect our comfortable luxurious lifestyle. What they were unaware of was that God had heard the cry of the Hebrew slaves. Their prayers had ascended to His ears, and He being a compassionate God was touched with the feelings of their infirmities.
In other words, God moved with compassion toward them. Remember that God is altogether pure humanity. In fact, we were originally designed by God (the potter) to be an earthly visible expression of His own humanity. We were to be the sons of God. The plan was that we would be a perfect creation. God created man with His own hands. What is man that you Lord are mindful of him?
They approached the barrier river. When confronted with the Jordan River, there was no doubt fear and dismay that arose in them. But Moses had the rod /staff in his hand. Recall that Moses was a faithful servant in the plan of God’s creation? Jesus is the builder of the house. And Moses knew in whom to trust. Moses waited. God instructed. "Moses" God said, "Lift up the rod/staff over the waters" and ...!
Look at what happened next. Where did that wind come from? Why even the wind and the waters obey Him? Walls of water on either side of the river while the ground stayed dry underfoot. A cloud over head and the people were free. What a getaway. The Hebrews all crossed over to the opposite bank, with sighs of relief and amazement. But the big guns of the army emerged, endeavouring to pursue the Hebrews. In so doing, their fate was sealed. The watery walls of the Jordan River collapsed over them when they attempted to cross and they perished.
This is the fate that inevitably will befall all those who oppose baptism in the name of Jesus. The rod, the staff, the Covenant of God. Those who continue their cement mix formulae of baptism - into the titles father, son, and spirit will never make it to the opposite bank. They will never even see the shoreline. Going into the water without the name of Jesus, they arose with wet clothes but without the justification they sought. The Hebrew people were delivered by God’s determinate counsel saying, “Let my people go so that they may serve me.
The scriptures do not distinguish between one and another. Rather, they were all to eat the same spiritual meat and similarly, all to drink the same spiritual drink. In the same context, they were to drink of the spiritual rock that followed them. That Rock was Christ. As the scriptures state, Let there be no divisions among believers. Instead, let us continue steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teachings delivered to us and confirmed to us with signs and wonders and gifts. Remember, if God confirms His Word, no man has the power to dis-annul it. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit has to say. Peace to all in Jesus name.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
RESTING IN THE ARK OF SAFETY - PART 33
It is such a blessing being born again. Born not of corruptible seed as one might imagine, but of incorruptible seed, and by the Word of God. This is the Word of the Lord which by the gospel is delivered to you. Indeed, it is this same gospel in which the Word of the Lord endures forever.
In Noah's day, as you will recall from the scriptures, people watched, scoffed and mocked the ark that Noah was building. Still, Noah kept on working because he knew that God was in charge. Throughout the 100 years that the ark was under construction, Noah worked while God directed the project. Noah also worked as unto the Lord, preparing an ark of safety - a haven.
Meanwhile, the then generation carried on living as if the world as they knew it would last forever. They were completely oblivious to the fact that men and women are only one heart beat away from eternity. Considered a different way, we at least recognize that when we are going on a long journey, we will need to allow some time to pack a suitcase. It is the same scenario in our human life. At the end of our life road is God. And eternity is eternity. We are on a one way ticket and as such, only we can choose the direction we take.
Still, God remains on the long suffering sideline, being ignored as if this wonderful created intelligent world was created by dumb matter. Rather than understand God's purpose for our lives, they willingly put God on the back burner. In fact, let's party - eat, drink, sex, leaving the natural use of a woman preferring to substitute their perverted orgies - all the time pretending to have a good time. So was society in Noah's time and so it is now.
Noah, heeding God’s warning that a catastrophe was imminent was preparing an escape route. Preparing an ark. Looking back historically, we know that the flood did happen even if people of that generation refused to recognize the writing on the wall. As instructed by the Lord, Noah loaded the ark with creatures of every size. He rounded up 7 pairs of domestic animals, 1 pair of wild animals and he put them on board along with his family. His family consisted of eight persons. When everyone was on board, God closed the ark door. The rain started. And did it rain. It rained so much that all earth and the life therein was destroyed. Indeed, for forty days and forty nights it rained.
The point worth noting here is this. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The scripture saith that the ark is Jesus, and the door or entrance into the ark is accomplished when our being is buried or baptized into His death. When we are buried/baptized under the water, our old sinful past life is drowned. When we arise out of the water, we are resurrected to a new life. For when we are resurrected with Him, not only are we resurrected, but we arise totally justified from all our sins.
Further, water baptism is similar to the time when the children of Israel in the old covenant crossed the river. It is said that in so doing, they were baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Reaching the other river bank in safety, while the Egyptians endeavouring to do the same all drowned in the water. It is evident that they were not in the ark of safety.
Today, believers are baptized into the death of Jesus. He is the covenant of promise, the ark of safety where believers are saved by God. Not because they were deserving of salvation and neither was it because that they had cleaned up their fleshly conduct. Rather, it was because they reverently feared and believed that God had prepared an ark of safety for them. As believers then, their faith was expressed by their baptism into the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost. Again, the ark of safety. These believers simply put their lives into the hands of a faithful, loving Saviour. They trusted in Him as young children believe and trust in their parents.
Additionally, when the believers were baptized, they knew in whom they had faith, and as a consequence, they were not baptized in any other name. They were not baptized into Peter, Paul or the name of another. Their salvation was secure in the name of Jesus. As such, they passed from the old covenant of death and entered into the grace of God - and into an abundant life. You can come and be baptized in the name of Jesus too.
He will wash away your sins. He will make you anew. He will sanctify you in His precious blood.His Word. Thy Word is truth.
Thus, call on His name - the name of JESUS so that you also can become a recipient of God's grace and receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
In Noah's day, as you will recall from the scriptures, people watched, scoffed and mocked the ark that Noah was building. Still, Noah kept on working because he knew that God was in charge. Throughout the 100 years that the ark was under construction, Noah worked while God directed the project. Noah also worked as unto the Lord, preparing an ark of safety - a haven.
Meanwhile, the then generation carried on living as if the world as they knew it would last forever. They were completely oblivious to the fact that men and women are only one heart beat away from eternity. Considered a different way, we at least recognize that when we are going on a long journey, we will need to allow some time to pack a suitcase. It is the same scenario in our human life. At the end of our life road is God. And eternity is eternity. We are on a one way ticket and as such, only we can choose the direction we take.
Still, God remains on the long suffering sideline, being ignored as if this wonderful created intelligent world was created by dumb matter. Rather than understand God's purpose for our lives, they willingly put God on the back burner. In fact, let's party - eat, drink, sex, leaving the natural use of a woman preferring to substitute their perverted orgies - all the time pretending to have a good time. So was society in Noah's time and so it is now.
Noah, heeding God’s warning that a catastrophe was imminent was preparing an escape route. Preparing an ark. Looking back historically, we know that the flood did happen even if people of that generation refused to recognize the writing on the wall. As instructed by the Lord, Noah loaded the ark with creatures of every size. He rounded up 7 pairs of domestic animals, 1 pair of wild animals and he put them on board along with his family. His family consisted of eight persons. When everyone was on board, God closed the ark door. The rain started. And did it rain. It rained so much that all earth and the life therein was destroyed. Indeed, for forty days and forty nights it rained.
The point worth noting here is this. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The scripture saith that the ark is Jesus, and the door or entrance into the ark is accomplished when our being is buried or baptized into His death. When we are buried/baptized under the water, our old sinful past life is drowned. When we arise out of the water, we are resurrected to a new life. For when we are resurrected with Him, not only are we resurrected, but we arise totally justified from all our sins.
Further, water baptism is similar to the time when the children of Israel in the old covenant crossed the river. It is said that in so doing, they were baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Reaching the other river bank in safety, while the Egyptians endeavouring to do the same all drowned in the water. It is evident that they were not in the ark of safety.
Today, believers are baptized into the death of Jesus. He is the covenant of promise, the ark of safety where believers are saved by God. Not because they were deserving of salvation and neither was it because that they had cleaned up their fleshly conduct. Rather, it was because they reverently feared and believed that God had prepared an ark of safety for them. As believers then, their faith was expressed by their baptism into the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost. Again, the ark of safety. These believers simply put their lives into the hands of a faithful, loving Saviour. They trusted in Him as young children believe and trust in their parents.
Additionally, when the believers were baptized, they knew in whom they had faith, and as a consequence, they were not baptized in any other name. They were not baptized into Peter, Paul or the name of another. Their salvation was secure in the name of Jesus. As such, they passed from the old covenant of death and entered into the grace of God - and into an abundant life. You can come and be baptized in the name of Jesus too.
He will wash away your sins. He will make you anew. He will sanctify you in His precious blood.His Word. Thy Word is truth.
Thus, call on His name - the name of JESUS so that you also can become a recipient of God's grace and receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
I INDEED BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER BUT ... - PART 32
John the Baptist proclaims these words in Luke 3. "I indeed baptize you with water but there is one mightier than I. The shoes on His feet I am not worthy to untie. It is He that shall baptize you with the holy spirit and with fire." This same John proclaimed when he saw Jesus approaching, ” Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world!”
For those of you who might not know, John baptised Jesus. John had been baptizing individuals at a place where there was much water. For the record, there was no "sprinkling" of water here. Jesus, as a man was baptised although John was hesitant at first. "suffer it to be so now for it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness," said Jesus to John. So Jesus was baptized.
Praying as a man, the heavens were opened. The Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape , like a dove lighting upon Him. A voice came from heaven saying, “You are my son in whom I am pleased to dwell." Descending like a dove, there was no need of fire to purify. As well, the voice outlined in the scriptures confirmed that Jesus is indeed the child of the Holy Spirit.
John bare record that with his eyes and ears he had witnessed all of these things. In John chapter one, for example, recall that Jesus had breathed on the apostles saying, “Receive you the Holy Spirit." Also recall that when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the awaiting believers, they heard a noise as it were a sound likened to the sound of a mighty rushing wind.
If we were to rely on a recent analogy, we can think about when man first stepped onto the moon. The proclamation at that time was “One small step for man, one large step for mankind." Similarly, in terms of the scriptures, we have Jesus breathing on man. One small breath on man. But when the Holy Spirit breathed on man, it became like a mighty rushing wind.
Given God's elaborate plan of salvation, we can picture one large breath on mankind. In this context, may our prayer resemble this. “Breathe on me breath of God, Fill me with Life anew.” The pronounced promise then? Simple. If men and women, boys and girls were to repent, breathing in faith and exhaling their unbelief, and were baptized into the name of Jesus the Christ, they would become recipients of God's receive the promise. Similarly, they would receive cleansing followed by baptism of the same Spirit of Jesus that was evident in Acts chapter two. That is, they would speak with a heavenly tongue confirmation.
In so doing, you also would be confirmed, having now been sealed with His holy spirit as promised. Into whose name were the 3000 believers baptized? Acts chapter 2 makes it specific. Know this that as many of you as have been baptized into Jesus the Christ, have been baptized into His death (Romans 6) These believers were not baptized into descriptive titles such as the father, son and spirit, prevalent in many establishments today. In fact, neither father, son or spirit are names. Rather, it is a devil inspired lie brought in by the so called church fathers in 300 A.D.
Ever since then, baptism using the titles rather than the name of Jesus has been the seated position of the harlot congregation. Historically, one can also understand how the same has been embraced by its branches. What deception. Hopefully, those who read this message will hear what the Holy Spirit said through the mouths of His apostle. “ ... that we ought to save ourselves from this untoward generation.” In the scriptures, John proclaimed them to be a generation of vipers because they preferred to lay aside the word of God and teach their replacement theology as if it were the commandments of God.
But salvation cannot be found in any other name. Salvation certainly cannot be found in the titles. Indeed, the scriptures state that there is no other name given to men whereby they might be saved. Only the name Jesus. Call His name Jesus. Why? For He shall save His people from their sin. Only God could devise a plan of salvation that would save people from their sin.
I, the Lord your God, have become your Saviour. God is your Saviour. The question then is this. Have you received His holy Spirit since you believed? If you were duped into error, then please receive this engrafted word with meekness as the believers did in Acts chapter 19.
Here is water. What hinders you? Suffer it to be so now for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness, as declared in the scriptures. This message was the first message delivered by the Holy Spirit. Lord, you are the potter, having now stood in the offering plate and receiving redemption through the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus which is the very blood of the Holy Spirit. Peace be in Jesus.
For those of you who might not know, John baptised Jesus. John had been baptizing individuals at a place where there was much water. For the record, there was no "sprinkling" of water here. Jesus, as a man was baptised although John was hesitant at first. "suffer it to be so now for it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness," said Jesus to John. So Jesus was baptized.
Praying as a man, the heavens were opened. The Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape , like a dove lighting upon Him. A voice came from heaven saying, “You are my son in whom I am pleased to dwell." Descending like a dove, there was no need of fire to purify. As well, the voice outlined in the scriptures confirmed that Jesus is indeed the child of the Holy Spirit.
John bare record that with his eyes and ears he had witnessed all of these things. In John chapter one, for example, recall that Jesus had breathed on the apostles saying, “Receive you the Holy Spirit." Also recall that when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the awaiting believers, they heard a noise as it were a sound likened to the sound of a mighty rushing wind.
If we were to rely on a recent analogy, we can think about when man first stepped onto the moon. The proclamation at that time was “One small step for man, one large step for mankind." Similarly, in terms of the scriptures, we have Jesus breathing on man. One small breath on man. But when the Holy Spirit breathed on man, it became like a mighty rushing wind.
Given God's elaborate plan of salvation, we can picture one large breath on mankind. In this context, may our prayer resemble this. “Breathe on me breath of God, Fill me with Life anew.” The pronounced promise then? Simple. If men and women, boys and girls were to repent, breathing in faith and exhaling their unbelief, and were baptized into the name of Jesus the Christ, they would become recipients of God's receive the promise. Similarly, they would receive cleansing followed by baptism of the same Spirit of Jesus that was evident in Acts chapter two. That is, they would speak with a heavenly tongue confirmation.
In so doing, you also would be confirmed, having now been sealed with His holy spirit as promised. Into whose name were the 3000 believers baptized? Acts chapter 2 makes it specific. Know this that as many of you as have been baptized into Jesus the Christ, have been baptized into His death (Romans 6) These believers were not baptized into descriptive titles such as the father, son and spirit, prevalent in many establishments today. In fact, neither father, son or spirit are names. Rather, it is a devil inspired lie brought in by the so called church fathers in 300 A.D.
Ever since then, baptism using the titles rather than the name of Jesus has been the seated position of the harlot congregation. Historically, one can also understand how the same has been embraced by its branches. What deception. Hopefully, those who read this message will hear what the Holy Spirit said through the mouths of His apostle. “ ... that we ought to save ourselves from this untoward generation.” In the scriptures, John proclaimed them to be a generation of vipers because they preferred to lay aside the word of God and teach their replacement theology as if it were the commandments of God.
But salvation cannot be found in any other name. Salvation certainly cannot be found in the titles. Indeed, the scriptures state that there is no other name given to men whereby they might be saved. Only the name Jesus. Call His name Jesus. Why? For He shall save His people from their sin. Only God could devise a plan of salvation that would save people from their sin.
I, the Lord your God, have become your Saviour. God is your Saviour. The question then is this. Have you received His holy Spirit since you believed? If you were duped into error, then please receive this engrafted word with meekness as the believers did in Acts chapter 19.
Here is water. What hinders you? Suffer it to be so now for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness, as declared in the scriptures. This message was the first message delivered by the Holy Spirit. Lord, you are the potter, having now stood in the offering plate and receiving redemption through the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus which is the very blood of the Holy Spirit. Peace be in Jesus.
Monday, February 14, 2011
TONGUES GIVEN AS A SIGN (ACTS 2) - PART 31
Tongues are given as a sign. Note that tongues were not given as a sign to believers. They had already experienced the grace and goodness of God. Rather, tongues were given to believers so that the non-believers, the observers of the gathering in Acts II, understood the tongues as an expression of an occurring audible and visible manifestation. Some might say that the tongues were of a peculiar happening. Did the Lord not say that one of the signs that would occur in a believer's new birth experience is that believers would speak with a new tongue? Of course. Believers have been adopted into the family of God.
To some extent, this heavenly language, recognized as tongues may be surprising to Adam’s offspring but they are quite the norm to members of the family of God Indeed, through the manifestation of tongues God's endeavoured to prompt the attention of unbelievers. Yet in spite of all that they hear and see, God declares their unbelieving eyes and ears are still closed.
There are in this world a vast diversity of different languages (tongues). And in case you are wondering, apparently, angels have their own kind of tongues. That is how earthly humans communicate. God has a language too. How else would He have been able to counsel with Himself in the beginning? Indeed, it is recorded that in the beginning was the Word. Wisdom! God framed the world with His own Word.God said, let there be and be there was.
In the upper room where the 120 believers gathered together as instructed by Jesus, all of a sudden a sound appeared, like that of a mighty rushing wind. This sound filling all the room where the people were gathered. In some ways, if one needs an analogy, the sound might be compared to today's surround sound. Here, in this room, suddenly there appeared unto them tongues like as a uncontrollable fire (purifying) and it "sat." How else could one describe this experience that tongues plain and simply "sat" on each one of them.
Just like God's plan of salvation, the gift of tongues was personally delivered to each believer. And as detailed in the scriptures, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Speaking as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance in a new language. A Holy Spirit language. To those of you who ask why a new language? The response is simple. The people were being reborn. The people were now born of God, not by the will of the flesh nor by the will of man but born of God. Born by the blood of the Holy Spirit.
Each person in the midst was purchased, redeemed and justified... they are now the children of the second Adam, who is the Lord Himself, a brand new spiritual people indwelt by the Spirit of their Father have been born into the Kingdom of God. our heavenly Father who gave up His own life as a Son, thereby grafting us into Himself causing us to become partakers of His free gift of salvation. He is the one who loves us with an everlasting love. It cost the Lord His life as a Son to redeem us as His people,Redeeming (bringing us back) to the place where we could walk and talk and fellowship with God. (as friend with friend)
He brought us back so that we could fellowship with Him. Remember,Adam did not originally hide from God. Adam started His hiding when sin showed up. The old covenant no longer applies Jesus redeemed us, and now because of redemption and God's ultimate sacrifice of sacrifices (God Himself as a son willingly committed Himself as a living sacrifice) we can be saved. Jesus allowed Adam’s fallen sinful race to pursue Him to an agonizing, brutal animalistic, inhumane torture, that culminated in crucifixion, we have been given salvation. Jesus paid the price in full.
Imagine a love this true. Love beyond man's wildest dreams. Undoubtedly, both heaven and earth in its entirety was His inheritance. Jesus, being the only begotten Son of God, bequeathed all of His inheritance to us. As a gift. All of this inheritance was bequeathed to us, while we were still His enemies. Think of this. Indeed, if that be the case, just imagine the treasures that lie yet in store for us. The scriptures state that eye has not seen, neither has ear heard the things that God has in store for all the offspring of Jesus. The same Jesus, who Himself seeded us in his death.
Except a seed of wheat fall into the ground and die. It will only be one wheat, but if it dies it brings forth much wheat. Jesus is the seed and like the wheat example, He wants us to multiply. He wants us to accept the gift of His salvation - His sacrifice on the cross. Further, He wants us to become His people - the Jesus People. If any man or woman be the offspring of Jesus he or she is now a new creation in God. And yes, as a consequence, we do speak in Holy Spirit tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance.
Like the apostles in Acts II, we do not forbid the speaking in tongues. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to man. He is speaking to God. And in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Stand in the Offering Plate. Our obedience is better than sacrifice. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
To some extent, this heavenly language, recognized as tongues may be surprising to Adam’s offspring but they are quite the norm to members of the family of God Indeed, through the manifestation of tongues God's endeavoured to prompt the attention of unbelievers. Yet in spite of all that they hear and see, God declares their unbelieving eyes and ears are still closed.
There are in this world a vast diversity of different languages (tongues). And in case you are wondering, apparently, angels have their own kind of tongues. That is how earthly humans communicate. God has a language too. How else would He have been able to counsel with Himself in the beginning? Indeed, it is recorded that in the beginning was the Word. Wisdom! God framed the world with His own Word.God said, let there be and be there was.
In the upper room where the 120 believers gathered together as instructed by Jesus, all of a sudden a sound appeared, like that of a mighty rushing wind. This sound filling all the room where the people were gathered. In some ways, if one needs an analogy, the sound might be compared to today's surround sound. Here, in this room, suddenly there appeared unto them tongues like as a uncontrollable fire (purifying) and it "sat." How else could one describe this experience that tongues plain and simply "sat" on each one of them.
Just like God's plan of salvation, the gift of tongues was personally delivered to each believer. And as detailed in the scriptures, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Speaking as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance in a new language. A Holy Spirit language. To those of you who ask why a new language? The response is simple. The people were being reborn. The people were now born of God, not by the will of the flesh nor by the will of man but born of God. Born by the blood of the Holy Spirit.
Each person in the midst was purchased, redeemed and justified... they are now the children of the second Adam, who is the Lord Himself, a brand new spiritual people indwelt by the Spirit of their Father have been born into the Kingdom of God. our heavenly Father who gave up His own life as a Son, thereby grafting us into Himself causing us to become partakers of His free gift of salvation. He is the one who loves us with an everlasting love. It cost the Lord His life as a Son to redeem us as His people,Redeeming (bringing us back) to the place where we could walk and talk and fellowship with God. (as friend with friend)
He brought us back so that we could fellowship with Him. Remember,Adam did not originally hide from God. Adam started His hiding when sin showed up. The old covenant no longer applies Jesus redeemed us, and now because of redemption and God's ultimate sacrifice of sacrifices (God Himself as a son willingly committed Himself as a living sacrifice) we can be saved. Jesus allowed Adam’s fallen sinful race to pursue Him to an agonizing, brutal animalistic, inhumane torture, that culminated in crucifixion, we have been given salvation. Jesus paid the price in full.
Imagine a love this true. Love beyond man's wildest dreams. Undoubtedly, both heaven and earth in its entirety was His inheritance. Jesus, being the only begotten Son of God, bequeathed all of His inheritance to us. As a gift. All of this inheritance was bequeathed to us, while we were still His enemies. Think of this. Indeed, if that be the case, just imagine the treasures that lie yet in store for us. The scriptures state that eye has not seen, neither has ear heard the things that God has in store for all the offspring of Jesus. The same Jesus, who Himself seeded us in his death.
Except a seed of wheat fall into the ground and die. It will only be one wheat, but if it dies it brings forth much wheat. Jesus is the seed and like the wheat example, He wants us to multiply. He wants us to accept the gift of His salvation - His sacrifice on the cross. Further, He wants us to become His people - the Jesus People. If any man or woman be the offspring of Jesus he or she is now a new creation in God. And yes, as a consequence, we do speak in Holy Spirit tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance.
Like the apostles in Acts II, we do not forbid the speaking in tongues. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to man. He is speaking to God. And in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Stand in the Offering Plate. Our obedience is better than sacrifice. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH HAS COME - PART 30
And the people, upon hearing this reconciliatory inspired message delivered from Peter in unison with the other eleven apostles, were troubled. These same people, whose heart and conscience was being weighed in the balance of their minds as a consequence of recognizing that, while unknowing, they willingly crucified the Lord of Glory. Of course, these individuals would automatically say that the combined crowd frenzy and consequential rhetoric, along with the religious leaders who were bent in removing this judicially proclaimed innocent man influenced their decision to crucify Jesus.
Those religious leaders had their feet stuck in the mud. Although they did not experience God firsthand, they certainly heard and saw the works of the Spirit of God. Still, no one was going to be allowed to rock their comfortable life style. Indeed, at the end of the day, it made little or no difference to them that the lame were made to walk, the blind made to see, and the lepers cleansed.
The bottom line is that they loved darkness. Unfortunately, even today they still hang on to the covenant of death as if it were a covenant of life. These religious folks hang onto their traditions with a closed mind. If the switch is off and the tradition is so entrenched, there is no use trying to pry someone to recognize the truths of the scriptures.
Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth is come, He will convince the world of sin. And of righteousness too. And of the coming judgement. The holy spirit contained message set the example that believers should preach Jesus, and that they should always do so with sincerity and truth,. In this regard, the analogy of setting the table, so to speak, and inviting others to come and dine is a good one.
It is also a good segue into what happened next. The people having listened to Peter and the apostles asked, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" This question is significant for reason dictates that if they had known what to do, then they would never had asked the question. What were they instructed to do? Certainly, it was none of the following: be good; do penance; shake the preacher's hand; give to charity; fill in this card and join the church; or keep the 10 commandments. Of course, this list is not exhaustive but it does indicate that religious expectations differ significantly from the plan of salvation that God delivered.
This is what the administrator and mediator and high priest of our profession delivered to the people. "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME of JESUS the CHRIST and you shall receive the gift of His holy spirit." For this promise, the promise that if we repent and are baptised into His name, Jesus the Christ, we would receive the gift of His holy spirit. Further, his promise is made both to you and to your children, even to them that are afar off. This promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Recall that Jesus is the afore spoken seed of promise and in Jesus will all the nations of the earth be blessed. The apostles spoke other words of exhortation to the people, but finally hitting the nail on the head, he exhorts them not to sit like a bump on a log. “Save yourselves from this lost generation," he said. It is recorded in the scriptures that the people gladly responded to the words spoken, were baptised, and in the same day there were about 3000 believers added.
These new birthed believers continued walking in the teachings of the apostles, in fellowship with each other. They visited each other breaking bread and ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. We, by the grace of our God, pray that your response will be obedience to the prompting of His holy spirit by repenting and being baptised into the name of Jesus.
He is the Ark of the Covenant. May you receive His holy spirit. I am sure many of you have, by now, already stood in the offering plate. Now arise and be baptised in the name of Jesus so that you too can be washed away all of sin. Call on His name now and be filled with His Spirit of promise. If 3000 people were added to the church that day in Acts chapter 2, may you be number 3001 today. He will fill your life today. God is good! In Jesus name be blessed.
Those religious leaders had their feet stuck in the mud. Although they did not experience God firsthand, they certainly heard and saw the works of the Spirit of God. Still, no one was going to be allowed to rock their comfortable life style. Indeed, at the end of the day, it made little or no difference to them that the lame were made to walk, the blind made to see, and the lepers cleansed.
The bottom line is that they loved darkness. Unfortunately, even today they still hang on to the covenant of death as if it were a covenant of life. These religious folks hang onto their traditions with a closed mind. If the switch is off and the tradition is so entrenched, there is no use trying to pry someone to recognize the truths of the scriptures.
Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth is come, He will convince the world of sin. And of righteousness too. And of the coming judgement. The holy spirit contained message set the example that believers should preach Jesus, and that they should always do so with sincerity and truth,. In this regard, the analogy of setting the table, so to speak, and inviting others to come and dine is a good one.
It is also a good segue into what happened next. The people having listened to Peter and the apostles asked, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" This question is significant for reason dictates that if they had known what to do, then they would never had asked the question. What were they instructed to do? Certainly, it was none of the following: be good; do penance; shake the preacher's hand; give to charity; fill in this card and join the church; or keep the 10 commandments. Of course, this list is not exhaustive but it does indicate that religious expectations differ significantly from the plan of salvation that God delivered.
This is what the administrator and mediator and high priest of our profession delivered to the people. "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME of JESUS the CHRIST and you shall receive the gift of His holy spirit." For this promise, the promise that if we repent and are baptised into His name, Jesus the Christ, we would receive the gift of His holy spirit. Further, his promise is made both to you and to your children, even to them that are afar off. This promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Recall that Jesus is the afore spoken seed of promise and in Jesus will all the nations of the earth be blessed. The apostles spoke other words of exhortation to the people, but finally hitting the nail on the head, he exhorts them not to sit like a bump on a log. “Save yourselves from this lost generation," he said. It is recorded in the scriptures that the people gladly responded to the words spoken, were baptised, and in the same day there were about 3000 believers added.
These new birthed believers continued walking in the teachings of the apostles, in fellowship with each other. They visited each other breaking bread and ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. We, by the grace of our God, pray that your response will be obedience to the prompting of His holy spirit by repenting and being baptised into the name of Jesus.
He is the Ark of the Covenant. May you receive His holy spirit. I am sure many of you have, by now, already stood in the offering plate. Now arise and be baptised in the name of Jesus so that you too can be washed away all of sin. Call on His name now and be filled with His Spirit of promise. If 3000 people were added to the church that day in Acts chapter 2, may you be number 3001 today. He will fill your life today. God is good! In Jesus name be blessed.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
THE MIRACLE IN THE UPPER ROOM - PART 29
Hear ye every man in our own tongue, speaking the wonderful works of God? In Acts, chapter 2, we see the events that had transpired at the tower of Babel in the Old Testament, where confusion of man’s tongue into various languages was introduced, reversed. Even though the scenario reversal was only temporary, God used language to purposely retarded man’s purpose.
You will recall that man’s agenda, at the tower of Babel, was to build a tower that reached high into the Heavens. The fallen angels were homesick and their entrance visa into heaven had been cancelled because of their collective terrorist activities and destruction. As a consequence, the most that they could do was to hopefully peer into the Heavens. But God would not allow that to happen, as stated in the Old Testament scriptures.
In the New Testament, however, the multitudes that gathered together at Jerusalem, according to Acts 2, were able to witness God's spin on the tower of Babel. Indeed, something strange to their eyes and ears occurred, one that was possibly as equally strange as the previous Babel event. That is, men who had previously been conversing with one another in normal everyday language suddenly entered into a state of total confusion. In the midst, observers thought they had possibly lost it. As the scriptures record, "These men are drunk. Are they not all Galileans? If this is so, how come we hear them speaking in our own language."
I Corinthians 12 effectively links the correlation and purpose together. Here, Peter standing with the eleven apostles noted that the Lord had given to Peter (and the others) the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Also note that it was Peter who preached God’s reconciliatory words of truth to this initially Jewish audience, and then later in Acts 10, presented the same reconciliatory gospel to the Gentiles. It is this preaching of the gospel that opens the door to Heaven thereby allowing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Christ to shine into individual’s believing hearts.
It is at this point that we are introduced to the first message preached by the Spirit of God through the mouths of His newborn adopted sons. Recall that Jesus, after He ascended on high still, through the holy spirit directed His apostles whom He had chosen. God was still in charge. God's plan of salvation was still unfolding. Acts chapter 2 verses 14 through 36 expands upon this message, providing further detail into the events that had transpired. This might be a good time to refresh yourself in these scriptures before proceeding.
Continuing at verse 36, the scriptures state, “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has declared that this same Jesus, whom you crucified, is both Lord and the Christ “ In the next scripture, verse 37, "The people, hearing this holy spirit delivery and confirmation of these aforementioned things were pricked in their heart." Asking Peter and the other apostles, the people "What shall we do?" It is obvious that these people were between a rock and a hard place.
Heaven presented this first message, a message that was delivered personally by the administrator of the new covenant. This New Covenant, in case you wondered, is none other than the spirit of Jesus, who had said prophetically through Joel the prophet, that God would pour out His spirit upon all flesh. But that is not all. This pouring out of His spirit upon all flesh would cause your sons and your daughters to prophesy as well.
Perhaps, at this point, each one of us should take some time to meditate on this Holy Spirit message, remembering that as God said in Acts 15, He would build again the tabernacle of David which had fallen down, replacing the formerly destroyed temple with living stones. Undoubtedly, as revealed here, God is building a triumphant building. Not a building made with brick and mortar. This is the temple in which His Spirit is pleased to dwell. Stand in the Offering Plate. Peace to all in Jesus.
You will recall that man’s agenda, at the tower of Babel, was to build a tower that reached high into the Heavens. The fallen angels were homesick and their entrance visa into heaven had been cancelled because of their collective terrorist activities and destruction. As a consequence, the most that they could do was to hopefully peer into the Heavens. But God would not allow that to happen, as stated in the Old Testament scriptures.
In the New Testament, however, the multitudes that gathered together at Jerusalem, according to Acts 2, were able to witness God's spin on the tower of Babel. Indeed, something strange to their eyes and ears occurred, one that was possibly as equally strange as the previous Babel event. That is, men who had previously been conversing with one another in normal everyday language suddenly entered into a state of total confusion. In the midst, observers thought they had possibly lost it. As the scriptures record, "These men are drunk. Are they not all Galileans? If this is so, how come we hear them speaking in our own language."
I Corinthians 12 effectively links the correlation and purpose together. Here, Peter standing with the eleven apostles noted that the Lord had given to Peter (and the others) the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Also note that it was Peter who preached God’s reconciliatory words of truth to this initially Jewish audience, and then later in Acts 10, presented the same reconciliatory gospel to the Gentiles. It is this preaching of the gospel that opens the door to Heaven thereby allowing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Christ to shine into individual’s believing hearts.
It is at this point that we are introduced to the first message preached by the Spirit of God through the mouths of His newborn adopted sons. Recall that Jesus, after He ascended on high still, through the holy spirit directed His apostles whom He had chosen. God was still in charge. God's plan of salvation was still unfolding. Acts chapter 2 verses 14 through 36 expands upon this message, providing further detail into the events that had transpired. This might be a good time to refresh yourself in these scriptures before proceeding.
Continuing at verse 36, the scriptures state, “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has declared that this same Jesus, whom you crucified, is both Lord and the Christ “ In the next scripture, verse 37, "The people, hearing this holy spirit delivery and confirmation of these aforementioned things were pricked in their heart." Asking Peter and the other apostles, the people "What shall we do?" It is obvious that these people were between a rock and a hard place.
Heaven presented this first message, a message that was delivered personally by the administrator of the new covenant. This New Covenant, in case you wondered, is none other than the spirit of Jesus, who had said prophetically through Joel the prophet, that God would pour out His spirit upon all flesh. But that is not all. This pouring out of His spirit upon all flesh would cause your sons and your daughters to prophesy as well.
Perhaps, at this point, each one of us should take some time to meditate on this Holy Spirit message, remembering that as God said in Acts 15, He would build again the tabernacle of David which had fallen down, replacing the formerly destroyed temple with living stones. Undoubtedly, as revealed here, God is building a triumphant building. Not a building made with brick and mortar. This is the temple in which His Spirit is pleased to dwell. Stand in the Offering Plate. Peace to all in Jesus.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
JESUS PAID THE PRICE ONCE AND FOR ALL - PART 28
If the gospel is hid, what next? Hopefully, however, the gospel is not hidden. For God is not willing that any one should perish, but that all men and women should come to the knowledge of the truth. The truth? There is only one God. There is only one mediator between God and man. That one mediator is none other than the Lord Jesus the Christ.
The scriptures do not state that the church is the mediator. Neither is the pope the mediator. Priests are not mediators. And no, Mary is not the mediator either. According to God’s Word, there is only one mediator. In this context the question needs to be asked. Has someone beguiled you? Has your teachings led you to stray from the scriptural teachings.
Your salvation is a free gift from the Lord God Almighty to you, Take the gift. You have been redeemed. The price of your redemption has been paid in full. In fact, God loves sinners more than He loved His own life as a son. Herein, perceive we the love of God, in that He (as a son ) laid down His life for us. And He did so while we, as humans were still sinning.
My friends, if that isn’t love personified. His action, a plan of salvation determined before the world was created, is much more comprehensive than any one individual's words. Love not in words only, but in deeds. Acts chapter 2, verse 4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance." There is only one baptism. But there are many fillings. This is the new wine from Heaven being poured into new vessels. The vessels that have now been purified by fire. God was not going to pour new wine into old vessels. These vessels were new birthed vessels coming forth from the Saviour's side.
Adam's old race was cleansed because of what God had done by Himself at Calvary, when He alone bore our sin in His own body on a tree. Now, He has embraced believers as partakers of His Spirit, adopting us into His family. We, as believers, join the household of God. We receive our citizenship into the Kingdom of God. Here we partake of the glorious liberty of the sons of God which we now are. Inasmuch as His natural body is sin laden from Mary’s generational inherited sin, He, now at Calvary receives sin willingly. All the sins of the world pouring onto Him so that we might be saved by His grace and love.
While His body became accursed, we are now His body, His bones and His flesh. We owe our lives to Him. That is why salvation is not of works. Neither you or I can obtain salvation by work efforts or with your financial offerings. Instead, what we do now is that we gladly do work. But the work is not to obtain salvation. Our response is simply because we now have salvation. Our sins and iniquities are remembered no more. Who is going to be the debt collector if the debt is paid in full? Hit the road devil, and don’t come back no more, no more!
In Acts chapter 2, they were all filled. There were no partial fillings here. Indeed, there is in this covenant, neither male nor female, neither imprisoned or free, and neither Jew nor Gentile. Rather, we are all one in Jesus the Christ. We are a multi-cultural society because we have become a new creation. A new nation having our minds renewed and enabling us to walk. To walk even as He walked that we might walk worthy of the vocation unto which we are called. One nation under God. Our constitution representing a world where the wheat and the tares grow together until the time of harvest. The angels at that time becoming fully employed, and separating the wheat from the tares. At that time, the tares will be thrown into the fire. Tthey serve in the kingdom of God no useful purpose.
But for those of us who have received the gift of His holy Spirit, let us stop staring idly into the heavens. Instead, rise up and be about our Father's business. Seek to save those individuals which otherwise may be lost. To them the debt of love we owe. My question is this. Have you received redemption and the gift of His holy Spirit?
Today is the day of salvation. Stand in the offering plate. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
The scriptures do not state that the church is the mediator. Neither is the pope the mediator. Priests are not mediators. And no, Mary is not the mediator either. According to God’s Word, there is only one mediator. In this context the question needs to be asked. Has someone beguiled you? Has your teachings led you to stray from the scriptural teachings.
Your salvation is a free gift from the Lord God Almighty to you, Take the gift. You have been redeemed. The price of your redemption has been paid in full. In fact, God loves sinners more than He loved His own life as a son. Herein, perceive we the love of God, in that He (as a son ) laid down His life for us. And He did so while we, as humans were still sinning.
My friends, if that isn’t love personified. His action, a plan of salvation determined before the world was created, is much more comprehensive than any one individual's words. Love not in words only, but in deeds. Acts chapter 2, verse 4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance." There is only one baptism. But there are many fillings. This is the new wine from Heaven being poured into new vessels. The vessels that have now been purified by fire. God was not going to pour new wine into old vessels. These vessels were new birthed vessels coming forth from the Saviour's side.
Adam's old race was cleansed because of what God had done by Himself at Calvary, when He alone bore our sin in His own body on a tree. Now, He has embraced believers as partakers of His Spirit, adopting us into His family. We, as believers, join the household of God. We receive our citizenship into the Kingdom of God. Here we partake of the glorious liberty of the sons of God which we now are. Inasmuch as His natural body is sin laden from Mary’s generational inherited sin, He, now at Calvary receives sin willingly. All the sins of the world pouring onto Him so that we might be saved by His grace and love.
While His body became accursed, we are now His body, His bones and His flesh. We owe our lives to Him. That is why salvation is not of works. Neither you or I can obtain salvation by work efforts or with your financial offerings. Instead, what we do now is that we gladly do work. But the work is not to obtain salvation. Our response is simply because we now have salvation. Our sins and iniquities are remembered no more. Who is going to be the debt collector if the debt is paid in full? Hit the road devil, and don’t come back no more, no more!
In Acts chapter 2, they were all filled. There were no partial fillings here. Indeed, there is in this covenant, neither male nor female, neither imprisoned or free, and neither Jew nor Gentile. Rather, we are all one in Jesus the Christ. We are a multi-cultural society because we have become a new creation. A new nation having our minds renewed and enabling us to walk. To walk even as He walked that we might walk worthy of the vocation unto which we are called. One nation under God. Our constitution representing a world where the wheat and the tares grow together until the time of harvest. The angels at that time becoming fully employed, and separating the wheat from the tares. At that time, the tares will be thrown into the fire. Tthey serve in the kingdom of God no useful purpose.
But for those of us who have received the gift of His holy Spirit, let us stop staring idly into the heavens. Instead, rise up and be about our Father's business. Seek to save those individuals which otherwise may be lost. To them the debt of love we owe. My question is this. Have you received redemption and the gift of His holy Spirit?
Today is the day of salvation. Stand in the offering plate. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
JESUS ONLY - PART 27
The stone which the builders rejected has become the head cornerstone. Indeed, He is the Head of all things, and in all things He shall have the pre-eminence. For no other foundation can a man lay. The scriptures state that upon this rock, I Jesus will build my church. Most of all, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
There is only one God. He is our Saviour. He alone is able to keep us from falling. He alone is able to present us as faultless beings. When we abide in the glory of His presence, we become effervescent with joy. Our hearts burning within us as He talks to us night and day. This is why, even in the face of a society that is changing, Jesus remains the most popular name on earth today. Why even money bears witness to the atheists, agnostics and ignoramuses that the world, whether past or present, revolves around that moment that Jesus, on the cross said, "It is finished."
BC or before Christ - JESUS - AD or after His death. The time lines in which our earthly world functions emerges from God's plan of salvation. Jesus, the name which is above every other name in Heaven and on earth. One God. One name. While there are many descriptive titles pertaining to that name, there is only one name Jesus, that matters. Even while the devil's workers are hard at work attempting to obscure the fact that the spirit of God has declared to the world that there is "No other name under Heaven given among men whereby man can be saved," it does not negate the fact that Jesus is that name.
The early church, prior to its take over by demonic filled bishops (so called), went everywhere preaching Jesus. Now they are advocating Jehovah or Yahweh obtained from the four letters YHWH or YHVH. Into these four letters, vowels were inserted and then broadcast by the prince of the power of the air (satan) asserting that this is God's name. Believe it or not, they even sing songs to this fabricated name. They run from house to house proliferating their stupidity as if it were Heaven's revelation. Rather, more deception is now seated. Still, the obstacle of obstacles confronts them. That obstacle is the Word of Truth recorded in the scriptures.
In spite of the emerging rhetoric, the scriptures are very clear. Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord Jesus abides forever. God's own Word is seated. His word echoes through the ages. Except you believe that I AM, you will die in your sin. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.
The great commission coined up by the so called church fathers is not the original commission that Jesus commanded to be preached throughout the world. The church father impostors altered the Word and today admit that they did so. They were flushed out because of the revisions and their deception only exists in the traditional established churches. (Note - see earlier blogs for details on this point)
Many churches, and even some churches that are called evangelical are carried away with the deception. Churches are propagating the same lie as if father, son, spirit were names. But they are not names. Rather, they are descriptive titles. His name is JESUS. Taking this scriptural foundation further, unto whose name were you baptized? Are they too proud to change or are they also part of the great deception?
I think those who participated unknowingly in this deception should read acts chapter 19:5. Again, the scriptures are very clear. He alone has the pre-eminence. While I am endeavouring to move on in Acts chapter 2, I seem to have need of a verily, verily in an effort to ensure that believers are fully equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ. So that believers in God's plan of salvation are prepared and ready for the defense of the apostolic Holy Ghost teachings. This is the new covenant. A testament paid in full through the precious blood of Jesus. The name of the author and finisher is Jesus.
And they saw no man save Jesus only? Why? Because when we read the scriptures, our Lord God and Saviour's gospel message is clear. "I am the Lord thy God. Beside Me there is no Saviour.
This is why we ask -- who is on the Lord’s side? Do not delay. In fact, choose today. Our High priest Jesus asks you to come and partake in the salvation that was given to us so freely. Come. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
There is only one God. He is our Saviour. He alone is able to keep us from falling. He alone is able to present us as faultless beings. When we abide in the glory of His presence, we become effervescent with joy. Our hearts burning within us as He talks to us night and day. This is why, even in the face of a society that is changing, Jesus remains the most popular name on earth today. Why even money bears witness to the atheists, agnostics and ignoramuses that the world, whether past or present, revolves around that moment that Jesus, on the cross said, "It is finished."
BC or before Christ - JESUS - AD or after His death. The time lines in which our earthly world functions emerges from God's plan of salvation. Jesus, the name which is above every other name in Heaven and on earth. One God. One name. While there are many descriptive titles pertaining to that name, there is only one name Jesus, that matters. Even while the devil's workers are hard at work attempting to obscure the fact that the spirit of God has declared to the world that there is "No other name under Heaven given among men whereby man can be saved," it does not negate the fact that Jesus is that name.
The early church, prior to its take over by demonic filled bishops (so called), went everywhere preaching Jesus. Now they are advocating Jehovah or Yahweh obtained from the four letters YHWH or YHVH. Into these four letters, vowels were inserted and then broadcast by the prince of the power of the air (satan) asserting that this is God's name. Believe it or not, they even sing songs to this fabricated name. They run from house to house proliferating their stupidity as if it were Heaven's revelation. Rather, more deception is now seated. Still, the obstacle of obstacles confronts them. That obstacle is the Word of Truth recorded in the scriptures.
In spite of the emerging rhetoric, the scriptures are very clear. Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord Jesus abides forever. God's own Word is seated. His word echoes through the ages. Except you believe that I AM, you will die in your sin. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.
The great commission coined up by the so called church fathers is not the original commission that Jesus commanded to be preached throughout the world. The church father impostors altered the Word and today admit that they did so. They were flushed out because of the revisions and their deception only exists in the traditional established churches. (Note - see earlier blogs for details on this point)
Many churches, and even some churches that are called evangelical are carried away with the deception. Churches are propagating the same lie as if father, son, spirit were names. But they are not names. Rather, they are descriptive titles. His name is JESUS. Taking this scriptural foundation further, unto whose name were you baptized? Are they too proud to change or are they also part of the great deception?
I think those who participated unknowingly in this deception should read acts chapter 19:5. Again, the scriptures are very clear. He alone has the pre-eminence. While I am endeavouring to move on in Acts chapter 2, I seem to have need of a verily, verily in an effort to ensure that believers are fully equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ. So that believers in God's plan of salvation are prepared and ready for the defense of the apostolic Holy Ghost teachings. This is the new covenant. A testament paid in full through the precious blood of Jesus. The name of the author and finisher is Jesus.
And they saw no man save Jesus only? Why? Because when we read the scriptures, our Lord God and Saviour's gospel message is clear. "I am the Lord thy God. Beside Me there is no Saviour.
This is why we ask -- who is on the Lord’s side? Do not delay. In fact, choose today. Our High priest Jesus asks you to come and partake in the salvation that was given to us so freely. Come. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
OUR LORD GOD AND SAVIOUR - PART 26
In spite of the obstacles, the New Testament made its grand entrance, standing in opposition to those who might present a different gospel. The Word of God that was in the beginning with God, and indeed, the very same Word that was in the world brought forth all that is seen and unseen. Jesus' words that were spoken on earth are the same words that were with God in the beginning. This Word is not another person. It is God’s own words proceeding from God's Spirit voice that continues to emanate from His throne. The voice of God who is Spirit and the one God who fills all things.
One cannot hide from God. He knows exactly where you are. Indeed, God has no language barrier to contend with. Remember too that God curtailed man's steps by doing something no one could have possibly thought could happen. At the tower of Babel, God did the opposite to the thinking of astronaut Neil Armstrong, who said, "One small step for man, one large step for mankind." Well, similar conditions existed at the tower of Babel, when man said let us build a tower that reaches to the heavens. God took a small step and man took a great reverse step backwards.
The comparison to the world today can be likened to the same time frame as the tower of Babel. We may, once again say that since the earth is of one speech that we should build us a tower that reaches into the Heavens. God intervened before. Maybe God will intervene once again. Satan has always desired ascending into the heavens out of which he had been cast. But the scriptures state that these days will be shortened for the elects sake. If these days were not to be shortened, there would be no flesh saved.
In terms of Biblical prophecy, the moon has already been turned into blood when man stepped onto its surface. God has a time table. Beyond His plan of salvation for mankind, He also has an agenda which will surely be fulfilled. I think we ought to remember what the scripture advises. This we will do only if God permits. You may want to go to Heaven too. Surely, as God is God. believers will go to heaven. The scriptures state that we will just be gone, caught up in the twinkling of an eye. This is the language of the scriptures.
Like Phillip, when he was taken by God’s spirit from a revival meeting in Samaria and planted in a desert place. God's business is to seek and to save those who are lost. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus declared that He must be about His Father’s business. In fact, the Father's business was to redeem man from the house of bondage. The only way that this would be accomplished was by God himself coming from Heaven to earth. Salvation does not come as a consequence of people on earth cruising the Heavens. Satan, as the god of this world system, promises that if you will only fall down and worship him, he will give you the sun, moon and stars. Unfortunately, man falls for it.
The problem is that satan is a liar. He is the father of liar because neither the sun, moon or stars are his to give. God’s promises are yea and amen because He is faithful. God is faithful. God knows that we are incapable of accomplishing the mission that He commissioned us to do. He by Himself accomplished His mission, which was, to onlookers an impossible mission. He being housed in a generational sinful body, tempted and tried by every demon in hell who had lodged themselves into Adams fallen race brought us salvation, if only we would accept Jesus.
Adam’s race was completely unaware of the plan of salvation because they thought they knew God. Talk about being on the wrong wave length. Jesus is the unseen God. Jesus is the very same God that walked on earth, displaying the one true God. For indeed, as stated in the scriptures, He is the one true God appearing as a son. We by ourselves could not without God’s spiritual power inwardly dwelling, finish the mission on our own. But now that the Spirit of Jesus fills us, we will run this race bringing mankind to Heaven. For greater is He who now dwells within us than he that is in the world.
Stand in the offering plate. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
One cannot hide from God. He knows exactly where you are. Indeed, God has no language barrier to contend with. Remember too that God curtailed man's steps by doing something no one could have possibly thought could happen. At the tower of Babel, God did the opposite to the thinking of astronaut Neil Armstrong, who said, "One small step for man, one large step for mankind." Well, similar conditions existed at the tower of Babel, when man said let us build a tower that reaches to the heavens. God took a small step and man took a great reverse step backwards.
The comparison to the world today can be likened to the same time frame as the tower of Babel. We may, once again say that since the earth is of one speech that we should build us a tower that reaches into the Heavens. God intervened before. Maybe God will intervene once again. Satan has always desired ascending into the heavens out of which he had been cast. But the scriptures state that these days will be shortened for the elects sake. If these days were not to be shortened, there would be no flesh saved.
In terms of Biblical prophecy, the moon has already been turned into blood when man stepped onto its surface. God has a time table. Beyond His plan of salvation for mankind, He also has an agenda which will surely be fulfilled. I think we ought to remember what the scripture advises. This we will do only if God permits. You may want to go to Heaven too. Surely, as God is God. believers will go to heaven. The scriptures state that we will just be gone, caught up in the twinkling of an eye. This is the language of the scriptures.
Like Phillip, when he was taken by God’s spirit from a revival meeting in Samaria and planted in a desert place. God's business is to seek and to save those who are lost. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus declared that He must be about His Father’s business. In fact, the Father's business was to redeem man from the house of bondage. The only way that this would be accomplished was by God himself coming from Heaven to earth. Salvation does not come as a consequence of people on earth cruising the Heavens. Satan, as the god of this world system, promises that if you will only fall down and worship him, he will give you the sun, moon and stars. Unfortunately, man falls for it.
The problem is that satan is a liar. He is the father of liar because neither the sun, moon or stars are his to give. God’s promises are yea and amen because He is faithful. God is faithful. God knows that we are incapable of accomplishing the mission that He commissioned us to do. He by Himself accomplished His mission, which was, to onlookers an impossible mission. He being housed in a generational sinful body, tempted and tried by every demon in hell who had lodged themselves into Adams fallen race brought us salvation, if only we would accept Jesus.
Adam’s race was completely unaware of the plan of salvation because they thought they knew God. Talk about being on the wrong wave length. Jesus is the unseen God. Jesus is the very same God that walked on earth, displaying the one true God. For indeed, as stated in the scriptures, He is the one true God appearing as a son. We by ourselves could not without God’s spiritual power inwardly dwelling, finish the mission on our own. But now that the Spirit of Jesus fills us, we will run this race bringing mankind to Heaven. For greater is He who now dwells within us than he that is in the world.
Stand in the offering plate. Peace to all who are in Jesus.
SALVATION IS IN JESUS - PART 25
Who being the brightness of glory and the express image of His person, upholds all things by the Word of His power? Who is then that after purging Himself for our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? We have so much to be thankful for. This great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken of by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. At the same time, God willingly confirmed this witness with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of His Holy Spirit.
Remember that the law was added 430 years after the promise was given? Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law cannot be tagged on to the promise. Those first 300 years of the gospel, sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. It took 300 years before they had established a foothold. It took 300 years before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the head of the church with an impostor asserting infallibility.
They in turn sat down and hammered out their own gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- all in one. In fact, their fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the gospel message was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by the Lord.
The gospel as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die for. Stand fast in the liberty that was given to you by the Lord. As it is written, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. We need to listen.
In Hebrews chapter 6, verse 13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. He swore by Himself, saying, surely with my blessing I will bless you. In multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.
Jesus our one and only high priest forever. After the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the one who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only one that can forgive sin is Jesus. He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the seed of promise, the son of the Holy Spirit and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The gospel provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Remember that the law was added 430 years after the promise was given? Therefore, the law cannot undo the promise. Neither can the law cannot be tagged on to the promise. Those first 300 years of the gospel, sent the fallen angels into a tailspin. Indeed, if one were to use a cliche, you could say that the cat was out the bag. It required immediate damage control, and spin artists working tirelessly 24/7 to stop the leaks. It took 300 years before they had established a foothold. It took 300 years before satan could transform himself into a messenger of light, replacing the head of the church with an impostor asserting infallibility.
They in turn sat down and hammered out their own gospel. They introduced to the then generation that God was three distinct and separate persons -- all in one. In fact, their fabricated gospel was so entrenched that woe to them who dared to contradict their darkened minds. The decline in the gospel message was swift. From light into darkness -- at the flip of a switch. From a primitive church exposing demonic practices to the establishment of another gospel, totally adverse to the gospel which had been personally delivered by the Lord.
The gospel as proclaimed to the world, in which He Himself was more than willing to die for. Stand fast in the liberty that was given to you by the Lord. As it is written, "I marvel that you are so soon removed from the gospel which was delivered to you. Why are you so soon shaken from it?" The God in Christ meant what He said and said what He meant. This promise of God is not a slippery slope. It is impossible for God to lie. God wants to speak to us. We need to listen.
In Hebrews chapter 6, verse 13, God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater. He swore by Himself, saying, surely with my blessing I will bless you. In multiplying, I will multiply you. Verse 16 of the same chapter reads that men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife. God, willing to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath. These two immutable characteristics include (1) it is impossible for God to lie and (2 ) we have a strong consolation that we who have fled for refuge, laying hold upon the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, will enter into that within the veil.
Jesus our one and only high priest forever. After the Order of Melchisedec. Not like other priests, or imposters who ought to confess their sin, their folly and error to the one who alone can forgive sin. They ought to know better. The only one that can forgive sin is Jesus. He is the Word of the oath which existed before the law. He is the Word which brought forth the seed of promise, the son of the Holy Spirit and the one who is consecrated for evermore. For if we confess our sins to Him, who alone is the High priest, our sins will be forgiven. Jesus is more than willing to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The gospel provided a way for men and women to go directly to the throne of grace. Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD - PART 24
"I am the Good Shepherd," saith the Lord. My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me. And conversely, the voice of a hireling they will not hear. Jesus then ascended into Heaven and sat down. Why is it that we constantly make reference to Jesus, the Head of the Church (His body) ascending into Heaven and sitting down? The reason is this. When Jesus sat down, He, by this action revealed to us once and for all that the work of salvation (as far as Heaven was concerned) was complete.
Further, we notice that when the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost sat down also. The Spirit of Jesus sat on the believers. The believers being the body of Jesus, signified that the work of redemption is complete. Finished. This was evident in Paul's teachings. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles stated that if anyone, either flesh or angel, endeavour to preach any other gospel to us other than that which he had delivered, let them be accursed.
Repeatedly in the scriptures, we read Paul forewarning us that after his departure, grievous wolves would enter in among the sheep, not sparing the believers. Indeed, believers would be persecuted for their beliefs. The scriptures went so far as to say that among our own selves men would arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples to themselves. Paul goes on to say, "Remember that I have warned you. I have warned you night and day with tears."
In these matters, it is important to ask this question. Is the Word of God coming to you or is the Word of God coming out from you? I trust that we all answered that the Word of God is coming to us. Yes, such should be the case. Still, there would be others who think the Word of God begins from them. To these people, Paul states the following. "If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or a spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandments of God." To Paul, this was not a new issue. There existed in Paul's lifetime false apostles, those individuals who desired to have the preeminence over the flock.
Note that the first believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' teachings. The Lord worked with them, confirming their words and deeds with signs and wonders. If God confirms a work, then no man can dis-annul it. Paul delivered to us the gospel that he also had received -- the very same gospel that Paul had received by revelation. (I Corinthians chapter 15). In verse 8 of the same chapter, Paul declared that last of all, He was seen of me. Some people today emphatically declared that Jesus reappeared on the American continent after Paul's declaration. Such error. According to the scriptures, Jesus was last seen of Paul. The scriptures, the Word of God are final.
We dwell on these things so that you may not fall prey to another so called gospel. Some believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation even though it is contrary to the scriptures. They do so in total error. Some believe that Mary is the Mother of God. Again, according to the scriptures, this is a total error. Others believe that Mary is also a mediator between God and man. More errors. And some, wrongly believe that the new covenant is an addendum to the old covenant.
But for those of us who believe the scriptures to be correct, we will go on preaching the everlasting covenant to the uttermost parts of the earth. One’s rejection of God’s Word does not render the truth invalid. God confirms His own Word in a believer's heart. The Word and the Spirit always in agreement, and God is not the Author of confusion.
This is God’s covenant. God covenanted with Himself as a Son. God established this covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13). So as a consequence, we encourage those individuals seeking God to stand in the offering plate. To become a flow through, loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and by extension of His love shining in us, we can love one another.
Now we can continue with the day of Pentecost found in Acts 2. The apostles are His witnesses. They did not fleece the sheep. Indeed, they preached Jesus everywhere they went. And as a consequence, the apostles were beaten, and imprisoned, and left for dead. But not once did they forget God their Saviour Jesus the Christ. Remember the example cited earlier in the blog. A believer doubled every day for 28 days would amount to 1,000,000 believers. They overcame by the blood of the new covenant and by the word of their testimony. In other words, start witnessing to people about the love of Jesus today. Peace to all in Jesus Name.
Further, we notice that when the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost sat down also. The Spirit of Jesus sat on the believers. The believers being the body of Jesus, signified that the work of redemption is complete. Finished. This was evident in Paul's teachings. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles stated that if anyone, either flesh or angel, endeavour to preach any other gospel to us other than that which he had delivered, let them be accursed.
Repeatedly in the scriptures, we read Paul forewarning us that after his departure, grievous wolves would enter in among the sheep, not sparing the believers. Indeed, believers would be persecuted for their beliefs. The scriptures went so far as to say that among our own selves men would arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples to themselves. Paul goes on to say, "Remember that I have warned you. I have warned you night and day with tears."
In these matters, it is important to ask this question. Is the Word of God coming to you or is the Word of God coming out from you? I trust that we all answered that the Word of God is coming to us. Yes, such should be the case. Still, there would be others who think the Word of God begins from them. To these people, Paul states the following. "If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or a spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandments of God." To Paul, this was not a new issue. There existed in Paul's lifetime false apostles, those individuals who desired to have the preeminence over the flock.
Note that the first believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' teachings. The Lord worked with them, confirming their words and deeds with signs and wonders. If God confirms a work, then no man can dis-annul it. Paul delivered to us the gospel that he also had received -- the very same gospel that Paul had received by revelation. (I Corinthians chapter 15). In verse 8 of the same chapter, Paul declared that last of all, He was seen of me. Some people today emphatically declared that Jesus reappeared on the American continent after Paul's declaration. Such error. According to the scriptures, Jesus was last seen of Paul. The scriptures, the Word of God are final.
We dwell on these things so that you may not fall prey to another so called gospel. Some believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation even though it is contrary to the scriptures. They do so in total error. Some believe that Mary is the Mother of God. Again, according to the scriptures, this is a total error. Others believe that Mary is also a mediator between God and man. More errors. And some, wrongly believe that the new covenant is an addendum to the old covenant.
But for those of us who believe the scriptures to be correct, we will go on preaching the everlasting covenant to the uttermost parts of the earth. One’s rejection of God’s Word does not render the truth invalid. God confirms His own Word in a believer's heart. The Word and the Spirit always in agreement, and God is not the Author of confusion.
This is God’s covenant. God covenanted with Himself as a Son. God established this covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13). So as a consequence, we encourage those individuals seeking God to stand in the offering plate. To become a flow through, loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and by extension of His love shining in us, we can love one another.
Now we can continue with the day of Pentecost found in Acts 2. The apostles are His witnesses. They did not fleece the sheep. Indeed, they preached Jesus everywhere they went. And as a consequence, the apostles were beaten, and imprisoned, and left for dead. But not once did they forget God their Saviour Jesus the Christ. Remember the example cited earlier in the blog. A believer doubled every day for 28 days would amount to 1,000,000 believers. They overcame by the blood of the new covenant and by the word of their testimony. In other words, start witnessing to people about the love of Jesus today. Peace to all in Jesus Name.
Monday, February 7, 2011
JESUS HEALS THE SICK - PART 23
Jesus ascended up to Heaven and sat down. Why is it presented that Jesus sat down? Simply because He, by Himself, had destroyed the devil's plan by making known his hidden devices and purposes. For this purpose was the son of God manifested. Jesus, by accomplishing the work of man’s redemption, sat down. The work was complete. Finished.
Man was completely in the dark concerning the workings of the devil. The devil had been cast out of Heaven. This is why the scriptures say, "woe to the inhabitants of the earth for Satan has come to earth and he is actively employed seeking to devour and destroy man’s way of life." While some are waiting for aliens to arrive, they should have been more attuned to the fact that they arrived a long time ago. But this type of alien, the devil himself, is so advanced in seduction that he is able to deceive people with much cunning. Indeed, so masterful in deception is he that man was succoured in, never for one moment suspecting that aliens had arrived. In fact, the aliens accomplished their mission and man actually swallowed the alien lies, believing rather that God did it to them. God changed the circumstances. He died for us so that we would know the truth that would set us free.
It is this Jesus, who is the Word of God and not another distinct and separate person, that set us free. The proponents of the 300 AD church fathers advanced a theology which is and was totally adverse to scripture revelations. It is impossible to separate an individual from his word. You and your word are one and the same. Unless you speak with a forked tongue, which is another issue altogether. God's plan? God was going to redeem man from the bonds of captivity even though man did not suspect that he was a captive of this bondage. God was now going to expose the lies of these alien spirits called fallen angels, He was going to veil Himself in flesh and be likened to our own earthly outward appearances. Note what the scriptures said. He shall be born of thee Mary and He shall be called the Son of God.
Why did God call this veil a thing? Simply because it was generational sinful flesh formed in the womb of one of Adam's fallen race. However, life is in the seed. It is not in the shell. He who indwelt this shell was none other than God Himself as a son. The only begotten Son. In this context, humanity is not flesh and blood. Humanity is spiritual needing only a body to display or to be manifest in a created world. So Jesus went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil. He made an open show of satan’s work , He cast out demons, and likewise, opened the eyes of the blind. Jesus cleansed the leper, raised the dead, and fed the hungry. Even these miracles only recorded in part the workings and miracles of Jesus. For if all the things that Jesus began to do and to say were to be recorded, the world itself would not be able to contain all the books necessary to reveal them all.
But in brief, these miracles are written that you might believe. In spite of the the deception. Some even go so far as to say that the state of worldly affairs is God's fault. Why does God allow it, the naysayers say? Even with grace that would free men and women from their bondage, God still is blamed. We are so deceived. Perhaps, we ought to eat a mustard sandwich and maybe, perchance eat a mustard seed. Here are the facts. The devil and his demons are a fixed number. They cannot procreate. So the devil devised a plan that if he could hitch a ride into man, whose population increases constantly, then he would rule this Kingdom planet called earth. He was getting along magnificently until Jesus arrived on the scene and displayed that God is a good God, that God is Love, and that God does not pass by on the other side.
This is why Jesus healed all that came to Him. As the scriptures state, "He that comes to Me, I will in no wise cast out." In the beginning, the fall of man in the garden led to men hacking out a living by the sweat of his brow and women suffering in child bearing. Yes, cursed things compared to the garden of Eden conditions prior to the fall. Nevertheless, all these other burdens befalling man is not of God. They are the workings of Satan who was, and still is tirelessly alluring. As a consequence, instead of men and women digging themselves out of the mess, they end up digging the hole deeper. Such deception. Such unnecessary deception. The thrust of this presentation is that we may sit awhile and see our predicament. Reflect on how much better our lives can be by accepting God's gift - God's gift of grace.
Stand in the Offering Plate. In Jesus name, have peace.
Man was completely in the dark concerning the workings of the devil. The devil had been cast out of Heaven. This is why the scriptures say, "woe to the inhabitants of the earth for Satan has come to earth and he is actively employed seeking to devour and destroy man’s way of life." While some are waiting for aliens to arrive, they should have been more attuned to the fact that they arrived a long time ago. But this type of alien, the devil himself, is so advanced in seduction that he is able to deceive people with much cunning. Indeed, so masterful in deception is he that man was succoured in, never for one moment suspecting that aliens had arrived. In fact, the aliens accomplished their mission and man actually swallowed the alien lies, believing rather that God did it to them. God changed the circumstances. He died for us so that we would know the truth that would set us free.
It is this Jesus, who is the Word of God and not another distinct and separate person, that set us free. The proponents of the 300 AD church fathers advanced a theology which is and was totally adverse to scripture revelations. It is impossible to separate an individual from his word. You and your word are one and the same. Unless you speak with a forked tongue, which is another issue altogether. God's plan? God was going to redeem man from the bonds of captivity even though man did not suspect that he was a captive of this bondage. God was now going to expose the lies of these alien spirits called fallen angels, He was going to veil Himself in flesh and be likened to our own earthly outward appearances. Note what the scriptures said. He shall be born of thee Mary and He shall be called the Son of God.
Why did God call this veil a thing? Simply because it was generational sinful flesh formed in the womb of one of Adam's fallen race. However, life is in the seed. It is not in the shell. He who indwelt this shell was none other than God Himself as a son. The only begotten Son. In this context, humanity is not flesh and blood. Humanity is spiritual needing only a body to display or to be manifest in a created world. So Jesus went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil. He made an open show of satan’s work , He cast out demons, and likewise, opened the eyes of the blind. Jesus cleansed the leper, raised the dead, and fed the hungry. Even these miracles only recorded in part the workings and miracles of Jesus. For if all the things that Jesus began to do and to say were to be recorded, the world itself would not be able to contain all the books necessary to reveal them all.
But in brief, these miracles are written that you might believe. In spite of the the deception. Some even go so far as to say that the state of worldly affairs is God's fault. Why does God allow it, the naysayers say? Even with grace that would free men and women from their bondage, God still is blamed. We are so deceived. Perhaps, we ought to eat a mustard sandwich and maybe, perchance eat a mustard seed. Here are the facts. The devil and his demons are a fixed number. They cannot procreate. So the devil devised a plan that if he could hitch a ride into man, whose population increases constantly, then he would rule this Kingdom planet called earth. He was getting along magnificently until Jesus arrived on the scene and displayed that God is a good God, that God is Love, and that God does not pass by on the other side.
This is why Jesus healed all that came to Him. As the scriptures state, "He that comes to Me, I will in no wise cast out." In the beginning, the fall of man in the garden led to men hacking out a living by the sweat of his brow and women suffering in child bearing. Yes, cursed things compared to the garden of Eden conditions prior to the fall. Nevertheless, all these other burdens befalling man is not of God. They are the workings of Satan who was, and still is tirelessly alluring. As a consequence, instead of men and women digging themselves out of the mess, they end up digging the hole deeper. Such deception. Such unnecessary deception. The thrust of this presentation is that we may sit awhile and see our predicament. Reflect on how much better our lives can be by accepting God's gift - God's gift of grace.
Stand in the Offering Plate. In Jesus name, have peace.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
PROPHECIES LEAD TO EMPOWERING IN ACTS TWO - PART 22
Is this the experience which was previously spoken of by the prophet Joel? Is this what the scriptures intended when we read that in the last days the Lord would pour out His spirit upon all flesh? Certainly, Joel prophesies of the last days. As well, in Acts chapter two, it is revealed that not only do the heavens open but we see the outpouring of God‘s Spirit into the lives of Adam‘s redeemed race of believers. The actual event recorded plainly for us in the scriptures, so that we also could be partakers of the goodness that God has for us.
Yet in spite of the succinctness and accuracy of the scriptures, and the eventuality of Joel's prophesy coming to realization, we are left wondering as to why someone would endeavour to misrepresent this grand opening of the entrance of the new covenant sealed with Holy Ghost blood and confirmed by the Spirit of God. Why would that be? The new covenant entering in, complete with sound effects sounding as if a mighty wind was blowing, this sound so effective that its sound filled all the place where they were sitting should have been sufficient evidence. Indeed, the prophesy now fulfilled in Acts chapter two definitely demanded their priority attention and focus.
We should have been saying wow to the events that were transpiring in Acts. Their tongues and language now also affected by the Spirit of God. Their tongues somehow feeling as if they had become cloven (split or divided) in a way that made them appear to be on fire. This experience felt as if someone was sitting on them. Certainly, something unexplained was happening to those individuals assembled together. Everyone appeared to be moving from one episode to another, with each one in step one with the other one. In essence, what was happening? Well, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of God.
While the noise filled the room, the dialect was totally unknown to those listening. As they observed the proceedings, they noted that the sounds being expressed by those who were assembled were emanating from their own mouths. It seemed like their tongues were on fire, just like a lot needed to be said and yet, there was not enough time to say it. This cloven tongue on fire experience just remained on them. Again, to those observing, it appeared as if they were not in command.
Then wonders of wonders, an emotional high occurred within the midst. It was as if a spring of waters began rising up. Just when the people had thought there could be no higher or greater joy, peace covered them like a blanket. What better peaceful experience than the peace that comes with redemption? These experiences birthed them into a new covenant, a new creation experience. They have now been filled with the His Spirit. They have now engaged in a born again experience. They had been born of God. Indeed, these people had been adopted by the one true God who was in the man Jesus and reconciled us to Himself by the shedding of His own blood. (for more on Pentecost, see Leviticus 23 )
No longer is God on the outside knocking on hearts but now God is on the inside. We, as new born children, now desire more than ever before to be fed with the sincere word of God. Yes! With cloven tongues we speak as men in everyday happenings. We speak with surety of the wonderful words of life which allow individuals who receive Jesus into their lives to secure God's plan of redemption and enjoy a born again life. Although this life experience is unimaginable in the eyes of unbelievers, it is true nonetheless.
I repeat the words Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Are you a ruler and you do not know these things? Except a man be born again, he can neither see nor can he enter the kingdom of God."
But the good news is that we can see clearly now. Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life, and you alone have given freely of the gift. Stand in the offering plate. Be still and know that I am God. Remember too that when the Holy Ghost enters, we, like the bush in the old testament may burn as with fire, but we will not be consumed.
Thanks to the goodness and grace of God, we are regenerated and reborn. Peace in Jesus.
Yet in spite of the succinctness and accuracy of the scriptures, and the eventuality of Joel's prophesy coming to realization, we are left wondering as to why someone would endeavour to misrepresent this grand opening of the entrance of the new covenant sealed with Holy Ghost blood and confirmed by the Spirit of God. Why would that be? The new covenant entering in, complete with sound effects sounding as if a mighty wind was blowing, this sound so effective that its sound filled all the place where they were sitting should have been sufficient evidence. Indeed, the prophesy now fulfilled in Acts chapter two definitely demanded their priority attention and focus.
We should have been saying wow to the events that were transpiring in Acts. Their tongues and language now also affected by the Spirit of God. Their tongues somehow feeling as if they had become cloven (split or divided) in a way that made them appear to be on fire. This experience felt as if someone was sitting on them. Certainly, something unexplained was happening to those individuals assembled together. Everyone appeared to be moving from one episode to another, with each one in step one with the other one. In essence, what was happening? Well, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of God.
While the noise filled the room, the dialect was totally unknown to those listening. As they observed the proceedings, they noted that the sounds being expressed by those who were assembled were emanating from their own mouths. It seemed like their tongues were on fire, just like a lot needed to be said and yet, there was not enough time to say it. This cloven tongue on fire experience just remained on them. Again, to those observing, it appeared as if they were not in command.
Then wonders of wonders, an emotional high occurred within the midst. It was as if a spring of waters began rising up. Just when the people had thought there could be no higher or greater joy, peace covered them like a blanket. What better peaceful experience than the peace that comes with redemption? These experiences birthed them into a new covenant, a new creation experience. They have now been filled with the His Spirit. They have now engaged in a born again experience. They had been born of God. Indeed, these people had been adopted by the one true God who was in the man Jesus and reconciled us to Himself by the shedding of His own blood. (for more on Pentecost, see Leviticus 23 )
No longer is God on the outside knocking on hearts but now God is on the inside. We, as new born children, now desire more than ever before to be fed with the sincere word of God. Yes! With cloven tongues we speak as men in everyday happenings. We speak with surety of the wonderful words of life which allow individuals who receive Jesus into their lives to secure God's plan of redemption and enjoy a born again life. Although this life experience is unimaginable in the eyes of unbelievers, it is true nonetheless.
I repeat the words Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Are you a ruler and you do not know these things? Except a man be born again, he can neither see nor can he enter the kingdom of God."
But the good news is that we can see clearly now. Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life, and you alone have given freely of the gift. Stand in the offering plate. Be still and know that I am God. Remember too that when the Holy Ghost enters, we, like the bush in the old testament may burn as with fire, but we will not be consumed.
Thanks to the goodness and grace of God, we are regenerated and reborn. Peace in Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)