A New Beginning in Jesus - Part 597

"Now we believe, not because of your saying" the people said to the woman at the well in the scriptures. Rather, because they had "heard Jesus ourselves, and know that He is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42)

At this time of year, when New Year's resolutions are prevalent, we are advantaged to learn about the woman of Samaria. In the scriptures, we read that this woman had come to the well to draw water. Jesus' disciples had gone into the city to buy food. Therefore, sitting alone, Jesus said unto her, "Give me to drink." The woman aware of long-standing traditions between the Jews and the Samaritans asked, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask drink of me who am a woman of Samaria?"

But Jesus answered and said, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that said to you, "Give me to drink" you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water." Looking around the woman said "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst. [Indeed] the water that I give shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. " (John 4:8-26)

As the conversation continued, the woman began to desire the living water that Jesus spoke of -- so that she too would thirst not. Certainly, she wanted to know who Jesus was. Who was this man that in conversation could tell her all about her past? Her many transgressions. In response, the woman knew enough to say to Jesus, "I know that when the Messiah comes, who is called the Christ, He will tell us all things."

But Jesus, recognizing her love, said, "I that speak unto you am He." It is I -- Jesus -- who gives life. And life more abundantly. It is I -- Jesus -- who pours out living water on those believers who desire the Word. Jesus said, "He that believes on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

Other scriptures confirm the same. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." (Isaiah 44:3)

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalms 23:5) "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1)

Like the woman at the well, desire the living water that is only available from Jesus the Christ. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. Our Lord God who became our Saviour and knows each and every one of us by name. The scriptures state that "if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Indeed, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6) This is the Jesus we serve. 

Stand in the offering plate.

None Other Than Jesus - Part 596

Be still and know that I am God. Know too that there is no other Lord and Saviour beside Me. (Isaiah 45:1,5-6, Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 44:6)

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. [But] the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and God said, "Let there be light." And the light shone. And God seeing that the light was good then divided the light from darkness. And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years." And it was so." (Genesis 1:1-16)

The Almighty God, even the Lord our Saviour, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof the perfection of beauty. God hath shined. 

This is why we delve into reading the Bible. Because all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16)

Indeed, similar to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and by extension all humanity -- you and I -- our Lord God and Saviour desires that we become complete in Him as a consequence of His grace and mercy. Fulfilled. Joyous. Complete in the knowledge and wisdom that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus loves us beyond measure. 

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man [or woman] that trusts in Him." (Psalm 34:8) 

Moreover, when we believe in Jesus, we can be confident in this God-intended completeness that had been decided since the beginning. Indeed, even before the universe as we know it was shaped. When we open the scriptures, we begin to understand that the written Word -- God in the flesh according to I John 5:7-- established Jesus the Christ as the Head of the church. The scriptures similarly establish that Jesus alone saves. 

That it is in Him -- Jesus our Lord God and Saviour -- that the safety of the members of His body depends. For it is Jesus the Christ who loves the church -- His betrothed bride. It was Jesus the Christ that surrendered His own sinless body of flesh up to death for His betrothed. It was Jesus the Christ who counted His own sinless flesh body to be incomplete without the companionship of His betrothed. 

Certainly, creation alone could not break the shackles of sin that had engulfed His one and only love. We know this from the prophecies and journeys elaborated on within the Old Testament. 

We also know that salvation required -- indeed demanded -- that any redemption plan that would save humanity had to include a pure righteous man. This is why Jesus laid down His sinless flesh on a cross for you and I. In so doing, Jesus rescued His betrothed, sanctifying and cleansing her. 

His betrothed church body -- holy -- purifying and consecrating her. As a consequence, Jesus made her body free from all sin. The Spirit of God washed His own redeemed betrothed church body with the washing of the water of His indwelling. Loving words of His declared promises. She in turn willingly submitting to His words of love, and even following Him to death. 

The Spirit of God then -- desirous to present to Himself a glorious church-body. His betrothed as a beautiful splendid bride -- a bride who has not one spot or wrinkle, blots or disfigurements. This redeemed church body -- the betrothed bride of Christ -- became His purchased possession. Now born again. Now faultless and perfect. The Spirit of God which was in Christ loves His betrothed body. He loves His betrothed bride even as He loved His own flesh. For indeed, she was His own flesh. She was created in the beginning for Him. She was the flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.

Furthermore, there were no limits to His love. There was no orders to her to do this or else. In fact, Jesus did not just talk the talk. He also walked the walk too. For the God who created us, there was no mountain high enough or valley deep enough to keep the Holy Spirit from His betrothed. So Jesus sacrificed His own natural body in order to woe her back from the house of bondage. He willingly sacrificed His own sinless body. He endured all things. Now that is love. 

That is, He brought His grace to man. Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary. His divine love so that you and I would be the betrothed bride of Christ. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)  Stand in the offering plate. 

Thank You Jesus! - Part 595

Let Heaven's peace fill your soul with the knowledge that all things created are of God. The same heavenly Father who created you and I in the beginning hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, as the scriptures state, if any person be in Jesus the Christ, he or she becomes a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are new. (II Corinthians 5:17).

As we also read in the scriptures, God was in Christ reconciling the world -- reconciling you and I to the Father according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) Moreover, we read, "I, even I, am the Lord and beside me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 2:13-14)

Indeed, He did so not to impute our trespasses but rather to commit unto us -- into our hearts -- the Word of reconciliation. In other words, He that hath made Jesus to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin -- created a plan of salvation so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-22) Through the precious blood shed on the cross.

Therefore, praise Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask or think, according to the power that works in us -- the power of Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.


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Stand Fast in Liberty of Jesus - Part 594

Jesus came to set us free. This is the reason for Jesus' birth. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, for He hath made Him -- Jesus -- to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin --- so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-21)

Therefore, Jesus is the reason that we are encouraged to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Jesus the Christ hath set us free."

Indeed, in Galatians chapter five, the scriptures state: "Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) But how often does the letter of the law -- the ten commandments from the old covenant times -- for example -- seep into our lives, ultimately stealing our liberty from us? But if we read the Bible, we begin to understand that this was never God's intention for His creation.

In fact, Paul wrote that we are called unto liberty for all the law was fulfilled in Jesus. The veil was rent from top to bottom. Decided in Heaven even before the world as we know it was shaped. Our transgressions covered by the precious blood of Jesus on the cross. Our sins never to be remembered again because of the grace and mercy of our most high God -- Jesus.

As believers in Jesus, we are assured in the knowledge that the same Father which raised up the Lord Jesus on the cross shall raise us up also. For all things are for our sakes that His abundant grace might -- through the thanksgiving of many--  rebound to the glory of God.

It is for this cause that Paul writes, we faint not; but through our outward man we are renewed day by day. II Corinthians chapter four elaborates further on this point. "As we have received mercy, we faint not." (II Corinthians 4:1) We are further encouraged to let the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, shine upon us.

"For God who commandeth the light to shine out of darkness has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This is the treasure that we can experience in our earthen vessels -- "that the excellency of the power may be of God."

So when we are troubled on every side, we do not need to be distressed. When we are perplexed, we are not in despair. Even when we are persecuted and cast down, we are not destroyed. Why?  Because the same God who created man and woman in the beginning and then became flesh so that He could impart to us His salvation and grace -- His love that passeth all human understanding -- has stated: "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people." (II Corinthians 6:16)

And He -- Our Lord God and Saviour -- will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters. This saith the Lord Almighty: "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Trust Jesus today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Discover Jesus by reading His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Delight in Jesus - Part 593

What is man or woman that you Lord Jesus should know our name? That you Lord Jesus would not only speak the heavens into place but scatter the stars too while all the while giving earth its frame. And yet, this very same Almighty and Everlasting Lord God who calms the oceans daily loves each and every one of us deeply -- with a love for us that is so sufficient and all encompassing that He even knows the number of hairs on our head.

He knows firsthand our trials and tribulations. And yet throughout our worldly issues, we can rest assured in His blessed love knowing that He has clothed us with garments of salvation and arrayed us in a robe of His righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) That the Lord of hosts opens the storehouses for those who believe in Him. In Isaiah, the Lord of hosts is quoted as saying,  "If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."

Indeed, the scriptures state that if we ask Jesus into our hearts, the heavens above will rain down upon us with His righteousness. "Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I the Lord have created it." (Isaiah 45:8) The righteousness of Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end.

This is the reason why -- in every thing we give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:18) Because as Barnes writes about this verse in his commentary, we know firsthand that there will never be a time that we are forced to drink the cup of affliction when there are no drops of mercy intermingled. Ever placed in circumstances in which there is not much for which we should be thankful and yet, we know that even in the worst of times, Jesus will make us victorious.  This is why we as believers delight in the Lord. The reason why our soul rejoices in the God who loved us so much that He would become flesh and shed His precious blood on a cross for our transgressions.

Let Heaven's peace flood your soul today. Let Jesus fill your being with His peace like a river so that your righteousness becomes as the waves of the sea. Stand in the offering plate.

Whom Do You Seek? Part 592

Salvation is a gift. Indeed, salvation is grace imparted to individuals who ask Jesus Christ to come into their hearts. It is He who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling. Not according to our own good works but rather, according to His own purpose and grace. This purpose and grace, according to II Timothy 1:9, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Further, Jesus was raised from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. Why? Because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. (Acts 2:24) This is why the question asked at the tomb is so relevant. That is, why do you seek the "living" among the dead? Here the women who loved Jesus when He journeyed with them (as revealed in the gospels) had gone to see the tomb. There, the stone had been rolled away. Inside, Jesus was nowhere to be seen. Indeed, this is because Jesus had already risen. 

Earlier, Jesus had asked the soldiers in the olive grove, "Whom do you seek? Prior to this, the shepherds and wise men looked for the promised Saviour. In all of these occasions, the people sought Jesus the Christ --- the promised redeemer that had been prophesied before the foundation of the world was shaped.

Before the world began, Jesus -- God in the flesh becoming as one of us so that we might experience the gift of salvation personally -- was purposed. Decided because the Almighty God who created us knew -- even before we did -- that we as humans do not have the capacity to live up to the letter of the law. Adam and Eve couldn't do it. Neither can we.

As Romans 5:15 states: "But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many." (Romans 5:15)

As the Bible states repeatedly, God loves us -- His precious creation -- more than the angels. He framed the world and scattered the stars and yet knows us personally by name. Further, Jesus' love is eternal, surpassing even our most in-depth understanding of love. In fact, God --  His name is Jesus -- became the Resurrection and the Life for you and I. He is our Maker, our Refuge. He gives us peace in the midst of the storm. All we have to do is believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. (Acts 15:11)

Know too that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24) So the question for each and every one of us this Christmas is "whom do you seek?" Stand in the offering plate.

Mystery Hid From the Ages Now Revealed - Part 591

Let the love and peace of Jesus rule in your hearts. Get to know your Lord God and Saviour "through the tender mercy of our God, which by the dawn from on high has visited us." (Luke 1:78) Through His tender mercy is the free grace and abundant mercy of our Lord God and Saviour available to each and every one of us who asks Jesus into our hearts. And personally accepts the gift of salvation through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 

For it was mercy that moved God to enter into a covenant that included the most high God becoming flesh as one of us and shedding His blood on a cross for the remission of our sins. His abundant and eternal love in which forgiveness of sin is promised. It was the mercy of God -- His love -- for us that led the one who created us in the beginning to become a lamb for a sacrifice. (I Peter 4:1-10)

This is why as believers in Jesus we continue in the faith -- grounded and settled -- in His love. It is also why we choose not to move away from the hope of the gospel that is Jesus Christ. Even the mystery which hath been hid from the ages and from generations until now -- this appointed time  --- and now made manifest to believers in Jesus. His saints "to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles" - you and I - which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:23-26)

This same Jesus - which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you and I.

This same Jesus - whom the apostles preached to every man and woman that they met, teaching the same wisdom so that we may present every one of these perfect in Christ Jesus.

James 5:19-20 states, " if any err from the truth and one converts him, let him know that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins." Note that the scriptures state that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, not one of us could make it on our own.

This is why the birth of Jesus -- God in the flesh -- was necessary. So that we -- having not seen the King of kings in the flesh could still have a personal relationship with Him -- believing and rejoicing with "joy unspeakable and full of glory" -- even the salvation of our souls because of His ultimate gift of love -- the suffering of His only begotten -- Jesus on the cross.

Therefore, be filled in your hearts with His joy. Set your affection on things above, not on the things of earth. Put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. Rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. The exceeding joy of Jesus - the "happy are ye" that is spoken of in I Peter chapter four.

Put on too -- as the elect of our Lord God and Saviour -- holy and beloved -- the deep depth of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and long suffering. And above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness. This Christmas season, let the love and peace of Jesus rule in your hearts. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Stand in the offering plate.

Sit in Heavenly Places with Jesus - Part 590

It is for this reason that Jesus was born in a manger. That is, God who is rich in mercy wanted to reveal to us His great love wherewith He loved us -- who even when we were still dead in sin hath quickened us together with Christ -- so that we -- by His abundant grace can be saved.

Indeed, when we believe in Jesus, He raises us up together and makes us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Imagine the blessings that come from sitting in heavenly places in Jesus. And that in the ages to come, He might show us -- you and I -- the exceeding riches of His grace in His kingdom toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:4-8)

Up until the birth of Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- we were dead in our trespasses. We had all sinned. The scriptures state that there are none that are righteous -- no not one. God knew that in spite of our willingness, we as humans could not live up to the letter of the law. Even the ten commandments -- as minimal as they might seem -- escaped our capacity.

So God -- even before the foundation of the world was formed -- decided that He would become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have salvation. This is why the apostle Paul who described himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ for us Gentiles -- and then further states that grace was given unto him "who am less than the least of all the saints" wrote:

If you had heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ... whereby when you read, you may understand the knowledge that exists in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of man -- but it is now revealed -- that we be heirs of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.

All so that you and I who once were far away have been brought near to our Lord and Saviour through the blood of Christ. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10) Ask Jesus into your heart today. Rest in His peace that passes all understanding, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 589

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11) Therefore be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid. Neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goes. Further, don't be discouraged. Why? Because Jesus encourages us to not let the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things enter into our lives, choking the Word that abides within us, and therefore making us unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

Indeed, Jesus said in Mark 5, "Be not afraid, only believe." Believe that Jesus is. Believe that the Lord Jesus Himself goes before you and that He -- Jesus -- the Almighty God in the flesh -- will never leave you nor forsake you. Faithful is He that calls you. 

If you have not experienced the peace of Jesus, ask Jesus into your heart today. Obtain the salvation that could only be purchased through the shedding of Jesus' precious blood on the cross. The ultimate plan of salvation clothed in God's love for His people -- for you and I -- decided by God even before the foundation of the world was formed. 

Know also that the Lord your God is Jesus. That He is faithful. And that, from the beginning of time as we know it, He has kept His promises. His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His Word. Therefore, look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. 

Further, in hope and eternal life, obtain for yourself the faith and knowledge which God promised before the world began. (Titus 1:2) Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy. He saves us by the renewing of the Holy Ghost which He sheds on us abundantly through Jesus Christ the Saviour. That being justified by His grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)

Therefore, be confident in your salvation and justified in His grace. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Prove all things holding fast to that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And let the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. Paul wrote: "I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. He has a plan for your life. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus is He Whom You Seek - Part 588

Be of good courage. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young. This is the Jesus we serve. Our Lord God and Saviour, The first and the last. The creator of heaven and earth who loved us enough to become flesh and dwell among us -- and then hang on a tree that He Himself -- watched grow. Indeed, Jesus is He.

This is why the publicans and sinners drew near unto Jesus -- so that they could hear His words. Why? Because they recognized Jesus as their Healer and Saviour.

But the Pharisees and the scribes murmured saying, "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." In their minds, the religious elites questioned the idea of the most high King communing with common folk. The ordinary men and women of society.

So Jesus attempted to impart some wisdom to them by sharing a parable. He said in Luke chapter 15, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing, And when he cometh home, he calleth all his friends and neighbours saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."

Jesus continued, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance."

Just in case the scribes and Pharisees required further evidence, Jesus used a second analogy to make His point. He carried on speaking, "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece doth not light a candle and sweep the house and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she called her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

In telling the parable, Jesus desired that all might come to know the only true God and Saviour Jesus Christ. His love for the people of this world -- you and I -- did not change at any point. In fact, when Jesus hour was nigh, His humanity prayed, "I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do ... I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gave me out of this world. Thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy Word. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me."

"I pray for them -- for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are ... And now come I to thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy Word ... keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy Word is truth." (John 17:4-22)

Embrace the glory that Jesus has given us -- "that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that thou has sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me." (John 17:23)

Jesus concluded His prayer saying -- "And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them."

Jesus did not come so that we could celebrate His birth in a manger but rather that we could be one with Him -- filled with His love and joy -- that surpasses all human understanding. And if you are the one sheep that Jesus desires, turn your heart to Him today. He loves you beyond measure and desires that you too come to know His abundance. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus - Your Very Help in Times of Trouble - Part 587

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them. How much more are you better than the fowls?

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If you then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take you thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow. They toil not. They spin not. And yet, I Jesus say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If then God so clothe the grass which is today in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you?

Therefore, don't be of little faith. Seek not what you shall eat or drink, or be of a doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after. Recognize rather that your Father -- the same Father who willingly became a sacrifice on the cross for our sins -- knows that we have need of these things -- even before we do.

So, instead of dwelling on the little things of life, Jesus encourages us to seek His Kingdom first. Seek His gracious counsel. Seek His abundant love. Let Jesus be your refuge and strength. Your very help in times of trouble. Come behold the works of our Lord God and Saviour. (Luke 12)

David wrote in Psalms 46 -- Be still and know that I am God. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Stand in the offering plate.

Avoid the Shipwreck - Ask Jesus lnto Your Life Today - Part 586

We choose to live according to the glorious gospel of our blessed God and Saviour Jesus Christ because He willingly gave Himself as a ransom for all. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. This is why we praise Christ Jesus our Lord -- because He hath enabled us -- once sinners -- through the shedding of His precious blood on the cross -- to become faithful and pure in His sight. In return, we have found the grace of our Lord Jesus to be exceedingly abundant. His grace. His mercy. His peace. His endless love for His people.

Paul the apostle states in the first epistle to Timothy that we should be aware of false teachings from which some have swerved and turned aside in vain jangling. Indeed, he writes "do not heed any other doctrines than those preached in the scriptures. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith." (I Timothy 1:4) Rather, Paul writes, keep that which is committed to thy trust -- avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called. (I Timothy 6:20)

Understand from having a personal relationship with Jesus that His love emerges through charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned.

Remember in Mark 12 when the scribe asked Jesus, "Which is the first commandment of all?" And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is "Hear O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment."

The substance of our faith worthy of all acceptation. That is, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom we like the apostle Paul are chief. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering for a pattern to them which should here after believe on Him to life everlasting." (I Timothy 1:16)

Our faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. Abiding in this faith with a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck. Avoid the shipwreck. Ask Jesus into your heart today. Stand in the offering plate.

Mine Eyes Have Seen Thy Salvation - Part 585

In Jerusalem, there was a just and devout man named Simeon. So devout that God's holy spirit was upon him. At the time, as elaborated in Luke chapter two, it had been revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And thus, he came by the Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy Word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel."

Simeon's comments were so moving that even Joseph and the mother of Jesus marveled at those things which were spoken.

Matthew Henry in his concise commentary described the scene with Simeon in this fashion: "The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope provided for his joy ... a confession of [Simeon's] faith, that this child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. [Indeed] how poor does this world looks to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view. See here how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience."

Simeon was not going to be blinded by the minds of them which believed not. Neither would he be swayed in his confidence that Almighty God -- the King of the Jews -- would offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.

Simeon would not be sidetracked by those who refused to let the light of the glorious gospel of Christ -- who is the image of God -- shine unto them. For he knew, like the apostles later that God "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)

This is why "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us ... For this cause we faint not but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (II Corinthians 4:6-18)

That exceeding and eternal weight of glory because Jesus, even in His youth waxed strong in spirit. Filled with wisdom. The grace of God was upon Him. Yes, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Ask Jesus into your heart today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Sufficeth - Part 584

Jesus said to the people -- "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me." But Jesus did not stop there. He went on to say in John chapter 14, that "If ye" -- if you and I -- "had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him."

So why is it that many religions today get it wrong, preferring instead to follow traditions that err rather than conform to the Word? Even when these questions have already been clarified repeatedly within the scriptures.

For example, when Philip needed clarification, he asked Jesus. "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us." Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you and yet thou hast not known me Philip? He that has seen me hath seen the Father, and how sayest then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself but the Father that dwelleth in me. He doeth the works."

John understood that when Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- returned to the Father in completeness, He would give us another Comforter -- the Spirit of truth "whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him." (John 14:1-18) Jesus -- the Word according to I John 5:7  told us that He "would not leave us comfortless." That indeed, Jesus would come to us.

"Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye also see me because I live ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you." (John 14:20)

Judas (not Iscariot) also required clarification. He asked Jesus, "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us and not unto the world?" Jesus responded by saying, "If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him and we will come unto Him and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance. (John 14:26)  "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away and come again unto you. If ye loved me, you would rejoice because I said I go unto the Father for my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)

This is the confidence that we have in Jesus who shed His precious blood on a cross for us. "For there are three that bear record in Heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one." (I John 5:7)

Further, John wrote, "Little children, let no man deceive you." We have passed from death to life because the same God who created man and woman in the beginning loved us enough to later shed His holy blood on a cross for our sins. This intricate plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world was formed. This plan of salvation decided personally for you and I even before we were formed in our mother's womb.

It is His peace that Jesus wants to give us. His peace in abundance whereby we know that our sins have been forgiven us for His name's sake -- Jesus name's sake. (I John 2:12) Whereby we know that we have passed from death unto life. Whereby we can be confident in our salvation "because He laid down His life for us." (I John 3:16) That we can love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)

Therefore, believe on the name of the son of God that ye might know too that ye have eternal life. In other words, it is not church or religion or priests or pastors that gives you access to Heaven, It is you believing in the Word -- Jesus. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcameth the world -- even our faith." (I John 5:5)

Believe in Jesus today. Ask Jesus for His plan for your life. Be confident that Jesus never fails. He is the way, the truth and the life. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Grace Is Sufficient for You and I - Part 583

Jesus' grace is sufficient. Indeed, Jesus' shed His blood to cover our sins. His precious blood -- wholly sufficient for you and I. Further, the Word states that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. His love made perfect in our human inadequacies. In our failures. Why? Because there was absolutely nothing that we could ever do to deserve Jesus' love. 

Absolutely nothing that we could do to deserve Jesus' forgiveness. His promises. His glory. His joy. His peace that passeth all understanding. 

The only hope for humanity to experience salvation was our Heavenly Father -- the same God who created the world in the beginning -- the Word who had foreordained even before the foundation of the world was shaped -- a plan of salvation. Our transgressions paid for because Our Father loved us so much that He would become flesh and hang on a tree that He grew in order that you and I might be saved.

Yes, Jesus shed His precious blood so that He could reconcile His children unto Himself. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11) So that we could become sons and daughters of the Most High King. The same Word that was in the beginning became flesh, dwelling among us, loving us enough to become as one of us. 

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This same Word became flesh. (John 1:1-14) And this giving Himself so that we have an opportunity to be clothed in Jesus' grace. Jesus' endless mercy. His love. So that we can stand on His promises -- assured that the grace of Jesus is like no other.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16) It is also why the scriptures state in Romans 3"24: "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) Most of all, Jesus' plan of salvation --- that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:7)

Like Paul in I Corinthians 15, we can rest in the assurance that "by the grace of God I am what I am." Therefore, be strong in the grace that is Jesus Christ. For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law but under grace. Stand in His offering plate.

Blessed Assurance in Jesus - Part 582

Blessed assurance in Jesus! Indeed, we can be confident in His Word -- the scriptures that have been given to us by the inspiration of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Not only are the scriptures profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness but similarly so that those who love the Lord may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Further, in understanding the power that is intended by the blessed assurance that we have in Jesus, we need to take hold of His abundance of love for us. As it is written, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [and daughters] of God. The world knoweth us not because it knew Him not."

In fact, the world in collaboration with the religious of the day crucified Jesus. At the time, they did not recognize that they crucified the Lord God Almighty, who was manifested in the flesh to take away our sins. The Father who created us in the beginning - in the beginning God -- and loved us so much that He became flesh and shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross so that we might have salvation.

It is for this reason that "whosoever abides in Jesus sinneth not. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in Him: and He cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this [promise] the children of God are manifest ..." (I John 3:6, 9, 10) Further, the Word states, "For if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God."

We know that we have passed from death unto life.Verse 19 continues, stating, "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God."  (I John 5:19-22, 24)

Blessed assurance that extends to whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we are willing to keep His commandments, and do things that are pleasing in His sight. As a consequence, we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.

So rejoice in the Lord Jesus. And know too that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled -- the Word of Life. The apostles wrote in I John chapter five -- "For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and now manifested. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us."

This is why we can be confident in our salvation because Lord Jesus, Thou has been and are still our dwelling place. In Jesus we are satisfied and complete. Blessed assurance in the Lamb of God -- the good Shepherd -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Stand in the offering plate.

Look to Jesus and Marvel - Part 581

In order to believe, we need to have faith. Why? Because as the Bible states, faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please our Lord God and Saviour. For he or she that comes to Jesus must first believe that He is. That our Almighty King -- Jesus is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.

Further, faith is a gift. It is in this context that Jesus has given to every one of us a measure of faith. Faith comes by hearing and the hearing by the Word. The Word -- Jesus. (I John 5:7) Faith is not something that we can conjure up in our minds. If it were, then faith would be akin to works. But the scriptures repeatedly state that faith is not of works but a gift. To obtain that gift, all we have to do is believe. Only believe. 

Don't be like the fool today who has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that the Almighty -- the same Almighty who created us in the beginning and then later as an act of love for His people shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions --  is everywhere. Look at the flowers in the fields, the fruits on the trees and the harvest in the fields. 

Most of all, look to Jesus. He is the great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In the beginning God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let the Word -- Jesus -- arise in your heart today. Hear His whisper saying, "Look to me all you people for I AM the Lord your God. Beside me there is no Saviour." Stand in the offering plate. 

There is Nothing Like Jesus - Part 580

Jesus is our stronghold. Jesus is our goodness and our fortress. Our high tower and deliverer in our time of need. Our shield of protection. In Jesus do we trust. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10) His name is Jesus. There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. 

In fact, if we compared Jesus to a tree planted by the waters -- an analogy often used in the Old Testament scriptures ... we can be assured that this tree would spread out its roots far and wide for us. This tree would not see when the heat would come hoping to destroy it or weaken its leaves. Because His focus would be on you and I -- calling us unto Himself, desiring that not one of us would be lost. Indeed, His leaf would remain forever green. The branches forever strong. For Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. This tree would be forever strong, not needing to be careful in the year of drought because He -- Jesus -- would never cease to yield fruit for those who love Him.

This is why in Philippians 3:8, Paul states, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, counting them as rubbish that I may win Christ." Paul was not just speaking here of personal wealth but rather, that all the gold and silver combined with the wealth of this world could not even begin to measure the abundance of treasure that he had found in Jesus. 

Nothing compares to the love of Jesus. The only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. 

Jesus -- whose divine power has given us everything we need. And godliness through our knowledge of Jesus who called us by His own glory and goodness. Who willingly took our place on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. Who loved us so much that He would shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might know Him personally.

Even though we don't deserve His grace, Jesus pours it upon those who love Him -- like a waterfall in the desert. Like a river that never stops flowing. Ask Jesus into your life today. Read the scriptures and discover His mercy. Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:2) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Promises Declared - Part 579

James wrote to "count it all joy" because the "trying of your faith worketh patience." But the promises do not end there. Indeed, in James 1:1-12, there are eight promises listed for those who love Jesus. Those individuals who desire Jesus and ask in faith, nothing wavering.

"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect, and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him [or her] ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:4)

Further, let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted. For blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the "crown of life" which our Lord God and Saviour Jesus has promised to them that love Him.

Joy, patience, wisdom, crown of life, wanting nothing, wisdom, complete (entire), and that "ye may be perfect." And these are only the blessings that James writes about in the scriptures. Remember Jesus' teachings about the sparrow?

In Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Or, in Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father knowing."

Or, in Luke 12:6, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God."

Yes, the same God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands loved us so much that He Himself would become flesh and shed His precious Holy blood on the cross so that we might have His salvation. Jesus declared I AM and He has not changed. Jesus is the same today. He loves us and wants to open the storehouses for those of us who love and desire Him. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate.

What Must We Do - Part 578

Imagine the scene. Here were 3,000 people in an upper room, hearing about the Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. And they were pricked in their hearts. They wanted to know more about this Lord and Christ whom they had crucified. The same Almighty God who created man and woman in the beginning in Genesis and yet loved them so much that He would become flesh -- as one of us -- and shed His precious Holy Spirit blood on the cross for their salvation. The same Lord and Christ who was going to make their foes thy footstool.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends. (John 15:13)

Therefore let all the house know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was He who made a way so that we might be saved when there was no way. Jesus - the only mediator between God and man. Jesus -- who hung in the balance of heaven and earth so that our sins could be forever forgiven.

When these people heard this, they asked the disciples what they should do. Then Peter, standing with the other disciples said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Then they that gladly received the Word were baptized. And the same day there were added unto them about 3.000 souls who continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. Hitherto, ye have asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

In other words, these people were rejoicing. Jesus said, these things have I spoken unto you, that in Me, ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Ask Jesus into your life today. Take comfort in His peace and love that passeth all understanding. Be of good cheer, believing God that it shall be even as it was told in the upper room. Stand in the offering plate.

We Who Dwelleth in the Secret Place - Part 577

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Not only will He be my refuge but my fortress too. My Lord God and Saviour -- in Him will I trust -- completely because Jesus never fails. If one needs an analogy to explain how good our Lord Jesus is, keep on reading. 

He delivers me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. It is He that covers me with His feathers, and under His wings shall I trust. His truth is my shield. I will not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

^{In the secret place of the most High, I can trust that a} thousand shall fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Why? Because I have made the Lord Jesus, who is my refuge, even the most High, my habitation. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart. Indeed, Jesus is my everything. There is nothing that I can do, nor is there any place that I can go that Jesus doesn't already know my needs.

And, as a consequence, no evil shall befall me. Neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling. For He has given his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- the Most High -- hath set His precious love upon me. Psalms 91 states: "Therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation."

Take time today to dwell in the secret place of Jesus. Be renewed in His strength and peace that passes all understanding. Stand in the offering plate. 

Looking for the River in Jesus- Part 576

I thank my Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ upon every remembrance of you, and in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He which hath began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Colossians chapter one elaborates on this point. Reading chapter one, the scriptures state: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you as it is in all the world and brings forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard it, and knew the grace of God in truth."

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That you might walk worthy in the Lord Jesus, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of Him, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dearest beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sin, who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature.

Press in toward Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

The Power of Jesus Prevails - Part 575

Our hope, as we press forward unto the goal, is that Jesus will be magnified in our hearts and soul. In Philippians, Paul invites believers to understand the numerous blessings that Jesus has in store for those who love and desire Him. He encouraged us to "Shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of life."

Further, Paul writes in Philippians, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Why? Because the peace of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds.

In fact Jesus will make your joy complete. (Philippians 2:2)

But not every one desires the grace and freedom that Jesus wants to bestow upon us. Some prefer to remain under the law -- in bondage to men's rules and traditions -- rather than seeking Jesus who by His blood has purchased our sins once and for all.

For example, in Mark 7, the Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem criticized Jesus' disciples. Indeed, seeing some of His disciples eating food with hands that were unclean, that is unwashed, the Pharisees and teachers criticized them.

The reason for this is that the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they came from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions too, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.

So the Pharisees and teachers of the law ask Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with unclean hands?" He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written, "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men."

Jesus told them, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the tradition of men." And He said unto them, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions. For Moses said, "Honour your father and your mother. Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death. But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: "Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban (that is a gift devoted to God) then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus, you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Then Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, "Listen to me everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him unclean by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean."

Think about this. Nothing that enters a man from the outside can make that man unclean. Because what enters from the outside doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach and then out of his body. In other words, in this specific example, Jesus was declaring all foods clean. His concern however as He elaborated later to the disciples is that the unclean comes from the inside. In other words, what comes out of a man's mouth is the unclean because what comes forth from the mouth is what men hold dear in their hearts. The innermost thoughts and desires of men and women -- these constitute sin if we choose not to desire Jesus.

This is why we press on toward the goal, that we may be found in Jesus, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is obtained through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Therefore, like Paul, press on and take hold of His promises for which Christ Jesus took hold of for you and I. Forget what is behind. Crave what lies ahead. Desire Jesus and stand firm in His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Free in Jesus -- Part 574

Hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in His steps -- the one who did no sin. His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes we were healed. Jesus -- who when we were as sheep going astray made a way so that we could return unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. (I Peter 2:21-25)

The scriptures state that we all -- like sheep -- have gone astray. Indeed, all -- each and every one of us -- have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. As a consequence, we have turned to our own ways and thus, turned away from our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Nevertheless, the good news is that God -- the same God who created men and women in the beginning loved you and I so much that He wasn't going to leave His creation destitute. Without hope. Without an opportunity to experience the ultimate peace in our hearts that surpasses all understanding. The Bible specifically states "neither will He leave us comfortless."

In fact, God designed a plan of salvation for you and I before the foundations of the world were shaped. He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him before we were even formed in our mother's wombs.

That is, the Word that was in the beginning, the Word that was with God and the Word that was God according to John 1:1-14, became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? So that all of our iniquities and transgressions could be laid upon Him once and for all. Our multitude of sins and countless burdens laid upon Jesus the day He was nailed to the cross. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who was delivered for our offences was raised again for our justification.

"Before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved, in who we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in Him.

In whom we have obtained an inheritance.

This promise of salvation was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law. Salvation could only be obtained through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of none effect. Why? Because the law works wrath. Rules that we cannot possibly live up to brings strife and disappointment.

But God knew that where no law exists, there can be no transgression. No guilt that we are not performing enough. How can we know?

Because Jesus paid the price of our salvation once and for all. The precious blood of Jesus was shed so that we could be planted together with Jesus. Planted in the likeness of His death so that we would also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Free from sin by the grace of Jesus who died unto sin once so that we could no longer be under the law but under grace. Being made free from sin, willingly becoming the servants of righteousness.

Therefore, salvation is by faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law but to that also which is of the faith. And being fully persuaded that what God has promised, He is able to perform. Jesus -- the great I AM -- is the same yesterday, today and forever. Stand in the offering plate.

For Ye Shall Go With Joy - Part 573

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew. like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. (Deuteronomy 32:2) "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth the bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I have sent it. For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:10-12) Why would all the trees of the field clap their hands? As it is written, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." Indeed, He that hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor. It is His grace and righteousness that remains forever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food and multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness: being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.  For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God, while by the experiment of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them. and unto all men, and by their prayer for you, which long after you for exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto our Lord God and Saviour Jesus for His unspeakable gift. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Breathes Life Into Us - Part 572

Jesus is the only way. He is the truth. And yes, Jesus is the giver of life eternal. Only Jesus can give you rest that surpasses all understanding.

It is no wonder that under the old covenant, the prophets were continually endeavouring to confirm a date for when the Spirit of Christ - God’s spiritual humanity - would deliver His plan of salvation to the world. Certainly, numerous prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus becoming the Lamb slain for the world.  

Up until this point in time, God had, using various signs and manners, spoken to our forefathers to convey this message.  Today, in this last dispensation of time, the Spirit of God has spoken to us through our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. The period of time when God who is Spirit stepped forth out of Himself in fashion as a visible spiritual Son so that we might be redeemed unto His power and grace.

But admittedly salvation came at a cost. Indeed, Christ -- the humanity of God -- the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) suffered significantly on the cross. Still, Jesus shed His precious blood so that we -- you and I -- could experience His glory -- the outpouring of God’s Spirit -- which was destined to follow after the crucifixion of God's sinless body -- the Christ. And from the cross, Jesus prayed, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."

This promise that is for you and your children and all those that are afar off explains why no man knows the mind of the Lord. That no one has been His counsellor.  Therefore, whatever the Spirit of God determines shall surely come to pass. In this context, God is constantly revealing Himself like a scroll, being rolled out gradually down through the ages like a play with many scenes unfolding. God alone orchestrates His hidden plan. 

And thus, it is this God who is Spirit -- that decided (when counselling with Himself) that He was going to create a visible world, a world in creation that will in visible created form be an exact visible image of the invisible world. Similarly, it was this same God who was Spirit that came forth of Himself in visible form as a Son. The beginning of the creation of God being that God the invisible would reveal Himself in a created form. 

This same God then created men and women as earthly images of that form, into which God breathed so that we could become living souls that would rejoice in His Word -- His love -- His peace that passes all understanding. This is why we can never be disappointed when we ask Jesus into our life today. Stand in the offering plate.

Joy Unspeakable in Jesus - Part 571

Jesus made a way for you and I when there was no way. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one cometh to the Father but through me." (John 14:6) Further, Jesus said in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give eternal life to them and they will never perish. And no one will snatch them out of my hand."

There is no greater love story than this ... that God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that His decided plan of salvation -- decided before the world was framed -- was to shed His precious blood on the cross so that we could rejoice in His love. So that we could rest in His peace - the peace of Jesus that passes all understanding.

Remember the parables told by Jesus in Matthew 13? The man who found treasure in the field? He originally sought wealth. He had wanted to be rich -- at least that was his mission until he found the ultimate treasure. But when he found this treasure, "in his excitement" the man went and sold all that he had and bought the field. The second parable in Matthew 13 describes the smart merchant man who searched for fine pearls. He was not going to settle for less than the real pearl or, conversely, be deceived into believe that counterfeit pearls would be enough. Indeed, He wanted the pearl of great price. He wanted Jesus who can't be bought with the things of this earth. In fact, there is no amount of money or good works that can purchase salvation. 

The Bible says that "all things are of God who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ." He hath given to us -- you and I -- the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ -- the fullness of God dwelling bodily in Jesus -- so that the world -- we -- you and I -- could be reconciled back to our Lord God and Saviour Himself, not imputing our trespasses but rather committing unto us the Word of reconciliation.

Why? So that we can become ambassadors for Jesus the Christ who was made sin for us, the one who knew no sin in order that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:18-21) This is the love story that is not told enough. That in the beginning, even before God created man and woman in the Garden, He knew that these human beings -- who He loved so much -- would not have what it takes to save ourselves -- that all men would sin and fall short of the glory of God. This is why God became flesh, willing to shed His precious blood so that we might find the treasure in Him -- His love, His peace and His joy.

“In Jesus, men know and see the Father as they never did before. The cross and the passion of Jesus Christ are the unveiling to the world of the heart of God. It is the dying Christ that reveals the living God ... He is your way to God. See that you seek the Father by Him alone. He is your truth; grapple Him to your hearts, and by patient meditation and continual faithfulness enrich yourselves with all the communicated treasures that you have already received in Him. He is your Life. Cleave to Him that the quick Spirit that was in Him may pass into you and make you victors over all deaths, temporal and eternal." (Alexander McLaren)

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

Jesus, the Sweetest Name I Know - Part 570

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Jesus -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. Jesus - who hath delivered us from the power of darkness. Jesus -- who has translated [us] into the Kingdom. Jesus -- in whom we can be confident we have forgiveness of sins. Jesus -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jesus -- all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things exist. Jesus -- in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 1:13-17)

This same Jesus who hung on the cross between heaven and earth -- our Lord God and Saviour who loved us even before the world was formed -- wants to give us rest. His peace. Freedom in His love that surpasses all human understanding.

"This is why it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the of the bondwoman was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by promise -- which things are an allegory; for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou hast travails not, for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."

So then brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:22-31)

As believers born into the freedom of our Lord and King, Jesus wants to give us His kingdom here on earth -- and fill our lives with His abundance. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to bestow upon us His many blessings that until now -- the time of promise that is to you and your children and those who are afar off --  blessings in abundance that the eye hath not seen nor the heart imagined. The goodness of His grace that our Lord God and Saviour has in store for those who love Him and press inward toward Him in their daily journey.

"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" coming boldly unto the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:8-11, 16)

Why? Because we do not worship a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Rather, we serve Jesus who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Indeed, He died for our sins so that we could be set free in the liberty wherein is Christ. This is the same Jesus who wants to live in our hearts today. Rejoice! Stand in the offering plate.