THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 312

In Galatians 1:10, Paul the Apostle asks the question - Do I persuade men or God? Is it my duty to seek the attention of men using enticing words that may persuade men and gain their favour? Surely, if such an outcome were my motivation then I would not be a servant of JESUS the Christ. Why? Because as Paul stated, "The gospel which I preach to you is that which I also received. Listen carefully to what I am about to deliver to you." That is, the Word of God!

Indeed, God’s Word was manifest in the flesh, in which flesh did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The flesh (veil) in fashion as a Son. The Spirit within the veil of flesh was none other than the Holy Spirit of God. For the very SEED which had conceived the life within the veil of flesh was the SEED of the Holy Spirit. Yes! JESUS the Christ was fathered by the life of God. In JESUS the Christ veins did flow the blood of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit of God humbled and humiliated Himself for our sakes. In this context, God left His glory purposefully to provide and offer to men and women redemption as a free gift. Redemption was purchased at Calvary by God Himself. When JESUS, who is the manifestation of God Himself in the flesh as a Son, laid down His pure and holy sin-free life, God was willingly taking upon Himself our messed up and sin torn lives. In other words, God was sacrificing His life as a offering. A one-time offering that would never be repeated. For in that one offering God wiped the slate of our lives clean.

This is the teachings of the Holy Spirit of JESUS delivered to us, first by the Lord and now through the Ministry of JESUS' Spirit. The difficulty is that often, we receive the other teachings which JESUS wanted to tell us during His time on earth, but because of our inadequacy to receive more weighty teaching fail to grasp the real meaning within the scriptures. But all is not lost for these teaching are now advanced toward us. We have the Word of God - the Biblical scriptures - to enlighten us.

Further, upon calling on the name of Jesus, we are redeemed, baptized and filled with the breath of JESUS which is His Holy Spirit. As a consequence, the Word can now be effective within our being!

So when we read these words in verse 11, “I CERTIFY YOU BRETHREN!” we learn that the gospel preached to humankind is not man made. For I did not receive this gospel from man. Neither was I taught the gospel by man. Rather, I received this gospel which was delivered to me -- as Paul states, through the imparting of revelation.

JESUS, the Christ Himself ministered the counsel of God through the unction of His Holy Spirit. And Paul? Well, Paul was chosen personally by JESUS to be His apostle to the gentiles. In I Corinthians 16, the scriptures state that Paul was the - LAST - to whom JESUS appeared. Yes, admittedly, this scripture is in contrast with Mormon teachings who believe that Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormons was the last person to see Jesus. But as Paul readily states at the opening of this post, that specific teaching contradicts this written Word. And like Paul asks, is it his duty to please men or deliver to these same men the gospel message as it is written? In this latter context then, teachings that contrast the scriptures are to be counted with the many religious institutions that teach otherwise - who succumb to another gospel being promoted and preached by angels - angels transforming themselves into messengers of light - rather than adhering to the scriptures. In this example, Paul declares such angelic teachings to be accursed! Note: the book of Galatians expands on this point.

So then the Word of God does not emanate from us but instead comes to us. As well, the Word of God will always be the Word of God. God meant what He said, and said what He meant. In fact, God confirmed what the apostles preached as if it were He Himself speaking, and if their Word was confirmed of God then surely God fearing individuals would not endeavour to disregard God‘s Word.

Unfortunately, there are many today who contradict the declared gospel and even more who who believe them. This is why the scriptures state to search the scriptures so that you are not misled or under a strong delusion.