THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 354

Pilate's sign was in complete defiance of the Jews and as a consequence, the Jews were offended by the message. The message was written in three languages - Hebrew, Greek and Latin. What did the sign say? "JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS" To those opponents who at the time wished that the name of JESUS could drop off the map, Pilate responded by saying, "What I have written, I have written."

Indeed, the scriptures state that you are my witnesses, sayeth the LORD, and my servant who I have chosen. That you may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM HE. In fact, before Me there was no God (revealed) in form and neither shall there be a God revealed after Me. I, even I am the LORD and beside Me, there is no Saviour.

Say that again. I am the LORD and beside me there is no one else. There is no God beside Me. I girded you though you have not known me. But it doesn't have to remain this way. I invite you to come know ME now. Why? Because from the rising of the sun even to the west, there is none beside Me. I am the LORD thy God and there is none else.

I am a just God and Saviour. There is no other Saviour beside Me. Therefore, like the scriptures state, Look toward Me and be saved. Look to Me all you people ... from all the ends of the earth for I am God who loves you.

For I am God and there is none else. I am God and there is none like Me.

The above paraphrased scriptures are taken from the book of Isaiah. These are fully acknowledged as being the authoritative Words of God. The Word of God declaring in scripture to be the one and same JESUS! Therefore, if JESUS is the very Word of God then it also means that God’s Word is inseparable from God whose above Word we present.

Further, from the scriptures we read that in the beginning was GOD’S Word and the WORD was with God and the Word was God. Yes, the same Word that was in the beginning with God. All things were made by God’s Word and without God’s Word was not anything made that is made. Therefore, in God’s Word is life and by that Life (Word) are men enlightened for the life - the light of the Word - shines through the darkness. And as we know, the darkness can never extinguish the light, life - the light of His Word.

This is because God’s Word was in the world - the world was made by God’s Word and the world never knew JESUS as God’s Word. JESUS being God’s Word now veiled in flesh so that we could behold the Glory of the Word of God in the man JESUS!

Still, there are some who propagate that God’s Own Word is distinct and separate from God. They make every attempt to deny that JESUS is God [Himself] - God with us - veiled in flesh. These false teachings try to distinguish JESUS from being God’s Word,however even though He (God) appeared veiled in flesh as a man., He is the True Light that shines!

But the good news is that whilst in that veil, the Word of God declared that HE [JESUS] is the very Same Word of God that was with God. And the Word did not think it robbery to be equal with God for the Same Word that was God now appeared in a veil of flesh. Yes that is right! Veiled in flesh. This same God who made all things including you and I was not created. Only the veil of flesh was created ...

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 353

God is the Father of all things, whether seen or unseen by our eyes!
Moses of old, when conversing with the Lord regarding the exodus from Egypt said, "Who will I say to Pharaoh (the Egyptian ruler) has sent me?" God told Moses to say to Pharaoh that "I AM" sent him! In other scriptural renderings, the verses use the terminology - I Will be that I Will be. These are yet further examples showing that God our Creator is only one Spirit. And the one Spirit which fills all the Heavens and earth! Indeed, God is before all things(self existing) and without God there is nothing! As well, God has neither beginning of days nor ending of life!

The foregoing scriptures refer to God as a Father. The following scriptures will represent the SAME God as a Son! Indeed, as the scriptures attest, the Son-ship of God was never apart from the Spirit of God. For we read that the eternal life that was with and in the Father was manifested in the flesh. We have both seen and handled this same eternal life - this life that has now come forth from the innermost being of God! Remember from earlier posts that Jesus is the SEED of the Holy Spirit. And because Jesus is the very SEED of the Holy Spirit it also means JESUS is the Holy Spirit. In other words, the life in the veins of JESUS' body was the life of the SEED of the Holy Spirit, which life is eternal life!

Yes, JESUS is the Word of God. God's Word. One cannot separate sords from the person whose words they are. And the words spoken by JESUS are the very words of God’s counsel, for God surely did counsel with Himself prior to our universe being brought forth. In creating, God made man an earthly image of Himself. But unfortunately, man (Adam and Eve) side-stepped God’s original instructions which has left us here we wandering and questioning our existence. Yes, in the Garden of Eden we became estranged from the wisdom and knowledge of God. Each and every one of us as a consequence have become like sheep that have gone astray. As a consequence, we turn inwardly to the foolish imaginations of our wandering minds. We are essentially sheep without a Shepherd. In this latter state, we are even foolish enough to listen to those with prompters who earnestly endeavour to persuade us that they have the answer. But they do not. They promise life abundant but all we are left with are the remnants - body bags everyone. Hold that thought for a moment. We will return to it later.

The good news is that we were created to have an inseparable fellowship with the One God who created us! And who is this one God. It is JESUS! Jesus is the ONE GOD who created us. He is the one God who created the world that indwelt the man JESUS the Christ. In short, JESUS is God (who is Spirit) now manifest as a Son. For surely JESUS is the Son of God, the SEED of God coming forth from God. Indeed, altogether God, for in JESUS does dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

We know this from the scriptures. For example, when Phillip asked JESUS to show Him the Father, so that he would be satisfied Jesus said, "Phillip, if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. Therefore why are you saying show me the Father?" Yes, the same God the Father was veiled in a body of flesh for one reason. To redeem His fallen creation. To redeem those who were originally sons of God but through the devil’s deceptions, are nothing more than fallen sons.

Still, God LOVES His creation. He loves His creation so very much that He descended into this very world so that the beings (us) that He created be redeemed. God did so at the cost of His own sinless body's death! Yes, GOD LAID DOWN HIS LIFE AS A SON ONCE AND ONCE ONLY FOR YOU AND I. That is why there is no other means of salvation. That is why height of the steeple in religious edifices does not matter. Because no matter how high the steeples are, they do not go high enough.

There is only one way to obtain salvation. That is, ONLY BELIEVE!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 352

God visited us and when He did, He raised up a horn of salvation.

Yes, JESUS was the only begotten child of God. As it is written, He being the SEED of the Holy Spirit. And likewise in the veins of JESUS did flow the very life of the humanity of God. Therefore, the blood in JESUS' veins was not like our blood. Why? Because in our blood flows the sinful nature of the devil acquired from our forefather Adam who was disobedient to the words of his Creator. In short, we all have a prone to sin nature, which no man of himself can tame. Remember when JESUS said to Judas who betrayed Him that sin lies at the door? Well, as the scriptures reveal, Judas walked out into a night of sin, sold his soul for money which was then followed by his own hanging death. But I digress!

JESUS was not the natural SEED of Abraham. JESUS was and is the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit. In this SEED alone all the nations of the earth who confess and profess a believing faith in Jesus, the same Jesus who is the promised Seed shall henceforth be blessed of Him [JESUS]. In other words, these believing nations shall be blessed and prosper. This is true even for nations that are viewed as have not nations. God will reverse the cycle so that these have not nations become blessed and prosperous. For it is in the turning and the expecting that believing faith can move forward. Yes, JESUS the SEED of promise will usher in the prosperity blessings!

Note that Abraham's offspring are not the promised SEED of blessing. JESUS bore the visible features of Abraham's natural offspring. And yes, JESUS came forth from Mary in whose womb the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit was clothed in sin prone flesh. Mary became a willing surrogate as pertaining to the flesh but He who was inside that veil of flesh was none other than the SEED LIFE of the Holy Spirit! Mary believed in the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit! She herself rejoiced to be the handmaid of the Lord, exclaiming that the Lord her God has become Her Saviour. This is the point we similarly need to recognize. That God our Creator was willing to take on the form of man so that we might have salvation.

This is not to suggest that Abraham believed God any less. Certainly that belief was accredited to him as if he were righteous. But of course he was not, for he also lived in a prone to sin natural body. Rather, it was the application of faith that brought upon him unforeseen blessings. God told Abraham that in his SEED would all the nations of the earth be blessed. We are not speaking here of Abraham‘s natural seed. In fact, most of Abraham’s natural seed even today do not believe in the promised SEED of the pure, holy, un-defiled SEED of the Holy Spirit, which SEED is JESUS the CHRIST.

Still, from this message we need to understand that God is not the God of the Jews only. No sir. Peter also had that seated mindset in the early days but as the scriptures reveal, this mindset was soon removed and replaced with the pure thought that God is also the God of the Gentiles. And that God has poured out upon the Gentiles the very same gift of His Holy Spirit. In Acts chapters 2 and 10 we read that there was no difference between them - the Jewish and the Gentiles. Yes, God is building a nation. But within this nation, the only inhabitants in the Kingdom of God are those who have been born again (John 3). How does one enter? The door into God’s kingdom is through faith in the SEED of promise JESUS the Christ, and acknowledging that God Himself laid down His life as a Son for each and every one of us. He alone offers eternal life as a free gift.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 351

JESUS said that if He were to be lifted up (crucified) He would draw all men and women to Himself! There are choruses such as the one that follows that further elaborates on this point.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it, Lord that I should boast. Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most. I sacrifice them to His blood
See from His head, His hands, His feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'r such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine that were an offering far to small
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!

Just as the chorus suggests, the redemption of all mankind is not dependant upon fallen man’s capability to redeem him or herself, although in their respective sin prone mind they might think they can. But man’s life is likened in the scriptures to a boat without a rudder. Adrift in an ocean, and totally at the mercy of tides and wind -- which of themselves can be merciless! Maintaining a stiff upper lip, while noteworthy is in such cases similar to burying one's head in sand. The reality is that apart from the intervention of another, all things will inadvertently remain constant. But this is where the good news begins.

With God’s intervention there is hope eternal. How doe we know? Even the winds and the sea obey His voice! The question is this. How can one believe in God if they have not heard of God? And even supposed they were to believe that there was a God, how would that change their personal circumstances, for even the devil believes that there is one God.

Further, religion talks about God as if religious institutions were beacons of light. As we all see, religions erect buildings and some of them fill these buildings with their vain imaginations. This is what the scriptures say. They fill their buildings with images and relics, dead lifeless things that are totally useless! Indeed, they are as useless as a straw is to a drowning person who in desperation grabs at the straw. God has said, "Heaven is my throne and earth my footstool and you are building a house for me. Are you yet without understanding?" God does not live in buildings made with man’s hands.

Rather, God who is one Spirit has revealed His pure spiritual humanity in the face of the man JESUS. This same Jesus who is the Lord Himself declared that all of these efforts to build buildings and religious institutions are nothing more than sinking sand. When JESUS speaks, it is His Holy Spirit message being spoken through the vocal cords of the man JESUS. How do we know? Well, JESUS equals God’s Word. These are not the Words of another.

The Holy Spirit declares that men are worshiping Him in vain! They are deceivers, asserting that they know Jesus but they do not. Men who have discarded His Word, substituting their own version of erroneous false teachings in its place. Indeed, many practice a form of worship patterned after man’s wisdom -- which wisdom in God’s eyes is foolishness! In this same context, many of the same foolish pagan religions that date back to 300/400 AD can be likened to the Roman soldiers at the cross dividing JESUS' garment amongst themselves. Still, the Word of the LORD went forth from Jerusalem. Keep that thought! And receive God's Word today!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 350

And you shall call His name JESUS! Indeed, there is no other name given among men and women whereby ye can be saved other than the name proclaimed by the angel. This child is Immanuel - God with us - you shall call His name JESUS which name is above or greater than every other name that is in Heaven or upon earth.

Further, according to the scriptures, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS the Christ is LORD. The same JESUS, conceived of the Holy Spirit’s life blood - which blood did flow within the veins of the veil of His fleshly body - in which He, in total humility had clothed Himself in fleshly fashion. JESUS then, being adorned in sin prone flesh whilst within His surrogate mother’s womb, He [JESUS] came forth as a male child predestined to be crucified.

Crucified at a place called Golgotha, He being the Lamb provided of God and similarly God’s only begotten Son permitted Adam’s sin prone race under their master Satan to show their hate for the things of God. For it was God who was in JESUS who had performed the very lifestyle of God in a created body.

It is herein that we perceive the love of GOD in that whilst we were habitually servants of sin God laid down His life as a Son for us! JESUS was the only one who could save man from their sin. For there was found of God none upon the earth that were righteous. That explains why the love of God shines through. For it was God that made a way for us when there was no way. In other words, God as a man sacrificed Himself! And in so doing He, God in JESUS made a way out of the wilderness of sin. That is, when one reflects upon the reality, true love expressed in all its fullness!

This is what the gospel message is about. The virgin girl named Mary was a surrogate mother that assisted in the plan. Note the word assisted. For the scriptures declare that God said that all have sinned - each and every one of us - and that included the surrogate mother Mary. Therefore, Mary’s flesh was as sin prone as all of Adam’s offspring. The Lord heard, "Blessed is the womb that bare you and the breasts that you sucked" and replied, "More Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and do it."

The message to remember is that we should not believe the distortion of scripture advocated by the so called church fathers still adhering to traditions dating back to 300 and 400 AD. This is not to suggest that if you so choose, that you cannot adhere to what they as men have set in place. However, what should be noted is that in so doing, one is building their life upon sinking sand. As we have stated before, the Word of God went out from Jerusalem. So save yourself from this messages and traditions that are contrary to the scriptures. Why? Because there is no salvation to be found in any other name other than JESUS!

Surely, knowing this, you would not want to elevate man’s words above the very words spoken by God Himself. JESUS said that by adhering to traditions, we would be voiding the Word of God. I do not believe that you really desire to do this. Certainly, the gospel message is so that we can understand the gospel message - that the same God who created us became flesh so that He could die for us too. Of course, the devil hates God’s Word and thus, is angry when the scriptures are declared to be right even over the traditions taught by the church fathers. What is it the scriptures state? “They assert to be Christians." Still, when their teachings are weighted against scripture, they are found wanting. Desiring the truth. Therefore, save yourself from their anti - Christ teaching! Because God’s Word Endures Forever!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 349

JESUS breathed upon them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" And likewise, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you!" So the question is this. Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? The apostles upon their arrival prayed for the people so that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

In this context, it is also important to note that there is only one Spirit - and of His [JESUS] Spirit have we as believers all received. However, somewhere along the way the translators of the scriptures changed the words Holy Ghost into Holy Spirit. But who am I to argue such a point? What I can say with a surety is that that the HOLY SPIRIT has a ghost-like presence.

John (the baptizer) said these things concerning JESUS. That first and foremost, JESUS is the only one who baptizes (immerses) believers with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The woman at the well in Samaria upon conversing with JESUS was told - if she only knew who she was conversing with, then she would be asking Him to give her a drink. That is, a drink from the well of living water. In this case, the well of living water refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

And then there are those who suggest that when one turns their life over to the Lord as believers, that they immediately receive the Holy Spirit. Such is not the case according to the scriptures. Believing persons receive redemption, having been freely redeemed because of the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS. Through their belief in the work of redemption, they are immediately restored to that place of decision where Adam, along with Eve chose to reject God’s direction. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, believers are given a choice whether to hearken to God or to do as Adam and Eve did - listen to the devil.

Once this decision has been made, one must be born again. Indeed, the scriptures actually state that you must be born again or you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

If we read Acts chapter 2, this message will make better sense. In this chapter, the people did not know how to escape their awakened consciousness of guilt brought about by an awareness from hearing the gospel. Until then, the people were not aware of their ignorance or how they were literally condemning the Lord of Glory in their hearts. After all, it was these same people who had consented for the Lord of Glory to be crucified.

As a consequence, he people cried out. "What must we do?" As we read in Acts 2, the people were told what they had to do. Therein, Peter in unison with the other eleven apostles told them what they must do. Certainly Acts 2:38 makes it clear. Each and every person must repent and be baptized in water into the name of JESUS the Christ for the forgiveness of all sin. This included this sin of all sins - the sin where the people willingly consented to the crucifying of JESUS.

But here in Acts 2 the apostles were offering a solution. If the people were to adhere to the instructions, God's promise - His promise that the people in turn would be baptized with His Holy Spirit would become a reality. Note here that this promise was not limited to the people in the scriptures. This same promise extends to one and all today.

And just as 3000 persons were baptized in water into the name of the Lord JESUS that same day, so can we. And even though as of yet they had not received the Holy Spirit, they were fully aware that their condemned consciences were wiped clear of all guilt. Indeed, the 3,000 people had received forgiveness.

Still, as the scriptures state, the people awaited the baptism of the promised Holy Spirit and tongues like as of fire. JESUS shall baptize you with His Holy Spirit and tongues like as if they were on fire. This is the message in Acts 2. It is also the message that is pertinent to our own personal lives today.

It's your call - your choice - your decision. Receive God’s instructions and you'll never be disappointed. Stand in the offering plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 348

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father's throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 347

JESUS was not part of the creation of God. Indeed, JESUS is the creator of all things. Similarly, JESUS, is before all things. And JESUS is the cause and effect of all things existing that are in Heaven and upon earth. JESUS then is the very Word of God.

Moreover, JESUS is the revealing of God [Himself] in visible form. JESUS is not created for He who appeared came forth from the innermost being of God. God steps out of Himself in visible form having neither beginning of days nor end of life. In fact, God is one Spirit! And yes, God’s Spirit fills the heavens and the earth. Like the hymn declares, God’s Spirit is immortal - invisible. God being God.

Upon counselling with Himself, God decided that He was going to make a visible creation. A visible creation which shadows after the pattern of the unseen spiritual realm. And of course [He] God who was formerly unseen is now going to show Himself in spiritual visible form! In contrast, we as humans are an earthy creation, patterned after the visible spiritual form. This wasn't quite the original plan. Somewhere along the way, the devil appears to have caused an interruption to God’s plan. Or at least that might be the initial perception. Of course, for those who recognize God's plan of salvation, we also know that there is nothing hid from God. From the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we have grown in spiritual stature to realise that we need God in every aspect of our life. Indeed, life apart from God is really nothing more than being akin to the walking dead.

Recall when Paul entered into a city, he beheld all sorts of images. In one such city, Paul read an inscription that stated, "To the unknown God." In many ways, our society is similar, We have images that are supposed to be JESUS crucified on a cross. Indeed, we have everywhere an abundance of such images. At the same time, people prostrate themselves into a voluntary humility before such images, as if there is a connect between the man made image and the individual.

But as we also know, images are dead. They do not talk. They do not move. They have no feelings or emotions. Yes, images are even lifeless. Those self appointed church fathers who immerse themselves in religious traditions dating back to 300 and 400 AD have surely rearranged the minds of men and women under the guise of religion. They do so by asserting that they are God’s witnesses. But as we read in the scriptures, and in earlier posts, the true worshipers will worship in Spirit and likewise, in the Spirit of Truth. When someone asked JESUS, "What is truth?" JESUS replied that His Word is the Spiritual Word and therefore is truth.

Perhaps as a quick reminder and similarly for the edification of believers, it is important to quote the scripture that states, "Keep yourself from idols." But I digress.

Paul revealed to the inhabitants of that city that the unknown God to whom they were in ignorance worshipping had revealed Himself in the face (life) of JESUS the Christ. This is why today, JESUS is not hanging on a cross. And neither is JESUS in a grave. JESUS is arisen. As portrayed in the scriptures, JESUS appeared in the flesh for one reason. That is, to purposely enable deceived men and women to get back on the track of God’s highway! God’s highway is not idolatrous religious erroneous teachings formulated after the strange devices of demonic influenced persons.

Rather, God wants to impart His abundant life to all. His abundant life to each and every one of us. Images have no life. Therefore, call upon His name. The name of JESUS. Not a church, nor a religion and not a form. Give yourself to the LORD JESUS. Discover what the Lord God has in store for you. And then stand in the offering plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 346

This message is a continuation of the earlier post where we endeavoured to present to you this message. That the blood shed at Calvary was not Adamic sinful blood. Neither was the blood that was shed at Calvary a mixture of Mary’s blood (His willing surrogate mother) and that of the Holy Spirit. For it is written in the scriptures - that which is conceived within you Mary is of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the SEED’S were that which came forth of God. For JESUS is proclaimed to be the Only Begotten Son of God.

It is important here to distinguish between the word begotten and begat. Begotten means "coming forth" from the innermost being of God. JESUS, the child was clothed in His mother’s sinful flesh, and as a result of being clothed with flesh in Mary’s womb, the child flesh could be tempted and tried in all points. Very similar to the temptation experiences we have. The difference is that JESUS did not succumb to sin. Therefore He alone could be man’s redeemer and Saviour.

Further, as we recognize from reading the scriptures, man’s redemption required the sacrificial death of a righteous man. God had already searched for a righteous man but found none righteous enough. However, because God is love - which love we had not known of until JESUS arrived - that same JESUS, God Himself as a Son took our place on the cross. In so doing, JESUS gave us life. The same Jesus who is in fact the life of God. Indeed, in JESUS, we clearly see that God is altogether love. Inasmuch as He - God - willingly laid down His life for our redemption and salvation.

The BLOOD then that was shed at Calvary was the pure holy un-defiled blood of the Holy Spirit. Yes, Jesus died once, and that once was for once and for all - and extended to and throughout all generations. What do the scriptures state? Keep yourself from blood. Why? Because the blood of JESUS the CHRIST that was shed at Calvary cleanses us from all sin. Henceforth, there is no more sacrificial offering for sin.

Even still, there are church fathers today presenting religious traditions that date back to 300/400 AD. Within those traditions, these institutions re-sacrifice Jesus at their man made altars where they proclaim the doctrine of transubstantiation. For those unfamiliar with the term transubstantiation, it is the word used by certain clergy as a means for explaining why the wine and bread or wafer are miraculously and mystically transformed. Each element apparently receiving a change of state respectively into the flesh and blood of Jesus the Christ.

Within these institutions, usually only the priest drinks the wine that has been - according to the doctrine of transubstantiation - transformed into blood. The people only partake of the bread, for it is apparently not necessary that the people partake of the bread transformed into flesh. For in the flesh there supposedly remains traits of blood. Is it any wonder that the scriptures declare that whosoever eats this bread and drinks this fruit of the vine unworthily, eat and drink damnation to themselves? For this reason are many of you weak and sick and many die. Because you did not stop long enough to discern that in your so doing you are re-sacrificing the Lord of Glory in pretense.

Still, throughout our journey we need to remember that the scriptures are true. In this context, the normal fruit of a vine is not blood - of which we have been warned to restrain from partaking blood. As well, drinking blood is a no-no. We previously read that it seemed good to the Holy Spirit that we keep ourselves from blood. Why? The answer is simple. We are not cannibals. Neither were we created to be cannibals. This is why the Bible states that the blood which is the life thereof, we are not permitted to drink. Please read I Corinthians chapter 11 for more detail.

And then remember that JESUS laid down His life for you and I saying, "It is finished!" The WORD of God is coming to you and I - not from us - so that we can believe in God's ultimate plan of salvation. How are you or I going to escape if we neglect God’s redemption and salvation plan? Really are we to think that JESUS death at Calvary was insufficient? Stop and ponder who it was who died for you. Call on JESUS today!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 345

I am the true vine! You are the branches. Every branch in me that does not bring forth fruit shall be cut off and thrown into the fire. Some church fathers, on reading this passage, had the audacity to assert that the church is the vine and the denominations are the branches which have sprung forth from them. Such brazen nonsensical statements if you think of them in light of the scriptures. In fact, Satan figures his best defence is offence. He always has an alternative rendering of scripture to offer Adam’s now prone to sin fallen race. Follow him, he says, he who has been man’s master since man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But Satan only leads to death.

God on the other hand loves us. Indeed, God is love. So much so, that Jesus took upon Himself a veil of sinful flesh whilst He was in the womb of a willing surrogate mother. JESUS being conceived of the Holy Spirit - yes, God fathered Himself, as a Son brought us salvation. As a consequence, do not let the traditional church fathers tell you otherwise.

Referring back to post #344 where the message states to keep yourself from blood, we need to remember that in the blood is the life. Moreover, the blood in JESUS' veins was the life blood of the Holy Spirit. Not Adam’s prone to sin blood. Why not? Because JESUS is the revealing personality of the unseen Holy Ghost. To know Him, or rather begin to know JESUS is to begin to know the personality of God. Of course the Heavens declare God’s glory. The Earth shows forth God’s handiwork.

However, in the man JESUS - God manifest in the flesh - we are being introduced to the personality of God Himself. No more surmising about who God is. No more cunning crafty deceptions from or by religious zealots. For now we have seen the unseen God. We have handled Him with our hands. Yes. The very God who is and was before all things was here on earth bringing us the gospel message, and His ultimate plan of salvation.

John, the water baptizer of JESUS, declared, "Behold the Lamb of God." In the life and death of JESUS we perceive the love of God toward us. For it was God Himself, in the flesh who offered His own sinless and yet prone to sin body at Calvary.

Let's repeat this. God in Christ sacrificed His own body - once - only once - before stating that "It is finished!" And, as a consequence, there is no more offering for sin.

JESUS is risen from the dead. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed.

And at the end of the day, God laid down His life for you and I. And He did so with that one sacrifice, in which sacrifice our sin was laid upon God as a Son. This is why God’s justice demanded that a righteous man must die if man were ever to be redeemed. Undoubtedly, Jesus died so that we might have salvation abundant.

Peace to all in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 344

Reading from Acts chapter 15, we see that the Word contained therein was sent to all assemblies of believers, thereby diverting any possible divisions among the people as a result of Peter’s misdirected words and conduct toward the Gentile believers.

What we need to recognize is that this same Word -- and the resulting directives from the Word -- were also sent to us today. In other words, the resulting message coming forth from the assembled group in Acts 15 (a group which consisted of apostles, prophets, and elders with the people - not apart from the people) was that the Gentile believers were not commanded to be circumcised or to keep the law but rather to adhere to that which is written.

"Wherefore my sentence is, that we do not trouble them which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollution of idols and from fornication and from things strangled and from blood. For it pleased the apostles and elders with the whole church to send chosen men of their own company Judas and Silas to accompany Paul and Barnabas.

And they wrote letters after this manner. The apostles and elders and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, for as much as we have heard that certain persons, which unfortunately went out from us have troubled you with words subverting your souls saying, "Ye must be circumcised and keep the law to whom we gave no such commandment."

It seemed good to us being assembled with one accord to send chosen men unto you accompanied with our beloved Barnabas and Paul -- men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord JESUS the Christ

We have sent therefore of our own company Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things -- that you abstain from meats offered to idols and from blood and from things that have been strangled to death and from fornication from which if you keep yourselves you shall do well. Fare ye well,

So when the assembled group were dismissed those chosen went on there way to Antioch. At Antioch they gathered the multitude together, delivering to the people the written contents of the letters, which when the believers read, the believers rejoiced for the consolation."

These afore mentioned necessary things existed prior to the Law. Then these four things passed through the law, And now these four things remain intact today.

In the next presentation, we will examine the verses that tell us keep ourselves from idols and from blood. In the interim, remember that “it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us. Let God be true!

Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 343

If one were to ask the question "who said that" and the reply was JESUS did, "Would you replace what is written and recorded by eye witnesses with tradition?" Surely not! For without eye witnesses one would find it difficult to substantiate that an event had even occurred. There is another reason as well. That is, eye witness reports bear witness to an event. What the judicial system might refer to solid rock testimony! Or, as John the epistle declares concerning JESUS, "Our hands have handled of the WORD of LIFE. For the WORD of LIFE was manifested and we have seen Him with our eyes and our hands have handled Him."

The man JESUS then is God and likewise God is the man - the man named JESUS! In this context, JESUS the man being the embodiment of God's spiritual Word of Life. The Word spoken through the mouth of the man Jesus. Jesus is the Word of God. Yes, God's own Word.

Just like we find when we read Genesis, "In the beginning was God's Word" or in John that takes this message further by stating " .. and the Word was with God and the Word was God." In other words, JESUS is that very same word - now veiled in the flesh. Therefore, Jesus is God Himself. Manifest in the flesh. As a Son. As a man. And in this man JESUS dwells all the fullness of the Spirit of God bodily. And this man Jesus when He had by Himself purged all of our sin sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high.

From henceforth expecting that all His enemies would be made His footstool. Still, this man JESUS has an unchangeable ministry. JESUS being the WORD OF GOD is unchangeable. For the WORD OF GOD JESUS is the same JESUS today as He was yesterday, and JESUS will be to morrow even as it is today.

But the tradition of which we have alluded is like throwing out the baby and keeping the bathwater. By following the traditions that began in 300/400 AD - and started by the so called church fathers - you are doing no better than those people spoken of in Acts chapter 8. This is the scriptural reference that introduces readers to a man named Simon, a sorcerer. Simon bewitched people, making out that he was some great one. As a consequence, to him did all the people from the least to the greatest give heed with the people saying that this man is the great power of God. However, the good news is that around the same time Phillip arrived in Samaria preaching JESUS. Upon hearing the gospel, the people believed and forsook the erroneous falsities of Simon’s sorcery. Instead, the people believed and were baptized into the name of JESUS, later receiving the Holy Spirit of JESUS!

Tradition then is foreign to the Word’s spoken by the chosen eye witnesses of the Lord JESUS, Indeed, traditions appear to be nothing more than that which was advanced by Simon the sorcerer, being totally estranged from the doctrinal teaching of the Holy Spirit. This is why it is important for us to recognize that the gospel has stated repeatedly that there is only one door into the Kingdom of God -- and fortunately for us, that door is not the Church.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 342

Matthew 16 states that "whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth shall be loosed in Heaven. [Therefore] go you into all the world and preach this good news concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, revealing the King’s name, JESUS who is the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit, and in Him dwells all the fullness of the Holy Spirit of God bodily. As it is written, every person's knee shall bow and every person tongue confess that JESUS the Christ is Lord thereby is His Father the Holy Spirit glorified."

The apostles by JESUS then were declared to be His witnesses to the very uttermost parts of the earth. Well the apostles never made it personally around the world. Still, the words and life of JESUS the Lord of Glory has now spread all over the world.

Recall how we earlier discussed the time that Peter was straddling the fence when Jewish believers were present? And Peter separated himself from fellowshipping with the Gentile believers? Paul, upon arriving on the scene saw that Peter was not walking in the gospel light. Paul went to task with Peter for it was Peter who was to be blamed for discord among believers. (Acts 15)

Together, off they went to Jerusalem where the apostles, elders and prophets with the people all assembled to discuss whether it was necessary that the Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the old covenant law. At the time, this was the subject under discussion. Note also that the record shows that the subject was discussed and a BINDING (earthly ruling) was accepted. The ruling being that it was not necessary that gentile believers should be circumcised and keep the law.

Note also that letters were formulated and delivered by hand to all the assemblies of believers, and interwoven into those letters were the words, "It seemed good to the HOLY SPIRIT." This statement in and of itself reflects an effective binding heavenly affirmation.

Now to whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. The apostles, elders, prophets with the people sent these letters to the afore mentioned believing assemblies. And the believing church assemblies upon hearing the contents of the letters were loosed from the confusion that Peter had caused because of his then ignorance of the true good news message of God. As a consequence, the believers were loosed on earth by their hearing and seeing the contents within the letters formulated by the apostles, prophets, elders and people. Likewise, as the scriptures state, they were loosed in Heaven.

For it is written that the believers had much consultation having now been loosed and affirmed by Heaven. God has put no difference between Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or otherwise. We are all together one body in JESUS the Christ.

Yes. The apostolic teachings delivered to them by the Holy Spirit of JESUS, being the written and confirmed Word, revealled the true gospel of God. Revealed in the face of JESUS the Christ bound us to JESUS the Living Word so that we may be loosed from the erroneous teachings of the so called church fathers. This is why we as brethren (and sisters) be not again entangled with the yoke of bondage that is inherent within religious institutions. Why? Because again it is written that whosever the Son of God sets free (loose) is indeed free (loosed).

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 341

The question is this. Having read what the scriptures reveal, can we really believe that Peter was the Rock that JESUS spoke of in Matthew 16? Certainly, in view of what the Bible reveals, as elaborated on in previous posts, we need to reassess the religious traditions that are contrary to the Word of God. Matthew offers yet another example worth mentioning here. It follows:

13. When JESUS came into the coasts of Ceasarea Philippi, JESUS asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"
14. And they said, "Some say that thou art John the Baptist. Some say Elias and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15. JESUS said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16. Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17. JESUS answering said, "Peter, blessed you are for it was not flesh and blood that has revealed to you that I am the Christ the Son of the Holy Spirit. This revelation of who I am has been given to you by MY Father from Heaven."
18. And I JESUS say to you Peter, that upon this revelation [that I Jesus am the Christ the Son of the Holy Spirit] I [GOD’S Only Begotten Son] will build my church and the gates [the religious armies] of hell, they shall not prevail against me."
19. "And I will give unto you [My chosen apostles] the keys of understanding whereby the door into the kingdom of Heaven opens."

Concluding JESUS tells His disciples that they should tell no one that He was JESUS the Christ. However, in verse 21, we read that from that time onward JESUS began to show to His disciples how He must go to Jerusalem and while there He must suffer many things from the elders, chief priests and scribes and be killed and ultimately raised again the third day. Continuing in verse 22, the scriptures state that,

22. Peter upon hearing these things spoken of by JESUS, being offended at such sayings took JESUS and began to rebuke Him saying, "Be it far from you Lord that these things should befall you."
23. JESUS upon hearing these words spoken by Peter turned and said to Peter, "Get you behind me Satan. Your words [Peter] offend Me. For Peter, you are opposing that which has been willed by the Holy Spirit of God."

Therefore, as we read in this scriptural example, Peter is not a "rock" to be elevated in status. Like all of Adam’s prone to sin offspring before him (and for that matter after him), we all stand in need of a Saviour. This need of a Saviour applies equally to Mary the chosen and willing surrogate mother of JESUS the Christ who exploding with enthusiasm declared that her spirit had rejoiced in GOD her SAVIOUR.

We also read in Acts 1 that the disciples cast lots and prayed to see who among them should be chosen to replace Judas. As we see, Mathias was chosen and from henceforth Mathias was numbered with the eleven other chosen apostles. It is also important to note here the required necessary credentials that makes one eligible to become an apostle from a scriptural perspective.

The other good news is that if you and I continue in JESUS' words, we will be His disciples indeed.

Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 340

Let's face it. Traditions might serve some sort of purpose within institutions but in no way should traditions become the sole authority over the scriptures. Neither should traditions created by individuals be permitted to override the written Word of God. When JESUS went into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, we read in the scriptures that the devil had his own interpretation of scripture, and as such spoke his deceptive interpretation as if it were authentic. However, as we also read, the LORD countered this deception with the authoritative voice of the written scriptures. Indeed, Jesus repeatedly responded by saying "It is written." There is a reason for this. There is also a message in this scriptural example for us.

Any time that JESUS was confronted by misrepresentations of scripture, JESUS always returned the dialogue to the scriptures. “It is written." We are to do the same. Why? Because the scriptures are the authority -- the written Word of God. Indeed, JESUS said that people make the scriptures irrelevant by advancing man’s traditions.

In Acts 20:27-36, Paul stated, "For I have not shunned to declare to you all of the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to feed the church of God which He has purchased with HIS OWN BLOOD. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them."

Continuing in verse 31, the scriptures warn us of these times. Reading further - "Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I CEASED NOT TO WARN EVERYONE night and day WITH TEARS. And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the WORD OF HIS GRACE, which WORD is able to build you up [in the one faith] and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver or gold or apparel. Yea, you all know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things - how that in so labouring we ought to support the weak, and to remember the WORDS of the Lord JESUS. How he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had finished speaking, Paul kneeled down and prayed with them all."

There are other scriptural references as well. For instance, Matthew 16:12 alludes to teachings with no scriptural foundation. It says, Then understood they (how that JESUS bade them not beware of the leaven within bread) but that they ought to be aware of the doctrinal teachings of fabricated religions." This warning includes religious institutions founded in 300/400 AD by people who are referred to today as church fathers.

Moreover, in the recorded Gospel of John we read "That these things are written that you might believe." Luke records in Acts that "the former treatise have I written of all that JESUS began to do and to say UNTIL the day in which He ascended ... after His ascension He through His HOLY SPIRIT instructed HIS apostles." Note the plural reference to the apostles. Note also Paul saying that if any man or even an angel dare to preach to you a differing gospel from that which I have preached to you, then let those who do be accursed.

This presentation will continue in the days ahead. In the meantime, be blessed knowing that Heaven and earth may pass away but the WORD of GOD abides forever!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 339

In the last days, according to the scriptures, some shall depart from this faith. We refer here to the faith that was once delivered to JESUS' people, and the same faith whereby doctrinal faith emanated from Jerusalem. Indeed, many shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Some of the demonic teaching that follows will include mantra such as forbidding to marry, or, conversely commanding people to abstain from meat. These are in complete contrast to the scriptures.

What the scriptures do declare is that every creature of God is good and nothing should be refused if it is eaten with thanksgiving. For all things affirmed by God from a scriptural perspective are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

It is within this same context that we examine what the recorded scriptures state pertaining to Peter an apostle of JESUS the Christ. Peter’s lifestyle has been totally thwarted by the self appointed church fathers of 300/400 AD. These religious people had/have presented a message under the guise of scripture, which is in reality a message foreign to the gospel that went out from Jerusalem -- and indeed, the same gospel that was confirmed of God to be His good news message of the kingdom.

For example, Peter had a wife. How do we know this? In the scriptures, it states that JESUS healed Peter's mother in law. In fact, Peter on some of His mission tours was accompanied with his wife. So why are teachings propagated that suggest otherwise by a church rooted in traditions from 300/400 AD? Why not read I Corinthians chapter 7 - a message that is directed to one and all including single, engaged and married individuals and preachers/priests - who upon reading this passage can become confident in the fact that the scriptures are Holy Spirit instructions. The Bible provides a detailed account of what we should believe so that we are able to escape from the strong delusions of the erroneous doctrinal teaching of 300/ 400 AD -- teachings that are similarly foreign to God’s written Word.

Put another way, we can look to the time when Paul, an apostle chosen by JESUS and the appointed messenger of His gospel to the Gentiles, left Timothy at one place and Titus at another location. Paul’s instructions to both Timothy and Titus was to appoint elders in both locations. In so doing, they impressed upon these newly appointed elders that they were not to teach any other doctrinal teaching than the gospel preached by Jesus. In other words, the elders were not to present teachings that might deter or vary from the disciplinary foundational teaching of JESUS as delivered by the Holy Spirit to His chosen apostles.

As such, the instructions are further written in Timothy and Titus that they instruct believers to teach no other doctrine. Reading further in Titus, we read: "For this cause I left you so that you could set in order the things that are lacking and while there you should ordain and appoint elders even as I have appointed you." But there was also a criteria for pointing elders. It was not just about random selection.

For example, the Bible states that elders must be blameless, the husband of one wife having faithful children and not being accused of being riotous. For a bishop / elder must be blameless and living as the steward of God. He must be cool and disciplined and not addicted to wine or money! He ought to be a hospitable person applauding deeds of good men. Most of all, he ought to be sober, just, subject to clean living and temperate.

Peace to all who are in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 338

The following post is based upon the contents of Acts chapter 10. As you take the time to read it, you will find that this chapter outlines the happenings on that very day when salvation’s door (JESUS) is opened wide by the Holy Spirit of JESUS, permitting the Gentiles (by God’s grace) to become partakers of the free gift of eternal life!

The man in this text was an Italian named Cornelius. He was known to be a devout man and one that feared God with all his house. Not only did he give much alms to the people but he prayed to God always.

Reading further, we learn of Peter's vision prior to arriving at Cornelius' house. Needless to say, Cornelius awaited their arrival, having called together his kinsmen and friends. And as Peter was coming in Cornelius met him and fell down at Peter's feet. Indeed, he worshiped Peter. But Peter upon seeing the circumstance, took Cornelius up saying, "Stand up. I myself am also a man."

At this point, Peter starts delivering the good news concerning the salvation that can be found of God in JESUS the Christ. While Peter continued speaking, the Holy Spirit descended upon all them which heard the word. And they who were Jewish believers (that had accompanied Peter) were astonished because they saw that God was pouring out His Spirit upon the Gentiles also. Yes, God was pouring freely the gift of His Holy Spirit to all those who believed.

Indeed, no one could dispute these occurrences for everyone present saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears the Gentiles speaking with tongues and rejoicing. Peter, upon seeing and hearing the manifestation of the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon these believing Gentiles declared to all, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized - these which have received the Holy Spirit, even as we also received?"

And Peter commanded them to be baptized into the name of the Lord JESUS. This is the record of the gospel that went forth from Jerusalem. It is not, as we have discussed earlier that erroneous teaching that emanated from Rome in 300/400 AD.

What it does say is that contrary to religious teachings Peter was not the first pope. In fact, he wasn't a pope at all. He most certainly was greatly disturbed that someone would even think of falling down and worshiping him like Cornelius had.

This explains why Peter immediately began to enlighten Cornelius by saying stand up for I also am a man. These scriptures may also provide some insights into why the Gentile believers spoke in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance! Or why the gentile believers were commanded to be baptized into the name of the Lord JESUS.

Stand in the Offering Plate! Offer yourself!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 337

Introducing you to the one and only Lamb of God who by Himself removed His clothes of righteousness, thus taking all of our old tattered garments of sin upon Himself so that we could now be adorned with His righteous garments is the best action we could take. In fact, sharing the gospel message - that is, there is no more sacrifice for sin for the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon JESUS - His Only Begotten Son - all of our iniquity, faults, and demerits - is the best news we can share.

And yet in spite of these foregoing Words there yet remains some religious opponents who advance and perpetuate the possibility of another ADVOCATE and MEDIATOR. That perhaps someone else could have made a sacrifice such as the God who created us and loved us from the beginning of time. Indeed, ask yourself this question. How can anyone expect to escape the wrath of God if they willingly neglect God‘s loving salvation plan?

The Scripture clearly states that it was God who laid down His Life for us. JESUS being the SEED of the Holy Spirit -- the Holy Spirit therefore fathered (SEEDED) the life within JESUS -- which SEED LIFE was conceived into the womb of a willing surrogate mother whose name was Mary.

As long as the religious world separates itself from the written records of scripture, it will never come to the understanding that it was the Spirit of God’s promised Word of redemptive salvation that took upon Himself a veil of sin prone flesh -- whilst in the womb of a sin prone flesh mother -- coming forth from her womb appearing in fashion as one of Adam’s natural offspring. In reality He was not. Only the flesh veil was.

The Spirit within that flesh veil was none other than the same Spirit that made the world. Not a part Spirit or a one third part of God. Neither was He a separate and distinct person. No sir, for within that veil of flesh did dwell all the fullness of God bodily. Yes GOD who is Spirit reveals Himself to us as a Father, Son and Spirit. We are made n God’s image. These three manifestations reveal the One God.

When one has the privilege (by God’s Grace) to know God as a Son and as a Father and Spirit then one knows and understands fully that these three manifestation is the revealing (unveiling) of God who is Spirit in the face of JESUS the CHRIST! Therefore, in spite of religious teachings to the contrary, there is NO OTHER ADVOCATE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN OTHER THAN THE LORD JESUS WHO LOVES US WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE AND HAS OFFERED HIS NATURAL LIFE FOR US! I John chapter 2 elaborates on this point. Therefore because we have such an advocate who is alive, let us now come with surety and boldness to HIS THRONE OF GRACE where we will at all times find abundant grace and mercy!

Just in case the message is misconstrued, this also means that Peter is not an advocate before God either. Peter too required an advocate. Just like you and I. So who was Peter's advocate? JESUS was Peter’s advocate. JESUS prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail. Why did He pray? Because as the scriptures state, "All have sinned and come short of God’s requirements to obtain salvation."

Yes, all except the one named JESUS who is man’s ONLY advocate and mediator. Peace to all my friend’s and brethren in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 336

Believers will not hear the voice of a hired person. Indeed, true believers in redemptive salvation which comes forth from the only source of eternal life, which source is none other than JESUS the Christ will only hear His voice. This is why these messages are so important. The intent is to ensure Christians continue to read the Bible for understanding and wisdom in the marvels that are God. And also to recognize that while many false prophets and teachers shall arise saying that they are the source, God has already said do not believe them.

How does one know the difference between truth and error? Well the scriptures say that one should observe what is being taught, and if that which is being taught conflicts with that which is written and confirmed of God, then the messenger(s) are not sent of God! This is true even when they may walk like a duck and quack like a duck ... you recognize the analogy! But in this case they are not ducks per se for in these instances, Satan transforms himself presenting himself as a messenger of light.

But Paul the apostle to the Gentiles forewarned that such would be the situation in the religious realm. For many shall come in JESUS name saying that they are Christ’s followers. Pray tell how would they be Christ’s followers if they lay aside the Word of God and teach as commandments a fabricated gospel? This explains why the scriptures said to save ourselves from their religious ways, for if the Word of God in not in that house, we are to shake the very dust or snow off your feet and move on. Do not even say to them God bless you for it is by reason of their pretentious gospel that many are lost and without hope.

Remember Paul declared to the believers that the gospel which he preached is not fabricated. And note that Paul did not receive the message from man. Neither was Paul taught the gospel by man. Indeed, JESUS revealed His Word to Paul. Revealed His word to Paul so that he could ensure that the gospel he preached would be the one and same gospel we read in the scriptures. Therefore, if what is written be not the Gospel of God, then your faith and my believing faith is all for not. But our faith is not for not. Indeed, I protest such a thought for since that day that I called upon the Name of the Lord Jesus the Christ, I have had within me an indwelling peace that passes all human understanding! But peace nevertheless!

If we read Acts chapter 8 the scriptures, we learn that when the apostles which were living in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God through Philip’s preaching, the apostles went to Samaria. Note: one of these apostles was Peter and Peter in this context was sent. There is no indication of pope-ery or elevated religious status here.

Upon another occasion, Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem. Whilst there, the two communicated to Peter, James, and John the fundamentals of the gospel which they were preaching to the Gentiles. In this passage, Peter, James, John extended to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, while at the same time agreeing that Paul and Barnabas should continue preaching to the Gentiles and they Peter, James, John should continue preaching to the Jews.

Paul adds, Peter, James John seemed to be pillars in the church. However, during their conference Paul and Barnabas received from them no new revelations. (Galatians chapter 1 provides the details). But most importantly, it is here that we find Peter did not rule the roost. Continue to preach the Word of God ...

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 335

The Lord said to Peter, "Peter Satan has desired to have you. Peter, I have prayed for you that your faith in Me shall not fail." At first glance, this statement does not sound as if Peter was a very solid rock. Rather, it sounds more like Peter was s shifting sand. (Sand is somewhat a rock - if mixed with cement and water)

Peter, like all other Christians are sifted in life. None of us are perfect. Nevertheless, we have confidence in our great High Priest Jesus, who is our faithful HIGH PRIEST. Forever ordained by the Spirit of God to be to a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, who is God Himself.

JESUS in John chapter 14 states, "Neither do I pray for these present believers but I pray for all them that shall believe in Me, through their word." This means you and I. It also means that through God’s Grace are we saved through faith in the redeeming salvation obtained on our behalf by JESUS (the Lord of Glory's) sacrificial death at Calvary.

Believing faith then was not a resultant of our dead spiritual nature. No, believing faith is imparted toward us as a gift from God. Salvation therefore is of the Lord. Salvation is not of man’s doing which if it were, man would never cease to boast of his merits! But there is only One Mediator, between GOD and man. And no, that mediator as discussed earlier is not Peter. Neither is the mediator between God and man Mary.

In so believing that there is another mediator(s) besides Jesus, one is simply amplifying that they are a complete stranger to the revelatory Word of God contained in the scriptures - the same Word that went forth Jerusalem. However, the good news is that the Holy Spirit of JESUS led His chosen believing church (which began on the Day of Pentecost) so that we would know different. On that day, 3000 persons believed, repented and were baptized into the Saviour's name - JESUS -for the remission of their sin. As we also note form the scriptures, the 3,000 then awaited the promised Holy Spirit of JESUS to descend upon them.

Yes, these 3000 believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teachings, which teachings came forth from the mouths of the twelve Apostles. Note once again the scriptural reference to "twelve" and not one. There are reasons for this. Beyond scriptural teachings and text for our knowledge and edification, Peter seemed to be a loose cannon. Akin to foot in mouth disease because often he was saying one thing and thinking quite another afterward. But I digress.

The first apostolic meeting came about as a result of Peter’s walking on both sides of the fence. Peter was still under a strong delusion that with God the Jews had the pre-eminence. During this period, Peter associated with the Jews disregarding the gentile believers. He did so for as of yet Peter did not understand that with God there is no such position as Jew or Gentile. Peter was doing fine with this perception until Paul who was chosen of JESUS to be His Apostle to the Gentiles arrived on the scene. You see Peter wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. Paul became offended at Peter's diversion from the truth of scripture, blaming Peter for preaching another gospel. Read Acts chapter 15 for further clarification. PEACE BE!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 334

The Word of the LORD has gone forth from Jerusalem. Within the scriptures, Peter was not and is not the head of the Church. Neither was Peter ever a pope. Rather, Peter was one of twelve apostles who delivered the first message in Acts chapter 2. Note the terminology. Delivered. Yes, delivered by the voice of Peter in unison with the other eleven apostles who, as noted in the scripture, stood up with Peter.

Remember, Peter received the same Holy Spirit baptism as all the others. To say that Peter alone was given the keys to the kingdom of God reveals a level of total ignorance and contempt towards the Word of God. In the scriptures, we learn that JESUS is the door into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the only door into which Kingdom no man can enter except that he or she is born again of water and of the Holy Spirit.

So upon the day of Pentecost when the people heard that they had indeed crucified the Lord of Glory, they became inwardly convicted. They cried out to PETER and to the REST of the apostles saying, "Men and brethren, what must we do?"

Now here comes the key. "Repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ, for the remission of sin and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit." This is God's promise to you and to your children and to ALL others who might be afar off.

What can we do? We can take the key. We can repent (and recognize that in our ignorance of the will of God we have actually been crucifying the Lord of Glory,) and be baptized into the name of JESUS, receiving of His Holy Spirit. Then we will walk in the presence of God!

This is the ONLY key to the kingdom of heaven. It is this key that unlocks the door for the whosoever who submits themselves and obediently obeys the voice of the Holy Spirit. And because you have willingly obeyed the gospel you are immediately and securely standing upon the SOLID ROCK of the Word of God which lives and abides forever. This Word must be delivered throughout the earth to all generations as it was written - unaltered - for to man is the Word of God sent.

Unfortunately, there are some who attempt to conjure up another gospel message. An example can be found in Acts chapter 8 where it is recorded that in Samaria all persons from the least to the greatest believed that Simon was the great power of God. You may be in a similar predicament as they were. Maybe you have embraced another gospel which in and of itself is not the Gospel of God. There is no evidence for these teachings in the scriptures.

It is from this scriptural perspective that we learned that Peter never was and never will be the Head of the Church of God. The Church of God is founded in JESUS the Christ the Son of the Holy Spirit of God, who was indeed born of a surrogate mother. Nevertheless, not of her, for that which was conceived within her was and is the Seed of the Holy Spirit, which offspring is JESUS. And in Him will all believing people from all nations upon earth be blessed. This is why you and I will be more blessed than Mary ever was when we believe the Word of God.

So the message today is simple. The Word of God is the only authoritative source of truth. Any deviation is nothing more than a doctrine of devils.
Brethren wherever you are, remember that God Almighty even JESUS is the same today, tomorrow and forever! Peace be.

The New Testament Church Is Alive And Well - PART 333

There is only ONE Lord. There is only ONE faith. There Is only ONE baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

As a consequence, we as believers ought to be earnestly contending for this ONE FAITH - the SAME faith - that was ONCE delivered to God’s people. Remember that God has declared that as far as He is concerned, no man has the authority to lay any other foundation. For this one faith - the foundation of Jesus Christ - has already been laid. Yes, the foundation is JESUS the Christ.

The Church’s ONE and ONLY foundation was built upon the Holy Ghost teachings as revealed to the Apostles and Prophets chosen of God. These teachings are solid rock teachings of God, whose Word lives and abides forever. JESUS the Christ (God manifest in flesh)is Himself the Chief corner stone. The scriptures attest to this point.

Further, if any man dares to advance any other doctrinal teaching other than that which is delivered of God, then believers ought not to congregate in fellowship with them. Let me say this again. If the teachings are contrary to God’s instructed Words, then we should not congregate in fellowship with them. Why not? Because if we do, is this not repeating Adam and Eve's actions in the beginning -- once again inheriting a curse upon themselves?

Therefore, when these false self-appointed religious opponents of the truth of God’s Word arise, we should be going in the other direction. Indeed, as the scriptures point out, these religious folks originally only came in among us to spy out the liberty that we have found in JESUS. But as the scriptures also state, they were not of us. Actually, they never were. Therefore, a departure from this ONE FAITH only reiterates the fact that their teachings are not founded or structured upon the gospel teachings that were delivered by the holy Spirit of JESUS.

Note that the first believers continued STEADFASTLY in the Apostles doctrinal teachings. (Acts 2:36-47) Where else could they go? For the very Word of God was coming to them. The Word of God was not coming out from them, as so many profess today when they teach the traditions of men. But I digress. In accepting the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ then, these people were acknowledging that the original teachings were indeed God’s Word!

JESUS had instructed His chosen twelve apostles that they were to go to Jerusalem and stay there until, they should receive the promised blessed gift of His holy Spirit. And upon receiving His Spirit, then and only then were they to be His witnesses everywhere, even to every corner of the earth. This is why the holy Spirit of God worked with them as they preached, confirming their words with mighty signs and wonders. Now if God confirmed their word, then effectively it is no longer their word but indeed it is as God’s spoken and confirmed Word.

This presentation will be one of many which we hope will establish that the Word of our ONE LORD is forever settled in both heaven and earth. Indeed, that the Word of God is in no need to be changed or altered by men and/or women endeavouring to add to or diminish from the original Word which was sent forth of God, beginning at Jerusalem. The scriptures.

The new testament Church started at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. In Acts chapter 2, 3000 people gladly believed the gospel and were baptized into the ONE BAPTISM where believers are baptized into the Name of the Lord JESUS the Christ. (Acts 2:36)

As Peter (standing with the eleven) said -- "This SAME Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH LORD AND CHRIST!"

Not another but the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. The Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him -- for He dwells with you [now] and shall be in you. As Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." (John 14:17)

Thus, if God Confirms His Word, then no man has the right to disannul it. Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 332

Behold the flowers of the field and how they grow. They do not work for their survival. Neither do they require spin to promote their beauty. Still the scriptures state that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed more beautifully than one of these!

Similarly, the Lord of Glory, JESUS had by Himself made all things in heaven and upon earth. Yet He for our sakes became poor so that we through Him might become rich. Admittedly, He despised the shame that was attached to this human existence. Nevertheless, His love for His betrothed bride - His people - led Him to a sacrificial death at Calvary. Now if this act, in and of itself is not love, then we would have to redefine the word love. For there is no pen that can portray true love in word’s alone - particularly not the love that led to God taking on human form so that we might have salvation.

However, we do recognize that among the attributes of love, that love is mystical and beautiful. So what we have in JESUS is the love of God manifest in human form. We also have the scriptures that state, "Love not only in words but in deed." In this context, this is the LOVE of God personified - for men and women.

The Church then - which is the body of Christ - is to become the bride of Christ, engaged so to speak to be His wife. Ephesians chapter five elaborates on this point. For God to redeem His bride, we find written that Christ (God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son) loves His bride to be more than He loved His own life. And He would willingly sacrifice His life for her redemption.

But His bride to be was unfaithful to Him. She turned and was charmed by another - one who was a smooth talker and undoubtedly promised her the sun, moon and stars. In other words a smooth talking liar who then led her into a life of captivity. In the beginning, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were warned of God not to partake of two trees. The first tree being the tree of knowledge - good and evil and the second, the tree of life!

Like the cliches we often use - sayings like curiosity killed the cat or you shall not do this or that meant the opposite. Most often saying these statements meant going ahead and doing it. This direction even though the two were previously warned of God not to eat of the fruit. As a consequence of their actions, we as their offspring reap the consequences of side stepping the Word of our Creator. But God had a plan.

Earlier when we stated that the Lord of Glory became poor for our sakes, it was true. God left His glory so that we could became rich. In fact, we became so rich that we fell head over heels in love with Him who had become poor. We became inseparable - 24/7. We basked in the sunshine of His radiance. We hungered and thirsted to know more of Him. We realize that nothing shall separate us from God’s Love, a love that plain and simply will not let us go. We may say that silver and gold we have not but we have something much more than wealth and fame. We have someone worth living for -the same God who created us who was willing to go to the cross.

In other words, we fell in love with a poor man. We did not know that He was the Lord of Glory. But we did discover the that the love of God is much sweeter than wine. And that He whispers sweet love to those in His presence. There is similarly fullness of joy! Sow this SEED! Tell all of your friends. Why? Because HIS = God's love never fails!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 331

In the volume of the book it is written of Me. I came to do your will Lord.
For the Word of the Lord was manifest in the flesh, God revealing Himself to us. For no man has ever seen God, the only begotten Son who has come forth from the innermost being of the Spirit of the holy one. It is He who has revealed the mind of the Lord. It is He who has declared the counsel of God. For the Life of God was made manifest -- the very eternal life that made the world was in the world and the inhabitants of the earth did not know Him!

Let me provide a glimpse into the life of William Booth-Clibborn He was the grandson of William Booth, the illustrious founder of the Salvation Army. Booth-Clibborn was a powerful Pentecostal evangelist and authored one of the most beloved Oneness compositions ever written. The title of the song was “Down from His Glory.” This majestic song inspired in 1921 declares the glory of Christ, the incarnate God. The following is Booth-Clibborn's song.

Down from His glory, ever living story,
My God and Saviour came, and Jesus was His name;
Born in a manger to His own a stranger,
A man of sorrows, tears and agony!

What condescension, bringing us redemption,
That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight,
God gracious, tender laid aside His splendour,
Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul!

Without reluctance, flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan;
O glorious mystery sacrifice of Calvary!
And now I know He is the great I AM.

Chorus: Oh how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!
The great Creator became my Saviour,
And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him!

Speaking and singing within ourselves, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody within our heart to the Spirit of God in Christ!

Chorus: It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him,
The fullness of the Godhead is all in Him.
It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him,
The Mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him

These are examples of the moments and times of refreshing that come forth when people are in the presence of the Lord. Peace to all who are in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 330

The subject today is communion with the following excerpt obtained from an internet source. Herein, the message is about the Passover meal in the old covenant prior to switching into his perspective on the scriptures. The following states this preacher’s words.

Communion is not a memory. Communion is a re-enactment He (JESUS) never said "remember me." Indeed, He said, "Do this in remembrance of me." In this context then, it is the doing of it that is important. It is not just remembering it. In fact, there is no power in the memory. But there is power in the re-enacting of the event.

Communion then is the re-enacting. We act it out. We live the event again so it is happening now. Put a different way, we bring the past into the present. Jesus said, Do this in rememberance of me. He did not ask or tell people to think this in remembrance of Him. Why? Because it is the doing of it. That is why the Jewish people to this day during the Passover re-enact every event of the Passover with a meal. Everything they eat represents an act. Everything they eat represents a moment in time and replicates what took place thousands of years ago.

In earlier posts, we mentioned that the LORD JESUS said in I Corinthians chapter 11 "that there is no higher authority." Scripturally, higher authority means being a figment of foolish men’s imagination. So when a preacher is being influenced by his childhood religious instructions, based upon the erroneous teaching of the church which had its beginning in Rome 300/400 AD, we need to ask why. First, the self-imposed church fathers of Rome adopted a teaching known as transubstantiation, in which, according to church traditions, the simple elements of bread and wine are mystically transformed into the flesh and blood of the Lord JESUS the Christ.

The difficulty is that literally by their actions they are effectively pronouncing that the Crucifixion of JESUS at Calvary was an insufficient offering. And these are the people who are re-enacting Jesus crucifixion? The truth is that the LORD JESUS offered Himself ONCE and ONCE ONLY for all sin. So that all believers are complete in that one sacrifice. This may explain why there is no more sacrificial offering.

THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME, the scriptures state. Take the BREAD and DRINK the WINE and by so doing you SHOW FORTH the LORD’S DEATH until He returns. But the good news is that we are not going to crucify the Lord Of glory afresh. IT IS FINISHED! And we remember that JESUS was nailed to the cross once, taking our place for the Lord Himself took it upon Himself -- all of our past sins, present sins and even those of the future.

But the message does not end here. There will be times, as foretold by the scriptures that shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. Therefore, save yourself from this other gospel that doesn't align with the scriptures. Instead, obey Acts chapter 2 which is the WORD of the LORD coming / going forth from Jerusalem! Continue in MY WORD, the Bible states. Then you will indeed be MY friends! Peace to all Friends and Brethren in JESUS.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 329

Sometimes, when one listens to the viewpoints of television ministers, they are left wondering why no one has suggested that these same individuals take a seat amongst their listening audience. This is particularly true if he or she is advancing another gospel - erroneous teachings of the dark ages - rather than the truths found within the scriptures.

Indeed, it could be said that one individual I have watched consistently has foot and mouth disease - as in a big foot in their mouth. This analogy would even be funny except that the scriptures declare that these mouths who teach contrary to the scriptures must be stopped. In James 3, the scriptures refer to a horse and how one can be turned around by inserting a bit into its mouth.

I can only hope that in the days to come, this minister would be enlightened by God’s gracious words of truth. And that a beam of light may cause him and his ng trustiaudience to search the scriptures for themselves and determine what is right. For God’s Word is truth and if any man or woman teaches contrary to God’s Word, it is because there is not the right spirit within them. On this point, as we have learned earlier, the Spirit of God and the Word of God are in agreement!

The same principle applies to the topic of communion where numerous traditions have taken the place of accurate scriptural applications. As such, communion should be examined to see whether the practice is still part of the faith or it is just another opportunity for people to propagate the doctrine of devils. Or, like the scriptures state, like the pig that was washed only to return back to wallowing in the mud of old traditional religious ways.

Beginning with the definition of the word re-enact from Webster’s dictionary, we read that re-enact means to repeat the actions of an earlier event or incident. The new interpretation is that when we take communion we are not remembering the Lord’s death but rather that we are RE-ENACTING the incident. Repeating the actions. We are not then remembering the incident as called for in the scriptures. Instead, we are re-enacting the incident.

The Holy Ghost teaching delivered to the church by Paul clearly presents how communion should be practiced. I Corinthians 11:23. For example, he writes, "For I have received of the LORD that which also I delivered unto you. That the LORD JESUS the same night in which He was betrayed took bread. And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, "Take and eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me!"

After the same manner also, He took the cup of wine. When He had supped, He said, "This cup of wine is the NEW TESTAMENT in MY BLOOD. Do this for as often as ye drink this wine, you do so in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this wine, you are showing forth the LORD’S death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this wine unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD!"

So let a man examine himself, and let him or her eat of this bread and drink of this cup of wine. For he or she that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks damnation to themselves not discerning the Lord's body. For this is the reason that many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep (death)Let no man deceive you! Peace in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 328

Because Martin Luther nailed his thesis to a chapel door, doesn not mean that the thesis negates or alters the Word of God. Indeed, Martin Luther was bogged down in the quagmire of the church that had its roots in Rome. Why some commentators even suggest that the roman church was coined after Simon in Acts chapter 8. Here, Simon had projected himself as being the great power of God. So persuasive was Simon that the whole town, from the greatest to the least, believed that he was. Note that Simon is not Simon Peter.

However, when Philip arrived in Samaria to evangelize, Simon's trickery was exposed. Simon had viewed the miracles that the Holy Spirit performed upon the people of Samaria. Simon went along with the crowd and even went so far as to be baptised into the name of JESUS The apostles were coming from Jerusalem when they heard that Samaria had embraced the Word of God. And that likewise, they obediently believed being baptised into the name of the Word of God - JESUS.

The apostles upon arriving at Samaria prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit! For as yet, they had not received the Holy Spirit. They had believed Philip's preaching concerning the Kingdom of God. In this context, they also believed the name of the ruling and reigning King within God’s Kingdom. As a consequence, they were immediately baptized into the name of JESUS. The apostles prayed that the believers would receive the promised gift of God’s Holy Spirit. Upon the apostles praying and laying their hands upon the believers, the believers received the promised Holy Spirit.

Simon watching saw, that through prayer and the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given. Simon immediately offered to buy such a gift so that he also would be able to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands. The apostles said to Simon that his money will perish along with him if he should continue thinking that the gift of the Holy Spirit could be bought with money!

But Simon was a businessman who saw an opportunity. He had prior to Philip’s arrival been a very convincing businessman. So now he saw another trick, if you will, to practice with. Thus, in the time period 300-400 AD came forth another gospel. Martin Luther was an active participant in that other gospel.

The apostles said that if this gospel is hid from your understanding, it is hidden simply because of unbelief. And if one continues in their unbelief, they will never be part of the Kingdom of God! Yes, Martin did have a few scales removed from his eyes. To Martin’s spiritual mind was revealed some of the false erroneous teaching propagated by the roman church. However, Martin continued to straddle the fence being neither hot nor cold!

The result? The gospel of God was being withheld from the general populace. But God always has a small remnant - a mariners rope in days of yore had intertwined a scarlet thread of surety that the rope was of good quality. In the believers case the scarlet thread was the Blood of the Holy Spirit within the veins of JESUS -- Guaranteeing that whosoever calls upon the Name of JESUS they by the grace of God shall be saved!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 327

Is the Lord really our Shepherd? Does the Lord really have the pre-eminence in our life? Do we love the Lord our God with our heart, with our soul, with all our mind and with all of our strength? This would appear to be a tall order. But remember the words "In God We Trust." I am what I am today because of God’s grace and mercy!

Sometimes it is good to remember this message in our day to day lives. We are what we are because of God's grace and mercy! Let me tell you a story. Some time ago, we travelled to the United States to attend my grandson's wedding. There were four of us in the vehicle. We get to customs where we presented the border patrol officers with our passports. My wife and I have British passports. Because we have lived in Canada for most of our lives, we also have Canadian permanent resident cards. Suddenly, I hear my name being called. Then we were all ushered into the office.

My wife and I are on the generous side of seventy. In this border station, we were fingerprinted and scanned for the very first time in our lives. If we had not been attending a grandson's wedding, we would have made a U-turn. As such, we were - reluctantly - processed. When the numerous inquiries were complete, we were welcomed to the states. We were even invited to stay there for a period of time if we desired.

Thank you but no thanks, particularly after this experience. Still, I am what I am because of God's grace and mercy! So I said to the young officer, "I have something for you." I pulled out a card. She takes it in her hand reading the words very slowly. Clearly, her facial expressions reflected her inner feelings. Indeed, she responded with feeling in her voice.

"I have ..." she said. On the front face of the card appears the following words. "You have tried everything else, why not give God a chance?" On the backside of the card appears an outline of a plate with words that state “YOUR OFFERING PLATE." I said to the young officer, "stand in the plate and offer yourself to the Lord." She said, "I have."

This is just one example of many that will never ceased to amaze me. In fact, I am always amazed at the situations God takes me into in order to lead a lost sheep to receive His Grace and Mercy. During that day in Chicago, by God’s Grace, a harvest of persons came to partake of His redemptive salvation.

For the entire time I was there, it seemed that God was opening hearts everywhere. Sometimes, I think perhaps I should have stayed longer. But I have Canada, the country that at this moment in time is my harvest field. And even though I am British as alluded to earlier, I also recognize that beyond “Brit’ meaning Covenant, and “ish” meaning man, I am still a recipient of all the benefits awarded by God’s Grace. All the benefits resulting from the Everlasting Covenant of God in JESUS the Christ.

In this context, God has a people, which in reality, are neither Jew nor Gentile. For out of all nations down through the ages, God is calling to Himself a people. A people who formerly were not a people but now because of GOD’S grace and mercy have become members of His bone and flesh. For it was at Calvary that the Lord of glory sacrificed His sinless body to redeem all who call upon His name.

A symbolic cross around one’s neck, even a symbolic hand over one’s heart are all external gestures. But the REAL EXPERIENCE is CHRIST IN ONES HEART. Stand in the Offering Plate today. In God we trust! Peace to all brethren and friends.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 326

JESUS responding to a group states that they were being hypocritical. He said this because as capable as they were of discerning the approaching weather conditions, this same group of people were incapable of discerning the signs of the times.

Well, if we consider the signs of the times today as revealle in the scriptures, they would indicate that many stormy clouds are gathering. Everywhere the earth is experiencing unusual and abnormal weather conditions including earthquakes, floods, roaring seas and ocean passageways that open while conversely icecaps melt. But the signs of the time go beyond global warming.

Indeed, it appears that perilous times are at all nations doorstep. Every day the darkness darkens. Men and women's hearts seem to fail. Epidemics of incurable disease and starvation are rampant. One hears of constant wars. Incidents on a global scale with the potential to impact all nations such as the nuclear plants in Japan or Russia’s Chernobyl. Events with catastrophic unforeseen happenings. Or the twin towers in New York unmercifully attacked by religious fanatics. The list is endless!

Wars, wars, and rumours of wars. Violence in the countryside. Violence in the city. Women being treated as if they were of no consequence, being raped and beaten at random. Indeed, abortions conducted repeatedly. In days gone by, such happenings would be referred to as the slaughter of the innocents. The economic collapse. Religious fanatics blowing each other up and upon so doing, they think that they are doing God a service. And then these religious fanatics broadcast to the world that really they are a peace loving religion. In the interim, the United Nations applies bandage solutions.

JESUS said that when you see buds appearing on the trees, then we say summer draws near. Likewise, when you see all this turbulence occurring in the world, a change in affairs is about to occur. From a scriptural perspective, such happenings can be likened to a pregnant woman. The earth being the pregnant woman which bears a child. During the pregnancy, many strange effects occur. The earth initially inhabited by Adam and Eve is now inhabited by billions. But as in pregnancy, the time of delivery of the child approaches. Anxiousness and awareness is accompanied with impending pain forewarning us that delivery is nigh.

Likewise is the happenings which now encompass the world as if it is now time for the earth to bring forth the child which has been developing within the womb of the earth since the dawn of creation. Like real births, there are delivery waters (water a prelude, water always pre-empts birth which can also bring forth life or death). Suddenly birth ushers in the finished product which signifies a new offspring. A new beginning.

But as we know, man has rebelled against God from the garden of Eden. Man’s rebellion in the beginning caused men to be in bondage to a then unknown task master who is so convincingly deceptive that men no longer believe that they were created. Why institutions unfortunately even instruct children into the errors of our unbelief.

Yes, at the end of the day the world as we know it is darkening. The 666 generation is prevalent. But don't worry because JESUS said that all these things must come to pass. Still, it is not the Euro that needs to be saved. It is Europe that needs to be saved. And beyond. Why? Because we are all in it together.

"Come to Me" saith Jesus, "and I will give you rest." Give you JESUS not religion because Jesus is man's only Saviour. Therefore, ask the Saviour into your life. God is a good God. PEACE in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 325

I KNOW IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED AND I AM PERSUADED THAT HE CAN IS FULLY ABLE TO KEEP ME. The question then is this. Do you know Jesus who is the Almighty God? Are you equally persuaded that God is able?(Revelations 1:9)

In the Bible, JESUS said to some religious folks that they searched the scriptures, and by so doing, thought they were obtaining eternal life. But as He pointed out, eternal life is not to be found by only one reading. Indeed, it is the scriptures that testify of me and yet Jesus said, you will not come to me. "For if you were to actively believe in me, then you would have called upon ME. I would come to you and imparted unto you My Gift of Eternal Life.

We know this because JESUS is the Author of the Scriptures. In the scriptures, the volumes He said are written of Him/me. However, the natural minded person does not understand the scriptures for the scriptures reveal that in the mind of a naturally minded man, the scriptures appear as foolishness! But believing upon JESUS is the key to understanding the scriptures. Belief in JESUS opens the natural man‘s mind to a fuller and more complete understanding.

JESUS said to a naturally minded man, "You must be born again." He did so for a reason. For without being born again, said Jesus, you cannot understand the scriptures pertaining to the Kingdom of God. JESUS says further that "Except a man be born again of water and of the Spirit, a man cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

JESUS expands the conversation by saying to this naturally minded man that a fleshly mind cannot understand spiritual thoughts. Therefore, understand the need for the natural mind to be born again. And search the scriptures.
There you will discover that JESUS is the embodiment of the Word of God. JESUS disciples said, "Where else can we go? You Lord alone have the Words of eternal life." And the results of this message? Ordinary people pressed toward JESUS to hear the Word of God!

Indeed, JESUS is the Word of God manifest in the flesh. JESUS is not a separate being. No sir. JESUS is God’s own Word and if JESUS be God’s own Word, then JESUS cannot be another person. Otherwise, God would be without His own Word and such cannot be. For it is written that, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God!” The very same Word that was with God was manifest in the flesh. JESUS is the manifestation of God’s Word veiled in flesh.

Indeed, JESUS is the GOD who has by Himself created all things, even as it is written - He (GOD) was in the world and the world was made by Him! Certainly, as we read in the scriptures, the early believers believed that JESUS was God! The Holy Spirit of God was in the man JESUS! JESUS said, that before Abraham ever was I AM, inferring that He was the I AM. In fact, how many times did JESUS say that He is the I AM, or I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Yes, JESUS is the unseen Spirit of God, now to be seen in the face of JESUS the Christ! For if you have seen ME -- JESUS -- then you have seen the Father. All the FULNESS of the GODHEAD DWELLS BODILY IN JESUS! Peace to all in Jesus!