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!