THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 383

The Lord is my Shepherd - PART 383 Who would you believe? Would you rather believe eye witnesses to an event or an editor's opinion published years later was not privy to the event at the time it occurred. I do knot that it is never better to believe revisionist history if one is seeking the truth. If we take these questions further, we must ask - who is it that would negate the Greek writings in preference for claiming that the Hebrew writings were more authoritative? Certainly waiting 2000 years to revive the Hebrew language is questionable given that during this time period most persons had already embraced another language. The Hebrew language then was so to speak ditched. This is evident from the historical writings. If the Hebrew writings then was the language of that day then scholars within that era would still be conversant in the scripture. As is apparent when one reads Acts 2, other languages at the time were the norm! Further, in the early Christian Church the presumed fact was that the Septuagint was translated by Jews before the era of Christ. And that the Septuagint at certain places gives itself more to a Christological interpretation than say the 2nd century, for example. In terms of the Hebrew texts, evidently the Jews had changed the Hebrew text in such a way that made them less Christological. For example, in Isaiah 7.14. the Septuagint clearly writes of a ‘virgin that shall conceive.' While the Hebrew text was, according to Irenaeus, at that time interpreted by some of the Jewish faith as being a "young woman shall conceive." Those of the Jewish faith according to Irenaeus used this to claim that Joseph was the biological father of JESUS. From Irenaeus' point of view that was pure heresy. As we know from history, heresy was facilitated by late anti-Christian alterations of the scripture in Hebrew. This is evidenced by the older pre-Christian age presentation recorded in the Septuagint. Therefore, if we consider this historical perspective, it is possible that the early Christian writers used the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew Old Testament as their reference. This is further supported when we consider that in the Masoretic text only six references are found in the New Testament. In contrast, 60 - 70 references are presented from the Septuagint. One could say that in this regard, the early church sort of used pony express to deliver written documents while at the same time personally confirming the contents within the letters. JESUS the Christ (Messiah) God Himself with us! JESUS the name GIVEN from Heaven for the child who was “God our Saviour” veiled in flesh. JESUS the central theme of all scriptures. The written Word declaring that in the volume of the Book [the Bible] it is written of Me. Remember, the Old Testament scriptural verses are prophecies foretelling of Jesus. The New Testament verses proclaim the fulfillment. The following verses below are listed for your edification and learning. Check them out ... 1. Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23) 2. A descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16) 3. Of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14) 4. Of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1) 5. Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7) 6. Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15) 7. Herod´s killing of the infants (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18) 8. Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17) 9. Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3) 10 Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 9:35) 11 Would preach good news (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:14-21) 12 Would minister in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-16) 13 Would cleanse the Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13) 14 Would first present Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25; Matthew 21:4-11) 15 Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9) 16 Would be rejected by Jews (Psalm 118:22; I Peter 2:7) 17 Die a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) involving: 18 Rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48) 19 Betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18) 20 Sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15) 21 Silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14) 22 Being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew 27:31) 23 Beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26) 24 Spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30) 25 Piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Matthew 27:31) 26 Being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38) 27 Praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34) 28 Piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34) 29 Given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36) 30 No broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36) 31 Buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60) 32 Casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24) 33 Would rise from the dead!! (Psalm 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31) 34 Ascend into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9) 35 Would sit down at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3)

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 382

Yes God is Spirit in whom no man has every seen at any time. The same God who has revealed Himself to His creation. God did not reveal another so called god, for God has declares that He knows of no other God. Indeed as the scriptures state, "There is none besides Himself." So we are plainly speaking of one God, being one Spirit whose Spirit fills the heavens and the earth. It is in this one Spirit God that we live and move, having in Him our existence and our being. Whether man believes this to be a reality or not is irrelevant. The fact that you and I are intricately made speaks in defiance of man’s arrogance! Yes God reveals Himself. In that revelation we are bound. We did not climb up into Heaven to bring the knowledge of God down to earth. Rather, God declares Himself. Moreover, even the Heavens declare God’s glory. And the earth shows His handiwork and even His hidden wisdom. Th e scriptures state that eyes and ears we have, and each bear witness that God is for all they see and hear, but they are offended and stumble in unbelief. Still, God created all things both seen and unseen. Similarly, God is before all things. Further, the Almighty God does not play dice. In fact, all things are purposely made. The world and us in it are not a result of dead matter creating intelligent order! How can we say this? For with God there is no confusion. We recognize that we cannot see God who is Spirit. But what we can see is the unwritten law of the nature of the Spirit of God in creation. When God by Himself counselled to create a natural visible world which would in visible form display that which is spiritual. God creating man in His own image. God setting man over the very works of His hands. Man is capable of free will but unfortunately free will can lead one into captivity when the wrong decision is made. This is what happened in the Eden garden. Adam and Eve were confronted with a foreign agent the devil who Adam and Eve thought was a mister. A know it all. And thus, here we are out of fellowship with our creator having a death sentence imposed upon us - one that includes sickness, disease and suffering waiting to pounce upon us! So this one Spirit God who is the rightful owner of creation and all that might entail sets in motion a redemptive plan, starting in the Garden of Eden where God pronounced the incurred penalty for sinful disobedience. For man having disobeyed God now enters into another world wherein sin abounds. The devil being the ruler of that foreign realm. But the good news is that God said, the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent's head. God, the very same God who created all things promises that the SEED of a woman is going to bruise the serpent’s or devil's head. The SEED life being the SEED of the Spirit of God which SEED life is to be conceived into the womb of a young virgin girl Mary wherein the Holy Spirit SEED life is clothed upon with sin prone flesh. Which flesh is the seed of the woman. But the life within that sin prone seed of a woman is the LIFE of the Holy Spirit of God who has made all things. GOD Himself with us. God answering to the GIVEN name of JESUS. Not another named God but the very same God who now Himself appears in fashion as a Son. Whilst in that sin prone body God Himself would bruise the serpents head for trying to rule over us. However, there is only one God who rules. This is the same God redeeming His creation from the devil's captivity. As it is written, "JESUS led captivity into captivity and gave gifts to men. The greatest gift was that GOD gave Himself for you and I. Now today God offers to all men the same salvation regardless of whether man is totally consumed in the depths of sin. Why? Because God loves us. His offer stands with no conditions attached The FREE gift of eternal life. Don't believe that God's gift is too good to be true because it is true. This message is a door crasher message. The door which was once locked is now wide open. There is no need to crash the door. Instead, come to Jesus today! This is the gospel of our great God who is our only Saviour who was Himself the Lord JESUS the Christ! Peace to all!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 381

In the New Testament, there are two names and a variety of titles that refer to Jesus. Of the two names, one is a given name. The other declares who Jesus was. That is, Immanuel - which interpreted declares that Jesus is God with us! This is why we can attest to the early church receiving the Word of God directly from the mouth of God Himself -- Jesus. Because Jesus was declared to be God manifest in the flesh as a Son.

Indeed, Jesus was the life Seed of the Holy Spirit conceived into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. The early believers in the church did not simply repeat Jesus' words but rather focused on Jesus. These believers proclaimed Jesus to the multitudes whilst at the same time endeavouring to digest all of the gospel that they had both seen and heard. Like John the baptist, they proclaimed that the Lord of Glory visited man but that we/they in our/their ignorance, crucified Him that was the Lamb of God.

In this context, the given name of Jesus was the embodiment of all titles and prophecies that had forgone His incarnation in flesh. No, not just a name. Rather, a name above every other name that is in Heaven and earth. For the name of Jesus is a name that is all powerful. The scriptures state that "Every knee shall bow to the name of JESUS."

But not only will each and every one of us bow before Jesus but we will all likewise declare that JESUS is Lord. Further, JESUS declared to his disciples that if they ask His Father for anything in His name - the name of Jesus - He will give it to them. Therefore, the name of JESUS is not just a sequence of identifying symbols. No sir! JESUS' Word was -- and is -- with power. JESUS' speech was not a rehearsed sermon for unlike the religious folk of the day, He did not speak like the Scribes and Pharisees.

We know then that the name of JESUS is the only name whereby anyone can be saved. But it is more than this. The name of JESUS being a name is not a concoction of inserted vowels or a translated name. No. The name of JESUS is given of GOD. In this sense, God did not consult with man before the name of JESUS was given. We pray in and through the name of JESUS, who is God as a Son. It was Jesus who laid down His life for us, so that we through His sacrificial offering of His own flesh could be saved. Obtain redemption for our sins.

Thus, because of His sacrifice, we can now approach His throne of grace with boldness because through JESUS all accusatory judgements of sin are dismissed. Up until His sacrificial death at Calvary, Jesus was declared to be‘God with us.' Now God has provided in the sacrifice of Himself a means whereby He is no longer ‘God with us’ but instead ‘God IN us.'

The only place that God does not occupy is in a man’s heart. He knocks at your heart’s door waiting for you and I to respond to His love. Therefore, let JESUS the GOD who loves you dearly enter into your life today. This is the message that the believers in the early church went everywhere preaching -- JESUS. They were not interested in substituting another name for they received their salvation from the one whose given name was JESUS.

They had tasted the water of life (the Holy Spirit) because they asked JESUS for life. He [JESUS] gave them to drink. Now in JESUS they are springing up in the grace of God and knowledge of Him who was in the man JESUS! They called on the "given" name -- the name of the LORD JESUS! God be with you!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 380

Logos = the Word = Wisdom

In John 1:1-18, we learn that JESUS is His given name. We also understand incarnate as being the Word or Wisdom of God. In the above passage, John identifies JESUS as the Logos which became incarnate. These scriptural references appear only at the beginning of John. The term Logos that refers to JESUS being the Word and Wisdom is used only in two other Bible passages: I John 1:1 and Revelations 19:13.

The statement that the Logos or the Word Wisdom existed "in the beginning" asserts that as Logos the Word and Wisdom was an eternal being like God. But this is an incorrect interpretation. So is it also a misinterpretation when the Church fathers dating back to 300/400 AD say that *because the Logos was with God" they can assert the distinction of JESUS from God.

But read these verses again. The scripture does not say this. Rather, the scripture declares that the Logos, the Word and Wisdom was God. Further, the statement that the Logos "was God" restates the unity of Jesus with God, thus re-stating His divinity. Yes, the Logos was with God and the Logos was God. The Logos here being the Word and Wisdom of God would of course be with God. Where else would one expect God’s own Word and wisdom to be?

Even as your word and wisdom is with you. By suggesting otherwise, religion is hammering upon their own anvil and handling the Word of God deceitfully.

Now John reveals that the Logos / Word / Wisdom of God was veiled in flesh and the appearance of the Logos / Word / Wisdom was as a man. The life within the man being the life SEED of the Holy Ghost now conceived into the womb of a surrogate mother. Whereupon the child who was the SEED of the Holy Spirit was to be veiled in sin prone flesh!

The child's given name was JESUS - Immanuel - God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23)

Therefore, this explains why we call on the name of JESUS. God with us in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. In whom dwells the Logos / Word/ Wisdom of God. Yes, the same God who made the world arrives into His created world.

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:1-18)

The inhabitants of earth still unaware that God was in their midst! Why? Because He came in fashion in appearance as one of Abraham's natural offspring. However, inside that natural prone to sin flesh body did dwell the SEED life of the humanity of God. Indeed, God Himself as a Son. The SEED containing the life blood and bones framing the child of the Holy Ghost.

This explains why not one bone of His body was broken on the cross. For the bones and blood were contained in the SEED of God’s Spirit, neither of which had sinned. Only the flesh was more marred than any other, for upon JESUS' sinless, yet prone to sin body was laid all of our sin, so that we who believe and receive should through JESUS' death have all sinful accusations dismissed.

For JESUS was GOD manifest offering to man redemption. (I Timothy 3:16)

Therefore, JESUS was man but JESUS was also the Logos -- the Word / Wisdom of God Himself! For it is written that JESUS is the Word and Wisdom of God. If JESUS, as presented by the so-called church fathers was another distinct and separate person of the Godhead, then God would have to be apart from His own Word and Wisdom!

For further clarification, please  note the following. It was after the first Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and the council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, that the Logos and a second person of the trinity were introduced and adopted by man-made religion. But it was not so from the beginning!

"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1)

And this same God said what He meant to say. "I am the Lord thy God, and beside Me, there is no Saviour."

So receive the LOGOS JESUS who is and was and is to come the ALMIGHTY into your heart today. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that ye too can be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

Stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ, letting the Word of God be the Word of God! Peace be to all those who are proud to stand in His congregation as JESUS PEOPLE!

Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 379

Call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin! Immanuel meaning God with us. Indeed, the name of JESUS was a given name delivered by an angel. In the scriptures, angels were messengers of God. We also read that the Angel said, "Call His name JESUS." Therefore, again, we need to ask the question - what was His name?

If we pare this example down to our own personal lives, we can ask the same question - What is our given name? Yes, admittedly, we can abbreviate our names and/or be called by some other form of name but at the end of the day, our given name is our name. Indeed, if one so desires, he or she can even pronounce their name in another language. Nevertheless, it does not replace one's assigned given name. Certainly, when we sign official documents with another name we can see what chaos it causes. This analogy is intended to show that the same given name applies to God Almighty.

In Acts 2:7-11, we learn that on the day of Pentecost there were devout men from every nation saying among themselves, "How is it that we hear them speak in our tongues?" The answer is simple. The wonderful works of God. Peter, along with the other eleven apostles who had been given (by JESUS) the keys to the Kingdom of God delivered this first redemptive message to the gathered crowd, saying to them that they in their ignorance had indeed crucified the ‘Lord of Glory’ (whose given name was JESUS).

Upon hearing this message, the crowds were deeply troubled saying to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Men and brethren what must we do?"

The answer given to them was this. That each individual ought to repent of their sins, confessing before God their guilt and ask God for His forgiveness. Having done this the next step was to be baptized into a watery grave (symbolically they themselves being buried into the grave in like manner as was JESUS the Lord of Glory death and burial). In so doing, their sins would be forgiven and their sin transferred onto JESUS who willingly sacrificed His own sinless body for them.

In sacrificing His own sinless body, He would hereby provide eternal salvation to each and every one who repents and is baptized calling upon the Saviour’s given name JESUS, thereby washing away their sin. By doing this, each would arise from the watery grave in the likeness of JESUS' resurrection, as a new creation cleaned of all guilt. In fact, it would be just as if their sin had never been committed!

So into whose name were they all baptized? Of course, they were all baptized into the given name that was spoken of by the angelic messenger of God. This name is JESUS. His name is JESUS. On that day of Pentecost, 3000 persons repented and were baptized into the name given whereby we could be saved. JESUS. That's right - the same Jesus who came to save His people from their sin!

Everyone who received the Word of God repented and were that same day baptized into the given name JESUS! Why? For the remission of their sin. Yes, as Acts 2 presents, Jews out of every nation were baptized into the given name of JESUS.

So how can some believe that the first 3,000 believers were baptized wrongfully? Or that 2000 years later some still choose to resist the Holy Spirit teaching of baptism into the given name of JESUS. Do they prefer to be misled? Because the scriptures are very clear on this message.

First, JESUS said that the WORD of God should go forth beginning at Jerusalem. Second, this is the WORD of God that stated that all men and women everywhere are commanded of God to repent. Third, that all men and women were to be baptized into the given name of JESUS! And fourth, we read that the Lord added to His Church body daily such as were being saved. Yes, in Acts these believers continued steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teaching through the apostles who were later confirmed by God.

This is why when I say to you - save yourself from this untoward generation - it is because we all need to be reminded that the Word of God is not coming out from you or I. Rather, the Word of God is coming to us. Peace to all who are obedient to the Spirit of Christ in God!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 378

In God we Trust. In retrospect, this repeatedly cited motto suggests that we believe there is a God. Well the devil also believes that there is one God and trembles. The devil found that out the hard way when he tried doing his own thing. Now the devil trembles at the very thought of God Almighty, for he along with his crew of demons are on route to a place called Hell.

Unlike the images that we are often subjected to, hell is a place of torment where no one dies. But hell was never prepared for man. Rather, it was prepared for fallen angelic spirits who cannot die and thus must dwell in isolation for eternity. Tortured! When one arrives there it becomes their permanent address. Although these fallen angels know God they will never as a consequence of their disobedience have an opportunity to walk in a personal relationship with God.

Fortunately, we do have this opportunity which is why we ask - "Who is the God that we profess to trust in? Who is the God that we refer to when we say to each other God bless? God is not a chain around one’s neck. Neither is God a picture hanging on a wall. God certainly is not a statue because a statue is lifeless. So then, who is this God who loved us so much that He was willing to die for us?

Well, in this context we can learn from history. For example, before the Reformation, a dark cloud of religious ignorance covered what was then known as earth. During this time, God in many respects was considered an unknown. Further, religious ignorance at the time was perpetuated as if it were light. But in reality, it was nothing more than satanic fallen angels endeavouring to take their last stand against God’s rule. Historically, it might even look like they were achieving their goal.

That is, until someone’s inner light turned on and the question was asked, "Where did all this religious captivity come from?" In asking the question, people began to compare the current societal environment to the analogy of warfare -- where signposts are often turned around and the road pointing to God is instead pointing to a dead end street. In reflecting upon this, people began to understand that within society dwelt religious traditional ceremonies and institutions that hid the light of God from the people.

But then an inner light began to shine -- to a place where the light which was much brighter than the noon day sun began to rise. Unlike the dark days before, this light led not to the proliferation of religious and institutional traditions. Instead, the light revealed truth for what it was. That first God is love and second, with open arms He is saying that you and I should make a personal decision to return to Him.

When this enlightenment occurred, that entrenched religious domineering system of darkness began to reel on its heels. As the promised SEED of the woman the Word of God put its foot upon the devil (in disguise) society began to change. Unfortunately, however, it was still not a death blow. It is for this reason that once again the devil in disguise religious system rides horseback upon the political system working its way into places of power. At the same time, the devil is bent on bringing people who do not know the Word of God into their captivity. Blinding them from the truth.

The good news is that the cloak of anti-Christian teachings which has domineered within society since 300/400 AD is still being rent. The entrance of the Word of God (light) is gradually dispelling the religious darkness that desires to cover people's thinking with a blanket of submission. Like the Reformation days, the scriptures continue to be published unifying many zealous believers together in the knowledge and understanding that God truly loves them. Indeed, how blessed it is when all people can dwell together in unity.

Like the inner light believers of old, Friends who were later called Quakers journeyed along with the Puritans. At this time, the Puritans were still partially immersed in the Law (for they were unaware that the Law was added until the SEED (Christ) after which the gospel of grace is seated). In this context, the puritans persecuted the inner light people not permitting them into their towns. In some cases, it actually brought death upon them -- the first woman hung in Boston was of the Quaker- Friends - of inner light persuasion. The Quakers were the initial framers of the American constitution for the constitution was based upon the freedom and liberty and religious tolerance that the enlightenment of the glorious gospel of God in Christ brought.

This is why JESUS commissioned believers to preach this gospel as missionaries to the world. For it is the preaching of this gospel that brings liberty, peace and prosperity to one and all. In this sense, I say thank God for the internet for this gospel right now (like the twinkling of an eye) can as a consequence encompass the whole world. The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (not military power) bringing nations out from religious satanic captivity. Through preaching peace in JESUS the Christ Lord of all!

Therefore, it is my hearts desire and prayer to God that wherever you might be, you shall prosper and be in good health even as your soul is quickened by the entrance of the Word of Life contained in the NEW TESTAMENT! Peace to all nations!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 377

The Word of God was manifest in the flesh, in fashion as a Son, and hemmed in a flesh body which was prone to sin. The flesh being sin prone is said to be a ‘holy thing' for the child was the SEED life of the Holy Spirit. The Father blood flowed within the veiled in flesh humanity even in the womb of one of Adam’s fallen race. Therefore, the body of flesh veiled the Holy Spirit conceived child who was of God named JESUS. The body of flesh was sin prone inasmuch as Mary herself was born into a sin prone body. Mary, like each and every one of us stand in need of redemption, which Mary acknowledged when she declared that Her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour!

Indeed, God has visited us and God Himself has raised us up a horn of salvation. This child JESUS [Immanuel] is God Himself with us. For it is written, that to Adam’s prone to sin race is born a Saviour Christ. As a Son in appearance. His descriptive names clearly expressing Him as being Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and similarly the Prince of Peace. It is this same God that we call JESUS for it is He who shall save His people from their sin!

The SAME ONE God who created the world was now in the world veiled in flesh as a man, purposely, in order to destroy the devil’s hold on us. For it is Christ who is afore spoken of as being the Lamb (child) of God who was slain before the earth was formed. Now in JESUS the child of the Holy Spirit, we see the lamb of God who Himself took away the sin of His people. The people who the Holy Spirit alone has afore chosen to be His people. Not a people who were born after the will of the flesh as Ishmael was but a people redeemed and born of God!

We recognize this from reading the volumes of the scriptures. In fact, the scriptures are all about Him, JESUS the Christ - God manifest in the flesh. For it was God’s Holy Spirit that anointed the prophets revealing to them the things which would have otherwise been hid. However, even though the Word of the Spirit of Christ which was upon the prophets signifying beforehand God’s redemptive plan pointing to salvation, the message went unheeded. Still, the Old Testament repeatedly tells of revelations to prophets that prophesied about the future sufferings of Christ and the many glorious things God would bestow upon men and women as a consequence. This is the message that is so important for us today.

Yes, that is God who was in Christ (God perfect humanity manifest in the flesh) has willingly laid down His pure sinless perfect human life in the flesh so that we through Him (not apart from Him) could be brought back to the place where we were before the devil showed up. Indeed, God has rolled out the red carpet of blood so that we can - like Royalty - walk back to the Christ in God and be without condemnation. For Christ who knew no sin took upon Himself ALL of our sin. He took sin upon Himself so that we - you and I - might walk in fellowship with Him.

Therefore, JESUS is the only bridge over troubled waters. Come to Jesus today. Enter in by the only door of salvation - through Jesus. The dispensation we are dwelling in today is not the same dispensation as was when Christ (God with us) walked upon earth. Then we crucified the Lord of Glory. Now the Holy Spirit of Christ in God commands everyone to repent and be baptized into the Name of Jesus the Christ.

It is here that when one obeys, they pass through the door and receive the promised Spirit of God which indwelt the man JESUS the Christ!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 376

JESUS is the name which is above every other name in Heaven and on earth. God who is one Spirit has by Himself created all things. Therefore, JESUS created all things and is before all things! JESUS then is the showing forth of the essence of the humanity of the Holy Spirit of God in form.

Think about this for a moment. The essence of the humanity of God coming forth from the innermost being of God in visible form. Not another God that is separate and distinct from the Spirit of God but rather JESUS being all the essence of God’s humanity now appearing in visible form as a Son. The invisible spiritual essence of God’s humanity now revealed in visible form.

YES! JESUS in form reveals the essence of spiritual humanity (which was prior to this yet unknown) in visible form. God (so to speak) stepping forth (opening the veil as it were a curtain) showing all the essence of His spiritual humanity in form as a Son. It is in this visible spiritual form that He visually displayed all the essence of the humanity of the Holy Spirit. For indeed JESUS in form embodied all the essence of the spiritual humanity of the Holy Spirit! The essence of the spiritual humanity of God appearing as the Alpha of God in visible form. JESUS. The essence of the spiritual humanity of God in form, appearing as a Son.

Note: this is not the creation spoken of as being the beginning of the creation of God for JESUS was not created. No, JESUS was begotten. So when it speaks thus, ‘the beginning of the creation of God’ it reveals that which was in the mind of God speaking concerning His flesh body as‘the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth!’

Yes, the scriptures reveal JESUS as being so much higher than the angels. The essence of the spiritual humanity of God as a Son inheriting a more excellent name than angels. Never at any time to any angel was it said, "You are My Son. This day have I begotten you." Or that "I will be to you as a Father and He shall be to me as a Son." Rather, when the essence of the spiritual humanity comes forth as a Son the scriptures state, "Let all the angels of God worship Him."

For those of you who might not know, angels are angelic spirits, likened unto a flame of fire. They can be compared to messengers of God. But conversely, the Son is ALL the essence of the spiritual humanity of God. ALL. ‘Your Throne, O’ God is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness, the sceptre of your kingdom."

The essence of the spiritual humanity of God then loves righteousness - hating iniquity - constantly anointed with the oil of gladness above all others. For it is You Lord, in the beginning who has laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of Your hands. They all shall perish but You remain and they all shall grow old like a garment. Everything changes except You because You Lord are always the same.

No, it was never said to the angels, "Sit on my right hand until, I make Your enemies Your footstool." Rather, angels are given as ministering spirits, sent forth of God to minister for and to the redeemed born again, water baptized Holy Spirit filled believers who have become the heirs of SALVATION! Peace to all in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 375

We know from the scriptures that God at sundry times and in different ways often spoke in time past unto the fathers via the prophets. We also know that He speaks to us in these last days via His Son (His Son conceived of the SEED coming forth from the innermost being of the Spirit of God). For it is JESUS the Son of the Holy Spirit that is appointed heir of all things. It is JESUS who is before all things and further by JESUS whereby all things exist and consist. In fact, all things were made by JESUS and for JESUS who is Himself the humanity of God revealed. God’s humanity that was before unknown is now manifest in flesh so that we -- His earthly creation -- may know the humanity of His Holy Spirit and love Him. For in JESUS did dwell all the humanity of God which was previously unknown.

JESUS the SEED child of the Holy Spirit of God is revealed to us as the actual glorious brightness of the unseen Spirit of God. JESUS is also the express image (essence) of the unseen Spirit of God! Indeed, JESUS is the very Word of God. The Word is God. He is not the Word of another but the very same Word of Power that spoke all things into being. JESUS is the unseen Spirit of God that is now coming forth as a Son into His own created world. Why? Because the unseen Spirit of God wants to redeem man from sin through a redemption which required the death of a righteous man. Remember, in God’s eyes, there was none righteous because all had sinned. But God had a plan!

Those of us who are fortunate to live in the 21st century recognize this. God could have destroyed the world in Noah’s day when only Noah was found righteous among the people. But God choose not to do so. Instead, God planned an unbelievable act of love toward His creation - you and I. Yes, God Himself had a plan to make a way whereby redemption could be had.

He did so because sin had entered the world through one man’s disobedience to God and the result was a disobedience imposed a sentence of death. God’s plan on the other hand was one whereby He could veil His sinless Spirit of humanity in flesh and then allow Himself to be put to death on a cross. By so doing, God being without sin furnished a righteous man. God Himself as a man dismissed all imposed death penalties. As David said in Psalms, Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil for God is with us.

God Himself as a Son redeemed mankind back to the place of innocence, just as if sin and disobedience had never occurred in the first place. God by Himself purged all of our sins. "It is finished!" God's redemptive plan is complete. JESUS ascended up into heaven from whence He had descended - to purchase man’s redemption. JESUS sat down which signifies that salvation is a gift. Complete. It similarly signifies that you nor I can't add to this redemptive plan, nor can we diminish from the finished plan of redemption. Why? Because this finished plan of redemption has been completed once and for all time.

There is no more sacrifice for sin. One cannot work for their salvation as if endeavouring by oneself could obtain salvation. For salvation cannot be purchased through works. Salvation can only be purchased by God for us. Yes, God shedding His own undefiled life bringing blood of His Holy Spirit, which blood flowed within the veins of JESUS' body!

So let us come to the Lord our only Saviour with nothing in our hands. No hidden false agendas. But instead, let's come to our Lord embracing only sincerity and truth. Ask JESUS the Lord of glory for forgiveness and mercy. For JESUS was nailed to the cross willingly for you and I. In short, He [JESUS] or GOD WITH US put Himself to death in our stead. AMEN!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 374

The scriptures state that we ought to give heed to these things which we have heard lest at any time we should forget. For if the Word spoken by angels was steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, then how are we going to escape if we reject these words of salvation?

These words that are the very words spoken and delivered to us by the Lord JESUS Himself. The words spoken to us by the Lord JESUS now delivered to us (by His chosen apostles). God having imparted to them the gifts of His Holy Spirit, whereby signs, and wonders and miracles were manifest of God through these imparted gifts. Indeed, He confirmed the Word spoken by them as being God’s own Word. See Hebrews chapter 2 for details.

Forasmuch then as we God’s children are veiled in flesh and blood, God also likewise veiled Himself. God’s purposed plan being that by and through the sacrificial death of His veil of flesh (the purchased price demanded for man’s redemption) such a sacrificial offering would usher in our deliverance from the bondage of the devil’s power of sickness and disease, the pathway leading us into death.

But God did not take upon Himself the veiled nature of angels. Rather, God took upon Himself the nature of man’s sin prone flesh. The Holy Spirit providing of Himself the SEED of the Christ as was promised to Abraham. God promising Abraham that in his SEED should all the nations of the earth be blessed. Note that the SEED spoken of here is the SEED of the Holy Spirit which SEED is the Christ. Therefore, God implanted into Abraham His SEED. The promised SEED is not the seed of Adam's sin prone race for Adam’s seed could not redeem man.

To redeem man from sin then, it necessitated the death of a righteous man. The problem was that there was no righteous person for God to find. So it behoved the SEED of the Holy Spirit [JESUS] to be veiled in flesh - in a body like ours - in order for the SEED of the Holy Spirit {JESUS] to become our Saviour. In other words, the price of man's redemption demanded the sacrificial death of a sinless righteous man’s flesh.

So the consequence was that JESUS the SEED of the Holy Spirit provided this sinless life. JESUS being the humanity of God - the SEED of His Holy Spirit providing Himself as the only righteous man, who could willingly sacrificing Himself as a Son becomes to us a merciful and faithful high priest and man's only Saviour after the Order of Melchisedec.

For it is JESUS' sacrificial death that has made possible redemption and reconciliation for the sins of all people. For each and every one of us. For it was JESUS Himself veiled in flesh who suffered and was tempted in all points even as we are. Yes, God Himself "as a Son" laying down His sinless body as a once and for all time sacrifice. For JESUS who knew no sin took upon Himself our sin so that we as sinners could be clothed in His righteousness. Think about this for a moment.

He, the only sinless righteous man was clothed in our unrighteousness. For the Spirit of the Lord has laid upon His own body the iniquity of us all! Indeed, JESUS' body nailed to a tree cursed of God. Therefore, believers are fully justified from all condemnation. As it is written, there is non condemnation to all those who have repented and been baptized (and buried with JESUS) into the likeness of JESUS' death and are raised up from the symbolic watery grave in the likeness of JESUS resurrection.

Our old nature -- our former lives - buried once and for all with JESUS. For those individuals who the Son of God sets free are free indeed! Peace be the work of redemption now complete in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 373

Grace and peace be to you from our God and Father the Lord Jesus the Christ. Galatians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:2.

The grace of God which brings forth salvation has appeared. Yes, God was manifest in the flesh so that we might obtain life eternal. GOD Himself as a Son came to redeem His household so that we -- the redeemed now being the temple in which His Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell -- can be saved. He [the Holy Spirit] in Christ purchased us with His own precious blood, which eternal life blood flowed in the veins of the son child JESUS who was conceived of the SEED life of God who is Holy Spirit.

JESUS' body was nourished and clothed upon in flesh in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary and fashioned in flesh appearing a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death. That He {JESUS} by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Therefore, without hesitance, let us come boldly to His throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy that will comfort and help us in times of need.

God as a Son being God manifest in the flesh as a Son was obedient to the will of His Father the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the decision was made as a Son that He would lay aside the will of His flesh (to live) and consequently become obedient to the will of His Father which was, as we now realize to lay down His flesh as a sacrificial offering.

On making this decision for humans everywhere, JESUS sweat as these were drops of blood (the pivotal decision to which He responded by saying, "Not my will [the will of the flesh to live] but thy will be done." Amen! Abba Father! Herein we see the grace of the Lord JESUS the Christ manifesting the love of God towards us. God as a Son, by the willing sacrifice of His sinless body (yet prone to sin body) has redeemed us to commune and fellowship with His Holy Spirit.

It is because of God's willingness to become a man that we are assured that the Son of God has come and opened our understanding. So that we can know and recognize the truth as stated in the gospel scriptures. For in JESUS the Son of the Spirit of God did all truth dwell. JESUS who is the true God -- the tree of eternal life! It is unto Him that we are kept from falling in our daily walk with Jesus. It is He who will present us as faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Yes, to the one and only wise God Our Saviour, be the glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

To the believing church, please remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, stand fast therein. Peace in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 373

Grace and peace be to you from our God and Father the Lord Jesus the Christ. Galatians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:2.

The grace of God which brings forth salvation has appeared. Yes, God was manifest in the flesh so that we might obtain life eternal. GOD Himself as a Son came to redeem His household so that we -- the redeemed now being the temple in which His Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell -- can be saved. He [the Holy Spirit] in Christ purchased us with His own precious blood, which eternal life blood flowed in the veins of the son child JESUS who was conceived of the SEED life of God who is Holy Spirit.

JESUS' body was nourished and clothed upon in flesh in the womb of His surrogate mother Mary and fashioned in flesh appearing a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death. That He {JESUS} by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Therefore, without hesitance, let us come boldly to His throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy that will comfort and help us in times of need.

God as a Son being God manifest in the flesh as a Son was obedient to the will of His Father the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the decision was made as a Son that He would lay aside the will of His flesh (to live) and consequently become obedient to the will of His Father which was, as we now realize to lay down His flesh as a sacrificial offering.

On making this decision for humans everywhere, JESUS sweat as these were drops of blood (the pivotal decision to which He responded by saying, "Not my will [the will of the flesh to live] but thy will be done." Amen! Abba Father! Herein we see the grace of the Lord JESUS the Christ manifesting the love of God towards us. God as a Son, by the willing sacrifice of His sinless body (yet prone to sin body) has redeemed us to commune and fellowship with His Holy Spirit.

It is because of God's willingness to become a man that we are assured that the Son of God has come and opened our understanding. So that we can know and recognize the truth as stated in the gospel scriptures. For in JESUS the Son of the Spirit of God did all truth dwell. JESUS who is the true God -- the tree of eternal life! It is unto Him that we are kept from falling in our daily walk with Jesus. It is He who will present us as faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Yes, to the one and only wise God Our Saviour, be the glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

To the believing church, please remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, stand fast therein. Peace in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 372

Today's message is intended for all born of God believers who have entered into the Kingdom of our great God and only Saviour the Lord JESUS the Christ. We have obeyed the voice of His Holy Spirit instructing us to preach this gospel to all nations beginning at Jerusalem. The message is that each and every one of us should repent and be water baptized into His name JESUS for the remission of sin. Whereupon all who receive Jesus gladly shall receive the promised gift of His Holy Spirit.

The message then is to continue to encourage one another with the gospel as it is written. And yes, it is God’s truth that we earnestly contend for. We fight not for glory or honour although both are worthy attributes but rather we are warring against the principles and powers of darkness who endeavour to keep people in chains of tradition and religious darkness. And in so doing, we are advocating for the freedom that is found in Jesus.

Why are we doing this? Because the law of the Spirit of life which is found in JESUS the Christ has made believers free from the binding law of sin and death. Concerning JESUS the scriptures state, "Who is the Seed of the Spirit of God? You are a priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec." Note that where there is a change in the priesthood, it also necessitates a change of the law. But we are no longer bound by the old covenant Law. Instead, we have been ushered in of God to the perfect law of liberty in which the recipients -- us -- receive the free gift of eternal life. This is why we worship God, not in format but we worship God in the liberty and in freshness of a redeemed and reborn Spirit.

When we assemble together then, it is edifying that some within the congregation of believers may offer a psalm, a hymn, a spiritual song, and maybe even a prophesy. Others might deliver a message in a Spirit tongue or bring a message to the people gathered through the interpretation of that Spirit tongue. If prophecy is given then we are to weigh in our hearts that which has been prophesied. And then there might be those speaking in an unknown tongue. Whatever transpires, the scriptures state to let all things be done in an orderly fashion amounting to two or three messages while another interprets. If the person who spoke in tongues has not yet received the gift of interpretation and if there is no one in the assembled group having the gift of interpretation then the scriptures advocate for an assembling of people whereby the gift of tongues should not be audibly pronounced. Most of all, let all things be done decently and in order for God is not an author of confusion. Rather, God is the author and deliverer of peace within all assemblies.

If during the gathering of believers, the Lord’s sacrificial death is to be remembered as well, note that we are each to examine ourselves before partaking of the symbolical emblems (bread and wine). When partaking we remember the one sacrifice of the Lord’s body at Calvary, where JESUS laid down His life once for all time purchasing our redemption. In other words, there is no transubstantiation as some religious institutions might promote.

Peace to all in JESUS our Lord!

If Ye Suffer For Righteousness’ Sake, Happy Are Ye: And Be Not Afraid Of Their Terror, Neither Be Troubled - Part 1891

"Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed." (I Samuel 2:3)

As we know from the New Testament, Jesus paid the ultimate price, having shed His precious holy blood once and for all on an old rugged cross so that we could experience salvation, and be filled completely with His righteousness. It is because of His abundant love for us that our cups (our hearts, our mind and soul) can overflow with His joy and peace, even during times of adversity.

As the psalmist David points out -- "Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5)

Thus, we can confidently state that JESUS is our Lord God and Saviour, for He came to take away the sins of this world. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) After His kindness and love, God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

Moreover, to wit, God was in Christ, reconciling the world back unto Himself. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) And just in case we miss it, the identity of our Lord God clothed in flesh as a Son -- so that He could become our Saviour is confirmed again by Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost), when he said that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36; I Timothy 3:16; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8)

The Son of man is still Lord of the Sabbath. The first Adam, earthy, but the second, the Lord of glory.  Yes, God came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) He came into this world and personally delivered His free gift of salvation. Free to us, but at such a cost to Him, and so much so, that the scriptures tell us how often He must have grieved at the thought of having to sacrifice His humanity on a cross, in order to get our attention.

Concerning His own people, Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" (Luke 13:34; Matthew 23:37)

Thankfully, because of His sacrifice, we no longer have to be separated from God's love. By grace are ye saved by faith, and that not of ourselves -- it is the gift of God! Therefore, when we ask Jesus to become Lord and Saviour -- the Christ in our hearts, and go on to become clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus, we find our Redeemer -- to whom we were once servants, but now He calls friends! No longer servants or slaves to the bondage and Babylon(s) of this earth, because the Lord Jesus has set us free to stand fast in His liberty. (Galatians 5:1)

Thus, as a consequence of our heart desiring to press into His purpose for our life, JESUS delivers us away from the traditions and form associated with organized religion, instead bringing us into a closer and more personal relationship with Him! It is in this context that we have been instructed to come out from among them so that we do not also suffer their plagues. To come out from those things that are worldly wherein the power of God and His precious holy Name -- the Name of JESUS -- is either denied and/or blasphemed.

Further to this point, the Word states, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you ..." (II Corinthians 6:17)

And, from Revelation -- And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." (Revelation 18:4-5)

You see, as it currently stands, the Lord is calling us into a personal relationship with Him, and to be guided into all truth by His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- which will lead and guide those who love Him into all truth. What is truth? Thy Word is truth. (John 17:17) 

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

For clarity, Jesus goes on in John 14 to inform His disciples that if they have seen Him -- Jesus -- they have seen the Father. (John 14:6-120 Jesus also said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) But as we know now, He had to hide His identity from those in the world so that the New Testament, the last will and testament of our Lord and Saviour could be ushered in. (Hebrews 9:8, 14-18) For had these known whom Jesus really was, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

It is for this reason, while there is still time to heed His call of love, His invitation to one and all to come unto Him, that I encourage you to behold His glory, the only begotten of the Father., who was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11; John 1:1-18) 

Why now? Because the time is short. The timing of Babylon falling once and for all is not that far off in the distance. In fact, the writing is on the wall. Prophecy after prophecy from the Word of God is being fulfilled. And the devil, determined to hinder and put up stumbling blocks against those who preach the gospel, is running to and fro because he knows his tomorrows are coming to a swift end. 

Is that not what Jesus Himself warned us of when He spoke about the end times? In Matthew 24, Jesus said, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man comes.

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that He shall make him ruler over all His goods." (Matthew 24:42-47; Matthew 24:1-51)

In closing, let me say that the scriptures speak of an ultimate victory and re-reward for those who love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

For those who remain on the fence, even still, learn from apostle Paul, who wrote: "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children) be ye also enlarged. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters," saith the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:11-18)

His Word dwells within us, and walks in us, and He is our God, and we His people. The Lord God Almighty is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and He is coming back to this earth to gather His people unto Him. His beloved, whom He has loved and cherished from the very beginning. The greatest love story every told to humankind.

Indeed, as believers, we should be "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:13-15)

Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 371

JESUS is my Saviour! He is my redeemer my friend! As a consequence, JESUS delivers man from the traditions of religion, instead bringing man into a personal relationship with Himself!

If we consider the relationship of husband and wife - as God referred to it - a man and woman joined together becomes one flesh. If we take this one step further, we see that those who are believers and joined to the Lord are One Spirit. It is here that we can enjoy God's love. Indeed, what a joy divine. I know in whom I have believed. I have called upon His name [JESUS] and He has delivered me, bringing me a lively hope.

This is why I am not ashamed to sing the following chorus:

O’ yes, I’m JESUS Only - Thank God, I’m JESUS Only - I’m just a JESUS Only preacher now - O’ yes, I’m JESUS Only - Thank God, I’m JESUS Only - I’m just a JESUS Only preacher now.

Let's consider some scriptures.

King James Version: I John Chapter 1

1 That which was from the beginning - which we have heard - which we have seen with our eyes - which we have looked upon - and our hands have handled of the Word of life

2 (For the Life was manifested and we have seen the Life and bear witness and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father within His Son JESUS the Christ

4 And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full!

5 This then is the message which we have heard of Him and we declare unto you that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all

6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness we lie and do not know the truth

7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the blood of JESUS the Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin!

8 If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

10 If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar and His Word is not in us.!
IF we continue in His WORD, then indeed we are His disciples.

PEACE BE!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 370

Continuing from Part 369 we have read where the preacher addressed an audience delivering a message that states, "We ought not to pray to JESUS but rather we should pray to the Father of JESUS."

JESUS delivered this message to the world. He said that IF you had known Me, then you would have known My Father also. And from henceforth, according to the scriptures, you know Him and have seen Him.

In this context, JESUS was not talking about His outward shell body. He was not referring to the body in which He was clothed. God appearing in fashion alike Adam’s sin prone race -- His sin prone body being the vehicle in which His Spirit of Life as a Son was veiled in -- which veil is likened to the Veil of the old covenant. It is the body(curtain) where no man could enter into the Holy of Holies except they pass through the curtain veil. JESUS' flesh then was the curtain. And behind the (curtain) veil of flesh is the eternal Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit, priestly nature revealed (Melchisedec) God providing Himself a Lamb. Indeed, a sacrificial Lamb. JESUS, the SEED Life of the Holy Spirit was/is to be the Lamb. The Lamb being none other than God Himself as a Son. in this Lamb, the pure, sinless, undefiled Humanity of the Holy Spirit was pleased to dwell,.. JESUS blood the very blood of the Holy Spirit,.. God the Eternal Spirit offering His Own SEED JESUS as a sacrifice.

Yes, JESUS the SEED of the Holy Spirit WILLINGLY offered up His own body. By so doing, JESUS fulfilled and revealed the prophetic promise that He [JESUS] is to be a Priest Forever after the Order of Melchisedec!(A new priestly order) JESUS the man had nought to offer so He offered Himself. Therefore, JESUS is the Only Mediator between the Holy Spirit and man. JESUS proclaimed to be a High Priest Forever after the Order of Melchisedec!

So neither you nor I or anyone else is going to talk to God the Father of all things except through our Great High Priest JESUS. For even as “God was in Christ” now "Christ is in God."

Remember the scriptures in the Bible that speak of the time when Stephen was being stoned to death by a religious group of fanatics. At the same time, Stephen was provided of God a vision. For our benefit, Stephen voiced aloud the contents of the vision declaring that he saw the heavens open. Stephen declared that he saw JESUS standing on the right hand of God. Then Stephen cried out to God saying, "LORD JESUS RECEIVE MY SPIRIT" giving up his ghostly spirit to JESUS the Father of all Spirits.

So from this example, the question is who was Stephen talking to? Of course he was earnestly praying. But who was he calling on? God. What did he say to God? He said, Lord JESUS receive my Spirit.

Another scriptural example. When Paul was met by JESUS, Paul asked JESUS this question. "Who are you Lord?" The Lord answered saying, I AM JESUS. So again, who was Paul conversing with? JESUS!
In other words, God has glorified His SON JESUS and has declared that JESUS is `BOTH the LORD and JESUS also is THE CHRIST.

GOD laid down His Life as a SON for you and I. JESUS fought the war of redemption at Calvary! And it cost God HIS Life as a Son. GOD FATHERED us all in His Son body. So yes, in reality, JESUS IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER WHO LOVES ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME! And in return I love Him. I am walking and talking with Him! Entering into His presence constantly. The presence of the FULLNESS of God in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 369

Speaking to people in a packed auditorium a preacher once painstakingly said, “That we ought not to pray to JESUS but rather we should pray to His Father." Interesting twist given that the scriptures reveal a different message. Let's examine this point further.

God is Spirit! God’s Spirit we cannot see. And yet, creation positively shows forth the manifold wisdom and power of the creator leaving us to stand in awe. Further, we believe there is God. Only a demonic spirit would say there is no God.

Even so, no man has seen God at any time. The ‘Only Begotten Son’ [JESUS] who has come forth from the innermost being of God, it is He alone who reveals and manifests the unseen. Ishmael born of sin prone flesh (religiously minded) opposed the SEED of promise (which is not as many imagine the Jewish race). The SEED of promise being the promised SEED of the Holy Spirit of God, which SEED when manifest in flesh is JESUS the Christ. Or as the scriptures point out God with us.

Now if JESUS is ‘God with Us’ being the express image (essence) of the ‘unseen God now manifest in flesh' and we are being instructed by some religious representative that we are not supposed to pray to Him {JESUS} who is ‘God manifest in the flesh' what do we do? We need to discern the message and read the Bible for the truth.

The evening when I myself, on bended knee knelt at the foot of the Cross (holy ground) and became enlightened of God and personally recognized that the Lord who I cannot see died for me, I cried out saying these words, "I thank you Lord JESUS for dying for me!" I was not praying to JESUS' body. No sir. I was talking to my Lord who sacrificed His body and who by His grace and mercy blanketed me like a husband blankets his bride.

For surely you must see for yourself that it was the Spirit of God who was in the man Christ JESUS endeavouring to reconcile the world to Himself. God as a Son is the man JESUS and the man JESUS is God who is One Spirit manifest!

JESUS as a Son then is the embodiment of the Holy Spirit whose SEED fathered the life within the flesh. Therefore, JESUS said, "If you have seen Me you have seen the Father and conversely if you do not see the Father dwelling within Me, then you really have not known me!"

The so called church fathers of 300/400 AD have so infiltrated the earth with there poisonous message -- that God is three distinct and separate persons -- that an auditorium jammed packed with people embrace the thought that one should not talk to JESUS whose face is the revealed face of the Holy Spirit of God! They have not understood for themselves that He that has the Son he has the Father also. And that as many as had received Him {JESUS} to them gave He the power (and right) to become the sons and daughters of God!

How can one believe on Him of whom many now misrepresent as being another person other than God Himself? It was JESUS who is God who laid down His life for you. We are praying to the Holy Spirit whose SEED indwelt JESUS, for in JESUS did DWELL ALL the FULLNESS of the Godhead bodily! The Holy Spirit is the Spirit in Jesus and whenever you call upon God, you are calling upon JESUS in whom the Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell!

Be blessed!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 368

And of His Spirit have we all received. The Spirit of God and the Word of God are one and the same for it is written that the Word was with God (who is Spirit) and the Word was God. The same Word that was with God (who is Spirit) was veiled in sin prone flesh. Further, the SEED of life being the Holy Spirit - which SEED was clothed upon in the womb of a surrogate mother who herself was one of Adam’s sin prone race - her flesh like all other’s was prone to sin flesh!

Therefore, the SEED of the Holy Spirit JESUS could only be clothed upon with sin prone flesh obtained from His surrogate mother. Mary the surrogate mother’s womb being incapable of producing anything other than sin prone flesh.

Now this presentation of the scriptures cuts to the core of the erroneous teaching of the so-called church fathers of 300/400 AD whose teachings were decided upon their anvil of deception. It also means that the apostolic Holy Spirit teachings that went forth from Jerusalem was so that we as believers could be true to the Word of God. Or as the scriptures state, "Let God be true and every man a liar."

In other words, the Word of God does not need either you or I to defend the Ark of the testimony - JESUS the Christ. In fact, all that is expected of us -- the redeemed born again sons and daughters of God -- is that we present the truth as is written. This means presenting the scriptures as they are written even if it means disregarding long-standing religious and institutional traditions. Like casting tradition aside as one would do with any old tattered worn out garment.

Still, to disregard tradition can often be akin to entering into Armageddon. As a consequence, the war of all wars rages within us. Indeed, sometimes we even become entrenched by the indoctrinations of the many false fathers that had ritualistically imposed institutional traditions upon us. And in some small way, these traditions might have rendered a feeling of security.

But suddenly by God’s Grace and God’s mercy we were introduced to an alternative presentation that is not based upon doctrines and traditions established by the church fathers. For many of you, this might be the first time you are hearing what the scriptures have to say. And maybe even beginning to see that the teachings advanced by the church fathers as Christianity was in actuality anti-Christian. This is particularly true when one compares the roman doctrine with the scriptures which are written in the New testament.

It is herein that we are assured that the church cannot save us. The pope cannot save us! Mary cannot save us. The priests and religious leaders of the day cannot save us. Only JESUS the Head of His body the redeemed can save, deliver, heal and restore when we obey His Word!

Yes! We have reviewed scriptures that speak of the war in heaven that is now a war raging within us. For the entrance of God’s written Word causes our dead souls to inhale understanding. The seed of understanding causes us to rethink our path which in turn causes us to look to JESUS and to Calvary. Looking to Calvary ushers in the thought that JESUS paid the price for our sins, which brings forth repentance toward God who laid down His life for our redemption. This recognition of what Jesus did on the cross then hastens us to call upon JESUS for forgiveness -- which then brings forth redemption -- which brings forth baptism into a watery grave in the ‘likeness” of JESUS' grave -- which when arising from that watery grave we rise again in the “likeness” of JESUS' resurrection completely justified and free from the guilt of all sin.

Now we await with expectancy the promised Gift of His Holy Spirit, which upon receiving we become the temple of God’s Spirit, which Spirit enlivens us, and quickens our mortal bodies, and furnishes us with an abundant life!

Yes! Salvation is of the Lord. The Word of God is alive and powerful! Unlike man’s fabricated traditional chains. But with Jesus, all you did was look to JESUS and ask for His salvation. And in so doing, you discovered that nobody is between JESUS and You. Keep it that way and do not look back. Why? Because you are born again of God. To all nations where we have by God’s Grace entered. Peace to all of you!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 367

Jesus after His resurrection commissioned His disciples saying to them that they are to go into all the world and preach to all of earth’s inhabitants a reconciliatory message. The message was this. Repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations starting at Jerusalem so that he or she who believes and is buried in water in likeness to His burial shall be reconciled. The message is a simple one. (Romans chapter six)

And yet, there are those who will go to great lengths to stretch and even attempt to vaporize the truth from this same message commissioned by the Lord JESUS. Still, JESUS was and is and remains the author of salvation. Jesus is also the finisher (it is finished) for there is no salvation found in any other. How do we know this? For it is JESUS alone who has the Words of eternal life.

And then there are others who practically do headstands because they are unable to tolerate someone preaching water burial baptism into the likeness of JESUS grave, for example, as taught in the scriptures. Some might even boldly declare (in their ignorance) that they do not believe in that gospel message around here.

This is why we thank God that we have the written word laid out for us explaining how we believers ought to conduct ourselves. We can remain confident in our beliefs because the Word of God is coming to us. The Word of God did not originate in us. Therefore, we acknowledge that believers should continue in the Holy Spirit teaching as taught through the mouths of the apostles confirmed by God. Remember, no man can annul what is written. As such, comfort each other with these words of JESUS - "You will be hated by many for preaching repentance and remission of sin in my Name." Jesus set the standard.

Yes! Believers are washed with the water of the Word of God. Therefore, stop rinsing yourself and instead obey the Words of the Lord and Master. And in listening, be no longer a hearer of the Word. Rather, become a doer of the Word for obedience is better than sacrifice. And gladly receive the Word of God by repentance and be baptized into the watery grave in the likeness of JESUS' burial. In so doing, wash away all your sin whilst you in your heart are calling upon the name of the LORD JESUS!

As for the Church fathers of 300/400 AD who replaced the scriptural repentance -- the gospel message that speaks about one's relationship between God and an individual -- they resorted back to the old covenant form of priesthood. Moreover, they interjected themselves as being religious priests and as such revised some verses of scripture to suit their religious ways. But there is still one message that cannot be changed.

That is ... we have one great high priest who ever lives to make intercession for all believers. JESUS is the believer's only mediator being a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Note that he is not a high priest after the order of Aaron (Note: when there is a change in order of the priesthood there is also by necessity a change in the Law). JESUS is our Great High Priest who Himself is touched with the feelings of our infirmities for He also was tempted like we are yet without sin. God therefore is not three distinct and separate persons. All the fullness of the Godhead was pleased to dwell bodily in JESUS.

JESUS being the Son, Father, Holy Spirit all at the same time. God’s singular name IS JESUS. So rather than altering Matthew chapter 28 verse 19 to mean baptism into titles, let's recognize the scriptural truths as God reveals them to us. So that we too can be baptized into HIS name.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 366

Is there a trinity of persons in the Godhead? Good question. The answer is this. There is only a trinity of persons IF one were to believe the church fathers teachings of 300/400 AD. Of course, if one were to tell a lie often enough, it could quite easily be misconstrued as being truth. And subsequently, given enough time the error becomes so established that it is presented as being the real thing - now commonly asserted as being the authoritative voice of God.

However, there is another voice from the distant past that we also need to be aware of. Without this voice, the church fathers would never be held accountable for their misrepresentation of the original scriptures which had been delivered and confirmed by God in Christ to mankind. It is for this reason that the scriptural voice from the past must be extinguished and replaced by the truth. These hireling church fathers cannot continue to proclaim that God is three distinct and separate persons in one God.

Why? Because there is only one God. We worship the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our souls, mind, and strength. It is in Him alone that we serve. Serve who? Serve our God who is Spirit. In fact, God is the Father of all spirits. We also are spirit. Without a body I cannot see you and neither can you see me. Moreover, God has clothed our spirit with a body. We within our body has an opportunity to express the life of our indwelling spirit, manifesting our spirit lives through our bodies.

God who is Spirit clothed His Spirit in flesh. God in so doing manifested Himself, revealing numerous untold hidden mysteries. Hidden treasures. We see the Spirit of God in the face of the man JESUS the Christ. The Spirit within the man Christ endeavouring to reconcile the world back to Himself regardless of costs and discomforts -- even to the laying down of His own sinless flesh (yet His flesh was prone to sin) as a sacrificial offering.

Now if God who is one Spirit was in the man JESUS, why is it that the religious and institutional systems of our world attempt to reach beyond JESUS to find God? They do so even when God has said that anyone that has the Son has the Father also. God is Spirit. And it has pleased the holy Spirit the Father of the man JESUS the Christ, that in JESUS should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. So if all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in JESUS, then surely one ought to look no further. Remember when JESUS said to Phillip, "Phillip if you have seen Me you have seen the Father. Why are you saying that I should show you the Father and then you would be satisfied."

Does not nature itself teach us that we are all sons or daughters, housing our spirit son or daughter bodies. Similarly, we father and mother offspring in our sons and daughters bodies. We are then proclaimed to be fathers or mothers whilst remaining in visible son or daughter bodies. We converse one with another in spirit whilst in our son or daughter bodies. Now using this example, are we in all honesty three persons? Or are we three manifestations of the one spirit life that dwells within?

If you understand this analogy, then indeed you also embrace that we are one spirit, manifesting spirit life within a body as a son or daughter, father or mother and male or female spirit. A one spirit person in total. Further, if I should have the opportunity to know you in all three manifestations, then I should be able to say that I really do know you.

Remember, it is God as a Son who rules and reigns over His own household. We now know God [JESUS] who is one Spirit dwelling in a Son's body manifested as a Son, Father, and Spirit. One God only. Not three!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 365

The prophets of older times endeavoured to confirm a date for when the Spirit of Christ - God’s spiritual humanity - would come to pass, particularly in relation to the sufferings of the Christ (humanity of God) and the glory (outpouring of God’s Spirit) which would follow after the crucifixion of the Christ! (God’s sinless body)

The prophets knew that JESUS would become a Lamb slain because the plan of salvation - Jesus being slain - was constructed prior to the very foundation of the earth ever being established. God had at different times and in various manners spoken to those individuals who were our forefathers. However, in this last dispensation of time - the New Testament - the Spirit of God in these last days has spoken to us by and in and through His Son. This happened when God who is Spirit stepped forth out of Himself in fashion as a visible spiritual Son.

Yes, the same God who is Spirit is the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the ending) of all. This explains why no man knows the mind of the Lord and no one has been His Counselor. Whatever the Spirit of God determines shall surely come to pass. In this context, God is constantly revealing Himself like a scroll, being rolled out gradually down through the ages like a play with many scenes unfolding.

Therefore, God alone orchestrates the hidden plan whereby even the angels are participants. Note here that the angels too remain in the dark as to the mysterious workings of the Lord. God who is Spirit decides (when counselling with Himself) that He is going to create a visible world, a world in creation that will in visible created form be an exact visible image of the invisible world.

In other words, God who is Spirit came forth of Himself in visible form as a Son! No God was not pregnant. However, it possibly could be viewed that He was for from God who is invisible comes forth God now visible appearing as a Son. The beginning of the creation of God being that God the invisible would reveal Himself in created form. Note that I say "created form" -- not created.

In all things then, God must have the pre-eminence. This is why the Commandments state that "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall worship the Lord your God only with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Further, it is why we are a created earthly image of that form, into which God breathed so that we could become living souls. Not robots! Robots are programmed. We however as human beings make individual choices. Obviously, admittedly, we made the wrong choice turning away from God's instructions.

Further, from Adam comes forth Eve. God said that these two are one flesh. If Adam and Eve had remained faithful to God’s Words of instruction in the beginning, then their offspring would have continued in a state of innocence. They would have been reproducing themselves and all things that we have inherited in our earth would be totally different. Indeed, beyond our comprehension. Sadly, Adam and Eve had an encounter with a fallen angel named Lucifer.

As a consequence, God put them out of the Eden Garden. This resulted in Adam and Eve (and subsequently their offspring) entering into what might be perceived as a wild natural wilderness. Journeying on a road towards death, which is the penalty awarded to all who sin. In so doing, Adam and Eve lost their walk with God. Their personal relationship with the God who had created them. In fact, the two lost their status as sons and daughters of God. Yes! Sons and daughters of God is who they were in the beginning but unfortunately are no more. Adam and Eve Lost their power and authority when they ate of the forbidden tree and in this sense, the lives that they were intended to live ended up being the exact opposite of the red carpet treatment God had originally intended.

More to come. PEACE! Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 364

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? This is the question of the day!

The scriptures state that “In the beginning was the Word.” Here, the Word reveals that JESUS is the embodiment of the Word, and that the Word was with God and the Word was God! And further, that the Word was veiled in flesh and dwelt among us. In this context then, JESUS is God’s Word manifest in the flesh. One cannot separate the Word(s) from the person whose Word it is. That is unless one is being duped by a ventriloquist. But I digress.

The scriptures also reveal that in JESUS did ALL the fullness of the Godhead (divine nature or essence) dwell bodily. Therefore, without controversy God was manifest in the flesh. Yes, God is Spirit and it is in God that we live and move and have our being. But it also means that God being an unseen Spirit was manifest in the flesh appearing as a Son named JESUS. Remember, the scriptures clearly states that in Jesus dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

If we take this one step further, we note that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures state - Mary, that which is conceived in you is of the Holy Spirit. The blood in JESUS' veins was not of Adam’s sin prone race. No. The blood within JESUS' veins was the blood of the Holy Spirit. Does that mean that the Holy Spirit purchased our redemption with His own Blood? It sure does. More importantly, it means that we were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of a Lamb. JESUS, the Lamb of the Spirit of God.

God laid down His life for us. When JESUS crucified, He was declared even then to be the Lord of Glory! Jesus dwelt within a sin prone body, for redemption required the death of a righteous man from Adam's race. However, there was not a righteous man to be found. Why not? Because as the Bible has stated, All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

So why did God have to become a man? Because judgment demanded that a man had to pay the price of redemption. This is why the Word which was with God -- being God’s own Word and not that of another person -- became man. In this context, God ‘SEEDED’ His own spiritual Word into Mary's womb whereupon the child, the Son of the Spirit of God named JESUS, was veiled in sin prone flesh.

God whose Word is spirit and truth was veiled in a sin prone body that also housed - for all intents and purposes - a dead soul. Inside JESUS body did dwelt the Life of God’s own Holy Spirit - which Spirit is pure and notably untainted humanity. God’s own pure humanity. God with us! Therefore, God manifest Himself in the flesh - which flesh is destined to be crucified in order that we could obtain a means of salvation - whereby sin prone fallen sons and daughters of God could be redeemed.

In the man JESUS, God was manifest in the flesh and fashioned as a Son. Similarly, wherein the Holy Spirit life and blood did dwell, also dwelt the power, wisdom and Word of God. All of these which are inseparable from God. For if any of these were to be distinct and separate from God, then God would be no longer God. Neither would all the fullness of the Godhead dwell.

But we know from the scriptures that all the fullness of the Godhead did dwell in Jesus. And we likewise know that JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying to them, “Receive you the Holy Spirit." There is a reason for this. The Holy Spirit within JESUS' body breathed and said, "Receive you the Holy Spirit." In JESUS dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead. JESUS being the embodiment of the Father, The Word and the Spirit and these three are one. There is no place found in the Holy Spirit revelations of Himself any justification for advancing that God is three distinct and separate persons.

Indeed, JESUS is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God is JESUS. JESUS is the Word of the Spirit of God and the Word of the Spirit of God is JESUS! God is one Spirit who has manifested (or revealed) Himself in the face of JESUS.

JESUS is the fruit and offspring of the Spirit of God. God Himself is a Son in whose crucifixion we were to be born again to be fathered by the Seed body of the Holy Spirit being crucified. The shell of the body (veil of the Holy Spirit died and in death has brought forth an innumerable amount of offspring.) Yes we are His offspring. We are the JESUS people.

What do the scriptures say? Except that a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abides alone. But when it dies it brings forth multitudes of offspring. In this same way, JESUS the shell -- wherein the Seed life of the Holy Spirit died -- brings forth SEEDED people who then become JESUS' offspring.

Therefore, no man "took" JESUS' life. At any time, JESUS could have called for a legion of angels to deliver Him. But as we now know, JESUS came to lay down His Life as a Son in order that we - the fallen sons of God - should be proclaimed free. For he who is set free by the sacrificial offering of the sinless body of the Holy Spirit is really free. Born again into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

Weep now for it was for you and I that He said, "Father, why hast thou forsaken me?" If JESUS had not spoken these words, then that sinless body would never have died. But then He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing!" Yes, it is finished. Once and for all. The Holy Spirit bore our sins in His own body on a dead tree. Why? Even the sun darkened when we crucified the Lamb of God - the Lord of Glory! We even shouted away with Him because we will not have this man to rule over us!

But because JESUS was crucified once and only once there is no more sacrificial offering required for sin. The true light of the glorious gospel of God in the face of Jesus the Christ -- forever more shines. A light much brighter than even the noon day sun.

Further, nature teaches that we are spirit beings living our lives in a body, and appearing as sons or daughters. It is in these sons and daughter bodies that we bear our offspring. We father [and mother] all our children in a son or daughter body. GOD who is Spirit has done likewise FATHERING all His REDEEMED children in a Son's body. This is why He that has the Son has Life! Remember what the scriptures state - I will never leave you nor forsake you Lo, I am with you always!

Have you received His Holy Spirit since you believed? If not repent and be baptized into the Name of JESUS, going down into the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' death and being raised up out of the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' resurrection. Yes, so that you too shall receive the promised gift of the Holy spirit of JESUS as He breathes His eternal life upon you!

To all my brothers and sisters in Christ from all nations. Peace be to you all in JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 363

From many nations, God is taking unto Himself a people who were formerly nobodies. A people chosen of God before the foundation of the earth. The chosen people are the believing offspring of the SEED child of the Holy Spirit, who of God are predestined according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. To have a holy nation of redeemed, blood washed, water baptized and Holy Spirit filled born of God people inheriting the gift of eternal life through faith in the incorruptible promised Word of God.

The SEED spoken of here was the SEED of promise given of God to Eve and Abraham! God promised that this promised SEED which is the SEED of the Holy Spirit would be brought together at the fullness of time. These promised SEEDS at the fullness of time deposited by God into the womb of a young virgin girl who was a most willing surrogate mother. Whilst in her womb the child was clothed upon with sin prone flesh. But we also recognize that the child life was not of her. She was a surrogate mother of the child that was named JESUS. This child is the manifestation of the promised SEED veiled in flesh.

Faith in JESUS then is exercising faith in "God with us." Unbelief prevents the promised blessing of God. The promise of blessing hinges upon faith in CHRIST making JESUS the SEED of blessing. As many as receive JESUS who is the Spirit of God manifest in flesh the Lamb of God provides of God to be the sacrificial offering for sin. God purposely veiled His pure spiritual humanity in a sin prone body. God was in the man JESUS the Christ effectively reconciling to Himself a people which He alone foreknew. These JESUS PEOPLE == a people called by HIS NAME!

The Lord said in the scriptures that His sheep (people) hear His voice. "My sheep know the voice of their Shepherd." His sheep run to him and follow him, the sheep capable of deciphering the voice of a stranger from that of their shepherd. In other words, this analogy is showing that sheep will not follow a stranger's voice.

In the same way, salvation cannot be attained by good works or by traditional religious exercises. If any of these were in the eyes of God capable of redeeming man from the bondage of sin , then why would He deem it necessary for a righteous person to be crucified and become cursed of God? But as the scriptures point out, not only did justice demand that one righteous person die but that His blood must be totally shed and His body whipped, torn, and disfigured.

This is why the cost alone associated with man’s redemption from sin is an indescribable mystery. The blood that was shed was the life blood of the Holy Spirit (not Adamic sin prone blood) and the body crucified was the sinless body of God. For it is written that God laid down His life for us.

JESUS - God with us offers us an abundant life! A life commencing when one is reconciled to God and therefore receiving of God the promised gift of His Holy Spirit. When one receives the promised gift of His Holy Spirit, it is likened to a well of life springing up from one's innermost being -- "singing and continuous partying" within. Happiness abounds! This is why those of us who know God's presence describe His presence as an unspeakable joy that is glorious! Come to JESUS today and find out for yourself ...

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 362

The first Adam was an earthly creation into whom God breathed the breath of life into man, which caused man to become a living soul. Upon Adam and Eve's collective disobedience to God’s instructions, they brought upon themselves a death sentence. God had forewarned them not to eat any fruit from two certain trees. Of course, as we know from Genesis, the two went ahead and ate the fruit of one tree. When the fruit was eaten it caused Adam and Eve to be aware of the difference between good and evil. And that good and evil existed. Through their temptation to eat from the forbidden fruit they had incurred a death penalty upon themselves. As a consequence, both of them were expelled from the Eden Garden. And God in so doing prevented either of them from eating the fruit of the other forbidden tree - which tree for those who may not know - bore the fruit of eternal life.

In the beginning then, Adam and Eve had been created to fellowship with God. Now that fellowship through Adam and Eve’s disobedience was terminated by sin. Through sin they had become dead in their soul becoming like the walking dead. They were created as sons and daughters of God but were subsequently banished from God's presence -- instead becoming fallen sons and daughters of God. The two through sin lost their original power and status. Their once living soul was now on a downward spiral toward death! Sin engulfing all their future offspring into the same long-term death penalty.

This disastrous downfall set in motion an alternative equal and opposite reaction which if enacted would be a means whereby the fallen sons and daughters of God could find redemption. The plan being that where one man's disobedience to God’s Word had brought forth the wages of sin (death) then surely if one righteous man were to die then the scales of justice would be balanced.

But when God searched and found on earth none that were righteous - for everyone was bound by sin - another plan of salvation had to be constructed. The question is this. If no righteous man could be found, how could men and women obtain salvation? Moreover, if a righteous man were to be found, would that righteous man even be willing to die for another man’s sin?

Still, at the end of the day, God Himself was the only one who could provide a means whereby the guilty parties - us - could receive remission of sin (sin remitted as if it had never happened). To fathom the depth of love that would have to be manifested is beyond the reach of sin prone man’s comprehension! Even so, God so loved the World that He gave ... John 3:16

In other words, God counselled that He would manifest Himself becoming man‘s only Saviour. God would clothe His own pure humanity in sin prone flesh, willingly allowing the wrathful judgement of other's sin to be poured out upon His flesh. The agonizing pain and suffering wounding His spiritual humanity within (Isaiah chapter 53).

To recap, Adam was the first man created by God as a living soul. The second Adam which is the Lord Himself becoming the first Adam’s Saviour. The second Adam is a quickening Spirit who clothed Himself in dead soul flesh. Indeed, He was manifested the Life of God who SEEDED the man JESUS. For within JESUS' body did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily! Yes, God laid down His life as a Son for our redemption. God offered and sacrificed His sinless body once and for all time so that you and I might have life abundant. PEACE!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 361

God created the first man Adam using the earth as the substance. As a consequence, men as potters have fashioned many beautiful clay items over the years - which we readily attribute as being the skilful work of man. In the same sense, men (and women) are the skilful work of God. God being the potter has created us who are like the clay in this analogy. Yes we are a skilful work of art. And in God’s hands, dustman becomes the oscar winner down through the ages. Therefore, the potter from grains of dust has intrinsically and methodically weaved together internal bits and pieces to form the world He has created.

And this all from dust and water. Indeed, approximately 16 buckets of water and a bucket of earth. With this the potter has hemmed all of the bits and pieces together in a body with beautiful pliable skin and pleasing features. Conversely, man has studied and studied and studied over and over and over again to accomplish something similar. Men apply bandage solutions and when the internal mechanism ails, men are unable to replace the old with new parts. The result? Men still scratch their collective heads endeavouring to grasp the hidden treasures of wisdom. But when God creates man, He does so in order that men and women both could become the wonder of this world!

Still, there are those who arrogantly declare that we evolved from some form of dumb matter that just happened to create intelligent life by itself. The arguments that are made are more often than not without merit. Uneducated responses passed on from generation to generation. Why do we say this?

It is because this beautiful work of art that was once lifeless came to life when the potter who has created all things breathed into man. He breathed upon this lifeless art wonder (a picture in a beautiful skin frame, a masterpiece, yet lifeless) and lo' and behold this work of art Adam (the first man) starts to breathe. The flesh begins to move. The eyes open. The ears hear sounds that were never encountered before. In fact, the creator -- the potter -- declares His creation man to now be a living soul fashioned in the image of the potter who created him. As a result, God who is the potter has breathed life into man. And God declares man to be a son of God.

Yes, the potter previously had created a visible universe. For the potter or creator by Himself decided to create a visible world to be fashioned after His unseen spiritual world. The potter created man to take care of this created visible world. Therefore, we must ask the question of ourselves. What is man that God -- our potter and creator -- has created man? And then the creator sets man over the works of His own hands!

God detected that Adam was lonesome saying, "It is not good that man should be alone." As such, God caused a deep sleep to fall over Adam. Then God performed an operation on Adam removing one of Adam's ribs from his body. And from that rib God fashioned a woman created from Adam’s bone and flesh (constituting effectively one flesh). In so doing, God created in Eve a womb whereby Adam and Eve may be fruitful and multiply themselves on earth. Adam with God’s breath was a living soul. A happy soul. A soul that lacked for nothing. That is until, Adam (and Eve) turned their back on God’s Word.

This might explain why the scriptures state that every person is going to stand before God. Every person is going to be held accountable before God because God is the judge that presides over all things,. Yes, that means that God’s courthouse is righteous. It is because of this that we ought now to prepare to meet our creator. It is also because of this that we begin to recognize how much our God loves us --- God Himself becoming our redeemer and Saviour.