THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 478

Who would have imagined God Almighty selecting Paul (or Saul as he was originally known in the scriptures) as a chosen vessel that would bear His name JESUS to the Gentiles? Indeed, God has a people -- a people that God foreknew even before the foundations of the earth. Those who were foreknown of God, He has purchased and redeemed back to Himself the sacrifice of His own body.

JESUS being the child conceived of the Holy Spirit is none other than ‘God Himself as a Son.‘ God with us, as the Bible states. God with us who willingly laid down His sinless life as payment in full for His people that He foreknew at no cost whatsoever to them. Even though our sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. This is God's love story for you and I.

The gift of God is eternal life. God’s prescription is that you and I believe upon His name -- JESUS -- because there is no redemptive salvation in any other name under Heaven. 

Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 477

When Jesus said, "I am come that [we] might have life and that [we] might have it more abundantly" in John 10:10, He was revealing how great is His love for His people. His people being you and I. Those of us who have recognized that we are sinners and that Jesus alone can save us from our sinful nature. Yes, even though He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, God showed His agape love for us by becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This He did so that we might understand the breadth and depth of His love for His creation. His infinite compassion for us. His desire to have a relationship with His people. 

Everything that Jesus is, everything that He accomplished -- victory over sin --  the world -- the flesh and evil --  is now being deposited on the inside of our being. The resurrected life of Jesus Christ is renewing us and bringing us back to the person we were always intended to be. In communion with God. Walking in His stride. Yes, the same Spirit that is holy and raised Christ from the dead now empowers us for His purpose, to reconcile all of creation back to Himself. Why?

 So "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you many know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints"  (Ephesians 1:17-18)

Indeed, in Jesus is the hope of glory! Put yourself in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 476

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2) In the beginning God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And this same Word that was God became flesh (John 1:1-14). That which was in the bosom of God from the beginning of time came forth and endured the shame of the cross so that we might have salvation. The Spirit that is holy became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might be saved. Indeed, He is the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega. There is no other which is why Jesus is the last name given under Heaven whereby men and women can be saved. Trust in Jesus today! Stand in His offering plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 475

Through faith in His name can God make man whole again. However, without faith, it is impossible to please God. How does faith work? Faith arises within each and every one of us when we ask Jesus into our lives and begin to pay attention to the Word of God. This is important because when God reached out to man, God sent His Word so that we might be saved.

Genesis opens with "In the beginning God." Later in John 1, the scriptures state that "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Without the Word, it is impossible for anyone to even theorize the significance of God's plan of salvation. In order to bring salvation to fruition, God counseled with Himself to determine a plan of salvation that would appeal to man. Once decided, God spoke His Spirit Word, and lo and behold the worlds were framed by the Word of God.

This was the starting point but it doesn't end there. The initial sin in the Garden was not the end of the story. In fact, as we read through the Bible we see (time and time again) how God brought His people out of the house of bondage. But our Lord and Saviour did not just deliver the people from bondage. He gave them good health as well. As the scriptures state, there was not one weak or sickly person among them.

In other words, God brought His people out with full severance pay. Therefore, consider the goodness of God. His love for us that He -- God Almighty -- would become flesh and dwell among us. Return to Him -- the God who loves you -- for He will redeem you and give you life abundant. This is my blood shed for you. This is my body given for you. It is your call. Ask Jesus to be part of your life today. 

Stand in His offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 474

Shine Jesus Shine!

"It is an entirely new and unexpected thing that breaks into man's life and world: the voice which for man as sinner "never ends" is stopped by God's action in Christ" (Forde, 1973) Indeed, an entirely new kind of life comes upon us when we ask Jesus to become our Lord and Saviour. Instead of being subjected to the law of old, we are saved by faith. In other words, the stronghold of the Old Testament law ends where the new creation that Jesus creates in us begins.

This is the essence of the gospel message. The promise that God intended from the very beginning. That is, the story of a God who not only created us but loved us so much that He would become flesh and dwell among us. A God who rose triumphant, "shattering the grammar of earth [and] breaking down the closed circle of the voice of the law" so that we could have hope. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

In fact, it was the humanity of God Himself on the cross that broke the hold of the law that was previously upon us. God revealed Himself so that we might know Him as our Lord and Saviour. "Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." (John 8:19) "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow me and I give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand ... I and my Father are one." (John 10:27)

But not everyone believed. Some challenged Jesus' authority including the Pharisees of the day. Show us the Father, they asked. Where is your Father? How could this be? John 8:12-58 copied below elaborates on the dialogue. Read it for your edification and understanding. Stand in the Offering Plate!


¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
¹³ The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
¹⁴ Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. ¹⁶ But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. ¹⁷ In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. ¹⁸ I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
¹⁹ Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”
“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” ²⁰ He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
²¹ Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”
²² This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?”
²³ But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. ²⁴ I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he,you will indeed die in your sins.”
²⁵ “Who are you?” they asked.
“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. ²⁶ “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”
²⁷ They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. ²⁸ So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up^[a] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. ²⁹ The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” ³⁰ Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
³³ They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
³⁴ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[b]”
³⁹ “Abraham is our father,” they answered.
“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would^[c]do what Abraham did. ⁴⁰ As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹ You are doing the works of your own father.”
“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”
⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!⁴⁶ Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
⁴⁸ The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”
⁴⁹ “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.⁵¹ Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
⁵² At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
⁵⁴ Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. ⁵⁵ Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 473

And a great crowd followed Him and thronged about Him. And there was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had suffered much under many physicians and had spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse. 

She had heard reports about Jesus and came up behind Him in the crowds and touched His garment. For she said, "If I touch even His garments, I shall be made well." And immediately, the hemorrhage ceased and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 

And Jesus perceiving in Himself that power had gone forth from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" And the disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing around you and yet you say, "Who touched me?" 

And He looked around to see who had done it. But the woman knowing what had been done to her came in fear and trembling and feel down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease."

Your faith has made you well! Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 472

(Ecclesiastes 3)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 

A time to be born, and a time to die; 

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 

A time to kill, and a time to heal; 

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; 

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 

A time to get, and a time to lose; 

A time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; 

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 

A time to love, and a time to hate; 

A time of war, and a time of peace.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 471

Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation and in that day shall ye say, “Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.” 

As Isaiah 9:6 states, “For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Jesus is the last name given among men whereby we can be saved. It was His sacrifice on the cross, His blood shed for you and I that opened the door so that we might have salvation. So that we might abide fully in His grace.

Yes, the same God who created this world loved us – you and I – so much that He would become flesh and His humanity die for us. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world and received up into glory.” (I Timothy 3:16)

Further, “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison and them sit in darkness out of the prison house so that we can be free.” (Isaiah 45)

All this so that you and I might know God our Saviour. So that we can know without a doubt in whom we have believed, and be persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day. Yes, Jesus loves you! Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 470

God is so good. Even before the foundations of the world were formed, God had a plan. The following scriptures taken from I Corinthians 1:20-31 elaborates on the wisdom of God and how God chose the foolish things -- like the preaching of the cross -- to confound the wise. The scriptures state:

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. Not many were powerful. Not many were of noble birth but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

But of Him are you in Christ Jesus who of God is made into us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Stand in the offering plate.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 469

I read somewhere that education works best when the learning is made the central part of education. How ironic that when we read the scriptures, written so long ago, that we can recognize how privileged we are that Jesus made us -- you and I -- the central focus of His teachings. In other words, He reached out to us so that we might find salvation and live life abundantly. When we accept Jesus into our life, we become a new creation.

Going forward, God continues to do a work within us. On our part, we simply believe and receive His words. His message. That is, in Jesus we have redemption. We become heirs unto the promise. To this end, Jesus taught us how to live.

Therefore, I say unto you, take no thought for your life. What you shall eat or what you shall drink nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat and the body more than the raiment? Behold the fowls of the air for thy sow not. Neither do they reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They toil not and neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore if God so clothes the grass of the fields which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more clothe you?

Let me say this again. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you? The only prerequisite to living a life of faith is seeking first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness (Matthew 6). 

Moreover, Jesus declared and clarified His invitation to us in Matthew 11:28-30:

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

Stand in the Offering Plate. 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 468

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved and thy house[hold]." (Acts 16:30-31) Why Jesus? Because there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:1) There was a reason why in Matthew 1:21, Mary and Joseph were told to call His name JESUS. "For He shall save His people from their sins." (Luke 1:31) The scriptures are clear on this point. They shall call Him Jesus.

Later, when Jesus was preaching to the multitudes, then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. And He said unto them, "This it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47) In other words, believe in Jesus so that you may also have everlasting life.

When the people asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He hath sent." In Jesus, "my Father has given you the true bread from Heaven for the bread of God which cometh down from Heaven gives life unto the world." (John 6)

Therefore, "if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink," saith Jesus, "He that believeth on Me as the scriptures has said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

But Jesus is the bread of life. He that believeth on Him hath everlasting life. "This is that bread which came down from Heaven not as your fathers did ate manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58) This bread being Jesus.

This is the good news message that God intended for us when He first created us in the Garden of Eden. It is this same good news message that He delivered when God became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might understand just how much He loves us. For God so loved the world!

John 5:39 encourages us to "search the scriptures for in them are they which testify of Me" -- Jesus. And be not afraid because Jesus will give you the peace that you seek. Only believe (Mark 5:36).

Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 467

My cup runneth over!! This is the type of love that God has for each and every one of us. And this love, as I Corinthians 13:9 points out never fails. Never. Indeed, God's love never fails. Even more important is that God commended His infinite love toward you and I while we were still sinners. That is right. While we as humans had no understanding of God and His willingness to become flesh and die for us, God Almighty knew us already. He knew our innermost thoughts -- our heart's desires -- and yet He still loved us.

It is for this reason that salvation cannot be obtained through good works (Galatians 3) or from works of righteousness. Salvation can only be achieved according to His mercy. The mercy of Jesus which is why the scriptures state, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Because of His goodness. Because God manifest in the flesh loved us so much.

For in Him the fullness of God dwells bodily. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not (John 1:10). But He still knew us.

Romans 8:38-39 says, " For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus."

So ask me again why my cup runneth over with joy? Because there is a happiness that comes with recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The only way. Why don't you come to Jesus today so that your cup can runneth over too? Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 466

There is an old covenant, a covenant that existed between two parties. The old, as the name applies is old. That which is old decays and for the most part is ready to vanish away. In short, what is recommended in the scriptures is that the Old covenant be put on the shelf. This recommendation in spite of those today who still present the old covenant as if it were pertinent.

For the sake of understanding, let's expand on this point. The Law of the Old covenant was added because of transgressions. That is, until the SEED should come to whom the promise was made (the promised SEED being the Christ!)

The old covenant was a covenant of works. Within this covenant, man would do this and God would honour the agreement by fulfilling his part. But man utterly failed. Even though the covenant was good man’s flesh was still weak. Eventually God just walked away. The problem was that the people here did not recognise that God had cut them off. 

The New covenant (as some suggest) is not a covenant. Rather, within this new era, God was about to become man’s only Saviour. Why? Because as the scriptures allude, there was no other in heaven that was capable of redeeming man from the bondage of sin. So God prepared Himself a body planting two SEEDS of Himself into one man Abraham and one woman Eve. 

These two SEEDS were eventually brought together by the Holy Spirit of God when the promised two seeds indwelled in a young maiden named Mary. Here, Mary was about to bring forth a child named JESUS. JESUS was God Himself, clothed in flesh whilst He was in the womb of His surrogate mother.

God without any assistance or planning by man was going to pay in full for Adam’s disobedience. For just as one mans sin had brought the human race into captivity, so was one man’s righteousness going to negate the penalty that was pronounced upon all of Adam’s race.

A covenant then is made between two parties. However, in this case there is to be only one party. God is the sole party. God who is Spirit and God Himself became a Son so that we might be saved. Man had no say in the outcome of these events for man was not a participant. God purchased man’s salvation by Himself for it was God who laid down His life as a Son.

What we have then is not a covenant. Rather, what we have is the Last Will and Testament of JESUS, the only begotten Son of God who prior to His crucifixion bequeathed all that was His to us believers. All that the Father(the unseen Spirit of the One Holy God)was His to share and we become the inheritors of all things freely.

Beloved as such, we are the Sons and Daughters of God. For we have come to JESUS -- empty handed. We then give our hearts to JESUS, obediently being baptized into God’s name which is JESUS. We are now His children. For as many as have been baptized into JESUS the Christ, (the SEED of the Holy Spirit ) have by so doing become eligible to receive of His Spirit.

So my brothers and sisters in JESUS, we do not have a covenant. Rather, we have the TESTAMENT of HIS WILL. The truth sets us free! Peace in Jesus!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 465

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Indeed, faith in God is the ingredient that the world system totally neglects. But Abraham believed in God and because of his simple faith, God accounted to Abraham righteousness. If conversely, Abraham had not embraced that God is, then he like so many others before him would remain in God’s eyes as spiritually dead in their trespasses and sin. 

Men and women blessed of God naturally produce offspring which in most cases they protect and shield from evil. The parents would gladly offer themselves even to death to shield their offspring. In this same way, God has done likewise. God is not willing that anyone should perish. Not anyone. In this same context, God is no respecter of persons. In God’s eyes, all have sinned. Each and every one of us are guilty and as the scriptures state, "There is none righteous, no not one." 

It is for this reason that God veiled Himself in flesh as a Son. The difference being that God was not a sinner and even though He was tempted and tried even as we are, He sinned not. God who is Spirit veiled Himself in flesh allowing sinful men and women to unjustly condemn Him to death as they shouted - crucify Him - for we will not have this man to rule over us.

It is because of this latter example that there is neither a Jew or Gentile who can assert that they are guiltless. This is not to suggest that those who have never heard the gospel message of salvation will be judged as having heard the gospel message. But for those who have heard the gospel message and have willingly shunned God’s message, they should take heed - for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! We need to repent and ask the same God who made the world to come into our hearts once and for all. 

On a totally different topic, there are those who constantly assert that the Jews are the people of God. It would appear that they have forgotten that the Jews were cut off from God. The question then is this. If one is cut off from God, who is the Vine referred to in the scriptures? Doesn't the scriptures state that when a choice is made to oppose God, that there is a withering away from the vine? Some might suggest that such is the condition of the Jews today. Still opposing the New Testament, while continually endeavouring to re-establish the Law that was given through Moses. Remember that the Law was added until. Taking this initial stance further, some even assert that the Jews are the SEED of blessing as spoken of to Abraham. 

But Abraham believed God. For it is written in the scriptures that when the Jews asserted that Abraham was JESUS' father, He replied, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and when he saw that it was forthcoming he rejoiced and was glad!" 

These same folks further assert that yeshua is the messiah (the Christ) even insinuating that they knew the name yeshua 700 years prior to the birth of Christ. Still, the name JESUS was given of God to men. As such, there is no salvation in any other name. This is why the name of JESUS is so hated that many produce all sorts of alternate names rather than simply believe that the Lord who is God alone, has become Our Only Saviour. Or that His Name is JESUS. IMMANUEL meaning God with us! Therefore, God’s name is not jehovah or jahweh as often asserted. These are in fact deliberate fabrications of men endeavouring to hinder us - you and I - from the revealed truth found in the scriptures. That is, that the God who made the world was in the world! His name is JESUS!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 464

"The Bible says" and this fact in and of itself should suffice. Who are we that we believe we have a right to question the authenticity of the Word? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. And this same Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How many times have we listened to a message being delivered where a distinction is made between God and Jesus? And often, it leaves the listener confused. And yet the scriptures are clear. There is only one God. That's right - one God - and His name is Jesus.

The God who loved us so much in the beginning that He created a Garden of Eden for men and women also knew that He would eventually become flesh and hang on the cross of Calvary so that we might have salvation and life abundant. This is why the apostles encouraged us to read the scriptures and discern for ourselves what is right. So that we would understand just how much our Creator loved us and that in that beloved love, He would take it upon Himself to become as one of us. What do the scriptures say? He was among them and they knew Him not! And yet this same God knows the very feelings of our heart. Our very thoughts.

This is the Amazing Grace that we sing about. Amazing Grace by poet and clergyman John Newton in 1779 is still one of the most recognizable songs in our world today. It serves as a reminder that the same salvation message -- the gospel message taught by the apostles -- that was prevalent in early centuries is equally relevant for us today. Stand in the offering plate. Offer Jesus all of you so that you too can live life abundantly in His saving grace!



Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

That sav'd a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.




'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believ'd!




Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.




The Lord has promis'd good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.




Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.




The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be forever mine.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 463

Recently, I was listening to a sermon on the book of Genesis. Specifically, Genesis 1:26 -- a single verse that many people can't seem to get past in terms of understanding God. Indeed, the individual delivering the message tried to explain the "Let us" in the verse by referring to a "triune God" and the "trinity". The difficulty with the interpretation as presented is that neither the word triune or trinity are words used in the Bible. There are reasons for this which we will discuss in detail in future posts. For now, ask yourself these questions. Who is God? What is His name?

If we note that throughout history, God always had a name, it makes sense that the last name given to men whereby men can be saved is Jesus. There is no other name under Heaven whereby men can be saved. None. Jesus is the only name whereby salvation can be obtained. The apostles knew this. This is why every individual they baptized in the scriptures was baptized in the name of Jesus.

In the name of Jesus.

As for Genesis, it is important to read the entire chapter. There is a reason why Genesis begins with "in the beginning God." At the same time, John chapter 1 provides the New Testament (or looking back perspective). John 1 opens with "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Then scroll down to John 1:14 where the scripture states "And the Word became flesh." In other words, God became flesh so that we might be saved! And His name is Jesus!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 462

Every so often, we find a written keepsake that we had hidden away for safe keeping some time ago. Today was one of those days. Tucked away in the folds of my New Testament was the remnants of an article that I cut out from its original source decades ago. As a consequence, I do not know who wrote it or if this section was part of a larger article. However, upon reading the message contained therein again today, I thought the message might be appreciated by others. It begins like this:

"Dear Reader, this example was set for the whole world. It does not matter what creed, what color, what nationality, where you were raised or what you were taught, or what you were brought up under. This is truly the world's example.

The Apostle Paul said whatever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Col. 3:17. So when we baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, we must baptize in the only name Jesus. Father is not a name, son is not a name, Holy Ghost is not a name but titles. So there are three titles -- one person and one name.  The name of the Father is Jesus because Jesus said, I am come in my Father's name. John 5:43. The name of the Son is Jesus Matthew 1:21. The Holy Ghost's name is Jesus John 14:26. 

So you see, dear reader, there are not three names for three different persons, but one person and three manifestations. He was Father in creation Genesis 1:1. The same one was Son in redemption Luke 1:68. In the church He was the comforter John 14:26. So when Matthew 28:19 is obeyed the baptism must be done in Jesus' name. Notice dear reader the Apostles understood Matthew 28:19, for they got the revelation who Jesus was. Peter acknowledged who He was by saying, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16. So you see that Peter saw Him as God and man.

On the day of Pentecost when the gospel was preached in its fullness by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven and men were pricked in their hearts they said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles: Men and brethren what shall we do? Peter kept in mind the sayings of Jesus by telling them to repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38."

God bless!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 461

Times change and as a consequence, the capacity for formal institutionalized religious education, as it is recognized in the traditional sense, is not always conducive to understanding the breadth and depth of the love of God as elaborated within the scriptures or the extent of the love God has for His people. As Mary Parkins Ryan wrote in an article entitled, "Dr. Goldman and American Catholic Education" religious authorities continued to impose concepts and doctrinal formulas on children and youth, optimistic that as they grow older, their earlier religious training would lead to a greater sense of appreciation for continuing the teachings within formalized religion.

"These people deeply feel that whatsoever else may be accomplished in a religion class is a frill; to know correct formulas made by heart is the essential ... Children shall be taught the fundamental truths of the faith, and those especially must be committed to memory that are conducive to the love of God." This conviction became stronger as the Catholic Church in particular, and perhaps other church oriented institutions as well, feared the "new theology" and the "new catechetics." It appeared that many wanted "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion so as to be sure the old-time religion [would] be perpetuated."

Although admittedly the article itself is dated, it is interesting to note the contrast that exists between this type of observation from an educator's point of view and the scriptures as delivered to us by the apostles. In particular, I am drawn to I Corinthians -- the first letter of Paul -- who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus -- with a message for the Corinthians. Beginning in I Corinthians 1:20-29, the scriptures state:

"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For consider your call brethren: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is low and despised in the world even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus ..."

Looking back, we can readily see how traditional education and teaching practices have changed over the decades. There are times that good educational intentions in one era were reversed in the next. Indeed, we've all witnessed these debates on the merits of education (both religious and public) during our own lifetimes. However, the point here is that the good news gospel -- the Word of God -- never changes. The same gospel message delivered to the original apostles in the Bible is equally valid for you and I today. Not a "new theology" as suggested above but the gospel message intended for you and I even before the earth was formed.

John 1 states: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him and cried, "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks before me for He was before me.") And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For this law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through  Jesus Christ."

In other words, there is no other gospel message for our children and youth. While some might say (as referenced in I Corinthians 1:12-13) that they "belong to Paul" or "to Apollos" or "to Cephas" or to other formalized religious institutions, we can rest assured that as believers we "belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? No. Was Paul crucified for you? No. Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No. Why? Because as John wrote, "among us stands one whom you do not know, even He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." John came to bear witness to the light that all might believe in the one "who was in the world and the world was made by Him, yet the world knew Him not." 


Therefore the gospel of Jesus is not so complicated that we need "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion." What we do need to do is "Make straight the way of the Lord" as the prophet Isaiah said, and recognize that the real underlying fundamental truth is that Jesus loves us. Salvation is not about memorizing religious dogma but rather, reading the scriptures and committing to Jesus within our hearts! Thankfully, that gospel message never changes. Stand in the Offering Plate!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 460

As with many longstanding traditions involving institutions, often the message being disseminated today varies significantly from the originating foundational truths. This becomes evident when one reads the scriptures and compares Jesus' teachings to the message being taught today by established religion. It is also interesting how people's motivations change when confronted with realities that don't necessarily fit within their man-made institutional mandate.

I was thinking about this phenomena when reading Mark chapter 2. This chapter highlights examples off Jesus' compassion for people, including healing the paralytic carried to the rooftop by four men As we read in the Biblical passage, Jesus saw their faith and said to the man, "My son, your sins are forgiven!" In the distance watching were the scribes (and later in the chapter the Pharisees). In their hearts, they were questioning the actions of Jesus saying, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 

Their compassion for the paralyzed man was not their first priority. Even as the crowds gathered around Jesus to hear His teachings, the Pharisees held to their traditions, fasting instead. "Why does He [Jesus] eat with sinners and tax collectors?" was the question of the day. Repeatedly, the Pharisees dismissed Jesus for going against tradition. In this case, it was for performing numerous healing of the sick and miracles on the Sabbath. 

Still, the people who listened understood. When John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, the people came to Jesus and asked, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast but your disciples do not fast?" (Mark 2:18) Jesus' response was telling.

"Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The day will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast in that day." Then Jesus cited two examples that we can all understand.

"No one sews a piece of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment, If he does, the patch tears away from it. The new from the old and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wine skins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins and the wine is lost. And so are the skins but new wine is for fresh skins." In other words,  Jesus saw that it wasn't those who were well that needed a physician to heal them but those who are sick. It was not the righteous who needed a Saviour to rescue them but the sinners.

So while the Pharisees held counsel against Jesus, the people ate from the "presence" of their Lord and Saviour. While the religious held that it was unlawful to perform miracles and healings on the Sabbath, the people recognized that Jesus -- the Son of man -- was Lord, even over the Sabbath. While the scribes and Pharisees called Jesus' willingness to forgive sins blasphemy, the people recognized that the reason Jesus could forgive sins was because He was God in the flesh. 

A contrasting difference in perspectives in these scriptures and one that tells so much. Read Mark 2 for yourself and marvel in the goodness of God! "Follow Me" said Jesus and in so doing, put yourself in His offering plate!