- The Other Disciple - Part 524

Often, when we read John chapter 20, we focus on Thomas - sometimes called Doubting Thomas - because it was he who would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he could see in Jesus' hands the print of the nails. The scriptures state, "and thrust my hand into His side." After eight days His disciples and Thomas with them were together. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be unto you." Then said He - Jesus - already knowing the inner thoughts of Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands and reach hitherto thy hand and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless but believing." In other words, look upon whom they pierced for I am He. And when he did, Thomas answered the Lord saying, "My Lord and my God." What a revelation.

There are other equally insightful revelations within John 20 as well. First, there is the reference to the "other" disciple. Early, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene had gone to the sepulchre where Jesus was supposed to be and saw that the stone had been taken away. In verse 2, we read that Mary ran to Simon Peter, and to the "other" disciple, whom Jesus loved and said unto them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple and came to the sepulchre. The scriptures note that the two both ran together but the "other" disciple did outrun Peter. Reaching the sepulchre first, he stooped down and looked in but did not enter into the sepulchre. Then came Simon Peter who did go in, seeing the linen clothes lie. And the napkin that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes but wrapped together in a place by itself.

"For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead."


Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
But it is the "other" disciple that we should take particular note of.  John 18:15 states, "And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did "another disciple." It was this "other" disciple that "was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest."

In John 20:18, it was this "other" disciple -- whom Jesus loved - that reached the sepulchre first. He did not go inside in the beginning. But note the scripture in John 20:8: "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." Even though he "as yet had not known the scripture -- that He must rise again from the dead, he believed."

Like Thomas later, the "other" disciple believed that Jesus had risen from the dead even when he did not realize that Jesus death and resurrection had been foretold in prophecy in the days before. He -- John -- believed even though he did not know that the death and resurrection of Jesus was decided before the world was formed. What a revelation! 

The second insight in John 20 focuses on Mary Magdalene. Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping, and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre. And seeing two angels in white sitting the one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus HAD previously lain, they said to her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" Mary replied,"Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." She turned herself back and saw Jesus standing -- even though she knew not at the time that He was Jesus. But Jesus asked the same question, "Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?"

When Jesus said her name, Mary, she then knew Him. "Rabboni; which is to say Master."

In all of these people, there was a belief that their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was their everything. Their Lord and their Saviour. There was a reason Mary wept. There was a reason John started to run with Peter but arrived at the sepulchre first. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate!

The Only Thing That Matters - Part 523

Often, those who have asked Jesus to come into their hearts struggle with competing objectives going forward. In their hearts, they want to tell everyone about their wonderful Saviour Jesus who has blessed them with so much. Conversely, there are the household expenses to consider. In this context, the example written in Luke 9 may be timely. Indeed, it goes beyond the message of the lilies in the field preached in Matthew 6. In this latter verse, we are blessed with knowledge on how to get our hearts and minds right, particularly in terms of who holds our lives in His hands. Matthew 6 states:

"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; And yet I say unto you, that even [King] Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you [because of His love!] O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek). [Why not?] For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

But in Luke 9, the example takes us to the next step in our walk with Jesus.

There, when Jesus called His twelve disciples together, He gave them power and authority over all devils to cure diseases. "And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. What Jesus said next is significant.

"Take nothing for your journey, neither slaves , nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece." Why? Because "whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them."

As we read further, the people, when they knew that Jesus had taken His apostles into the desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida followed Him. At no point did Jesus turn His back on the people. Indeed, He received them and spake unto them about the Kingdom of God, and He healed all them that had need of healing.

"And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve saying, "Send the multitude away that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals  for we are here in a desert place."

But Jesus said unto them, "Give ye them to eat." This is the faith that we seek in our daily walk with Jesus. Knowing that every step of our road, there is Jesus walking with us hand in hand. Read the Word -- Jesus Word - today for our daily food and discover what Jesus has in store for you today. He loves you. In fact, He loved us from the day He first created man and woman. This is why Jesus died on the cross, so that we might have life abundant. Stand in the offering plate!

In Whom Do You Worship? - Part 522

Thought for this day - "Some worship the moon. Others worship God the creator of the moon." Have a blessed day!

I Come In My Father's Name - Part 521

The gospel of John offers a unique perspective - always intriguing when we think of how John portrays events in the Bible in contrast to the ways that we view the world today. As such, we can't expect John chapter five to be any different. Therein, as John tells it, Jesus travelled to Jerusalem, and more specifically by a pool which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethseda. At this place was a great multitude of people - namely impotent folk, of blind, halt, and withered waiting for the water to move.

You see, in a certain season, an angel would trouble the water so that whosoever stepped in first was made whole of whatsoever disease this individual had contracted. In the midst, was a certain man which had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been in this state for a significant time, Jesus asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?"

What a strange question coming from the same Jesus who travelled around the countryside healing people. The impotent man told Jesus of his circumstances saying, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."

Jesus said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed and walk." And immediately the man was made whole and took up his bed and walked. Needless to say, the Jews who had heard that this man was cured criticized Jesus. They said that "It is the Sabbath day. It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed." The healed man responded by saying, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, "Take up thy bed and walk.""

Then the Jews asked him this question. "What man is that which said unto thee, "Take up thy bed and walk?" But he that was healed wist not who it was, for Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude in that place. As the chapter elaborates, Jesus later found the man in the temple and said unto him, "Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more."

The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole. As a consequence, the Jews sought even more to persecute Jesus -- to kill Him for doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered saying, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." (John 5:17)

By now, the Jews were even more determined to kill Jesus, not only because He had broken the Sabbath but that He said also that God was His father, making Himself equal with God. Jesus responded to their queries. Indeed, He said, "Verily, verily I say unto you. The Son can do nothing of Himself; but what He sees the Father do; for what things soever He doeth, there also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth, there also doeth the Son likewise."

"For the Father loveth the Son and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth; and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."

Further, Jesus said, "He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that hath sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death to life." Reading in verse 31, it states, "If I bear witness of myself my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which He witnesseth of me is true."

Therefore, search the scriptures for in them they testify of me -- Jesus. Remember I John 5:7 -- "there are three that bear witness in heaven - the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit." It also states that these three are one.

Indeed, it is He who said, "I am come in my Father's name and ye receive me not. If another shall come in his own name, will you receive him?" Of course not. Why? Because the Lord thy God is one God, and as stated in earlier posts, there is no other God beside Him.

But let's not get too far away from the man dealing with the sickness. His difficulty wasn't the sickness. Rather, it was the fact that when the water was stirred, he did not have anyone who could help into the healing waters. That is, until Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of Lords came by and told him he was healed. In other words, when there is no one else who can help, we can count on Jesus to take us the distance -- to carry us over all the obstacles the world sends our way. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate!

Beside Me, There is No Other God - Part 520

"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts, "I am the first and I am the last and beside me there is no other God. And who, as I shall call, and shall declare it, and set in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God, I know not any." (Isaiah 44:8)

In other words, if "In the beginning God" is not enough, then God made His existence abundantly clear in Isaiah. There is only one God and His name is Jesus. Indeed, this message is confirmed repeatedly throughout the New Testament. In I John 5:6-7 -- the only time that the word three is used in reference to God -- states:

"This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one."

In John 1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." As we read further in the chapter, it states, "And the Word became flesh." The same God who created us loved us so much that He would become flesh so that we might have life and have that life more abundant.

In John 14:10. Jesus said to Philip, "He that hath seen me has seen the Father" it was so that we would know in whom we have salvation. In whom we should pray. In whom we should be grateful to for providing us with His abundant grace.

This is why there is only one mediator between God and man - Jesus. These verses also reconfirm that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. He is before all things and by Him all things exist. In Jesus did all the fullness of God dwell. Salvation is in Jesus.

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God, for which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corinthians 4:15-18)

This is why we are at peace in Jesus. For the same God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness in the beginning of time - as recorded in Genesis -- now shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus -- so that we would have this treasure -- His treasures -- in our earthen vessels -- so that the excellency of the power is of God. His epistles written in our hearts.

Yes, Jesus loves you! Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus Bridges the Gap - Part 519

We are introduced to Melchisedec in the book of Hebrews (which is found in the New Testament). Here, He is the King of the City of Salem and the priest of the most high God. Abraham is returning from a battle (known as the battle of the kings) and is blessed enroute by Melchisedec. Some might ask - what was the blessing? Well, Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine.

So the scene looks like this. There stands Abraham (who is identified in the scriptures as the father of the faithful) before Melchisedec receiving a blessing of bread and wine from Melchisedec whose name means King of Righteousness and Justice. Note that in the scriptures Melchisedec is not recorded as having a father or mother. Neither is there a recorded genealogical ancestry. The Word states, "without father, without mother and without descent; having neither beginning of days, nor end of life." Further, it would appear that Melchisedec was neither born nor did He die. His life as recorded in the scriptures is a true symbol and representation of the Son of God.

Melchisedec, appearing with bread and wine blesses Abraham. Throughout, He continues to be a priest without interruption. No successor. Upon reflection, how great this man must have been. The lesser being blessed by the greater and still the blessing is symbolized in bread and wine. But there is more. When Melchisedec, the priest of the most high God, creator and possessor both of heaven and earth met Abraham, the bread and wine presented was symbolic of this Priest's own sacrificial death at Calvary.

For without the blood of Jesus the Christ, there would be no priesthood. The life that was represented was the life of God Himself as a son, without which there would be no priesthood. Our great high priest then is none other than the one who sacrificed His own holy spirit as a son. It was He Himself purchased our redemption once and for all.

Further, Melchisedec's priesthood ruled and reigned because He had something to offer us. That offering was Himself. It was He who bridged the gulf of our sin which separated God from man. It was He in these scriptures that was represented as the bread and wine. Didn't Jesus state, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)   

Therefore, it quickly becomes apparent from the reading that apart from His earthly ministry as a man -- pure, holy and undefiled -- no priesthood could ever exist. Remember that God looked for a man that was free of sin but because of Adam's transgression in the Garden, there wasn't a sinless man to be found. Indeed, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

But with the priest Melchisedec and His own natural sacrificed life represented by the bread and wine in His hand, He was able to bless Abraham. He knew the promise that was to come. That the same God Almighty who created man and woman in the beginning would become our Saviour -- the only mediator between God and man. He told Abraham, "Blessed be the Most High God which has delivered your enemies into your hands."

Notice the blessing that was placed on Abraham by the High Priesthood of God. At this point, He was reaching out to man. God was making a way when there was no way. For God commends His love toward us, in that while we played around in sin, he was laying down His life so that we might be redeemed. At this point, God had already decided His plan of salvation before we were formed in the womb.

Therefore, when we speak of salvation, we can remain confident that we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus that washes whiter than snow. When you or I approach God's throne of grace, we come with nothing. We do not need to. Why? Because the price of our redemption and our subsequent justification has been paid in full. The blood of Jesus is enough!

Today, the holy spirit of God ministers to us because we come in the name of the Spirit of God's holy child -- Jesus. The same Jesus who is now our great high priest after the Order of Melchisedec. Jesus on earth -- touched by our infirmities. Moved with compassion over the souls of you and I. Indeed, Jesus wept. The God who created us wept so that we might have life.

And the best part of all is that the blessing -- His gift of salvation for each and every one of us -- is free. Not my will Lord but thy will be done! Stand in the offering plate.

Redeemed by the Blood of Jesus - Part 518

We have so much to be thankful for. We have been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus -- the lamb that was foreordained before the foundation of the world and manifest in these last times for us. He died for us even though He Himself was without blemish or spot. Manifest in these last times for you and I. Yes, it was for us in these last days that the same God who created us and knew each and every one of us before we were ever formed in the womb shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary so that we might know Him. Jesus -- the way, the truth and the life. The only mediator between God and man.

You see, God wants to fellowship with men and women. He wants to commune with us. This is why in the Garden of Eden -- from Genesis in the Bible -- we read that God created man in His own image to have dominion over the fish of the sea and the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every thing that creepeth upon the earth. 

Think about this. God created us in His own image, by forming man from the dust of the ground and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life. Hence, man became a living soul. And He did so knowing that the day would come when He would have to perform that good thing which He had promised. 

Indeed, when "God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them, and God blessed them and said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth." God saw everything that He had made and it was very good. He saw that His creation -- man and woman -- was very good. But Adam and Eve failed.

This is why we need salvation. A plan of salvation -- which allows men and women to be reconciled with God.  Indeed, God knew this and had already foreordained a plan of salvation before the foundation of the world. As the scriptures state in I Peter, this plan of salvation was manifest in these last times for you and I. What a wonderful thought. At this very moment, we have an opportunity to believe in the same God that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, so that our faith and hope might be in Him.

And then, seeing that we have purified our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, being born again, not of corruptible seed, but rather of incorruptible -- the Word of God lives and abides in our hearts forever. Indeed, the Word of our Lord endures forever. 

I Peter 1:18-25 offers a unique analogy -- where the substance of our lives are compared to the grass. Peter states, "For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. But in time, the grass withers and the flower thereof will fall away. But the Word of the Lord endureth forever. This is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

Let the Word -- Jesus -- abide in your life. Stand in the offering plate! 

Jesus Took Our Place - Part 517

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, [He] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Consider that the same God who created the world was in Jesus reconciling us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and that, as a consequence, has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

"To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses [or sins] unto them" (as we might in our human thinking against our fellow man) but rather committing unto us "the Word of reconciliation."

The "vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which vail is done away in Christ." Up until this point, their minds were blinded. Even when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless, it is no longer this way. For the Bible states, "when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away." And it was. "Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II  Corinthians 3:14-17)

Therefore, the greatest love story ever told can be found in His Word -- our God and Saviour. A love story that is so deep that we are moved by the breadth and depth of love that God has shown. And a love story that is so simple that children can understand how much God loves us.

Remember that in the beginning, it wasn't God who messed up. Indeed, it was Adam and Eve that sent us on the road that we now travel. Still, God -- whose footstool is earth -- cared so much about you and I that He would make a decision to become flesh and shed His humanity on the cross for us. In His mind, there wasn't anyone else that even measured up. This is the love that passeth all understanding.

This is why John 3:16 - For God so loved - is so significant. Because in the "so loved" He knew that the only way that men and women could be saved -- and once again partake in daily fellowship with their Creator is to become as one of them and make the ultimate sacrifice. And He did so in order that we could become ambassadors for Jesus the Christ, staying in His stead so that we can be reconciled to Him.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." Let Jesus dwell in you today, and walk with you because He said. "I will be their God and they shall be my people." Let the light that God commanded shine in our hearts so that the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ could be told near and far.

Jesus loves you! He is the way, the truth and the life. Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus - You are My God! Part 516

"They stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Acts 7:59 is specific on this point. But why is it in newer versions of the New Testament Bible that the wording removes the words "calling upon God" preferring only to acknowledge Stephen's latter words - "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Is it because these so-called intellectuals -- blinded by their own religious -- trinitarian views -- and institutional traditions prefer not to acknowledge that Stephen knew God by name? Knew God as Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Or perhaps, it is because these revisionists do not want people to know that Jesus is the unseen God manifest in the flesh.

The good news is that it doesn't matter what other people think. It only matters that we believe the Word as it is written. This means that yes, Jesus is both human and divine, God and man. Jesus spoke as a man and as God. He is the Father in a Son's body. Jesus - the everlasting Father. Jesus - the only name given whereby men and women today can be saved. 

This is why we as believers are confident that the very God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that He would become flesh and shed His humanity on the cross for us. "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice; I [wisdom] lead in the midst of paths of judgement: I was set up from everlasting."

Note that when Stephen was stoned to death, God's love for His people was extended to the Gentiles. Acts 7:54-60 states: 

"When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on [Stephen] with their teeth, but he, being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord and cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen calling upon God saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.""

Although the chapter ends here, the significance of Jesus standing does not. 
The Lord Jesus is the I AM -- our light and salvation. In the beginning God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Collosians chapter one states:

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness; and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature; for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things and by Him all things consist. For He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell."

Later, in the same chapter but verses 27-29, the Word states: "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labour, striving according to His working which works in me mightily."

Indeed, allow Jesus to fill your heart with His spirit today. Trust in Jesus for your well-being. Stand in the offering plate!

Who Are You Lord? - Part 515

Who are you Lord? This question is repeatedly asked in the scriptures. Even today, it is amazing how many people worship today not knowing to whom their worship is directed. Even Jesus said “you worship [but] you know not what!”

Jesus said to His disciples and by extension the generations of people following Him, “ Have I been so long time with you and yet you have not known me? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. So why then are you saying show us the Father and we will  be satisfied."

Further, there are  those religious institutions that try to extract a name from the old covenant. Indeed, these institutions insert vowels into the letters “YWVH” to produce a name for their Hebrew God -- even though the outcome is an incommunicable name. In some ways, the expression that one "can't see the forest for the trees" is applicable here.

The new covenant (or New Testament) is a fulfilment of the prophecies in the Old Testament. This is where we begin to see the fullness of God revealed in the flesh. I Timothy 3:16 in the King James version states: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." Even in the more recent translation of Today's New International version, the same scripture states: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great. He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."

The point is this. God knew that all the blood sacrifices in the Old Testament could not save us. And even though people loved God with all their hearts, souls and minds, there was none who could make the sacrifice so that each and every one of us could be saved. So what did God Almighty -- the same God who created us and loved us as His own -- do? He became flesh and let His humanity die on a cross for you and I.

This is why we call His name Jesus. For He alone shall save His people from their sins.
When Saul of Tarsus was met on the road by a bright light and a voice, what happened? The voice asked, "Saul , Saul why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you kick against your conscience."

Saul responded with the same question that many of us ask, prior to asking Jesus into our life. That is, "Who are you?" In introducing Himself, He said, “I AM Jesus." Jesus -- His name above every other name in both heaven or earth. Indeed, there is no salvation in any other name. It is at the name of Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

All things were made by Him. Yes, in the beginning God. Paul said that the God of their fathers met him on the road to Damascus. What is His name? JESUS.

If Not Jesus --- Then Who? Part 514

The Lord is my light and my salvation. How many times did our God and Saviour say in the scriptures " I even I am the Lord, and beside me there is no Saviour, and thou shalt know no God but me, for there is no Saviour besides me. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus said. "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."

Indeed, it is according to His grace made manifest by the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ that we have can trust in the living God --- the same God who created us --- who became our Saviour on the cross.

By me kings reign and princes decree justice; I [wisdom] lead in the midst of the paths of judgement: I was set up from everlasting. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. All things, according to John 1, were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth. He is before all things and by Him all things consist.

Upholding all things that exist by the Word of His power. Walking with us each day hand in hand by the Word of His power. Knowing who touched Him -- like the woman who was sick in Luke 8 - even in the midst of pressing crowds. Further, He is not a god of the dead but rather, the God of the living. The same God who knew from the beginning that He would have to become flesh and dwell among us so that we could find salvation.

In other words, Jesus is the unseen God manifest in the flesh. Not another person as some might have us believe. Jesus human and divine -- God and man. Two natures -- a human nature and a divine nature. Jesus spoke as man but He also spoke as God. While on earth, Jesus performed/completed the works of  man but also performed/completed the work of God. "It is finished," said Jesus on the cross. The Father in a Son's body shed His humanity because He loved us so much.

"And some of the scribes answered, Teacher, you have spoken well ... But He said to them, "How can they say that the Christ is David's son? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet. David thus calls Him Lord; so how is He his son? And in the hearing of all the people, He [Jesus] said to His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and love salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretence make long prayers. They will receive the greatest condemnation." (Luke 20:38-47)

The scriptures here continue into Luke chapter 21 where Jesus notices the offering of the poor widow. He said, "Truly, I tell you this poor widow has put in more than all of them [the rich people] for they contributed out of their abundance but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.

Jesus wants us to stand in the offering plate today and give Him all of us. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Let Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- lead your steps today!

All Eyes Fixed on Jesus - Part 513

As we know from the scriptures, Stephen wasn't the only one getting it right! Jesus, in Luke 4 also set the record straight - regardless of the potential consequences that He might have to face. Beginning in verse 14, Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning Him went out through all the country side. He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. This should not come as a surprise. Indeed, people were astonished at Jesus' teaching  -- and His Word of authority.

However, when Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been raised, there were those who were not as impressed with Jesus' words. Still, He went into the synagogue as had been the custom on the Sabbath Day. There, Jesus stood up to read from the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it is written:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

And Jesus then closed the book and sat down. All eyes were fixed on Jesus so He began to say to them, "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:21)

But some of the hearers wondered at the "gracious words" because -- as they asked -- isn't this Joseph's son? The son of the carpenter?

Jesus said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country." And He said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarepath, in the land of Sidon to a woman who was a widow ... and there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."

When the people heard Jesus' message, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath and they rose and put Jesus out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down headlong. But passing through the midst of them, Jesus went on His way, for His time had not yet come.

The point is that getting the gospel right is critical to understanding one's purpose in life. In order to know the gospel, one has to read the Word. One has to know the Word -- Jesus. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This same Word became flesh -- Jesus -- so that we might have salvation. Remember too that it was Jesus who preached the good news to the poor. It was Jesus who said that He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind. It was Jesus who sought out to set at liberty those who were oppressed.

There is a reason we trust Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Rest in Jesus today, knowing that even before we start our day, Jesus is there walking with us every step of the way. Stand in the offering plate.

Getting it Right - Part 512

In the last post, we read about Stephen's determination to serve the Lord, and in that realm, Stephen was confident that the Lord Jesus would never leave him or forsake him. Stephen, full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles among the people. However, after further reflecting on Acts chapters 6-7, there is another message therein that also has merit. That is, the importance of getting it right.

Jesus said that He is the Word. In I John 5:6-7, "It is the Spirit that beareth witness because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one."

Stephen recognized that even in the face of adversity (and in his particular case death by stoning) he never stopped speaking the wisdom that had been bestowed upon him. "And they [certain of those of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of them of Cilicia and of Asia disputing with Stephen) were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake."

In other words, even though thy suborned men to make false accusations, they could not resist the Word that Stephen spoke about --- the Word being Jesus. Even though they stirred up the people and the elders and scribes to say that they heard Stephen saying blasphemous words against God and Moses, Stephen would not stop preaching about Jesus. "This man ceaseth not ..." (Acts 6:13)

Stephen stated in reference to Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia the promise that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. "And God spoke on this wise, "That his Seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage and entreat them evil four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God, and after that shall they come forth and serve me in this place." (Acts 7:5-7)

He further spoke of the patriarchs who were moved with envy selling Joseph into Egypt but God was with him and delivered him out of all his afflictions. But God Almighty did not stop there. He gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh King of Egypt, and made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Stephen continues telling of Moses who was cast out, but Pharaoh's daughter took him up and nourished him as her own son. During that time,  Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was "mighty in words and in deeds." When Moses was forty, he went to visit his brethren the children of Israel. "And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian; For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by His hand would deliver them, but they understood not."

Later, the scriptures in Acts 7 state, " This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give to us; to whom our fathers would not obey but thrust him from them and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt."

What was the question? O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? ... Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

"Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favour before God and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit "the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, saith the prophet."

"Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool; what house will you build me? saith the Lord; or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all things?"

Stephen then said, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now betrayers and murderers; who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it."

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he -- Stephen -- being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. "Behold, I see the heavens opened," said Stephen, " and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."

Jesus! The cornerstone that the church rejected and crucified on the cross is the Just One foretold by the prophets throughout the Old Testament. It is no wonder that the those listening to Stephen cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears. They had just crucified the Lord God Himself in the flesh -- who clothed Himself in humanity for our sake.

In spite of their best efforts to dismiss Jesus and to ignore the truth, Stephen and other believers like him, remained steadfast in their walk with Him. Stephen got it right. He wanted everyone to know that Heaven is Jesus' throne and earth His footstool. As the Word states in Acts 7:49,  "What house will you build me? Or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all things?"

Yes, the Lord God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that He would become flesh so that we might have eternal life. Jesus loves us that much -- that He will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you Jesus! Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus Will Never Leave You - Part 511

Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake you." We know this because of the New Testament example found in Acts 6-7. Therein, Stephen faced the trial of his life and yet knew, without a doubt that Jesus was there with him every step of the way. As we know from the scriptures, Stephen was a mighty man of God. A man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. So much so that when the Jews tried to dismiss his arguments, they could not refute him. This becomes particularly evident when Stephen sees a vision.

At the time, the number of disciples were multiplying. Stephen was chosen as one of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to administer the ministering of the Word. He was set before the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on Stephen, along with Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas. 

The Word of God increased, Stephen full of faith and power doing great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertenes and Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of them in Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men which said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God."

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes and came upon him and caught him and brought him back to the council and set up false witnesses which said, "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place and shall cahnge the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council looking steadfastly, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. 

Chapter 7 continues below. Yes, Jesus never leaves us or forsakes us even in our time of need. Stand in the offering plate. 


1 Then said the high priest Are these things so?
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia  before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage and entreat them evil four hundred years.
7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaacand circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharoah.
14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 
17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt
18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 
19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 
24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 
31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,
32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 
46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 But Solomon built him an house.
48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sinto their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Just an Ordinary Person who Loves Jesus - Part 510

My father once wrote in response to a request for his story --" Just a person who loves Jesus...a nobody to the world who loves walking with Jesus -- telling one person at a time." What a blessing! Knowing the peace that comes from walking with Jesus. The peace that passes all understanding. Peace in the Lord who is our stronghold -- a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 

"Those who know my name" states Psalms 9:9-10, "put their trust in thee for thou oh Lord hath not forsaken those who seek thee." Remember the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had suffered much under many physicians? She had already spent all she had and yet, she was not any better. But she had heard the reports about Jesus. 

When she came up behind Jesus in the crowd, her only motive was to touch Him. For she said, "If I touch even His garments, I shall be made well. And immediately, the haemorrhage ceased. At the same time, she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. But her touch did not go unnoticed.

Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power had gone forth from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my garments?" His disciples, noting the size of the crowd said, "You see the crowed around you and yet you say, who touched me?" Still, Jesus looked. The woman, knowing what had just happened, came to Jesus trembling and fell 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." The very stone which the builders rejected -- Jesus -- has become cornerstone. Jesus loves you that much too. Ask Him into your heart today ... and then stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Came Looking for You and Me - Part 509

What a realization it is --- knowing that God Almighty -- the same God who created us in the Garden of Eden came looking for us when we were lost and deceived. Up until this point, we had convinced ourselves into thinking that what we now have is our lot in life. And, as a consequence, that we would remain in total darkness devoid of any knowledge of God.

While we searched for the true meaning of life, some of us ended up following the traditional forms of religion as advocated by the ruling powers. From our perspective, we were born into this world and exposed to that institutional construct which was a seated form. Unfortunately, for us, we never really questioned the form. We simply followed the crowd. 

In the interim, this blind faith permitted religion with all its traditions to introduce us to all sorts of images and pictures. Further, men (and women) clothed themselves as priests or or ministers attired in all sorts of paraphernalia. Bestowed upon these self-proclaimed representatives of God - a belief promoted primarily among themselves - were titles exalting them to positions of authority. Indeed, over time, the authority of these presumed leaders became more established (in darkness) as each generation passed. And in the end, so deceived were we with religious darkness, that we crucified JESUS who was the WORD of God. In so doing, religion figured out a way to put their erroneous falsity back on even keel! This kind of institutional religious mindset continued until total darkness embraced all people. We followed this pattern because we were lost!

Still, God did not intend that any one should perish. This is why God came looking for us. Looking for you and I because He had a better way for us to live. Through His grace and mercy, God made a way when there was no way. 

God made a way which is the only way whereby man could be saved. And because of the light of His Words - His Wisdom and Truth - the gospel message that was delivered into this deceived world was so great that many hid their faces from this glorious light of truth. But regardless of the initial human response, this light of truth shone much brighter than the noon day sun for the light (His Word) and the knowledge of God which is the only true gospel message still melts into the inner chambers of our hearts.

Yes, JESUS was the corn of wheat that died (kernel) and in so doing the life of the Holy Spirit has brought forth a multitude of redeemed offspring! We who believe and are baptized into His death become His offspring. Being His offspring, His Holy Spirit works within us enabling us to walk in the light and truth of the knowledge of God. Indeed, we are the people who by God's grace and mercy are no longer alienated from God, but are now redeemed sons and daughters of God.

So grow in grace. Why? Because we have a Saviour named JESUS who will never leave us or forsake us. We are His offspring! Stand in the offering plate!

To Whom Else Shall We Go Jesus? - Part 508

When Jesus asked the disciples, "Will you go too?" Then Simon Peter answered him saying, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." So often, we spend our time chasing after the things that we feel are important instead of surrendering our lives to Jesus. Asking Jesus - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords -- to be in control. Trusting Him to deliver us from the bondage that surrounds us. Our Father -- who art in Heaven -- hallowed be thy name! Jesus -- the only name under Heaven whereby we can be saved. The same God who was in the world and the world knew Him not. Still, He loved us enough to shed His humanity on the cross of Calvary. 

Trust Jesus today! Know that there is no other place that we can go for it is He -- Jesus -- who has the words of eternal life. John 6:68 elaborates on this verse. Stand in the offering plate!

God was in Christ Reconciling the World - Part 507

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

God made a way when there was no way and He did so in order that you and I could have life more abundantly. Trust Jesus today! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is - Part 506

Unfortunately, there exists in the world today a system of religion which has evolved in many ways to be ineffective. This is not to suggest that people do not still attend church. But in these instances, the duty of going to church can be likened to blowing on a fire after the flame has gone out. In many cases, even the traditional long-standing religions miss the point. That is, the New Testament is indeed new because it replaces something that already existed. Therefore, a new covenant is not a modification to an existing covenant. Nor is it an addition to the existing covenant. What it means is that one of the parties of the original covenant has now withdrawn their participation. This can be a consequence of one or more of the criteria or requirements in the existing covenant not being met. When this happens, the end so to speak justifies anulling the agreement.

When it comes to the Old and New Testaments, what has happened is that some have attempted to bridge the two testaments -- the old and new covenants -- by moving forward in delivering the message as if they had an ability to reverse the situation that has since been terminated.

But what does the Bible say? The New Testament in my blood. Most cannot grasp that the one who cancelled the Old in the first place is now saying, "This is the new covenant in my blood." However, what we need to remember is that this covenant is not dependent on you or me. Instead, it is a covenant written in the blood of the covenantors own blood independent of you and me.

Let's consider this differently. We know from the Word that we are a redeemed people -- bought not by works of righteousness which we have done but purchased by the salvation brought into being by God Himself. It is God who declared that this is the covenant He would make with them after those days. Read Hebrews for additional details. In the interim, note that it is not according to the covenant I made with their fathers. Read this again. It states, "not according to." In other words, our salvation is not going to be written on tablets of stone.

Rather, this new covenant is going to be written on the tablets of our heart. God Himself drew up this covenant -- sealed in His own blood. How did He do this? He had previously said that He the Lord our God would become our Saviour and that is what He Himself brought to pass. Because of Adam's transgression we know that we inherited sin -- termed in the scriptures as our fallen nature. In order to remove that stumbling stone, God needed to provide a substitutionary death to undo the curses that we had inherited through Adam -- our ancestral father.

For Adam's seed was now a corrupt seed. It was by one man's sin that this bondage had been brought down upon us. Therefore, it necessitated a death (sealed in blood) of one righteous person to undo the curses that we had inherited through our ancestral father Adam. The question was this. Given Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, where was God going to find a righteous person? Particularly, when as the Word states, "There is none righteous, no not one."

Remember that God had implanted in Eve at the time of the fall a promised seed. That Seed was the Seed promised to bruise the serpent's head. One can read about this Seed in the genealogy recorded in the gospels. However, He also needed a male seed. So Abraham was given the promise that in his seed (not seeds) would all the nations of the earth be blessed.

Note God planted this seed into Abraham after He had resurrected his capabilities to reproduce. These two promised seeds at the appointed time arrived in the seed bank of Mary a young virgin girl. At the same time, the Word of the Lord came saying, that which is conceived in you is of the Holy Ghost. You shall bring forth a son and you shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin.

Who was this son? His name was/is Immanuel which by interpretation is God with us. The one who appeared at the appointed time is God as a Son. God veiled in the flesh. God's own Word. Not another person but God Himself found in fashion as a man. As declared at His birth -- let all the Angels of God worship Him. Worship who? Jesus!

This is why the masses of people pressed against Jesus. To hear His Word. The New Covenant. The reason why there is no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved. Ask Jesus into your life today! Stand in the offering plate!

Thy Word Have I Hid in my Heart - Part 505

Thy Word have I hid in my heart. In my heart will I cherish all scripture that is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17) This is why we read the gospel and preach the Word as it is written. 

John 17:20-23 in the King James version caught my attention this evening. I copied these scriptures for your enjoyment and edification. 

²⁰ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
²¹ That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
²² And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
²³ I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me
At the end of the day, the Bible states: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." (II Timothy 2:15) 

The book of Timothy -- both I and II -- are full of wonderful passages to help you face the storms of life. Read the Word. Study to show yourself approved unto God. And then stand in the offering plate. Offer yourself to Jesus! Why? Because Jesus never fails!

May Your Understanding Be Enlightened - Part 504

C.H. Spurgeon once said, "Alas my brethren, too many eat the unripe fruit of the vineyards of satan, and the fruits of the Lord's vines they utterly despise." Part of the reason, at least from my perspective, is that the gospel that Jesus preached -- His Word passed down to us through the apostles -- is not the same gospel message being disseminated within the world today. This blog began so that believers could find inspiration and edification in their own personal journey with Jesus. Encouragement to search the scriptures and discover for ourselves what God had intended for our lives. That original mission has not changed. 

Therefore, when we read Mark 1:1 that states, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" or John 6:69 "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God" or John 9:35 "Jesus heard that they had cast him out and when He had found him, He said unto Him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" we know that there are other scriptural links regarding the mystery of the Godhead. 

For example, reading from the King James Version (KJV), Hebrews 1:1-8 provides insight into who the Son is so that we might understand. These scriptures state: 

1 God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

² Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
³ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when he had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
⁴ Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
⁵ For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son.
⁶ And again, when He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
⁷ And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.
⁸ But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

In other words, God the Father is addressing the Son as God. Unto the Son God is saying, "Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever."  (Hebrews 1:8) This is the same begotten Son that was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6 -- the mighty God -- the everlasting Father. Jesus is not a created being. Jesus is God in the flesh. The Word. 

This is why -- with our hearts -- we give our all to Jesus. Let us worship Jesus -- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The only mediator between God and man. Stand in the offering plate.

Love Lifted Me! Part 503

There is a chorus that reaches out to people who are sinking deep in sin. Those who are far from the peaceful shore and very deeply stained within. Even those that are sinking to rise no more. But then the Master of the sea hears their despairing cry and from the waters rescues them. The song is entitled Love Lifted Me. It goes like this:

Love lifted me, Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

Ephesians 3:14-21 expands on the message of forgiveness. 

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ask Jesus to life you up today, and then stand in the offering plate.