Jesus Is Risen - Part 670

How can we neglect such a great salvation -- knowing that Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour shed His precious blood for us. The same God who descended is the same God who is now ascending to His throne -- from whence He had descended. God Himself, becoming all things to all men so that He might gain you and I. In other words, God's plan of salvation was to rescue fallen man by means of free redemption.

Thus, in so doing, God could renew and ensure the uninterrupted fellowship with Jesus -- the Saviour and Redeemer that was intended from the beginning of time. So that God could restore each and every one of us to our original purpose through faith in the redeeming grace of God Almighty at Calvary. Redeemed and translated into the Kingdom through the shedding of blood on the cross.

Jesus, housed in a prone to sin flesh body was received whilst still in the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. His flesh, as we read in the scriptures was capable of being tempted in all points even as all of Adam’s offspring. But as we also know, inside that flesh body did dwell the Holy Spirit of God. The seeds of life issuing from the Holy Spirit. As it is written, Jesus, the only "begotten" son of God.

Yes, Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit which is why in Jesus' veins did flow the life-giving blood of the Holy Spirit. It is written that “God was in the man Jesus the Christ, endeavouring to reconcile sinful man to Himself.”

Still, as recorded in the scriptures, Jesus' Spirit suffered. He was tempted and tried by the devil, and likewise many others who were entrenched and delighted in the pleasure of sin. Then Jesus was judged by the then present judicial system, who found in Jesus no fault. In effect, Jesus was pardoned. Free to go. But in response to the crowds, the Judge washed His hands as if to say, "I played my part ... now let's go home."

Pilate the Judge then delivers Jesus into the hands of a frenzied religious mob who demanded that Jesus be crucified. Jesus was whipped, spat upon and stripped, and a crown of thorns placed upon His head. In the midst, His beard was torn. He was mocked and scorned, all of this occurring prior to Jesus being led away to a place called Calvary!

Jesus was also responsible for bearing the cross on which He was about to be crucified. Jesus now being physically weakened stumbled with the burden of the cross. He was assisted by a young man, arriving at the place called the place of a Skull. There, the condemning crowd nailed Jesus' hands and feet to a cross. The cruel mocking continued with the eventual plunge of a sword into His side. From this wound poured blood and water. Indeed, as the scriptures reveal, Jesus' flesh was more marred than any other person!

Within this retelling of events, what we must recognize is that the body of Jesus, being the body in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, was the point upon which the fury and wrath of sinful men expended all their religious/sinful animosity. In reality, the body by itself cannot feel. Rather, the pain is felt by the spirit in the body (For the body without the Spirit is dead)

In retrospect, whatever was said and done to Jesus' body was factually absorbed by His Spirit -- the inward man -- the Holy Spirit. In today's terms, yes indeed, it was our sinful nature that killed His body. Still, the good news of salvation is that we could not kill His Spirit.

The other good news is that all that transpired was not forgotten as soon as the sun went down. For what we did to Jesus, we did to the Holy Spirit body too. Therefore, the crucifixion and all active deeds pertaining to the demise of the life of the Son of God are as relevant today as they were at that time! In the end, Heaven watched as the greatest love for anyone unfolded for one and all to see. If Jesus upon the cross had called for deliverance, we would not be reading this good news message. Further, when Jesus was nailed to the cross, the earth trembled and the sun darkened. For it is declared, that “truly this WAS the Son of God."

God was in the man Jesus and it was His Spirit that suffered through it all so that we had a way to escape. Amazing grace -- how great Thou art. Stand in the offering plate.

He Who Has Blessed Us With Spiritual Blessings - Part 669

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:

Having pre-destinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;

Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ... that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being pre-destinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will:

That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all.

Forgiven Once and For All - Part 668

The greatest love story ever told. That is, God laid down His life for us. Jesus' sweat as if drops of blood whilst in prayer in Gethsemane -- every one of those tears so that we could know our heavenly Father intimately. (Mark 14:32) So that we could be forgiven of our transgressions - each and every one of us. Forgiven for our sins once and for all because He paid the price -- through His precious blood shed on the cross.

Even while the battle raged internally - Jesus' flesh hoping to find another way whereby man could be saved - He instinctively knew there was no other way. (John 17) No other sacrifice was worthy enough to pay the price. The plan of salvation had been decided even before the world was formed. God knew that His human flesh would have to die on a cross -- on a tree that He originally created. Yes, at the end of the day, Jesus was and is the only way whereby man can be redeemed. No other name under heaven was worthy enough. 

Acts 4:12 states: "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Further, I Timothy 2:5 states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." 

The prophets testified about His coming beforehand. That through His name everyone who believes in Him would receive forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43) John, who had preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel behold Jesus coming, said, "Behold, there comes one after me whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, "to you is the Word of this salvation sent." (Acts 13:26-27)

John's message was consistent up until the appointed time. Prior to Jesus' reign here on earth, God spoke to His people through the mouths of the prophets. We can find these prophesies written in the Old Testament of the Bible. But in this current generation -- known by many as the dispensation of grace -- God speaks to us through Jesus. Moreover, He spoke only that which was the Word of God - now being delivered to man in an earthly language. 

This is why Mary the mother of Jesus was instructed to give Him the name Jesus "because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Jesus is the Word. (I John 5:7) The same Word of God that spoke the foundation of the world into existence. But now He speaks to us through the "only" mediator between God and man -- His son Jesus who is the only "begotten" son of the Seed of the Holy Spirit. For in that Seed did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The Bible repeatedly states He who hath the Son also has the Father. 

Jesus said, "If you have seen me Phillip, you have seen the Father. So why are you asking me [still] to show you the Father?" Phillip walked with Jesus regularly and yet Phillip really did not know Jesus. (John 14:7-9) Doubting Thomas the same revelation. Thomas saying, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

Indeed, God was in Jesus the Christ! Why is this important? Because this is God‘s final plan to redeem man from the house of bondage - satan's last stronghold on you and I and the world at large. While the anti-Christ preachers preach a social gospel - a make you feel good gospel - the gospel of Jesus the Christ - this glorious gospel cannot be ignored. 

Why? Because the gospel of Jesus the Christ was not only delivered in Word. This gospel cost God’s life as a Son. For it was God Himself as a Son who was nailed to a Roman cross. This is the true cost of redemption. And why -- two thousand years -- God's love and mercy for His people still constitutes the greatest love story ever told. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Being God in the Flesh- Part 667

The Bible is very clear. In Matthew chapter seven, the scriptures state: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit." (Matthew 7:15-24)

As Jesus points out to believers, "wherefore by their fruits you shall know them." Many will come to Jesus saying to me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works?" Jesus responds to the query saying, "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you. [Indeed] depart from me you that work iniquity."

For many, reading the Word has not been a daily endeavour, and unfortunately, as a consequence, we are being misled big time. This should not come as a shock. The Bible states that in the last days there would be false prophets. "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (II Peter 2:1) Matthew 24:11 makes a similar statement about these latter times. That is, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." 

This is why reading the Bible is so important in our journey of faith. First of all, we learn that "there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." That name is Jesus -- the prophesied Christ. Second, we know that when persecution came in Jesus' time, it was because everything that the apostles did (in both word and deed -- including baptism re: Acts 2:38) was in the name of Jesus.

In the same context, there are doctrinal foundations that we should know. For example, Thomas, when he identified Jesus said,  "My Lord and my God." Mary, the mother of Jesus shared a similar experience. She said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." 

You see, this same Jesus who is the Second Adam is also the Lord Himself - Jesus. The very same God who had visited the first Adam in the cool of the evening. However, earth was not the second Adam’s residence. For as the scriptures indicate, Heaven is His throne and earth His footstool. Indeed, in this context then, God Himself is the second Adam -- our holy Redeemer, who we have only known as JESUS the Son of God whose blood reconciled us. 

Why is this? Because God is Spirit. And even though we have been redeemed, we cannot go into the spiritual realm unless we are born again. The New Testament speaks of Jesus and Nicodemus and the need to be born again. In fact, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, one had to be born again. The reason for this is that flesh is flesh and that which is Spirit is Spirit. This is why Jesus said not to marvel because I say to you that you must be born again. 

Up until this point, the disciples had witnessed all that had come to pass, beginning with the Passover supper on through to the resurrection. Jesus appeared and disappeared, going in and out among them for a period of 40 days and 40 nights, after which Jesus ascended up into Heaven. The work of redemption was complete. At this time, Jesus told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait there until they received power.

Interpreted, Jesus was referring to the power of His Spirit that would come upon them so that they could become His witnesses throughout the world. The gift of the promised Holy Spirit had as yet not been given. (Why not? Because Jesus was not yet glorified!) As we read in the Bible, the disciples did as they were bid and stayed there 10 more days (120 persons) until that time which is known as the day of Pentecost was fully come! (Acts Chapter 1 and Leviticus Chapter 23) 

Jesus being man’s only high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Jesus was appointed of God to be a high priest (not after the order of Aaron). Jesus is a faithful and compassionate high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Jesus sacrificed His pure, holy, sinless life as a once and for all offering. Yes, Jesus offered up Himself. Jesus being God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Leviticus 23. Fifty days after the sacrificial offering of Himself, once again offers, and again the offering is accepted, and the Holy Spirit of God in man begins. No longer Jesus externally with us, but Jesus now dwelling within us. 

This is why the council in Acts 17 conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name."

But as we know, nothing can hold down or restrain a born again believer who has the Lord God and Saviour -- who holds the universe in His hands -- on their side. Because their mind and heart are on a totally different page. No longer conforming to this world. Love Jesus today. Praise Him for His peace that passes all understanding. Stand in the offering plate/ 

In Jesus, We Become A New Creature - Part 666

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5) When we ask Jesus into our heart and believe on Him, we become new creatures -- the sons and daughters of the Most High King -- renewed in knowledge and wisdom after the image of Him that created us. Therefore, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Further, let the Word of Christ -- Jesus -- dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Rejoice in His love and peace that passes all understanding. 

Share the greatest love story ever told. As Mary the mother of Jesus did when she proclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) Or when Thomas did when he finally realized who Jesus was and said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

David the psalmist wrote, "The glory of the Lord shall endure forever. The Lord shall rejoice in His works. He looks at the earth and it trembles. He touches the hills and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet. I will be glad in the Lord." (Psalm 104:31-34)

Therefore, as the elect of God -- holy and beloved for the King of Kings and Lord of lords -- put on the bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another. As Jesus Christ forgave you. And above all these things put on charity/love, which is the bond of perfectness. (Colossians 3:10-17)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body. The body of Christ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free. Where Jesus is the head of the body -- the church -- who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18) Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour -- God in the flesh -- the Christ that IS all, and IN all. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Stand in the offering plate.

We Are His Handiwork - Part 665

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. It is He that hath raised us up together and made us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6) Because in Christ Jesus those of us who were once far away, have now been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Moreover, we have been justified through His blood. We have been raised from the death of sin to a brand new life in Jesus. We can now partake of His glory in heavenly places. Once dead in trespasses, Jesus -- through the shedding of His blood on the cross -- has made us whole. Restored us to the original spiritual place where we were intended to be from the beginning. Raised to a life of righteousness. Walking hand in hand daily with our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His holy blood.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, we become renewed. God's handiwork newly created in Christ Jesus. We are risen as new creatures to walk with Jesus -- the risen Christ -- with our minds on heavenly things. (Colossians 3:1) A regenerated sinner restored to a new being -- new in Christ Jesus.

All because Almighty God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. In reality, at the end of the day, it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. (Ephesians 1:20) Because there is no greater love than our heavenly Father -- the fullness of the Godhead bodily -- hanging on a cross so that we -- you and I -- might get to know Him personally. This is how much our Lord God and Saviour loves us. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16) And yet, still, He was willing to pay the ultimate price.

And then, as if His mercy and grace was not quite enough, Jesus encourages us to "labour to enter into His rest." (Hebrews 4:11) In other words, come out from the world and rest in the love and peace that passes all understanding. Thank you Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

This Has Never Ever Happened Before - Part 664

Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. There was a time in each and every one of our lives when we were without Christ. In this context, the scriptures state that we were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise."(Ephesians 2:12) During this time, we had no hope. We certainly did not know our Lord God and Saviour. Ephesians chapter two states that we, in times past were "Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by those which is called the circumcision in the flesh by hands." (Ephesians 2:11)

But now because of Christ Jesus, those of us who were far off are now made near by the precious blood of Jesus -- for He is our peace and joy. (Ephesians 2:13) He hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition that separated man from his beloved Saviour. God in the flesh becoming our intermediary because of the breadth and depth of His love for you and I. As the scriptures state, there is only one mediator between God and man -- Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5) 

When Jesus shed His blood, He abolished in His own flesh the enemy that plagues our souls. He did so once and for all. Jesus fulfilled the law of commandments contained in ordinance for those who believe through His grace and mercy. (Ephesians 2:14-15) As well, Jesus blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us -- the long list of transgressions that made us sinners -- and the written Law which was contrary to us from the very beginning, Yes, Jesus blotted our sins into oblivion, nailing them to the cross. (Colossians 2:14) 

Why? Because from the beginning our Creator loved His creation. And because of His grace we can be complete in Jesus -- who is the head of all principality and power. In whom we -- as a consequence of asking Jesus to become our Saviour -- are circumcised with the circumcision that is without hands. (Colossians 2:11) The sins of the flesh -- covered once and for all by the circumcision of Christ. 

Indeed, the ultimate sacrifice -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus shedding His precious blood on the cross for us. In Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Now in responding to Jesus' love, we are buried with Him in baptism, wherein also we are risen with Him through faith in the operational God - who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being once dead in your sins and the "uncircumcision of your flesh" hath He quickened together with Him having forgiven you of all trespasses. Raising us up and seating us with Him in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6) 

Blotting out every one of our sins through His blood. "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 43:25)  The miracle of the grace did not end there. The cross did so much more. Indeed, having spoiled principalities and powers on that day, Jesus made a show of them openly - triumphing over the evil of the world for your salvation. 

Why? So that we might be reconciled unto God in one body because of the cross. "And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20) And He did so for one reason. So that our Lord God and Saviour who loved us so much that He would go so far as to hang from a wooden cross  for His beloved could say: "My grace is sufficient for thee - for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9) 

Therefore, as you start a new white page this day be victorious in Jesus. Believe and stand upon His promises. Praise Him for His goodness. Thank Jesus for His love that surpasses all human understanding. When you do, you will soon discover that the grace of Jesus is more than sufficient -- every moment in every day. Stand in the offering plate.

Victorious in Jesus - Part 663

The prevailing question of the day is this. How long will we continue to believe what we are told by those in authority positions without researching the subject in depth for ourselves? Indeed, the apostles repeatedly instructed us not to believe every spirit. Instead, we are instructed to "test the spirits, whether they are of God." Why? Because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (I John 1:1-4)

Moreover, the scriptures show us how to recognize and know the Spirit of God -- the Spirit of truth. John wrote: "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. It seems very straightforward -- the latter being the spirit of the Antichrist which you have heard was coming and as the scriptures proclaim -- is now already in the world. 

But the scriptures also state that as a believer we are not of this world. Indeed, you are of God, little children and have overcome them --- because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world. But those who do not have Jesus are of the world. Therefore, they speak as of the world and the world hears them. However, we are of God. He who knows God hears us."  (I John 4:1-6) Further, when the issue at hand pertains to the written Word, we need to discern between the scriptures and prevailing teachings that are not consistent with the scriptures. The Bible states that we cannot both love Jesus and reject His Word. For indeed, the Word of God is embodied in Jesus -- who is the Word of God manifest in flesh. 


Admittedly, we know that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In fact, all bodies are sin prone, commencing from the time that Adam and Eve rejected God’s instructions. However, when the two were banished from the Eden Garden, the two entered into an unknown -- an untamed natural world. But our heavenly Father knew that the only way that we could be saved would be if He Himself -- God in the flesh -- His name Jesus -- would dwell in such a sin prone body capable of sinning even as we are but never sinning. The difference being that inside Jesus dwelt the Holy Spirit. Therefore, even though tempted by sin, Jesus did not sin. God’s pure and holy spiritual humanity indwelt Jesus

You see, Jesus did not come to dazzle us. Rather, Jesus came to save us from ourselves. Jesus came to save us from the strong delusion of unbelief that Adam and Eve experienced. The delusion of unbelief and ignorance that we have fallen into, professing ourselves to be wise and instead becoming as fools. And in our ignorance declaring that dumb matter brought forth intelligent life. 

Is it any wonder that God winks at such ignorance on our part? Indeed, who is it that has bewitched us to this extent that we should embrace such foolishness? We ought to save ourselves from such dark nonsensical unbelief. When Jesus empowered His disciples to go into the harvest field of the world, commissioning them to heal the sick and to cast out demonic spirits in His name -- the name of Jesus -- He did so in order for you and I to return to Jesus. Why? Because Jesus loves us. Wow -- does Jesus love us!

Indeed, He loved us enough to endure the shame of the cross. To shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. Ask Jesus into your life today. Read the scriptures and find out for yourselves how good Jesus really is. And enter into His grace -- His peace -- His love -- His rest that passes all human understanding. Stand in the offering plate. 

What a Difference Jesus Makes in Our Lives - Part 662

The Centurion is a perfect example of an individual experiencing the wonder of faith in his life. Here he was -- a man of considerable status and authority in the Roman army -- who commanded many under him -- concerned about a young servant who was in ill health. Somewhere in his travels, the Centurion had heard the good news gospel about Jesus. 


Note also that the Centurion was a Gentile. Still, the Centurion recognized that Jesus had the power and authority to heal the man of his illness. He may have also had an inkling that Jesus was the same prophesied Christ of the Old Testament.  If this was the case (admittedly, an assumption at best) the Centurion might have recognized that Jesus was (and is still) able to deliver each and every one of us from our "destructions." (Psalm 107:20)  

For those who may not be aware, there are two scriptural references in the Bible about the Centurion -- Matthew 8 and Luke 7. Both authors differ somewhat in the telling of the events. However, what is certain is that when the Centurion beseeched Jesus saying, "Lord, my servant lies at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented"  he was not asking Jesus to heal the servant. He was merely informing Jesus of the illness that tormented him grievously. 

How did Jesus respond? With an abundance of love. Jesus stated that He would come heal the servant. You see Jesus has a way of coming through when we give our hearts completely to Him. When we believe by faith that Jesus is the absolute -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- our lives change for the better. 

But like so many of us, the Centurion in his humility said, "Lord I am not worthy that thou should come under my roof. [Instead, Lord just] speak the Word only and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, "Go" and he goes, and to another "Come" and he comes and to my servant "Do this" and he doeth it." 

The Centurion understood authority.  But the Centurion also recognized that even with all the authority and status/social standing and material wealth in the world, there was no one within his worldly circles that could heal the young servant. At some point, this material world in which we so willingly participate would pass away, and that, at the end of the day, all that matters is our spiritual status.

Although the Centurion was in the world, and had obviously been successful in his endeavours -- at least from a worldly perspective, the Centurion's heart was focused on the spiritual. Even as a Gentile, his heart was focusing on the Kingdom of God. And thus, because of the Centurion's faith, Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matthew 8:5-10) Not one among all the Jews had faith like the Centurion. 

The same good news gospel message that the Centurion realized then is equally pertinent for you and I today. That is,

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But My salvation will last forever. My righteousness will never fail." (Isaiah 51:6) 

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15). Trust in Jesus today. Let His love -- His peace -- His abundant grace set you free from the enslavement of this world. Stand in the offering plate.

It is no wonder that when Jesus heard the Centurion's response, Jesus marveled. Imagine the scene. Our Lord God -- soon to become our Saviour -- marveling in awe at the breadth and depth of the Centurion's faith. Indeed, Jesus looked beyond the Centurion's physical appearance and reputable status within society -- all the things that this world desires -- and looked into the Centurion's heart. 

God Inhabits the Praises of His People - Part 661

God inhabits the praises of His people. He marvels at our faith. So much so that when He gave His Word -- His only begotten -- Jesus -- to redeem us and save us from our transgressions, His desire was to also give us the Kingdom -- His Kingdom here on earth. "Thy Kingdom come -- Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) 

This same Jesus -- who forgives and justifies us of all our sins -- past, present and future -- through the blood He shed on the cross -- also willingly redeemed our life from the pit. Indeed, when we ask our Lord God and Saviour into our lives, He immediately delivers us from the sting of death.  He saves our feet from stumbling -- so that we may walk before our Almighty God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:13) 

How does this happen, one asks. The scriptures explain that our Saviour redeems His people from their sin and heals them of disease when His people -- you and I -- are willing to cry to the Lord in our time of trouble. When we believe that the same God who created us was bruised for our iniquities, then does He save us from our distress. Then will He crown us with His love and compassion. For it was He who was wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed. 

Unfortunately, however, we are often like "newborn babies" in our walk with the Lord. We understand that we have been saved as a consequence of Jesus' precious blood shed on the cross. But our downfall is that this is where we tend to stay -- giving God a little bit of our lives here and there. And then we wonder -- sometimes aloud -- why we become sick and weak in our bodies.

There is an answer. In fact, the Bible encourages us to "crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (I Peter 2:2) In other words, we need to crave the Word. The Word -- Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour. Almighty God in the flesh. (John 1:1-18. I John 5:7)  So that when the Comforter comes -- the Spirit of Truth -- He can guide us into all truth. 

Jesus said, "And when He [the Comforter] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin, because they believe not on me [Jesus]. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father and ye see me no more. Of judgement, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-12)

Jesus said, "In that day, ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you, Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name. Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full." 

These things, Jesus continued, "have I spoken unto you in proverbs. But the time comes when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs. [Rather] I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day, ye shall ask in My name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you. For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I -- [Jesus] -- came out from God. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world -- again, I leave the world and go to the Father." (John 16:23-28)

Therefore, believe on His promises contained within the Word. Jesus never fails. Indeed, the Word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (I Peter 1:25) Jesus is the Word. For there are three that bear witness in earth -- the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost -- and these three ARE one. (I John 5:7)

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when you receive the Word of God -- Jesus -- which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth -- the Word of God which effectually works also in you that believe. (I Thessalonians 2:13) Praise our Lord God and Saviour Jesus today. Trust in Him -- the Word. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Shines in Our Hearts - Part 660

Jesus never fails. This is evident in the seventeenth chapter of Acts. Paul's witness was making inroads among the people. At one point, a great multitude believed and consorted with Paul. (Acts 17:4) However, as also recorded in the same chapter, the Jews who did not believe in the risen Jesus were filled with envy. So much so, that the Jews schemed to set the city in an uproar.

Not just once but the Jews conspired to turn the city upside down wherever Paul went preaching the good news gospel message. To accomplish this, the Jews would gather unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort into a company to set all the city in an uproar. In the first example from Acts, these lewd men even went so far as to assault households, including the household of Jason.

Still, attempts by the Jewish hierarchy to get Paul to cease preaching Jesus in the synagogues and marketplaces continually failed. Why? Because Jesus never fails. Paul knew that Jesus was in the driver's seat. He also knew that the same God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness shines in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 4:6) Who else but Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- would appear glorious like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the morning sun, and as majestic as the stars in procession?

More importantly, who else would love you and I enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for our transgressions? Therefore, we need to repent of our ignorance in scriptural teachings.We need to come out from our spiritual enslavement. Instead, we need to fully trust in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for our counsel and edification. And be transformed -- as did those that initially assaulted the household of Jason -- "these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received and these do all contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king -- one Jesus."

This same King "hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead." Rest in His blessed assurance today. Stand in the offering plate.

Spirit of the Lord is Upon Jesus - Part 659

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me because He hath anointed Me to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)

When Jesus initially spoke these words, He was teaching in a synagogue in Nazareth. As was the custom, Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day to read from the scriptures. At this time, the scriptures Jesus referred to consisted of the Old Testament books of the prophets. (Old Testament books specifically focus on the old covenant, beginning at creation and testifying of the soon coming of the Christ.)

As is later revealed, Jesus is the Christ -- although not everyone had recognized His identity. We see this in Luke chapter four. Jesus had opened the books of the prophets on that day in the synagogue, He was teaching from the book of the prophet Esaias  (Isaiah).  Therein, He found a similar version to Luke 4:18-19 in Isaiah 61:1-2. A prophesy that reveals Jesus' true identity for those who would have ears to hear.

It states: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

After referring to this passage from Isaiah, Jesus closed the book and gave it again to the minister -- as was the custom. The eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. They wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. They were astonished at His doctrine because they recognized that His Word was with power. (Luke 4:32) Some even questioned Jesus' origin, saying, "Is not this Joseph's son?"

Then, Jesus knowing their innermost thoughts said unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. You will surely say unto Me this proverb; Physician, heal thyself; whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Thy country." (Luke 4:23-24) Some might say that Jesus here was delivering His own mission statement. His mission -- to heal the sick, free the enslaved, restore the brokenhearted and release the oppressed. The mission of salvation that was decided before the foundation of the world was formed.

Still, Jesus knew that He would not be accepted within His own country. The Word stated, "Verily, I say unto you that no prophet is accepted in His own country. But I tell you of a truth. Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syria."

At this point in Jesus' teaching, however, note that Jesus had crossed the line for all they who were in the synagogue. The scriptures say that when they heard these things, they were filled with wrath. So much so that they rose up determined to cast Jesus headlong down the hill that the city was built on. But in spite of their intentions, Jesus passed through the midst of them, traveling onto Capernaum, a city of Galilee.

So what happened that these same people who originally wondered in awe at Jesus' wisdom and teachings changed so dramatically? Did they finally realize that Jesus was speaking of Himself when He said, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

To provide hope and joy for those who believe His Word. Isaiah chapter 58 offers a similar insight to the verses in Luke chapter four.

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seeest the naked, that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy re-reward. (Isaiah 58:6-8)

Did they suddenly realize that this was indeed Jesus the Christ -- God Almighty in the flesh -- who had come to preach good tidings unto the meek? To bind up the brokenhearted? To proclaim liberty to the captives and open the prisons of hope and peace to those that were bound?"

Jesus is bringing this same message to each and every one of us today. Jesus is still ministering to the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives and opening the prison to them that are bound. And as a consequence, proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord -- the time when our Lord God and Saviour in His mercy and grace moves to make us acceptable unto Him.

This is why we present Jesus -- the only mediator between God and man. Jesus -- the only one who can save our sins to those whose ears will hear. Yes, only Jesus can heal the brokenhearted. Only Jesus can free us from bondage. Only Jesus can free the poor from their destined social status. Only Jesus will deliver His people  from their sin.

Therefore, as Jesus invites each and every one of us to do -- come out from the spiritual slavery that enslaves you. Jesus made a better way when He shed His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. Trust our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the one and only Christ today. He never fails. Stand in the offering plate.

God Winked - Part 658

Often, there is so much missed by the world's attempt to institutionalize and/or govern people in the form and traditions inherent in religion. Indeed, one of these hidden treasures is the scriptural reference that our Lord God and Saviour "winked." (Acts 17:30) What was He winking at? Primarily, as we read in the account below, God winked at people's willingness to worship every man-conceived idea and created idol while ignoring the very architecture of the universe -- and the inherent beauty within --  that our Lord not only created -- speaking the world into existence -- but currently holds in the palm of His hand.

Paul dealt with the same issue as he traveled through the countryside preaching in synagogues. Therein, according to Acts chapter seventeen, Paul reasoned with the people, using the established scriptures as the foundation document for discussion and debate. He similarly alleged to these synagogue audiences that based on prophecy, Christ was destined to suffer on the cross. And that the good news -- as also foretold in advance -- is that Jesus -- this same prophesied Christ -- would rise again from the dead.

Upon reaching Athens, however, Paul's spirit was stirred in him when he saw that the whole city was given to idolatry. He disputed with the Jews and devout persons, and in the marketplace daily with any who would listen. Even certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoicks asked, "What will this babbler say?" In their mind, Paul must have been a setter forth of strange gods, because he preached unto them only Jesus and His resurrection. One God -- the Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end.

They asked of Paul, "May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest is? For thou brings certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what this means." (Acts 17:20)

Paul responded, standing in the midst of Mars hill, "Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an alter with this inscription "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" whom therefore ye ignorantly worship -- Him declare I unto you.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though He needs any thing, seeing He gives to all life and breath and all things ... and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him and find Him though He be not far from every one of us.

For in Him we live and move and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring." For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone graven by art and man's device."

Imagine the idea that perhaps, somehow, humans in their limited capacity could even begin to create, in any form -- whether through art or by man's device -- or replicate the breadth and depth of our Lord God who loved us enough to willingly became our Saviour. It is no wonder "God winked" at our human ignorance.

The scriptures are clear. In the beginning God created us in "His" image. And yet, here we are trying to fit this same God into a picture, or a stone image, or a statue, or a carving -- or indeed, any man-made image that man constructs. For this, God wants every one everywhere to repent and adhere to the first commandment. That is, to love the Lord thy God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. Only one God and His name is Jesus.

In the days ahead, reflect on how much our Lord God our Saviour loves us. Believe in His grace and mercy -- and receive for yourself the peace and joy of Jesus that passes all understanding. Let Jesus fill your heart today. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Not Faithless But Believing - Part 657

Because of His great love for us, our Lord God became our Saviour. It is He that is rich in mercy. In fact, He made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions.The greatest love story ever told in that we are saved by His grace. (Ephesians 2:4-5) Not of works. Not of our own doing -- lest any man should boast -- but because the same God who loved us from the very beginning still loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on the cross for our sins. 

David, in Psalms 17 wrote, "Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes." In yet another Psalm, "For great is Your love Lord, reaching to the heavens. Your faithfulness reaching to the skies."(Psalms 103:11)

Perhaps, this is why Thomas (also referred to as Doubting Thomas) was not going to take anyone else's word for it that Jesus had risen from the dead. Indeed, the man that he was wanted to see Jesus firsthand -- witness Jesus personally for himself. The account of Thomas' innermost desire to see Jesus is recorded in John chapter 20. It is telling. 

Herein, Jesus had just risen from the dead. It was the first day of the week and Mary Magdalene who also loved Jesus had discovered that the stone from the tomb had been taken away. She told Peter and "that other disciple" that the Lord had been removed from the sepulcher. When the two arrived at the sepulcher they saw the linen clothes. But they also noticed that the napkin that was formerly about Jesus' head was wrapped together in a place by itself.

Standing there at the entrance to the sepulcher, Mary wept. As we know, Jesus is touched by our infirmities. Jesus appearing at the entrance to the tomb said unto her, "Mary, touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brethren and say unto them, "I ascend unto my Father and your Father; and to my God and your God."

The same day at evening (still being the first day of the week) Jesus appeared to the disciples. They were assembled for fear of the Jews. There was Jesus standing in the midst. Jesus said, "Peace be unto you." He showed the disciples His hands and His side. Needless to say, the disciples were glad to see the Lord Jesus.

Jesus then said to them, "Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent Me, even so I send you." (John 20:21-23) Having said this, Jesus breathed on them saying, "Receive you the Holy Ghost: whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained."

Another passing of the torch to the disciples. It all seemed straightforward. The prophesies of the coming Christ in the Old Testament had been fulfilled once and for all. Jesus was to ascend to the Father -- as the scriptures state -- so that the Comforter -- who would lead and guide us -- could come. 

All well and good. That is, until Thomas -- one of the twelve -- ventured along. When the other disciples told Thomas (called Didymus) that they had seen Jesus, well, he doubted their account.  "We have seen the Lord," they exclaimed. But Thomas responded, saying that "except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25-31) 

For eight days, we are left wondering what Thomas is thinking. His disciples were once again within the place as before but this time Thomas was with them. The doors were shut. There in the midst stood Jesus. "Peace be unto you," He said. 

Then He said unto Thomas -- knowing Thomas' voiced concerns, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands and thrust it into My side and be not faithless but believing."

What do you think Thomas was thinking? That's right. Thomas had received a revelation that could only be revealed by our Lord God and Saviour. Seeing Jesus Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." There was no doubt in Thomas' mind about who Jesus was. He had seen Jesus for himself and knew immediately that Jesus was the prophesied Christ. Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour. The Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end. The Word in the flesh. 

After this, Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which were never recorded in the scriptures. But the examples that were written are so that we might also believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God -- the only begotten of the Father -- God in the flesh -- and that in believing we might have life through His precious name. Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus -- You Are Our Hiding Place - Part 656

Jesus performed so many miracles and healings during His time on earth that John was inspired to write that if every sign and wonder that our Lord did -- "the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21:25)

But there is more to Jesus than just the miracles He performed when He walked the earth with His disciples. His promises are for us today. Never failing. Never changing. His promises -- even to those who are afar off.

In fact, it is because of Jesus that there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death. Our Lord God and Saviour who is rich in mercy -- for His great love wherewith He loved us -- even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together and made us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-6)

Need I say that again. Free. We are free in Jesus. When we ask Jesus into our life, and willingly desire to do His will, we are no longer under the spirit of bondage. No longer confined to a series of laws and commandments that Jesus Himself said that we could never live up to. Instead, we receive the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. As a consequence, the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, confirming that we are the children of Almighty God.  Therefore, celebrate in your new found salvation. God's grace. His abundance. His peace that passes all human understanding.

Celebrate that because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we have an opportunity to become the sons and daughters of the most high King. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

Moreover, as believers we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. The scriptures state that if we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified together. (Romans 8:17) Therefore, glory in the liberty that can only be found in Jesus. Our inheritance that was bought and paid for by the precious holy blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross of Calvary.

For what the law could not do -- in that it was weak through the flesh, God becoming as one of us -- in a human body as a Son -- in the likeness of sinful flesh -- and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh -- that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us -- who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

As Paul wrote in Romans, "if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness" -- His righteousness. Similarly, if the Spirit of Him that raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.

Take hold of these promises today -- God's promises for His people. And behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us -- that we should be called the sons of God ... and beloved, now that we are the sons of God, it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, as He is. (I John 3:1-3)

If God be for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Stand in the offering plate.

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Jesus is the Owner's Manual for Life - Part 655

In today's world, the often quoted "The Lord is my Shepherd" is offered as words of hope to those in need of comfort.  Indeed, it is in this context that these scriptures are regularly read at funerals and memorial services. However, our familiarity with the beloved scripture Psalm 23 should not simply be known from this limited human perspective. Why?  Because there is so much more in the passage that it is worth re-reading and understanding. It is in this "study to show thyself approved" that we are able to grow our personal relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

For example, when David wrote that the Lord is his Shepherd, he was telling the world -- both then and now -- that he knew in whom he believed. That is, our Lord God and Creator -- the Good Shepherd who would eventually lay down His life for His sheep. We see this analogy again in the New Testament -- in John chapter ten. Here, Jesus is speaking of things to come -- the unfolding salvation message -- that would eventually deliver His people from their sins. The sheep in Jesus' teaching were you and I. And the Shepherd -- Jesus.

It was for us then that Jesus proclaimed, "I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd that gives His life for the sheep." Herein, Jesus went on to compare the virtues of a good shepherd to one that is not so that we would recognize the difference. Jesus said "he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees -- and the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees because he is an hireling and cares not for the sheep." 

But conversely, Jesus, referring to His own ultimate mercy and grace -- His own willingness to lay down His life for us -- as the good Shepherd -- knows His sheep and likewise, as a result of our faith in Jesus, am known as His own. 

David knew that a personal relationship with the Lord was much more than simply a humanist analogy of a shepherd and sheep. David attested to the extent of our Shepherd's love. David wrote,  "I shall not want." (Psalm 23) The purpose here is to show that our Good Shepherd is not only watching us from afar but He also knows our innermost desires. Our personal situations. As David points out, the Lord makes him to lie down in green pastures. And He leads David beside the still waters. He restores his soul. David knew that his Lord God and Saviour was so good that He would lead him in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. There was never any doubt. David was always confident that whatever struggles came before him, the Lord had already made a way.

This level of trust is made even more apparent when David writes - "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me. Moreover, Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anoints my head with oil. And yes, my cup runneth over. Surely, Your goodness and mercy Lord shall follow me all the days of my life. Yes Lord, I will dwell in your house -- the house of my Lord forever. (Psalm 23)

You see, when we set the Lord before us --- as David the psalmist did --- we are assured that He is at our right hand. So much so that even in our weakest moments -- when we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us turning and going our own way -- our Lord and Saviour is there with us encouraging us so that we shall not -- under any circumstances -- be moved from the breadth and depth of our beloved Saviour's love. (Psalms 16:8)  

Peter in the New Testament similarly knew the value of seeking first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness when he quoted the psalmist David later in Acts. Peter said in reference to Jesus, "For David speaks concerning Him -- I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I shall not be moved." (Acts 2:25)

What a blessing! Both David from the old covenant and Peter under the new covenant had experienced the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Shepherd. As a consequence, both knew that man does not live by bread alone, but rather by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3) Jesus reiterated this point in Matthew 4:4. In the midst of temptation Jesus stated, "It is written -- man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

Moreover, through His willing sacrifice the Lord made salvation possible for each and every one of us -- who come to Jesus in faith. (John 3:16) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." In proclaiming salvation -- in shedding His precious blood on a cross that He created -- He knew that only He alone -- God Almighty -- could be the good Shepherd. Our Lord God who would later become our Saviour. Jesus laying down His life for His sheep -- you and I. (John 10:15-18)

This is why reading the Word -- the scriptures which focus on the ultimate love story -- Jesus -- nourishes our soul. Just as the manna rained from heaven during Moses' time, we need to be nourished through His Word every day. And who is the Word? John identifies the Word as our Lord God and Saviour --- Jesus the Christ. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God .. and this [same] Word became flesh. (John 1:1-18)  Similarly, in I John 5:7, John writes: "For there are three that bear record in heaven -- the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost -- and these three are one." 

Like sheep, we are in need of the good Shepherd to lead us through each day. Trust Jesus. Read His Word today. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved. Why? Because there is no other owner's manual that can make us to lie down in green pastures and restore our souls. (John 10:3-5, 16, 27) Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. Stand in the offering plate.

Behold the Kingdom of God is Within You - Part 654

The Pharisees are once again demanding answers from Jesus.  This time their questions focus on the kingdom of God. The Pharisees ask, "When will the kingdom of God come?"

It was one of those moments when the Pharisees -- who already considered themselves to be sufficient within society because of their birth and theocratic position -- thought the question appropriate. Who else,at least in the Pharisee's minds, could have enough spiritual understanding to ask this question? And to recognize the answer. As we read from Luke's account, the Pharisees fully expected an earthly Messianic kingdom and therefore, desired to know when this coming of the Son of man would occur.

But Jesus, already knowing the hearts and minds of the Pharisees told them that the kingdom of God does not come with observation. It is not something that one looks for over here or over there. (Luke 17:20-21) Rather, He said, "Behold the kingdom of God is within you."

You see Jesus already knew the ultimate objectives of the Pharisees. They wanted to know when Christ would be coming in His glory, as Jesus elaborates on in Matthew 24. They did not recognize that standing right there before them already was the King of kings -- the Lord of lords. The prophesied Christ. Almighty God in the flesh -- both human and divine. The same Creator who holds the universe in the palm of His hands and yet loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for our sins.

In their human capacity, the Pharisees thought they had the kingdom of God figured out. However, even collectively, their finite human understanding was not enough. Therefore, Jesus told them the kingdom of God is within you. He wanted the Pharisees to know that the answer they should have been seeking is the one He had been preaching to the people continually.

That is, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Like David the psalmist  experienced, our Lord God and Saviour already has a better plan for those of us who believe in Him. Those of us who desire to willingly do His will. Who make a joyful noise unto our Lord God and Saviour. David wrote, "Sing forth the honour of His name. Make His praise glorious."

His name is Jesus. Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus' Promises Never Fail - Part 653

Throughout the Old Testament, there are prophecies that foretold of the coming of the Christ. Isaiah, for example, repeatedly spoke of the holy One of Israel -- the Lord of Hosts -- thy blessed Redeemer -- the God of the whole earth that would deliver His people from their sin. Indeed, the old covenant foreshadowed the new covenant. At the same time, it is critical to remember that God was a stronghold for those who entered into His peace. It is God Almighty who was and is -- even today -- the restorer of paths to dwell in.

David repeatedly communicated this message in Psalms. He wrote that when we seek the Lord of lords and King of kings daily, "and delight to know His ways, then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee. The glory of the Lord shall be thy re-reward. Then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer. Thou shalt cry and He shall say, "Here I am." If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day." (Psalms 58:1-11)

In other words, the Lord is good to those who desire to willingly do His will. He shall guide you continually, satisfying your soul in drought and making fat your bones. And as David penned, "Thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a sprig of water whose waters fail not." (Psalms 58:11)  But these promises that our Lord God and Saviour are not just for the good times. Remember the story of David and Goliath? When David with his sling and five pebbles stopped Goliath in his tracks. David knew in whom He trusted.

Indeed, David wrote, "Hear my voice Lord in my prayer. Preserve my life from the fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity who whet their tongue like a sword and bend their bows to shoot their arrows -- even bitter words."

Indeed, as David explained, these conniving spirits go so far as to "encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say among themselves, "Who shall see them?" They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search, both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep."

But nevertheless, God is good. When God Almighty intervenes in the midst of troubled times, "suddenly shall they be wounded so they shall make their own tongue fall upon themselves." And He does so for all the world to see. So that "all men shall fear and shall declare the work of God, for they shall wisely consider His doing. [As a consequence] the righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory." (Psalms 64:1-10)

You see, David knew firsthand the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour. David knew in whom the righteous should be glad. Most of all, David knew that even the giants were not strong enough to resist a God who would later become our Saviour -- shedding His precious blood on the cross for us.

Why? Because our Lord already has a better plan for those who believe in Him. Therefore, as the psalmist writes, "Make a joyful noise unto our Lord God and Saviour. Sing forth the honour of His name. Make His praise glorious." And be assured that even when we are going through the hardest of times -- the fire as David called it, know that Jesus is able to bring us into a wealthy place. His Word shall not fail. His promises are true. Believe in Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Step Into His Unstoppable Joy - Part 652

Well known author Max Lucado once wrote: "You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly line product. [Rather] you were deliberately planned, specifically gifted and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." 

There is only one Master Craftsman. That is, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who loved us from the beginning. "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save. He will rejoice over thee with joy. He will rest in His love for you. He will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

In the New Testament, Jesus expanded on this theme. He said, "Fear not, little flock: for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) In the same passage, Jesus uses an analogy that we could relate to. He tells the people -- "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If then, God so clothe the grass which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you." 

Jesus' overall message was for us to seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness so that all these things shall be added unto us. Not like the nations of the world who seek after money and prestige but rather with believing faith in Jesus, assured that our heavenly Father knows what we have need of even before we ask.That Jesus knows our innermost desires -- our hearts.

In this context, we are encouraged to continue in the the things which thous hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 3:14-17)

Know too that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that men and women of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. We have been called into liberty. Therefore, walk in the Spirit. Be led of the Spirit because when we are led by the Spirit, we are no longer under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

And glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Wherein He abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him.

Further, trust in Him, in whom we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will, that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. Indeed, know that you have been sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:4-14)

Chosen before the foundation of the world according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise be to the glory of Jesus -- His grace wherein He hath made us totally acceptable in the beloved. Our sins -- past, present and future -- forgiven forever through the shedding of Jesus' precious blood. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Knows Our Innermost Needs - Part 651

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:19) When we have been through enough, we know that our Lord God and Saviour is able to make all grace abound to us so that in all things and at all times we have all we need to abound in every good work. (II Corinthians 9:8)

In Matthew chapter six, Jesus encouraged His followers to take no thought for tomorrow -- what they eat or what they shall drink, and indeed, what they should wear. For this is what non-believers do. "For after these things do the Gentiles seek." They run to and fro to ensure that there is enough for the days ahead. 

But as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus knows what we have need of. What does Jesus say? "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

"Is not the life more than meat and the body than raiment?" Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye 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, how they grow; they toil not, 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 clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, 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? Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."

David wrote in Psalms 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." Therefore, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33) And know too that Jesus never fails!
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said, "As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into My rest; although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (Hebrews 4:3) The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) He will supply your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Trust in Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.