Jesus - Both Healer and Saviour- Part 702

And Jesus said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved but he that believes not shall be damned. But there is more. The scriptures state that these signs shall follow them that believe -- "In my name they shall cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing -- it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

Immediately, after the Lord had spoken these words, He was received up into heaven. What did the apostles do? They went forth and preached the good news gospel everywhere. They baptized new believers in Jesus name according to Acts 2:37-42. Throughout, the Lord worked with them confirming the Word with signs following. 

Imagine, believing Jesus enough to perform the miracles and healings that He did. Having faith enough to move mountains. Possessing a believing faith like as unto a mustard seed. Jesus did not create sickness. Indeed, when Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross, it was so that we could be healed and restored anew.

Isaiah wrote "By His stripes we are healed. 

In John chapter five, we read that Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And in Jerusalem, there is by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He said unto him, "Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered Jesus saying, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Does this sound like us in our own lives. We are just about there and then -- something happens to prevent the healing. The miracle. The victory. 

Throughout these times, we need to remember that Jesus wants us to succeed -- being victorious in our walk with the King of kings and Lord of lords. This is why Jesus said unto the man, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." Immediately the man was made whole. Immediately, the life that the man had known for so long was changed. Transformed. Yes, the man took up his bed, and walked.

We are to do the same. Trust Jesus for your salvation. Trust Jesus for the miracle in your own life -- now and every day. Jesus never fails. Never. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus -- The Author and Finisher of Our Faith - Part 701

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith -- without wavering -- For He is faithful that promised -- and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (Hebrews 10:22-24)

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. For without faith, it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

The scriptures in Hebrews chapter eleven elaborate on numerous examples of faith from the old covenant -- but still for our edification -- in order that we might be strengthened in our journey with Jesus. I have included some of these below.

By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous -- God testifying of his gifts and by it he being dead yet speaks. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear prepared an ark to the saving of his house by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith, Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing whither he went.

But by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Further, through faith kingdoms were subdued, righteousness wrought, and promises obtained. Indeed faith stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured -- not accepting deliverance -- in order that these might obtain a better resurrection.

Others for their faith endured trials, cruel mockings and scourgings. Yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. Because of their faith, some wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins -- being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy); they wandered in deserts, and in mountains and in dens and caves of the earth, and these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.

But for you and I living under the new covenant -- in the dispensation of grace -- God provided a better thing for us. He has given us His promises. His love. His grace. His mercy. Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Always looking unto Jesus -- the author and finisher of our faith -- who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Stand in the offering plate.

We Have Become Ambassadors for Jesus - Part 700

Behold now is the accepted time. Today is the day of salvation. Indeed, Jesus invites each and every one of us to take up our cross and follow Him. In fact, Jesus said, "Come unto to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) And in so doing, know that Jesus' grace is sufficient for thee. (II Corinthians 12:9) 

How can this be? Well, as the scriptures point out, He hath made HIm to be sin for us -- He who knew no sin -- so that we -- you and I -- might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21) To wit, God was in the world reconciling the world unto HImself -- not imputing their trespasses unto them; but having committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. That is, the Lord God who created us in the beginning became our Saviour. He shed HIs precious blood on the cross of Calvary for our transgressions -- so that we might experience His mercy. His grace. His love for you and I.

Indeed, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:16-17) Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. All things are become new. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation. 

"Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore seeing we have this ministry -- as we have received mercy, we faint not." (II Corinthians 3:17-18 / II Corinthians 4:1)

So, while the world may appear troubling on every side, we do not need to be distressed. Neither do we need to despair because of complications around us. In fact, even in persecution, we will never be forsaken. Never abandoned. Never destroyed. Why? Because God is able to make all grace abound toward us, so that we, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work.

It is in HIm that we walk by faith. So in our day to day, look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. Who throughout His agony, reached out to us in love. His life for ours. That great Shepherd of the sheep forgiving us of our sins through the blood of the everlasting covenant -- making you perfect in every good work to do His will working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (Hebrews 13:20-21) Become an ambassador for Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Is Almighty God In The Flesh - Part 699

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." (II Timothy 2:15) So often we have been misled by the religious community because we do not read the Word ourselves for understanding. Too many times we expect those who teach us -- both ministers and priests alike -- to have studied the Word beforehand and subsequently deliver a message that "rightly divides the Word of truth." Unfortunately, this is not always the case. To compensate, you and I should read the Word -- the Bible -- every day -- searching and discerning the scriptures for ourselves. In so doing, we can discover first hand this wondrous God who would later became our Saviour. 

Jesus -- the Seed of the Holy Spirit. The only begotten Son of God. (Note: Jesus was not begat.) Rather, the Spirit of the Holy One God, planted the promised Seed first into the Seed bank of Eve -- the mother of all living -- and then later the Spirit of the Holy One -- God planted a promised Seed into Abraham's seed bank, declaring to Abraham that this seed now implanted into his seed bank would be the Seed from which all nations of the earth would be blessed. Therefore, Abraham because of this Seed -- which is the Seed of the Holy Spirit -- became a father of many nations.

God, who is Spirit fathered the Child of Promise, who is the Seed of the Holy Spirit and who bears the name Jesus. This is the name of God Himself who willingly became our Saviour. Jesus came forth from a surrogate mother Mary. Jesus, being born of Mary was conceived within her by the workings of the Holy Spirit whilst she was a virgin. Jesus being her firstborn. (Later, Mary had other sons to Joseph -- her espoused husband -- but none of Mary’s other children were related to Jesus in any fashion.) Why not? Because the blood in Jesus' veins was the life giving blood of the Holy Spirit -- whereas Mary’s other offspring was conceived through Joseph, the natural bloodline then being of Adam. 

Further, Jesus is the Word of the Spirit of the One Holy God. One cannot separate God from His own Word. The Words spoken by Jesus were the Words of the Spirit of the One Holy God, who as a result of the conception of Jesus, was now indwelling in that holy thing brought forth from Mary’ sin prone body. As a result of the Holy Spirit fetus being clothed in Mary's body, then that sin prone flesh, permitted Jesus to be tempted in all points even as we are.

Jesus therefore, was in the world but He was not of the world. Indeed, He was Almighty God Himself veiled in flesh just as we are. God manifest in the flesh. For this purpose was the Son of God manifest. That is, He came to sacrifice His veil of sin prone flesh for you and I. As we know from Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, He never did sin simply because the One who indwelt Jesus, being the Spirit of our most Holy God is much greater than man's enemy Satan who is the god of this world.  

Be confident then knowing that Jesus is a priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec -- who is without Father, without Mother, and without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life. The Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end. The Word of God is our bread of life and milk of the Word of truth that allows us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our great God Jesus. 

Trust Jesus today. May the Seed of the Holy Spirit Jesus bless you from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof. Peace to all in Jesus' name! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is The Beginning of Knowledge - Part 698

As newborn babes in Christ, we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow. (I Peter 2:2) Indeed, as the scriptures state, the first step to knowledge  and wisdom is fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:1-7) Giving reverence to the King of kings and Lord of lords -- essentially the first commandment in both the old and new covenants. That is, to believe on the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. But our devotion and diligence to our faith should not end there. The scriptures state: "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (I Timothy 4:13) 

Why? Because the scriptures encourage us and teach us. The scriptures point to our Lord God who later became our Saviour -- His forgiving love -- His everlasting grace that covers a multitude of sins -- His mercy. This is the foundation on which our salvation is established. 

Paul wrote, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) With all their hearts, souls and minds they desired the knowledge and wisdom that comes from pressing into Jesus.

Further, unless we know God in Christ and worship Him in spirit and in truth, increasing in faith and knowledge, prospering as our soul prospers, our knowledge will be to no avail. Indeed, all the natural knowledge in the world will be as naught. 

For a wise man will hear and will increase his or her learning beginning with the Word. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning -- that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4) A man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels to understand a proverb and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark sayings. (Proverbs 1:1-7)

Indeed, the Word states: "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion." (Proverbs 1:1-6) "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Unfortunately, fools despise the wisdom and instruction that only comes from the Lord. Moreover, the fool then in his/her heart has said, "There is no God." How sad for them that they have failed to open their eyes (and hearts) and discover the wonder of the Lord. How sad that they -- unless they turn their eyes to Jesus -- they will never know a God who wants to be a refuge for them in times of trouble, their strength in troubled times. How sad that unless they "come" to Jesus, these will never know Jesus' peace and joy that passes all human understanding. 

Given the choice between life and death, I choose to serve Jesus -- the giver of life. He was in the world but He was not of this world. He was God Himself, veiled in flesh like you and I. God manifest in the flesh. The Spirit of the one Holy God named Jesus came to sacrifice His veil of sin-prone flesh for you and I. 

Therefore, be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid, neither be you dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus never fails. Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Our Great God and Saviour Who Gave Himself For Us - Part 697

Suppose a friend arrives at your home around midnight. The friend has not called ahead. Neither has the friend come simply to visit. Rather, the friend in arriving at your home asks if you have food to give. He asks because a friend of his has arrived at his home but he has nothing to set before him. But from your perspective, you are already in bed. Not only you, but your children and servants too.

Jesus shared a similar scenario in Luke chapter eleven. Therein, Jesus is trying to tell us how much more He -- our Lord God and Saviour wants to give us -- unlike the friend who was settled for the night.

"Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves. For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?" And he from within shall answer and say, "Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you."

In other words, do not disturb me.  The man and his family are already settled for the night. From his perspective, he and his family are firmly established in their household. However, the friend -- because of his importunity keeps knocking on the door -- thereby forcing his friend to give him the loaves he needed. 

Importunity is the difference here. Importunity is defined in the dictionary as "insistent solicitation and entreaty, urgency, an entreaty or solicitation addressed to someone of superior status. For example, importunity could include a solicitation to the king for relief."  As we read in this scriptural example, it is the friend's persistence that makes the difference. 

Somewhat like the lady with the issue of blood for twelve years. She realized that if she could only touch the hem of Jesus' garment she would be healed. (Luke 8:43-48)

Jesus’ message does not end there. Within the parable, we begin to recognize that each and every one of us have sojourned away from the Master on our own life journey. We have all gone astray. In fact, each and every one of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Lost our way from our intended God-given purpose. That is our daily walk with the King of kings and Lord of lords. And the friend asking for the loaves here recognizes the urgency. The man who had gone astray needs help now. His salvation cannot wait until morning. The man’s soul hangs in the balance this night.

Jesus wants us to understand the urgency. He continues saying, "I say unto you - though he will not rise and give him [the loaves] because he is his friend yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs."

Jesus then takes the analogy from the physical to the spiritual. He said, "And I say unto you. Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened. For every one that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks, it shall be opened."

Jesus elaborates on this point. Instead of the friend asking for loaves -- as it was originally – Jesus portrays the same situation from a family perspective. He said "If a son shall ask bread or any of you that is a father will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish will he for a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?"

Of course not. So then, Jesus said, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"

Indeed, the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men and women. How many times has our Lord God – our blessed Saviour -- called you and I unto Him? You see, when one asks Jesus into their life  they can look too for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ask and it shall be given. Stand in the offering plate. 

Be Persuaded That He Is Able - Part 696

Jesus said to His followers, “And this is life eternal that they might know Thee – the only true God and Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3-4) But many today do not know of the promises of Jesus, and HIs desire for each and every one of us to achieve everlasting life. Why is this? For one, many people today have only ‘heard’ of Jesus. 

Unfortunately for them, their collective knowledge of Jesus does not include understanding His overwhelming love for His creation -- that is, that the same God who made us in the beginning loved you and I enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. To become our Saviour. Therefore, in the pursuit of life, individuals instead seek only a miniscule understanding of the Lord God who desires to share in our heart's delights. 

As a consequence, our social fabric misses the most important ingredient for our world. That is, getting to know our Lord God and Saviour personally. As the scriptures state, it is this lack of knowing that constitutes falling short of the glory of God. That in all our endeavours to conform to the ways of this world, we fail to understand the real meaning of eternal life. Indeed, of life itself.

The encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus offers a prime example of the "knowing" that comes with eternal life. Herein, Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” Of course, we know that Nicodemus already knew from the miracles that Jesus performed that He must be from God. He acknowledges this point in John 3:1-21. But at the same time, Nicodemus was still focused on earthly things. “How can this be?” he asked Jesus. "How can I -- who was born already of a woman be born a second time?"

But as we learn from reading the scriptures, Jesus encourages us to seek Him with all our hearts, with all our souls and with all our minds. Indeed, Jesus said, "Ask and it shall be given you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks, it shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-13)

From this, we can be confident that when we ask Jesus into our hearts and pick up our cross and follow HIm -- there is a measure of closeness that comes only from an on-going relationship with Jesus.  The pressing in to Jesus type of knowing that we yearn for in our inner souls. Meditating upon the Word and then willingly doing His will in the days to come.  When we do this, the knowledge of Jesus will transform us.  

We will be clothed in the righteousness that only pressing into Jesus the Good Shepherd can bring. Therefore, if we meditate on Jesus, the blinders are removed. We begin to understand the Shepherd that knows His sheep -- and is likewise known of them. “As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep … one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-18)

Indeed, if we would only know Jesus. If we would only seek Him and know the love of Christ that passes all knowledge and understanding, so that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. The scriptures state: “Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:19-20)

So in your journey with Jesus, hold fast to the Word. Eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7) Know too in whom you have believed. And be persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day. (II Timothy 1:12-13) Stand in the offering plate.

Search the Scriptures - Part 695

Church is not made of wood, hay, stubble, brick or concrete construct, or for that matter, any other such material. Neither does traditional religious paraphernalia have anything to do with worshipping. All of these ceremonial add-ons are man made inventions. Indeed, in many ways, these additional forms of worship are an effort on the part of some religious folks to appease their conscience. They simply cannot entertain the thought that God is not amused by their inability to accept the salvation message as God intended. In fact, God has said to these religious stakeholders ... "Away with this. My soul has no pleasure in your ceremonies nor in your sacrifices." In so doing, the Lord has once again reinforced that the true worshippers will worship Him in Spirit and truth.

Consider the above example from a different viewpoint. If, from the day of our birth, we were held as prisoners of sin and often curtailed to generational habits, we would not have the foggiest idea nor even a notion of escaping to something? We would be lost. And even if we did recognize that there is more to life, what would that something that we were searching for be?

Fly me to the moon? Swing upon a star?  Well, in reality we got to the moon. And technologically, we advanced (or at least we think we have). Was it the fulfillment of prophesy that man would accomplish the moon walk prior to the coming of the Lord that provides the foundation for this "something" objective. After all, according to the scriptures, man did walk on the moon and the moon was turned into blood before the coming of the Lord. Or, is this one of the birth pains of those who are in this earthly womb? Certainly, references such as the sun will be heated up seven times should be an indication of the prophesies that are being fulfilled. In fact, we may be there already. How many times do we hear, "Don’t stay out too long with your sunscreen."

At the same time, there is not only a great forsaking of God’s word in the midst of the lands but a famine. In this example, we are there. As it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah so shall it also be in the last days - the scriptures declare. We are there too. Men as lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And the religious world thinking that by killing people who are not of their own religious persuasion that they are doing God a service. We are there. But there is more.

"Peace - peace" is the chant even when, as the scriptures suggest, there is no peace to be found in this world. Trying to make peace at the end of a gun and burning Bibles that talk of the prince of Peace only lead to further conclusions that yes oh yes ... we are deep in trouble. Further, men have begun calling light darkness and darkness light. If light offends to the point where we are walking on the street called Broadway, we are there. Certainly, our oceans are empty. While many search for answers, the question remains -- is it possible to deplete such a vast sea of a harvest that we did not plant? What happened to the idea of giving tomorrow's children one more chance? We are there.

So, if, at the end of the day, you were told that your time is up and your life over, what would your life have been worth? Are you acquainted with your creator and your only saviour? You won't find the message of salvation among the religious ceremony. Where you will find it is in the scriptures. The Bible states to search the scriptures so that you will know of Him. We will continue later on this subject and its meaning. However, in the meantime prepare to meet our wonderful God Jesus!

Behold the Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World- Part 694

Under the old covenant, the Lord said, "And call upon Me in your day of trouble for I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15) Under the new covenant, the scriptures state: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) Again, in the old testament, the psalmist wrote, "For Thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive. Lord, you are also plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." (Psalm 86:5) The New Testament -- the last will and testament of our Lord Jesus -- encourages people like you and me -- in fact everyone -- to call on the name of the Lord and be saved. (Acts 2:21).

Equally interesting and the opposite of many ministries today is that throughout both the old and new testaments, we were instructed to put our faith and trust in our Lord God and Saviour. And Him only -- always thanking God because of His grace given to us in Christ Jesus. For as the scriptures state, it is in Christ Jesus that we have been enriched in every way -- with all kinds of speech and all knowledge. It is He that keeps us firm to the end, so that we are blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, He is faithful.  

John the Baptist knew this. In the first chapter of John, the Jews had sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to inquire as to who he was. John confessed freely that he was not the Messiah. Are you Elijah? the priests asked, Or a prophet?  They continued asking John, "Who are you?" They demanded an answer, so that they could provide a response to those who sent them. 

Note what John said. "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said." But this was not good enough for the priests. They then asked him why he was baptizing -- "if you are neither the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet." John said, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know -- even He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." (John 1:19-28) 

Throughout, John never once wanted people to follow his ministry. As such, He always pointed to Jesus -- the prophesied Christ -- who would come after John. Indeed, when John saw Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." He is the Saviour that has come to save you and I. And thus, at no time, did John suggest that people should follow him. He always -- as in repeatedly -- pointed to Jesus. 

However, as we read in the first chapter of I Corinthians, we discover that not everyone in the ministry pointed to Jesus. Some decided to create ministries using their own name.. We see this a lot in today's world. But Paul writes, "I appeal to you brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with one another in what you say -- and that there be no divisions among you -- but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (I Corinthians 1:8-17) 

In relating the issue, Paul in the scriptures wrote that some from Chloe's household had informed him that there were quarrels among them -- about who they should follow. Paul wrote, "One of you says, I follow Paul -- another, I follow Apollos -- another I follow Cephas - and still another I follow Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" He concluded by writing, "I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel -- not with wisdom and eloquence -- lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."

And we all know that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. Yes, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our Lord God became our Saviour -- shedding His holy spirit blood on the cross for us. 

Why not ask Jesus -- our Lord God and Mighty Saviour -- into your heart today? Let His love and grace and mercy cuddle you and hold you and comfort you. Then you will know that the most precious thing in life is Jesus.  John the Baptist knew it. And so did Paul. Don't let another day pass without you knowing it too. Stand in the offering plate.

May God Himself Sanctify You Through and Through - Part 693

"Study the Word to show thyself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed -- rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) In studying the scriptures, we become -- as believers in Jesus -- more attuned and sensitive to what is right and what is not. Notice that Jesus did not say at any point in His teachings -- to adhere to the traditions of men. Indeed, many times throughout the New Testament, Jesus provided us with examples of the scribes and pharisees -- whose collective desire(s) was to pursue long standing traditions under the Law. 

However, as we have experienced, Jesus came to set us free. Free from the bondage of sin that once entangled us. How do we know this? Because the scriptures are the only authority on which we can form our beliefs -- the written Word of God. This also explains why -- whenever Jesus was confronted with misrepresentations of scripture -- particularly when He was tempted of the devil in the wilderness, Jesus continually stated, "It is written."  Repeatedly Jesus referred the evil one to the scriptures. 

Matthew chapter four elaborates on this. Therein, Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness was tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1) But as we read, every time the devil tempted Jesus, He countered the devils' deceptive interpretations with truth. These truths from the Word of God. Further, while we read that the devil relied on his own interpretation of scripture to promote his collective motives and objectives -- some that may even have sounded somewhat authentic to the unversed listener -- the Lord repeatedly countered this deception with the authoritative voice of the written scriptures -- "It is written."  

What we rarely understand from this passage of scripture is that we too -- as sons and daughters of the Most High King been given the authority and power to do the same. To use the written Word to overcome the evil that exists in this world. But we are encouraged to take hold of the Word -- Jesus - "for we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness -- but [rather] we have One who has been tempted in every way -- just as we are - and yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Therefore, search the scriptures for your edification and spiritual well-being. And in so doing, may God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:23) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Can Make Your Day - Part 692

Do not be anxious about anything. Rather, in every situation -- by prayer and petition with thanksgiving -- present your requests to our Lord God and Saviour. (Philippians 4:6) Jesus said that none of us by taking thought can add one cubit to our stature. (Matthew 6:27) Or, conversely, by worrying, can add a single hour to one's life? Therefore, as Jesus said, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your body, what you will wear." (Luke 12:22) Instead, Jesus' desire is that we cast all our anxiety upon Him. (I Peter 5:7) Not just once as a passing thought but every moment of every day. 

After all, it is our Lord God and Saviour who purchased us with His own blood on the cross of Calvary. And He did so in order that we could be made whole. Forgiven of our transgressions -- past, present and future. Jesus said, "Come unto Me -- all ye that labour and are heavy laden -- and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "Look to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22-25)

When we grasp this simple salvation message, we can be confident in Jesus' grace and mercy. His forever love for you and I -- the  sons and daughters of the Most High King -- when we give our hearts over to Him. Our high priest. The only mediator between God and man. Therefore, stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free -- and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

And in the days ahead, be commended to God, "and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Yes, Jesus can and will make your day. Trust in His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

He Will Be Our God and We His Purposed People - Part 691

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that we are without excuse ... because that, when we knew God, we glorified Him not as God, neither were we thankful; but rather we became vain in our imaginations, and subsequently, our foolish heart darkened." (Romans 1:20-21)

Therefore, as the scriptures state -- choose this day whom you will serve -- because no man can serve two masters. At the same time, remember that it is "you" that our Lord God and Saviour hath quickened. This same "you" who -- at one time -- were dead in trespasses and sins. 

"Wherein in times past, ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:1-3)

But now, because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, we can rest in the good news that "by grace were we saved." (Ephesians 2:8-9) Our Lord God and Saviour, who is rich in mercy -- not of ourselves but the gift of God who hath ordained that we should walk with Him.

It is His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, who hath quickened us together with Christ and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

"You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you -- that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain -- that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you." (John 15:16)

So with every new day, honour and trust in our Lord God and Saviour. Praise Jesus with thanksgiving and praise for His everlasting grace and goodness that He provides to those who love Him with all their hearts, their souls and their minds. So that we will hear that great voice out of heaven that will say, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God." (Revelation 21:3) Stand in the offering plate.

Life Anew Means More Than Just Coping - Part 690

Unfortunately, coping has become the order of the day. And in many instances, coping with the day to day has become a way of life. Coping with work. Coping with family. Coping with the reality that one day death will come and end the mundane that has become inherent within our being. But this is not the life that our Lord God and Saviour intended for us.

David wrote in Psalms -- "He understands how weak we are. He knows we are only dust." (Psalm 103:14) But as we know from the new covenant, He also knows that when we are willing to "willingly do His will" we experience firsthand His love. His mercy. His grace. The Bible states, herein is love. Not that we loved God but that He loved us before the foundation of the world was even shaped. Indeed, He loved us so much that He gave His only "begotten" Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Jesus is His name.

When we begin to think of our life as "purposed" we learn that nothing is left to chance. Split second timing is part of the grander plan for our life journey. I once read that if you think your life is difficult now, just imagine what it could have been if our Lord God and Saviour was not there supporting us in our decisions -- guiding our thoughts and inner heart motivations. It is here that we need to take hold of the fact that "all things work together for good to those that love God -- to them who are called according to His purpose.." (Romans 8:28) That there is nothing that can harm us because God gave us the authority to trample on any evil that attempts to distract us. (Luke 10:19) Praise Jesus for His goodness. 

Then take hold of the promises of Jesus. Search the scriptures for direction. (John 5:39) At the same time, "be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6-7) Then the mundane of ordinary life will change. You will recognize -- like so many others before you that your life is far from ordinary because now -- you worship an extraordinary God who loves you so much. 

Jesus -- the only name given under Heaven whereby we might be saved. Indeed, thy Redeemer -- the Holy one of Israel -- the God of the whole earth as He shall be called has become our Saviour. Why? Because He loved His creation. While we were yet sinners, He died for us. 

His death in order that the peace of God, which passes all human understanding will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus John wrote, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God came into the world so that we might live through Him." (I John 4:9-10) Yes, we were bought with a hefty price. (I Corinthians 6:20) The same God who created us in the beginning shed His Holy Spirit precious blood on the cross for you and I -- so that we might be saved. 

In other words, when we believe in Jesus -- in whom we have obtained an inheritance -- we can be confident in being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will. (Ephesians 1:11) It is in this context that we can comprehend living life to the fullest. Each day knowing there is a white page ready to be filled anew by our Lord's purpose for our life. As in -- this is the day that our Lord hath made. That we, in our journey as believers in Jesus can understand that our life was "purposed" by our Creator. You and I who were dead in trespasses born anew to live each day with our Lord and Saviour directing our steps going forward. (Proverbs 16:9) 

If you might be asking -- what must one do to discover this purposed life? The Bible states to "confess your sins and know that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) Peter told the 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost to "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

Indeed, your spirit will be renewed to live the "purposed" life that God intended for you and I from the beginning. Begin living your life as the sons and daughters of the Most High King. Finally, be glad -- rejoice -- and give all honour and praise to Jesus Christ our Lord. You will never regret it. Stand in the offering plate.