I Can Do All Things Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Me.- Part 713

Rejoice in the Lord always. Likewise, "be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ... and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Unfortunately, we live during a time when many voices cry out in defiance of the original good news salvation message delivered to humanity personally by our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. This same defiance is not new. In the old testament, Hosea wrote that "people would be destroyed from a lack of knowledge." Moreover, the prophet wrote, "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests, because you have ignored the law of your God. [Indeed,] the more priests there were, the more they sinned against Me. They exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of My people and relish their wickedness." (Hosea 3:4-5)

What is sad is that we see this same tendency in many religious institutions today. Instead of focusing on the ultimate salvation message that gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience true peace and freedom, the tendency by institutions is to promote some form of legalism as the norm, encouraging members of congregations and parishioners alike to become subject to the Law and Ten Commandments that was prevalent under the Old Covenant. 

The idea that as believers "we are victorious through our Lord Jesus Christ" is rarely mentioned. Neither is Romans 8:2 which states that "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set [us] free from the law of sin and death." The salvation message that states when we believe in Jesus, we are "made free from sin ... we become the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18) 

Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:16-18) He is the only mediator 

This is why we as believers should read the Word daily -- and willingly desiring to do His will in our lives -- so that we will know the truth -- the truth that will set us free. (John 8:32) And as a consequence, we can understand the importance of embracing the new covenant -- His salvation message that includes abundant grace, mercy and love that passes all human understanding.

You see, death was swallowed up in victory when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God -- who gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."(I Corinthians 15:54-57) 

It is here that we were set free from sin once and for all. No more weekly confessions to priests and their institution appointed representatives but rather given a direct connection to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- our heavenly Father who became flesh so that you and I might have life -- and have life more abundantly. Remember, we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. 

Or, as Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) This is why we take hold of His promises that were intended from the beginning of time. And God's plan of salvation decided before humanity was ever made -- so that we can become sons and daughters of the Most High King -- Jesus -- the Word in the flesh -- our Lord God and Saviour.

Therefore, be ye steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.

I Am The Good Shepherd, Saith the Lord Jesus Christ - Part 712

The Jews answered Jesus, saying, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest thyself God." (John 10:33)

Unfortunately, there are those who attempt to obtain their salvation by climbing up some other way rather than asking forgiveness through the precious blood of Jesus -- shed on a cross for you and I. In fact, they deny the authority and Kingship of Jesus. Rather than believe that Jesus is the Word -- God Almighty in the flesh -- they create a list of options for salvation without any scriptural reference. 

But Jesus said of these latter -- "the same is a thief and a robber." (John 3:1) These same thieves and robbers "eat up the sin of My people, and they set their heart on their iniquity." (Hosea 4:8-9) They are not interested in ordinary people learning about the abundant grace and mercy of our Saviour. Nor do they encourage their parishioners to discover the love of a heavenly Father that would willingly become our Saviour. Instead, their purposes are self-serving and deceitful. 

But Jesus set the record straight -- if only we would be willing to listen. Indeed, repeatedly Jesus stated, "He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold but climbs up some other way -- the same is a thief and a robber." (John 3:1) "All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:" (John 3:8-10)

Quite the opposite, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He responded to the Jews stating, "He that enters in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His sheep. And when He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice." He told them that a Good Shepherd even knows us by name -- "He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." (John 3:1-4) Leads believers in Him out from the bondage of sin that keeps most of the populace today captive to -- and in -- the world.

This was what the Jews of the day were accustomed to doing then. Today, there are still who twist the scriptures to suit their own purposes. These strangers -- earlier referred to as thieves and robbers -- will not entice true believers. Why? Because as Jesus stated -- believers will not follow a voice that does not align with the Word. "He that is an hireling and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth 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." (John 3:12-13)

But Jesus does care about us. His love is constantly reaching out to us, "I am the Good Shepherd and know My sheep, and am known of Mine." (John 3:14) 

Rather than be enticed by those in authority that refuse to align with the scriptures, Jesus said we are to flee from these false teachers. Anyone who teaches that there is any other mediator between God and man -- other than Jesus Himself. For there is only one door -- Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep. I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Remember, Jesus came to give us life, and that we might have life more abundantly. "I am the Good Shepherd," Jesus said, "the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." (John 3:15-17)

Come to Jesus today. Discover His Word. Stand on His promises forever. Stand in the offering plate. 

Looking For That Blessed Hope - Part 711

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. In so doing, let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:13-15)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote to those who have obtained a "precious faith ... through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" -- that grace and peace be multiplied even further through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. This grace and peace multiplied accordingly as His divine power hath given unto us -- you and I -- all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. (II Peter 1:1-8)

This is why we read His Word daily. Indeed, where else would we learn about our Lord God and Saviour -- and His unique plan for our life if we don't read His Word?

-)

Moreover, the scriptures state, "Whereby [we] are given exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye/we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:10-11) 

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." In fact, "an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:9-15) Stand in the offering plate. 

The Earth Is His Footstool - Part 710

He that comes from above is above all. Indeed, He that comes from heaven is above all. Thus, according to Isaiah, the Lord saith, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where is the house that ye build unto Me? And where is the place of My rest? (Isaiah 66:1) 

Yet, this same Lord God willingly became our Saviour. Jude wrote, "To the only wise God our Saviour -- be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." (Jude 1:25)

Therefore, when John wrote, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" we should be paying attention. Certainly, "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world  -- [you and I] -- through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

"He that believes on Him -- [who? The "only begotten" - Jesus the Christ] is not condemned but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the "only begotten" Son of God. Did you catch it? Condemnation is no longer an option for those who believe that our Lord God became our Saviour. That the only name under heaven whereby men and women today can be saved is Jesus. The Lord of lords and King of kings who left His throne in glory to shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross for you and I. 

Conversely, John writes, this is the condemnation -- that light is come into the world but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Indeed, He that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

But he that doeth truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And what he hath seen and heard about the good news gospel message -- that he testifies, even when seemingly no man receives his testimony. 

However for you and I, the good news is that for those who do receive this testimony has set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 

Moreover, we are encouraged to become like Jesus -- in whom the Father who loved the Son hath given all things into His hand. Likewise, He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life. Our sins are forgiven once and for all. Past, present and future transgressions. 

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 those who do not believe are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:20-21)

The choice is yours, Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Besides Our Lord and Saviour, Who Is Jesus? - Part 709

Many people today have been misled when it comes to the true identity of Jesus. This incorrect teaching -- promoted through religious traditions, doctrines and creeds -- has, unfortunately, resulted in a state of confusion -- not only for believers but for unbelievers as well. What is worse is that those who are in a position of authority have -- as a collective -- decided not to correct the error of their teachings that have led to this confusion. This stance, even when the scriptures - both the old and new covenants -- contradict their message. 

Certainly, it does not make sense to pray if one does not know "to whom" they are praying. It is in this context that this message is written. So that the truth of the gospel -- the good news of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- can be proclaimed to the uttermost parts of the earth. So that every man, woman, and child can understand how much their heavenly Father loves them, and did so, even before the foundations of the world were formed. 

Clearly then, Jesus was not just the "Son of God" as most institutions would have us believe. In fact, Jesus is the eternal life which was in the innermost being of God. The only begotten of the Father.  The same God who is Spirit (invisible) - the same God that was manifest in the flesh and spoke of within the Bible. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-18)

Further, as it is written, God was manifest in the flesh. Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit who of Himself provided both Seeds (one male and one female Seed) whereby both of these Seeds when brought together would be God Himself. The Seeds in themselves contained all the fullness of the Godhead’s spiritual humanity. Therefore, Jesus is not just a Son but the only begotten Son of the Holy Spirit whose Seeds were conceived into the womb of a willing surrogate named Mary who herself expressed that her spirit rejoiced in God, her Saviour. 

These Seeds were not another God. These Seeds were the Seeds of the one and only God. In God dwelt pure humanity. Just like the scriptures state, the original intent of Adam and Eve was to be a visible created form in the image of God. Unfortunately, the devil showed up and created havoc. But the good news is that this was not an unknown to God. How do we know this? It is written that Jesus - the lamb slain before the foundation of the earth - would at an appointed time be manifest in the flesh -- purposely to destroy the work of the devil.

And just as God is not three distinct and separate persons, neither are you and I. We are spirit beings veiled in flesh, born as a male or female from two seeds. These two seeds are thus brought together in one individual - a spiritual individual who during his or her lifetime is capable of manifesting their individuality in three expressive ways - as a son/daughter, as a father/mother and as a spirit/friend. Indeed, there is a reason we are created in the image of God. So that we can become sons and daughters of the Most High. 

The life of God was manifested in the flesh so that we might be saved through the blood shed on the cross for you and I. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. Stand in the offering plate.

Rejoice in Your Salvation - Part 708

This is the day that the Lord hath made -- we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Moreover, allow our soul to wait for the Lord. Let our Lord God and Saviour Jesus be our help and our shield. Our refuge in times of trouble. Let our heart rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (Psalms 33:20) Indeed, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-24)

Further, let your moderation be known unto all men. Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. In so doing, may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, for faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

In all things, let the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice. Let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them. Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. (Psalms 5:11)  

It is particularly important -- in attending to our daily life obligations -- that we let the Spirit of God work within us. The scriptures state that we should not quench the Spirit. And, similarly, despise not prophesyings. Instead, prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil, in order that the very God of peace can sanctify you wholly. Most of all, rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord Jesus is good. 

Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Stand in the offering plate.

Without Excuse, Saith the Scriptures -- Part 707

When will our hearts be steadfast with Him? Likewise, when will we become faithful in His covenant? Moreover, how often will we venture in our day to day journey -- sustained by our Lord God in terms of necessities -- but in the long run, deny the power and joy of the Lord in our lives? 

Admittedly, as believers in Jesus, we readily acknowledge that the heavens openly declare the glory of God. We admire that the skies proclaim the work of His hands, and that the law of nature -- in all its beauty -- is written everywhere for our eyes to behold. As the scriptures state, "He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:17) 

Similarly, we understand that throughout the Biblical record, we see God's goodness and mercy displayed. In this context, how many times did Jesus heal those that had been sick from birth? Or, those that were afflicted with incurable infirmities? Even though we have willingly sinned against Him, God's love for His people is unconditional. He is not a respecter of persons. Neither does our Lord God and Saviour return good for good and evil for evil. The sunshine that fills the sky (in essence, the miracle of nature) are displayed for both the just and the unjust equally. Therefore, as the scriptures state, it is difficult to ignore His handiwork -- the intricacies that point directly to our Creator.

David, the psalmist wrote, "For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again." (Psalms 78:37-39)

And our heavenly Father does so time and time again. Not just for the Israelites but for you and I too. His beloved -- whom He loved from the beginning. 

"How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert. Yea, they turned back and tempted God and "limited" the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the  enemy. How He had wrought His signs in Egypt, and His wonders in the field of Zoan. And had turned their rivers into blood, and their floods that they could not drink. He sent diverse sorts of flies among them, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the anthill and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. He made a way to His anger. He spared not their soul from death but gave their life over to the pestilence. And smote all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham. But made His own people to go forth like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And He led them on safely, so that they feared not, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. And He brought them to the border of His sanctuary, even to this mountain, which His right hand had purchased." (Psalms 78:42-54)

Since the establishment of the new covenant -- when Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross for our sins -- we have been given an opportunity to worship Him in spirit and in truth. An opportunity to take hold of the same God who created the heavens in the beginning -- and yet loved us enough to die on a cross that He ultimately created. In this context, we really are without excuse if we refuse to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour. 

Remember that while we were like sheep going astray, our Shepherd and overseer of our souls had already decided to give Himself as a sacrifice. (I Peter 2:25)

"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 they are without excuse. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were [they] thankful; but [rather, they] became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (Romans 1:20)

Let us then not limit our Lord God and Saviour in our lives today. Instead, let us take hold of His promises. Worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Acknowledge Him in all our ways. Acquire an inward desire to become more like Him. Read His Word. Stand in the offering plate. 

Walk Worthy in His Vocation - Part 706

Even when our day to day circumstances are challenged, we can trust Jesus to carry our burdens. We can see this in the testimony of individuals within the scriptures. One such example is Paul, whose claim to fame was persecuting and sentencing to death any person who admitted that they had accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour.  

However, after Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his motivations changed. His life was transformed. Indeed, Paul loved the Lord with all his heart, his soul and mind. So much so that he considered himself to be a "prisoner of the Lord." 

When Paul's heart was renewed, his sole intent was to preach the gospel to unbelievers. In fact, Paul's desire was to willingly do the will of His Lord God and Saviour. Not just in the beginning but every day of his life. Why? Because Paul recognized the price that was paid so that he could receive the gift of salvation -- Jesus blood shed on the cross. And for Paul, there was no turning back. 

There was no other mission for his life than to become a "fisher of men." Sharing the good news gospel of Jesus to one and all. 

Further, like Paul, every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why we read the Word daily -- so that our relationship with Jesus can become one in the body of Christ -- in order that we can similarly produce good fruit. 

So that we can henceforth be no more like children -- tossed to and fro -- and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. 

Rather, in a spirit of grace, whereby we can speak the truth in love, and grow up into Him in all things which is the head, even Christ. So that in this latter point, we can know without a doubt that Jesus is the Head of the Church. The Chief Cornerstone. The only mediator between God and man. Yes, He is the great I AM. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. 

This is why we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is the ultimate mender of our souls. The healer of our bodies -- till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 

Therefore, heed Paul's message when he beseeches us to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

A prisoner of the Lord -- like Paul who knew firsthand that there is no better mission than walking with the King of kings each day. Certainly, this is the day that the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus, A Reason to Celebrate - Part 705

Who will I say has sent me? This was the question asked by Moses when conversing with the Lord about the exodus from Egypt. We can read about this incident in the Old Testament of the Bible. Therein, Moses was essentially asking the Lord "who shall I say has sent me?" He knew that this question would be foremost in Pharaoh's mind when they met. Pharaoh being the Egyptian ruler of the day.

The question again. "Who will I say to Pharaoh has sent me?" The answer? I AM.

You see, God our Creator is one Spirit. One Lord. And this one Spirit fills all the heavens and earth. Indeed, God is before all things (self existing) and without God there is nothing that would be created. Here, God is a Father. Our heavenly Father in creation. But the God that we know did not stop exhibiting His love for us -- even in creation.

Indeed, from the beginning, His plan of salvation included becoming flesh -- as a Son - out of the bosom of the Father so that we might have salvation. The same God as a Son, the only "begotten" Son as referred to in John 3:16.  As the scriptures attest, the Son-ship of God was never apart or singled out as a separate entity from the Spirit of God. The Word that was in the beginning was with God and was God  which later became flesh. (John 1:1-14)

Yes, the Father was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is the Seed of the Holy Spirit. And because Jesus is the very Seed of the Holy Spirit it also means that Jesus is the Holy Spirit. In other words, the life in the veins of Jesus' body was the life of the Seed of the Holy Spirit.

Further, Jesus is the Word of God. God's Word. One cannot separate words from the person whose words they are. And the words spoken by Jesus are the very words of God’s counsel, for God surely did counsel with Himself prior to our universe being brought forth. In creation, God made man an earthly image of Himself. But unfortunately, man (Adam and Eve) side-stepped God’s original plan for humanity. This has left us wandering aimlessly and for many, questioning our very existence.

In the Garden of Eden, we became estranged from the wisdom and knowledge of God. As a consequence, each and every one of us have become like sheep that have gone astray. We have turned inwardly to the foolish imaginations of our wandering minds. This, in turn has made us sheep without a Shepherd. But it doesn't have to be that way. The Shepherd loved us from the beginning. He desired to have a personal relationship with His creation. You and I.

Therefore, when we accept Jesus into our hearts and believe on Him-- the King of kings -- our heavenly Father in the flesh -- Jehovah of the old that is Jesus in the new -- we have both seen and handled eternal life - life abundant that can only come forth from the innermost being of God. The good news gospel that Jesus never fails. The plan of salvation that God decided even before the foundation of the world was shaped. And He did so in order that you and I might live life as it was intended. In the fullness of His grace and love.

Love everlasting that gives us a reason to celebrate. Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Thou Art the Christ - Part 704

"Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe -- and are sure -- that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:67-69)

Prior to the above exchange between Jesus and the twelve disciples, Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. At the time, a great multitude followed Jesus "because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased." (John 6:1-3) Amid the miracles and healings, Jesus had performed numerous signs and wonders too, including the feeding of the multitudes.

Unfortunately, however, there were those in the crowd who only sought after the miracles. Jesus knew this and said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled." (John 6:26) In other words, they did not seek the Master with their hearts. Neither did they recognize that Jesus was the Son of man that God the Father had sealed. (John 6:27)

Rather, their desire to be with Jesus hinged only on the physical and spiritual benefits that could be had from hanging around Jesus. This is why Jesus stated, "Labour not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life." (John 6:27) He knew their hearts. Still, these same asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we might work the words of God?" Jesus answered unto them, "This is the work of God -- that you believe on Him whom He hath sent."

Still unconvinced, they said to Jesus, "What sign showest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert. As it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat."

But once again these same were misguided in their traditional beliefs. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world."

Again, Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." But this time, Jesus went further. He said, "He that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you -- That ye also have seen Me and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me. I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." (John 6:35-40)

The unbelieving Jews murmured amongst themselves because of these words. Because Jesus had reiterated that He is the bread of life which came down from heaven. (John 6:41) Likewise, Jesus' followers became even more disturbed when Jesus said, "No man can come to Me except the Father draw him and I will raise him up at the last day. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily. verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life." (John 6:42-51)

Repeatedly, Jesus revealed His identity but His message -- sadly, fell on deaf ears. In fact, His teachings were very difficult for those who gathered around Him. But note that throughout the sixth chapter of John, Jesus reiterated that He is the bread of life. Note that He did not say one's church, or religion, or creed can save you. Only Jesus -- the bread of life. The Word that became flesh and later, His humanity crucified to the cross -- so that you and I might have salvation.

It is because of this ultimate sacrifice -- the shedding of His holy blood -- that no man can come unto the Father but through Jesus. He is the only mediator between God and man. And He loves us and wants to embrace us with His love and grace. Just like Simon Peter with the eleven disciples ask, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life."

Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Walking Worthy of the Vocation Wherewith We Are Called - Part 703

Jesus said, "I am come that they - [you and I] might have life, and that they [you and I] might have it -- life -- more abundantly." (John 10:10) Therefore, beloved, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58)


Why? Because the battle has already been won. Death and sin were overcome once and for all when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary.  Death was conquered when He who was incorruptible willingly put on corruption. At that moment, when the veil was rent from top to bottom, "Death [was] swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:55-57) The same promise applies to sickness and disease. "By His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

In I Corinthians chapter fifteen, we also learn that "the first man is of the earth [and therefore] earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven." The same heavenly Father who created the world and all its inhabitants in the beginning, including you and I, willingly became flesh -- as one of us -- so that you and I might have life more abundantly. Life as it was intended in the beginning. Free in His grace. Cuddled in His arms. Victorious because of His love for His creation.

Jesus said, "All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. By Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly."  (John 10:8-10)

This is the victory that we have in Jesus. "Thou hast ascended on high. Thou hast led captivity captive. Thou hast received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them." (Psalms 68:16) In the New Testament, the same message was delivered to the Ephesians. The scripture therein states: "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8-9) 

"O death then, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:55-57) Trust our Lord God and Saviour today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Read His Word daily. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Take hold of His promises. Stand in the offering plate.