In Thy Seed Shall All the Kindreds of the Earth Be Blessed - Part 750

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.

Upon seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple he asked them for an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, "Look on us." And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering ... and when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look you so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go." (Acts 3:1-13)

"But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you -- and killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." (Acts 3:14)

And his name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

"And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled."

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:15-21)

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." (Acts 3:22)

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." (Acts 3:23-25)

Indeed, in Thy Seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Stand in the offering plate.

So Shall Ye Be My Disciples - Part 749

Because of Jesus "the blind received their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." (Matthew 11:4-6)

Therefore, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Not likely because in all these things, Jesus has made us more than conquerors. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:35-39).

In other words, the upside is knowing that as believers in Jesus -- seeking His righteousness, we have become sons and daughters of the Most High KIng. 

Moreover, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:17-21)

To this end, Jesus said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."

But Jesus' message did not stop there. He said, "If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete ... Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his Master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is my command -- Love each other.” (John 15:9-17)

Indeed, greater love has no man. Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Lord, In the Beginning Hast Laid the Foundation - Part 748

Admittedly, the Book of Hebrews is complicated reading. Nevertheless, if we are to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Lord God's plan of salvation -- combined with the breadth and depth of our Lord God's love for His creation, we need to search all of the scriptures -- and yes, that includes Hebrews. In fact, the Bible tells us that when we seek the truth, we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free. (John 8:32)

Indeed, Matthew writes: "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7) This same principle applies to reading scriptures that perhaps, initially, we don't readily understand. Hebrews definitely fits into this category. Chapter one opens with the following verses:

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-5) 

Herein, our heavenly Father has established His plan of salvation for you and I --- His plan to redeem us that was predestined from the beginning of time. As well, these verses are in many ways introducing us to who God is. Certainly, we learn that in the old testament -- when the world lived under the old covenant that consisted of specific commandments and laws -- that God used others to deliver His message of redemption through sacrifices to the people. 

Today, however, in what is referred to as the last days, we live under a new covenant of grace. It is no longer a time when we understand God's purpose through other human mediators. Rather, we now have one High Priest, one Good Shepherd, one mediator between God and man for our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord --- whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the world. 

Why? Because all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. God with us -- He being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins. The scriptures state that He who knew no sin became sin so that we could be forgiven. His grace and mercy extended to everyone of us who -- by birth -- have all fallen short of the glory of God.

But the good news gospel is that the Holy Spirit blood flowed in the veins of the man Jesus the Christ --- the life of God's humanity in the blood. And this is what Hebrews is about -- sharing the greatest love story ever told. That is, it was the Lord Himself who sacrificed His own body on a cross at Calvary, purchasing for man the right to inherit redemption. It was because of His sacrificial offering that we can through faith in Jesus' sacrificial death receive freely the gift of the Holy Spirit of Life that was in the man Jesus the Christ. 

Yes, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. God's spiritual humanity, love, mercy, compassion and truth were embodied in the man Jesus the Christ, who was God manifest in the flesh. It was in that body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. 

You see, God made a way whereby man could be redeemed but in order for the sacrifice to be sufficient, it required the blood of a sinless man. But a man without sin could not be found. Therefore, God put Himself in our place fulfilling all the demands of sin by the sacrifice of His own prone to sin -- yet sinless body. God’s love and mercy redemptive mission was now accomplished by God Himself at no cost to man. 

Further, according to Hebrews, Jesus, being the Son of the Holy Spirit inherited all things, for He said that all that my Father has is Mine, and all that is Mine is yours. This is the last living will or testament of Jesus prior to His crucifixion. God covenanted with Himself as a Son and that Covenant is an everlasting Covenant, independent of us. For salvation is of the Lord, paid in full for each and every one of us.

As a consequence, what we do have is the last living will or testament of the man Jesus the Christ who bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. His redeemed people which He purchased to Himself with the shedding of His own blood. This is why God offers all forgiveness if we would only recognize His substitution death at Calvary.

Believe upon the name of the Lord Jesus today. Accept His unconditional love. Stand in the offering plate. 

Commemorating A Man of God - Part 747

"How beautiful are the feet of them that 

preach the gospel of peace, 

and bring glad tidings of good things!" 

(Romans 10:15)

It has now been a year passed since William (Bill) McKendrick -- the founder of this blog -- went home to be with his Lord God and Saviour. During his time here on earth, Bill made a significant impact on the lives of many young people. Indeed, there was never a person that Bill met who didn't learn -- right there and then -- of the wonderful saving grace of Jesus. 

Moreover, in connecting with people -- one could always count on Bill to guide them to the Saviour. He was never one to let worldly distractions or the excuse of time/prior commitments prevent him from preaching the good news gospel to anyone who would listen.

But within this primary motivation, Bill was similarly adamant (and instrumental) in preaching the "full gospel." In fact, Bill never willingly stood by and let longstanding religious traditions or revised "easy language" translations replace the actual Word. 

Some might remember his boldness from days gone by when he openly challenged traditional churches to defend statements of belief and church teachings that did not align with the scriptures. 

In the local papers, for example, Bill placed ads that stated "$10,000 Reward" for any person who could prove -- using the scriptures from the original Greek or King James version of the Bible -- that any person -- having received Jesus as their Saviour were then baptized using the titles "Father, Son and Holy Spirit." 

In this particular instance, Acts 2:38-42 (and the fact that every person baptized in the scriptures was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ) always won the day. But Bill went even further, investigating the origin of Matthew 28:19. When he learned that this latter verse was changed by the Roman Catholic Church (around 385 AD), there was no turning back in his determination to preach Jesus to one and all. 

For the record, Acts 2:38 states: Then Peter [standing with the eleven] said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

In finding ways to disseminate this same message to a wider audience, Bill established this blog -- another example of Bill's willingness to share his numerous insights and revelations from the scriptures. The same determination can be witnessed in the succession of church communities that he personally established over the years. Throughout, it should be noted that never once did Bill ask for money in any outreach endeavour. Rather, he showed the true meaning of the gospel by willingly sharing what he had with others, trusting His Lord God and Saviour for all his needs.

To commemorate Bill's life on earth, the following blog written by Bill before his death is copied below for your edification. May you be richly blessed ... 

"The answer -- hidden from the wise and prudent -- 

was revealed unto babes. The Apostles requiring 

assistants to help spread the gospel message 

to the world conversed with believers in this 

fashion. They said, "Look you out seven men 

of honest report and filled with the Holy Spirit 

and wisdom."

The reason for this is so that the apostles  could appoint men of faith to attend to the  daily ministration of the people. Indeed,  this was necessary for two reasons.  First, the increasing number of people that  had come to believe the gospel message made  it more difficult to ensure that every believer  was supported in their quest to serve Jesus,  and second, the complications that continually  emerged by ongoing persecution. (Acts chapter  six elaborates on these credentials.) The apostles praying, laid their hands upon  the people. Seven people were appointed,  energized by the Holy Spirit in power. Philip was one of the seven chosen to serve by the  multitude. Now appointed, as outlined in Acts  chapter 8, Philip went to a city called Samaria  and preached Christ to them. The people were  receptive to the gospel message that Philip spoke.  As well, hearing and seeing miracles, and  the lame healed was just a starting point.  Unclean spirits, crying with loud voices,  fled the bodies of many that were possessed.  Many more believed. In fact, there was great  joy in the city. No, Philip was not practicing  medicine. He was simply preaching Jesus  Christ to the masses.  Indeed, Philip simply believed that God was  capable of restoring people to good health. In  so doing, he harnessed a childlike faith with  God as His instructor. Remember what the scriptures state. Throughout,  Jesus advocated for believers to become like  children. Jesus taught that expressing childlike faith in God is akin to a non-wavering faith. But  like children, our faith, even if our faith is only  a mustard seed in size, is capable of catching  God's attention.  What did the scriptures state? That God, in  response to our faith, is capable of moving  mountains. Only believe, He said, because  without faith, it is impossible to please God our  Saviour. Even more so, it is our faith that is so critically  important. Believe that all things are possible.  If you have faith as a grain of mustard, all  things are possible. You see, Jesus came  to seek and to save that which was lost.  Jesus came to redeem man out of the  house of satan’s bondage.  In other words, Jesus overcame captivity. As  a captive, Jesus assumed sinful man's place at  Calvary. He wanted to cover your sins with the  blood He shed. This is why it shouldn't be a secret  as to what God can do. The words of an old gospel  hymn come to mind,  "What He has done for others,  He’ll do for you ...  With arms wide open,  He’ll pardon you ...  It is no secret what God can do." Just like Philip, who in simplicity preached  those everyday truths that pertain to the  Kingdom of God, Jesus wants you to do the  same. In the name of Jesus the Christ, the  residents of Samaria responded when Philip  suggested that their seed of expressed faith  arising in their heart, needs to be watered.  Using the analogy that all seeds need water,  they were all baptized into the name of Jesus.  The name that is above every other name in  heaven and on earth.  The important note here is that there was no  hesitation. These people believed the message  and straightway, went down into the water to  be baptized. The same day, straight away, and  by so doing, they stepped into a new dimension  of life redeemed by Christ. They stepped into a realm where they now  understood that God Himself as a Son had  fulfilled a plan for their salvation. Over time,  the news that Philip had preached Jesus (blood,  water and spirit) to the Samarians reached the  ears of the Apostles who were at Jerusalem.  The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria.  Upon their arrival, they prayed for the believers  that they might receive God’s Holy Spirit too. For  as yet, the Holy Spirit had not descended upon  them. They had not yet received God's  promise as all believers would. But they had taken the first steps to a personal  relationship with their God and Saviour. The  Samarians had repented and were baptized  into the name of Jesus. They were redeemed  and although they had great joy were effervescent,  clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, the scriptures  noted that as of yet, the Samarians had not yet  received the breath of Jesus breathing into them  His Holy Spirit. Why is this so important? Why is the message  in the scriptures written this way? Well, these  things are written that we might believe ... and  that we all should be of one accord, continuing  steadfastly in the teaching of the Holy Spirit of  Jesus, as delivered to believers through the  mouths of the apostles.  These are the principles of the doctrine of Christ.  There are other scriptural references too. Philip's  experience with the Samarians is not an isolated  one. The scriptures detail other examples of  repentance and remission of sins being preached  in Jesus' name.  Acts chapter 2, Acts chapter 10 and Acts chapter 19  are prime examples. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart -- and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is  light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Peace to all those who are of God's household. Have  faith in Jesus."

Even Faith as a Mustard Seed Can Catch God's Attention - Part 746

The apostles regularly prayed and laid their hands upon the people. Among them, a man named Philip was one of seven chosen to serve the multitude. Now appointed, as outlined in Acts chapter 8, Philip went to a city called Samaria and preached Christ to them. 

In addition to hearing and seeing miracles, the people were very receptive to the gospel message. In fact, the scriptures state that there was great joy in the city. Please note that there was nothing particularly special about Philip. He was simply an ordinary man called to preach Christ to the masses. To this end, Philip believed that God was capable of restoring people to good health. And in so doing, he harnessed a childlike faith in our Lord God and Saviour --- His instructor --- that allowed him to do extraordinary things. 

Do you remember the simplicity of the gospel message? Throughout, Jesus advocated for believers to become like little children. Jesus taught that expressing childlike faith in God is akin to a non-wavering faith. But like children, our faith, even if our faith is only a mustard seed in size, is capable of catching God's attention. 

What does the scriptures state? That God, in response to our faith, is capable of moving mountains. Only believe, He said, because without faith, it is impossible to please God our Saviour. It is our faith that is so critically important. We are encouraged to believe with all our hearts, our souls and our minds that all things are possible.

You see, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus came to redeem man out of the house of satan’s bondage. In other words, Jesus overcame captivity. As a captive, Jesus assumed sinful man's place at Calvary. The righteous for the unrighteous. The one who knew no sin became sin for us.

And this, because He wants to cover our sins with the precious blood He shed too. This is why it shouldn't be a secret as to what God can do. The words of an old gospel hymn come to mind, "What He has done for others, He’ll do for you ... With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you ... It is no secret what God can do."

Just like Philip, who just preached those everyday truths that pertain to the Kingdom of God, Jesus wants you to do the same. In the name of Jesus the Christ, the residents of Samaria responded when Philip suggested that their seed of expressed faith arising in their heart, needs to be watered. 

Using the analogy that all seeds need water, they were all baptized into the name of Jesus. The name that is above every other name in heaven and on earth. The important note here is that they did so and there was no hesitation. These people believed the message and straightway went down into the water to be baptized. The same day, straight away, and by so doing, they stepped into a new dimension of life redeemed by Christ.

They stepped into a realm where they now understood that God Himself as a begotten Son had fulfilled a plan for their salvation. Over time, the news that Philip had preached Jesus (blood, water and spirit) to the Samaritans reached the ears of the apostles who were at Jerusalem. The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria. 

Upon their arrival, they prayed for the believers that they might receive God’s Holy Spirit too. For as yet, the Holy Spirit had not descended upon them. They had not yet received God promise as all believers would.

But they had taken the first steps to a personal relationship with their God and Saviour. The Samaritans had repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus. They were redeemed and although they had great joy were effervescent, clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, the scriptures noted that as of yet, the Samaritans had not yet received the breath of Jesus breathing into them His Holy Spirit.

Why is this so important? Why is the message in the scriptures written this way? 

These things are written so that we might believe -- in one accord, continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, as delivered to believers through the mouths of the apostles. These are the principles of the doctrine of Christ. For other examples of repentance and remission of sins being preached in Jesus Name, read the book of Acts, specifically Acts chapter 2, Acts chapter 10 and Acts chapter 19. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Art Thou He That Should Come Or Do We Look For Another? - Part 745

For John, the question was critical. That is, "Art Thou He that should come or -- [one can almost hear John sigh here] -- do we look for another?" 

Note that during the time that John sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus this question, he had already been in prison for a year. Yes, the same John who had previously gone everywhere preaching repentance needed to know if Jesus was the One that should come. The one who was prophesied throughout the Old Testament.

Why? Because John knew that the One who was prophesied to come after him -- he was not even worthy to tie His shoes. 

John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear -- He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire -- whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather His wheat into the garner, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12)

This is why John's question was so telling. He desired in his heart to know whether this man who encouraged "all ye that labour and are heavy laden" to come unto Him was the prophesied Christ. The promised Messiah. 

Imprisoned himself, how would he know for sure? So John sends two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus. Note that at this time in history, the Jews were expecting the King of kings to come -- certainly not a babe born in a manger. One could only imagine the uncertainty going through John's mind --- a Messiah King is in the world for the world to behold --- but He doesn't announce His authority as the King.

So when the two disciples ask, "Art Thou He?" Jesus doesn't answer directly. Instead, Jesus responds this way.

He said, "Go and show John again those things which you do hear and see. [That is,] the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them, and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matthew 11:4-6)

In other words, Jesus knew that John was well versed in the prophecies contained in the Old Testament -- particularly Isaiah's prophecies. (Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 32:3) Therefore, by reminding John of these particular scriptures combined with presenting John's disciples with evidence of miracles, Jesus was making an iron-clad response for John. 

The evidence of miracles performed by Jesus included healing the sick. People were being raised from the dead and the poor had the gospel preached to them. It should have already been evident to anyone watching that Jesus wasn't merely a man. He wasn't just a prophet. 

Rather, Jesus was the King of kings. The Lord of lords foretold by the prophets. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. The Great I AM. The One destined to become the resurrected Christ.

Moreover, Jesus was and is the only mediator between God and man. All the fulness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. The same God who created us in the beginning becoming as one of us --- as the only begotten son of the Father -- so that we might experience His goodness. His grace. His mercy. 

In fact, the miracles Jesus was performing were only the beginning of the good news gospel message. But even John -- who Jesus acknowledged, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist"  -- struggled with his faith at this point.

"Art Thou He?"  John asked. 

The answer? Yes, indeed, Jesus is He. And the good news is that He is still reaching out to you and I today. "Come unto Me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." 

Trust in Jesus today. Believe on the King of kings and Lord of lords who said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 

Jesus never fails. Stand in the offering plate.

In Christ Alone - Part 744

While there is a move by some long-time established churches to remove "In Christ Alone" from their hymn books, it is important to remember that our Lord God and Saviour said, "Lo, I come, in the written volume of the book, it is written of Me to do thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7; Psalms 40:7)

Indeed, as believers in Jesus, we need to ask "If not Christ, then whom?" Who else shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins, if not our Lord God who willingly laid down His humanity so that we might experience His love. His mercy. His grace. His peace and joy. 


Hebrews chapter ten reveals our heavenly Father's plan that He decided even before the world was formed. Although Hebrews is admittedly difficult to understand in the first reading, this book is worth reading because it provides deeper insights into God's love for His creation. 
Moreover, the book of Hebrews signifies how the new covenant -- the shedding of Jesus blood on the cross --fulfills the old covenant.

"Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law. Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God, He takes away the first, that He may establish the second" (Hebrews 10:6-9)

Hebrews chapter 10 in its entirety is copied below for your edification. As you read through the verses, note that regardless of what traditional churches are doing, the scriptures make it abundantly clear that there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. That in Jesus, by faith, we experience salvation. 

That's right -- it's all about Jesus. He was the prophesied Christ in whom "we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10) Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Book of Hebrews 10

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 

Wherefore when He comes into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure." Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God."

Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou would not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the Law." 

Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He takes away the first, that He may establish the second by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins ..."

But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, "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."

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God, 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 ... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

For we know Him that hath said, "Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense," saith the Lord. And again, "The Lord shall judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

From Everlasting to Everlasting, Thou Art God - Part 743

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou [art] God." (Psalms 90:2) 


But the greatest love story ever told does not begin and end in the old covenant. It can't be found or fulfilled in the Law or the Ten Commandments. If the Law was sufficient in and of itself, the scriptures state that we would make null and void the sacrifice of our Lord God and Saviour on the cross. 

The fact is that this very same God who created us and loved us from the beginning wrote a brand new covenant for you and I -- a covenant of grace -- where He willingly shed His precious blood for us. A new testament written with the blood and sacrifice of our Lord God as our Saviour on a cross so that you and I could experience His mercy. His salvation. 

Today, we have the benefit of His Word at our fingertips -- the scriptures that offers abundant life in Jesus. Bible verses whereby we know that He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine -- according to His power that is at work within us. In fact, we can turn to the scriptures on any given day and recognize and realize our heavenly Father's infinite love for us. How much He loves us and wants the eyes of our hearts to be opened by faith to the glorious inheritance of the saints. 

And yet, in many situations, we become entangled with the cares of life. Rather than praising Jesus alway for His goodness and grace, and subsequently expecting miracles, we tend to forget that Jesus said to cast all our burdens upon Him. Not just one or two burdens but He said cast ALL of our burdens upon Him.  

This is why Psalm 27 offers an important lesson. David did not need to be reminded to praise the King of kings. Even though David did not live under the dispensation of grace -- as we do -- he understood God's infinite goodness and mercy -- possibly at times more than we do. And as such, he was willing to share the good news message to one and all. 

In the New Testament. the scriptures state:

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"(Hebrews 9:14)

A question, perhaps, that we should all be contemplating because we too know -- by faith -- that He who holds our future -- from everlasting to everlasting -- He is our Lord God and Saviour. 

Psalm 27:1-6 is copied and pasted below for your edification. Blessings in the precious name of Jesus!

"The Lord is our light and salvation, and thus, whom shall we fear? The Lord is the strength in our life and therefore, of whom shall we be afraid? 

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after -- that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion. In the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me. He shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me. 

Therefore, will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." (Psalms 27:1-6)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Satisfies Your Heart's Desires - Part 742

Whether or not one agrees that the Wisdom of Solomon -- part of the books referred to as the Apocrypha Books and reportedly removed from the King James Bible in 1884 A.D. is valid, the following message from chapter two does have some merit. Indeed, the teachings make a very clear distinction between those individuals who do not believe there is anything beyond death and those who believe in everlasting life. 
"For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have returned from the grave. For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart: which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,

And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the heat thereof. For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again.

Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are present: and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth. Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let no flower of the spring pass by us: Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered: Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is our portion, and our lot is this. Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the widow, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged. Let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is feeble is found to be nothing worth.

Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objects to our infamy the transgressions of our education. He professes to have the knowledge of God: and he calleth himself the child of the Lord.

He was made to reprove our thoughts. He is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion. We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstains from our ways as from filthiness: he pronounces the end of the just to be blessed, and maketh his boast that God is his father.

Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall happen in the end of him. For if the just man be the son of God, He will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies. Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.

Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying he shall be respected. Such things they did imagine, and were deceived: for their own wickedness hath blinded them.

As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls. For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of His own eternity. Nevertheless, through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it." (Wisdom of Solomon, 2)

But as we know from the scriptures, no man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24) A decision has to be made. We see this same situation in Luke 18:18-30 when a young ruler with a longing in his heart -- who somehow knew that Jesus could satisfy his heart's very desires --- ran after Jesus asking, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

This same question is critical for each and every one of us. Choose you this day whom ye will serve. "And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Reach out to Jesus today -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who loves you more than you know. He never fails. Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever. His love never fails.

"Lord, I give You my heart. I give You my soul. I live for You alone. Every breath that I take, every moment that I am awake -- Lord, have Your way in me." (Songwriter -- Reuben Morgan) Stand in the offering plate.

I Will Write My Love Into Their Hearts - Part 741

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4-14)

This is why salvation through faith in Jesus is such an important and necessary step for every believer. And that in our faith walk with the Lord, we never lose hope of the things to come. The promise of everlasting life to His children who believe in the resurrected Christ, walking by faith. 

Unfortunately, however, in today's world, there are many religions who do not teach that believing on Jesus -- seeking Jesus and all His righteousness -- is a necessary step to the Kingdom. These same churches tend not to teach that each and every one of us has "fallen short of the glory of God" or that "repentance" and "forgiveness" is the avenue that brings us back into our intended relationship with our Lord God and Saviour -- Jesus the Christ.

Instead, many institutions teach that salvation is achieved through doing good works and/or strict adherence to the Law and Ten Commandments. Alternatively, other churches teach that one obtains salvation and eternal life by regularly confessing one's sins to a priest and/or minister. Still others believe that the religious ceremonial laws outlined under the old covenant -- the old testament -- remain applicable to believers today -- stepping only into the new covenant of grace when convenient. In fact, in all of the above examples, obeying the Law and Ten Commandments plays a prominent role in these traditionally driven beliefs. 

The difficulty is that these teachings are disseminated regularly among church folk without these same new believers understanding that we live in the dispensation of grace. We are free in Jesus -- renewed in His Spirit and likeness. 

Therefore, the old covenant Law only applies when we do not willingly accept by faith the ultimate sacrifice that our Lord God and Saviour made on the cross. "That He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin. [Indeed], whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not." (I John 3:5-6)
Indeed, the Law was given as a schoolmaster, reminding us that we are sinners -- and that each and every one of us -- by birth into this world has fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23, I John 3:4)

"Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost -- which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 3:5-6) 

"Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith -- but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

The scriptures similarly confirm that in this dispensation -- the new covenant written in His blood -- we are "saved by grace" and that "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

Why is this true? Because -- as Hebrews 9:6-14 states, our Heavenly Father -- even prior to creation destined a better way to bring men and women back to their intended destiny. Even before the foundation of the world was formed, our Father knew that man could not live up to the letter of the Law. That we would fail on every count.  

Therefore, He established a second covenant -- a new testament -- so that you and I might have an opportunity to experience the ultimate joy and peace of our Lord -- the bubbling over kind of joy that only our Lord can give. 

The old covenant ....

"Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always 

into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, 

which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation."

... was replaced by a new covenant bounded by His love and grace. 

The price paid for by His precious blood on the cross.

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, 

by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, 

that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats 

and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy 

place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer 

sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: 

how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal

Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience 

from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:11-14)

"Wherefore then serveth the Law? It was added because of 

transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise 

was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a 

mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

This is the greatest love story ever told. We fail miserably and yet

our Lord God who created us in the beginning became as one of 

us to bring us redemption. He paid the price for our sin once and 

for all. He shed His blood for you and I. 

"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, 

that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world 

knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."

But 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; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man 

that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 

(I John 3:2)

"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." 

Therefore, become a Jesus believer in the one and only church -- the 

body of Christ that is without spot or wrinkle -- not because of the Law 

or Ten Commandments -- but because by faith we accepted our 

Saviour's love when He called us. 

Jesus -- the Author and Finisher, the Alpha and Omega -- the beginning 

and the end. 

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15)

For "this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," says the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them ..." (Hebrews 10:16) Praise Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.