God Is Not the Author of Confusion - Part 759

If I might add to the commentary above -- Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) "I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:11) "I am the door -- if any man enter in, he shall be saved." (John 10:9) "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25) "For there is one mediator between God and man -- the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) "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 5:21) All these Bible verses (and many more) point to the one and only Lord -- Jesus as the author and finisher of our salvation. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father,and was manifested unto us;)" (I John 1:1-2)

The scriptures further state that when we ask Jesus to become Lord in our lives, we are renewed. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name ... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord," (Philippians 2:5-11)

But if our searching the scriptures began and stopped at these verses alone, then we miss the greatest love story ever told. That is, our heavenly Father -- the same God who created man and woman in the beginning -- the same "I am the Lord thy God -- beside Me there is no Saviour" in the old covenant -- willingly became our Saviour. Indeed, God willingly took on a sin-prone body (but knowing no sin) and shed His precious holy spirit blood on the cross of Calvary so that you and I can be forgiven once and for all, And the plan of salvation was decided even before the world was shaped. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God --- and this same Word that was God became flesh. (John 1:1-18) If it were any other way, then it begs the question -- if not on the cross, when did God -- our heavenly Father -- become our Saviour?

"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me" (Hosea 13:4).

Listen to the promise that God spoke to Abraham. He said that in him and in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. "And I will establish my covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.: (Genesis 17:7)

Note that the scriptures state - in Abraham's SEED - singular. God did not say SEEDS. Indeed, God said SEED. Abraham had eight sons of which none were a blessing to mankind. But God was speaking of a Holy Spirit SEED “a new blood line” that was to be implanted into Abraham, and that implanted SEED was to pass through Abraham into Isaac. In turn, the bloodline continued into Jacob UNTIL the appointed time when the SEED of promise in which ALL NATIONS of the earth would/could be blessed should come forth. That promised SEED was JESUS the Christ who is the SEED of the Holy Spirit Of God. The Prince of Peace.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Moreover, in accord with the written Word, we know that Jesus IS the Word of God. We see this in Biblical example after example --  when God decided within Himself, to show Himself in a created form. The same "in the beginning God" -- He decided to reveal Himself - revealed by the written Word. This is why, in this context, Jesus is and was the beginning of the creation of God. Therefore, Adam is an earthly image of Jesus because Jesus came forth from the bosom of God. He did not come forth as another person but as God Himself in human form. The only "begotten" Son. (John 3:16)

This is why Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28) As born again believers, we no longer serve an "unknown" god but rather, like the disciples, we know in whom we believe and seek His righteousness. This means that in every thing we do in word or deed, we do all in the name of Jesus. (Collosians 3:17) One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Therefore, the Bible is very clear on the Godhead. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) The Bible is also clear on baptism which Peter standing with the eleven responded when asked, "What must we do to be saved?" (Acts 2:38-42).

Unfortunately, in this day and age, too many people prefer to become "church-ed" within some man-made traditional religion rather than aligning their doctrinal beliefs with the written Word. Again, unfortunately, too many are willing to accept church creeds, doctrinal statements and dogma as stated (like Matthew 28:19 that was changed by the Roman Catholic church in 385 AD) without searching the scriptural record  for themselves.

This is where the disconnect between churches and the true gospel of Jesus Christ creates confusion. But my God is not the author of confusion. He laid the foundation for us -- if we would only seek Him and His righteousness. His kingdom. Thank you Jesus! Let him that have ears to hear, hear. Blessings in Jesus' name!

Luke 16 Parable of the Unjust Steward Part Two -- Part 758

As we read in Part One, Jesus is sharing a parable with the multitudes of people who followed Him. The scribes and Pharisees are present. So are the disciples. The details  of this parable -- often referred to as a parable about an unjust steward -- can be found in Luke chapter 16. 

Essentially, the parable points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of the household affairs.”

Jesus cited two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant.

Still, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the lord had already forgiven the debt in full. Therefore, it was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the lord that the lord commended.

“And He [Jesus] said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem.

The steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed.

He states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?”

The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.”

Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt. 

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was fired. 

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”  (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level. 

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people. In this situation, he made them debtors. Debtors to the Law and the old covenant that was prevalent under the old covenant.

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired.

Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins and trespasses when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s people. Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because we were totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.

“I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free. Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world. Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore, should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "your good self" in the offering plate.

The Parable of the "Unjust Steward" / Prisoners I - Part 757

What a concept — the prisoners don’t even know they are prisoners.

Part One:

In the parable of the "unjust steward" time is divided into two dispensations. The first dispensation is the old covenant, or Old Testament as we know it. The second dispensation (the one in which we currently live) is the new covenant. Our guidebook -- elaborating on how Jesus shed His precious blood for our sins so that we -- by faith can find peace in our souls is found in the New Testament. In Luke chapter 16, Jesus makes this distinction when he tells His disciples that the law and the prophets stood until John the Baptist. Then, it is recorded that for a moment, time stood still. Since that time the gospel of Jesus and His kingdom -- inclusive of His grace and mercy has been preached so that every man and woman can press into --and find satisfaction -- in this good news. (Luke 16:16)

In Luke 16, the above clarification differentiating the two dispensations — the first of law and the second of grace — is mentioned after Jesus shares the parable about the rich man and the unjust steward. However, in this particular context, situating this point above Jesus’ parable has some relevance for those of us who struggle with interpreting and understanding the deeper meaning of parables.

Do note that this specific revelation was not just happenstance. The message from the Lord came about as an interpretation that very few clergy dare to preach. Part of the reason for their hesitancy might be a lack of understanding. Others limit the parable’s underlying meaning and intent by stating that the parable’s focus is on money. After all, what kind of a rich man would engage in a conversation with a careless steward to this extent if money was not a factor?

Still, the parable itself is critical because it is about how far our heavenly Father would go to reach out to us -- the greatest love story ever told -- and subsequently, our personal decision to believe on Jesus in everything that we do — seeking His righteousness. I recommend that you read Luke 15 so that you understand the entire context of Jesus' sermon. 

Luke 16:1-16 follows …

The Word states that He — Jesus — shared this parable also with His disciples. Already, from the beginning of Jesus' teaching here, the scribes and Pharisees had drawn near Him to listen. Similarly, there were great multitudes that followed, hearing this message as well.

That is, “there was a certain rich man, which had a steward and the same [steward] was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.  And he — the rich man — called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship for thou mayest be no longer steward.”

Thinking, the steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord takes away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.”

So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, “How much owest you unto my lord?”

And he said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.”

Then said he to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And he said unto him, “Take thy bill, and write fourscore.”

And the lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely … “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”

And I say unto you, “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

Jesus continued the parable, saying, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”

Why did Jesus say this? Because no servant can serve two masters —  for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. (Luke 16:1-16) The same principle applies to the Kingdom. One cannot serve both God and mammon.

But if this latter point is the only true message in the parable, as some suggest, then we might as well conclude — like the scribes and Pharisees that derided Jesus — that the parable is about money.

“And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him. And He said unto them, “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men but God knows your hearts. For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

Fortunately, there is more to come on this parable ... stay tuned!

The Prisoners Don't Even Know They Are Prisoners (Introduction) - Part 756

The Prisoners Don't Even Know They Are Prisoners - Introduction

What a concept — the prisoners don’t even know they are prisoners!

The Parable of the "Unjust Steward"

Luke chapter 16 elaborates on a theme that should give us hope. Instead, we as believers in Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- Almighty God in the flesh -- have subscribed to the "worldly view" of the parable about the rich man and the unjust steward. The worldly view -- the message promoted by many religious clergy today. That is,  the parable that Jesus shares with His disciples in Luke 16 is a monetary message. An illustration about money. Worldly wealth. Material wealth. Status within the societal evaluations and performance reviews that exist within this world.

These same religious point to the symbolism in the parable and like the scribes and Pharisees who derided Jesus at the time, they miss the point. Thankfully, others are more humble, admitting that they do not understand the context. Admittedly, there is difficulty in determining its meaning. Part of the problem is that there is a division between chapters Luke 15 and 16, inserted by men, that should not be there.  In so doing, they (and theologians later) have separated Jesus' teachings in these chapters into messages with seemingly different lessons even though the majority of text in chapters 15 and 16 (and part of 17) are one sermon -- one oratory address -- presented by Jesus.

In Luke 15, Jesus is speaking to the multitudes. The scribes and the Pharisees are listening as well. Jesus begins by using the analogy of a hundred sheep -- and how a good shepherd will leave the ninety-nine sheep together and go searching for the one that is lost. "And when he hath found it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing." (Luke 15:5) As if this lesson was not enough in and of itself, Jesus shares another example -- the woman with ten pennies. In the illustration, the woman loses one of her precious coins and ends up searching the house up and down to find the one penny that is lost. When she finds it, she invites her friends to rejoice with her.

But the message is still not resonating with the hearers so Jesus continues -- elaborating on the illustration of the prodigal son. The youngest son had asked his father for his inheritance -- the portion of goods that falls to him -- so that he could journey to a far country. But when he did, the world was not kind. They stripped him of all his wealth, his money, his worldly status and in the end they took his self-esteem too. When he finally realized that even his father's servants were treated better than him, he returns to his father's house -- asking for forgiveness. "I have sinned against heaven and before thee ... and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Make me as one of thy hired servants." (Luke 15:18-19)

What did the father do? When he saw his son "yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20-21) But the father did not stop there. He told his servants to "bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet, and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry." (Luke 15:22-24)

Why? Because "my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found."

What we will never hear from the world is this.  Jesus is asking us to play in His sandbox -- encouraging us to take hold of His promises by faith. He wants to set us free.  "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" and a few verses later, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." He wants each and every one of us to receive the crown of life, and recognize that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) He wants us to take back the original ownership of the world that He gave to us in the Garden. "

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (|Matthew 6:10)

Unfortunately, up until now,  we have been deceived by the prince of this world. We are being led down the garden path -- believing that we need to labour in this world, according to this world's standards. That we need to participate in the status quo systems that this world has arranged. That somehow, we must struggle on the treadmill of life that never allows us to rest.

But Jesus said we don't have to continue subscribing to this world.  He took our place on the cross. He shed His precious blood so that we would have life -- and experience life more abundantly. Jesus is saying "Come my child." He is inviting us to see the world through His eyes. "For we which have believed do enter into rest ... there remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he has also ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest ..." (Hebrews 4:1-11)

There is more to come ... much more!

God's Love Changes Everything - Part 755

It all began with Paul delivering his own personal testimony to captives. At the time, it already seemed unreasonable that a prisoner would be sent to prison without having first being charged with a crime. Because of this, King Agrippa (who was considered an expert in the customs and questions of the Jews) had agreed to hear Paul’s story. “Thou art permitted to speak for thyself” he told Paul.

And speak Paul certainly did. Indeed, Paul had a testimony that most would be ashamed to share. Paul, who was well known and recognized by many because of his previous esteemed societal status, had lived after the straightest sect of his religion since his youth. In fact, He had been a Pharisee. During his life, he had done everything contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, imprisoning and putting to death many of the saints. As such, he gained a name for himself for actively persecuting those who believed and followed Jesus.

However, after he had been blinded by a bright light from heaven on the Road to Damascus, Paul (previously known as Saul) was completely transformed. Jesus told Saul that He had appeared to him for the express purpose of making “thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee ... to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:14-18)

God not only assigned Saul with a new name, but now Paul had a life mission. His new life song consisting of preaching the good news gospel of Jesus and His kingdom to everyone who would listen.

“And now I stand [here before all of you] and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers.” Paul continued, asking, “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”

What he was really asking his accusers is why one would think it incredible that Almighty God would heal people of their diseases. That Almighty God could take a broken heart and make it whole. That Almighty God would empower His people to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, they would recover. (Mark 16:15-18)

Or that Almighty God loved us so much that He would willingly become as a Son – flesh and blood as we are -- so that you and I could be made completely whole too.

Paul then told his accusers how he continued from that first moment unto this day “witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come – that Christ should suffer and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23)

You see, as we see here Paul trusted his Saviour without question. He knew firsthand that God’s love changed everything for him. And he was not looking back.

For he was “persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

But Festus accused Paul of being “beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” Paul denied that he was mad, speaking forth the words of truth and soberness. Indeed, Paul was so convincing that even King Agrippa was almost persuaded to believe in Jesus’ love. How do we know? King Agrippa said so.

Paul knew how he felt because Paul had been there too. He had heard the testimonies of saints who refused to negotiate another day on this earth in exchange for blasphemy. Still, Paul said to the King, “I would to God that not only you but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”

Set free to be sons and daughters of the Most High King. “When we were children, [we] were in bondage under the elements of the world but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.” Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:3-7)

King Agrippa knew that in spite of the chains, Paul in his heart had already been set free. Thus, the King wanted Paul released from this situation too. But Paul had appealed to Caesar – a mistake in King Agrippa’s mind. But the King was unaware that God’s love changes everything.

So, when it was determined that they should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. First, they sailed on a ship named Adramyttium and then next on a ship of Alexandria. Throughout, the winds were contrary and the sailing extremely dangerous.

Paul admonished the masters of the ship, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of lading and ship but also of our lives.” (Acts 27:10)

But the centurion did not believe Paul so they continued on their way. Not long after, there arose against the boat a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let the boat drive on its own. The crew on the ship used helps, undergirding the ship; fearing lest they should fall into the quick sands, strake sail, and so were driven. And as the scriptures state, the boat and the two hundred plus people therein were exceedingly tossed with a tempest. So much so that the very next day the ship’s crew decidedly lightened the load, hoping to gain control of the boat.

Day three was not much better. “And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”

They were not only scared to lose their goods and ship but also their lives.

After what must have seemed as a long abstinence to those on board, Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. [The good news is that] now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.”

The tempestuous winds had not changed. The boat was still being tossed to and fro. What made Paul so confident? The answer is simple. Paul knew firsthand that God’s love changes everything. That the same God who created the universe could similarly calm the waves and halt the storm in an instant. That God had called Saul to be a child of His kingdom, and as such, had a mission for Paul. That is, “preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Acts 28:31)

So Paul told each and every one of them on the ship that during the night, an angel of God appeared to Paul – the same God “whose I am, and whom I serve” saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer for I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”

But still the boat tossed to and fro in the waves. The tempestuous winds making the boat ride anything but peaceful. In fact, it was two weeks later -- when the fourteenth night was come before “the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; sounded, and found it twenty fathoms.” Even longer before they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms. Fearing that they might fall upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day light so that they could see. The shipmen wanted to flee so they let down the boat into the sea.

These did not have faith. Neither did they believe that Paul, a prisoner could predict a positive outcome to their situation.

But Paul knew. He told the centurion and soldiers, “Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat and let the boat fall so that none could leave. They were in this situation together. And whether they knew it or not, God had a purpose for their life too.

When the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, “This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat for this is for your health: for there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you.”

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to his Almighty God in the presence of them all. And when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. What do you think Paul was saying to them, while they ate? You guessed it. Paul was preaching the good news gospel to one and all – and they were all of good cheer. All two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose. Did his heart change? Did the centurion experience God's love on that boat -- God's love that changes everything? We are not told the answer in the scriptures but we do know that the centurion then commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land, and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship to do the same. 

As we know from the scriptures, God kept His promise. And so it came to pass, that they all escaped safely to land. 

Not one crew member or prisoner was lost because they were cuddled in the safety of the Most High King.

Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote in I Corinthians:

“And I brethren, when I came to you came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your/our faith should not stand in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory which none of the princes of this world knew; for they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory … but as it is written, “Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him .. but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:1-10)

Paul finishes the chapter stating, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:16)

By believing on Jesus, and seeking His righteousness in our lives, we too know firsthand that God’s love changes everything. As a consequence, we are now sons and daughters of the Most High King – the same heavenly Father who -- even before the world was formed – loved us enough to know that He would have to willingly sacrifice His humanity on an old rugged cross for us.

Just like Paul, we need to take hold of His promises. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. We need to believe that “He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love – having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself according to the good pleasure of His will.” (Ephesians 1:2-5)

We need to recognize that His grace is sufficient. “His grace wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself.” (Ephesians 1:6-9)

We need to know “that in [this] dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him ... in whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will. That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ … in whom [we] also trusted after that [we] heard the Word of truth, the gospel of salvation, in whom also after that [we] believed, [we] were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of [our] inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:3-14)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Why? Because God’s love changes everything. Stand in the offering plate!

Alpha and Omega ... the Almighty - Part 754

Who is coming? The last book of the New Testament -- the Book of Revelation --makes the "who" in the Second Coming of our Lord God and Saviour abundantly clear. At no point do these scriptures suggest that we will see God in three persons at His coming -- neither will there be a triune God or trinity -- as some traditional religions refer to the Godhead. 

From the beginning to the end, the Word -- in both the old and the new testaments -- testify of Jesus. In the old, He was prophesied throughout. In the new covenant, our heavenly Father revealed in the face of Jesus, sharing His abundant love for us.

It is He that cometh. "Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him --- even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen." (Revelation 1:7)

Why? Because as Hebrews 7:11 explain, "If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood -- and indeed the law given to the people that established that priesthood -- why was there still need for another priest to come -- one in the Order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?"

The oldest manuscript reportedly states, "He is testified of, that Thou art."

Simple and straightforward. Thy Kingdom Come -- Thy Will Be Done. Singular. One God who cared enough about His people to willingly become sin for us -- He who knew no sin. The only mediator between God and man -- laid down His humanity as a sacrifice for you and I. In so doing, He became the sacrifice that paid the price once and for all. Jesus the Christ.

John wrote, "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

"Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last, and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

"And Israel My called -- I am He, I am the First. I am also the Last." (Isaiah 48:12)

"I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18) 

"These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive" (Revelation 2:8) 

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8) 

"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12-13)

Let him that has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

God Is Not the Author of Confusion - Part 753

God is not the author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33) Unfortunately, many churches today -- in their statements of faith -- mistakenly refer to a trinity or a triune God as the cornerstone. These same religions attempt to use "human concepts" to explain away the one and only Almighty God -- by saying that God exists in three persons. Note that there is no Biblical scripture to support these false teachings. Neither are the words trinity or triune used any where in the Bible. 

Equally troublesome to those who desire to know the truth of the good news gospel is the multiplicity of "new and improved" Bibles being published that are set on interjecting a totally trinitarian perspective into the gospel. Instead of ensuring the accuracy of teachings and that they align with the Word, these multiple scriptural revisions are stripping the Word of its original meaning -- and the authority and power that we have been given through the Word.

It is in this context that Hebrews chapter one offers a particular revelation to those who have ears to hear. There is only one God -- revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.  "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)

Indeed, there is only one God. "I, even I, am the Lord, and beside Me, there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)

"Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

One God -- the same heavenly Father who created man and woman in the beginning -- decided even then to willingly become our Saviour. The unseen spirit of God manifest in the flesh -- of whom are all things. For only the wise God, the creator of all who is one is infinite and inseparable. When one searches the scriptures, the Word confirms this point. "The Lord our God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Isaiah prophesied of the Saviour. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful. Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

This same revelation is confirmed throughout the New Testament. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-18)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

 "Thou art my Son. This day have I begotten thee." (Acts 13:33) In Psalms 2:7 and Hebrews 1:5, the scriptures state, "And He has sent His Spirit into our hearts." Other references include Galatians 4:6: "The Father is in the Son and the Son is in the Father" or "In the bosom of the Father." (John 1:18 and John 17:21-23) "I and My Father are one." Therefore the Godhead is not divided, nor separate, but rather, God is one, and likewise, of one infinite nature and substance.

Further, Christ is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature, by whom all things were created, both in heaven and on earth. (Colossians 1) The only begotten Son of God is the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His substance. Jesus the Christ "who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:6-7)

Now He has become a High Priest after the Order of Melchisedec and is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him. (Hebrews 5) He -- being Jesus is over all (Romans 9:5) He -- being Jesus is the true God (I John 5) "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." 

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11-18) "I am the door. By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9) I am the way the truth and the life. (John 14:6) "I am the light of the world." (John 8:12)

What did Thomas say? "Show me the Father." What did Jesus say? "Have I been so long time with you ... "

So "where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:14-15) 

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue confess ... (Romans 14:11) "That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." (Philippians 2:10)

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:11)

Indeed, the scriptures - both in the Old and New Testaments -- are full of verses that point to our one and only Lord God becoming our Saviour and shedding His precious holy blood on the cross for you and I. 

Hebrews chapter one below -- written for your edification -- elaborates on this point. Stand in the offering plate.

"... 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. 

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son?" And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)

And of the angels he saith, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire."

But unto the Son He said, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands; they shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail."

But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:7-14)