Too Many Worship "Unknown" God - Part 767

Praying to an unknown God -- does that sound familiar? Because some today have not searched the scriptures daily, these prefer to worship an unknown god, similar to Paul's encounter when he stood in the midst of Mars hill. Reading from Acts 17:17: 

"Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him, and some said, "What will this babbler say?" Other some, "He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection." 

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean."

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

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

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; neither is [He]worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us:

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

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, "We will hear thee again of this matter."

So Paul departed from among them. The Bible prophesies that in the last times, deceivers would come into the world, seeking to devour who they can. Just like Paul, we need to be able to discern teachings to ensure they align with the Word. If they do not, we need to do the same as Paul did. That is, to depart from among them.

This is certainly the case when leaders -- both religious and otherwise -- try to tell us that God did not become our Saviour on the cross. Why? Because like the "certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks who worshipped an unknown god, "they do not know in whom they worship."

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Beware of Those Who Deceive - Part 766

When we seek Jesus and His righteousness first -- as the scriptures state -- we become privy to understanding the mystery of the Godhead contained within the volume of the scriptures. This foundational teaching may appear like a dark lens to some new believers in the beginning -- initially covered in layers of dirt -- but as we further seek our Lord God and Saviour with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind, the glass is wiped clean. 

When this happens, no longer will you believe in a trinitarian doctrine that portrays God as three persons because the truth -- the greatest love story ever told -- will be fully revealed to you. The scales will fall from your eyes so that you too can understand the "mystery" of godliness. (I Timothy 3:16)  

Herein, you will behold the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end in all His glory. The same God who created man and woman in the beginning is the same God who knew no sin and yet later became sin for us on the cross. His name is Jesus. 

"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)

How can we know this to be true? By "[seeking] ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness [so that] all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

The difficulty that we are experiencing -- in these, the last days -- is that the religious -- under whatever guise that exists -- are departing from the faith that was once (and only once) delivered by God to mankind as the only means of salvation.

The scriptures clearly state that this would happen during these last times. We were warned that false prophets would rise. Matthew 7:15-20 states: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?  Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into fire ... wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them." 

Believers in Jesus were similarly warned of things to come in the last book in the New Testament (which ironically is known as the "Revelation" of Jesus Christ). Likewise, in II John 1:7-13, we were told that many deceivers are entered into the world, "who confess NOT that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." The scriptures call these to be "a deceiver and an anti-christ ... whosoever transgresseth and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God."

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4)

We are further warned that "if there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed, for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." Indeed, woe unto them. Strong language, for sure. This is because we are instructed to not only keep His Word but His name too. (Revelation 3:8)

Whose name? The name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. Remember that  "he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9)

The Bible further warns that what we are witnessing today is the laying aside of the teachings of the Lord of glory that are clearly outlined in the New Testament. New translations of the Bible are being introduced at an increasing pace -- with revisions that are not just changing the original text of the Word, but obliterating the original meaning so that little scriptural references are even recognizable.  

Moreover, doctrines are being presented that are in direct opposition to the Word of the Holy Spirit. Completely contrary to the sound doctrine beginning at Jerusalem and confirmed of God to be His authoritative Word of the New Testament -- now set down at the right hand of God.

The Bible is clear on what we are to do. The scriptures state that we are to save ourselves from such deception for many are being deceived unawares. For if one denies the teaching of the gospel of Jesus the Christ, they become susceptible to believing lies. This is why we are encouraged as believers to search the scriptures daily for the truth.

When we believe on Jesus, we willingly accept the Word of God as truth. And by entering into faith as the Holy Spirit bids in Acts 2:37- 42 we can continue steadfastly in the Holy Spirit teaching being led by the indwelling Spirit of Christ. 

It is He who is bringing the New Testament scripture to abound within us. The Word that is the inspired, infallible, authoritative written Word of God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ...and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory; the glory of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18

There is a reason that the apostles preached only Jesus. There is a reason the apostles baptized everyone who repented in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-42) Because these knew the truth -- the same truth that sets people free. 

Continue in the faith. Let the scales from your eyes today. In the beginning, God. He is our Lord and Saviour. His name is Jesus. 

"Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Jesus said unto him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

Let him that hath an ear to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
   

     

Embodied in the Flesh - Part 765

God is a Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. The scriptures state that even the heavens cannot contain God. No man has seen God at any time. It is the only begotten who is in the bosom of the Father that has "declared" Him. The Word. 

Jesus was the only begotten. The only begotten Son. He was not begat. The difference between the word begotten and begat is that Jesus is God's holy child conceived of the Holy Spirit, spoken of on the scriptures as one who is without mother or father. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. Why? Because His reign is after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.

The Spirit of the Christ was embodied because the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary. The fetus was seeded by God's Holy Spirit.  What do the scriptures state? That which is conceived in you Mary is of the Holy Spirit. He was sown a natural body and yet as we know from the cross -- raised a spiritual body. 

Right from the beginning, Jesus is introduced as being God with us as a Son. His name Emmanuel -- God with us. The Word was made or veiled -- and God in the flesh lived among us. The Word of God did not become a human being as some suggest, rather the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed with flesh while in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Spirit which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ.

God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God. In offering mankind salvation, God was endeavouring to reveal His own spiritual humanity in visible earthly created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life.

In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a created son of God. As an analogy, if you had seen Adam, you might say that you have seen God, in a created form.

But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word was God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself because He loved us -- His creation -- from the beginning. 

God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. This is why He is referred to as the second Adam in the scriptures. He was the Lord Himself, Not God in three persons co-equal with each other, or the trinity as many churches present but Almighty God living as one of us so that we might respond to His call and experience His love.

Throughout the Bible we know that God (at different times and in various manners) spoke to us through the mouths of prophets. Now, in these last times -- the dispensation of grace -- God has spoken to us as/in His begotten Son. God’s spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made. 

God said, "My glory, I will not give to another." It is further said, "Let all the angels of God worship Him. Jesus, the Christ, is the same God, yesterday, today and forever. This is why Thomas declared to Jesus,“My Lord and MY God!" So should we. There is only one God and His name is Jesus. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate!

It's All About Jesus - Part 764

Many believers consider the book of Revelation -- the last book in the New Testament -- to consist only of the signs leading up to the last times and the second coming of Jesus Christ. But early believers in Jesus knew the truth. Indeed, the early church was said to have read the entire book of Revelation whenever believers came together. What did the early believers know that we don't take hold of today? Good question.

In the book of Revelation, John recorded what he saw in the spirit because he understood who Jesus was. Remember, John had walked in the cool of the day with the Lord God Almighty -- day in and day out -- right up to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As such, John knew firsthand how far Jesus was willing to go in order to reach out to you and I so that we would believe in Him -- and never denying His name. Indeed, John knew that the final message in the last book of the New Testament was all about our Lord God and Saviour -- the revelation of Jesus Christ. The unveiling of Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end.The one and only Almighty God who not only created us but washed clean our sin and transgressions with His own blood.

Revelation was John sharing what he saw in the spirit so that we too could know Jesus the Christ intimately, as he had. Jesus, who is the Son conceived, was veiled in sin prone flesh which He had received while still in the womb of Mary, a surrogate mother. He was veiled in that body of sinful flesh.

Later, Jesus was tempted and tried in all points even as we. However, the difference between Jesus and our own life journey is that Jesus did not succumb to sin. Why not? Indwelling within that body of flesh dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Yes, God bodily in form presenting Himself on our behalf as a Son.

Further, within the flesh dwelt the life of the holy spirit of God who SEEDED the life. Therefore, Jesus is -- as the scriptures state -- "God with us." In short, Jesus is God Himself manifest in a veil of flesh appearing to us as a Son. The ONLY begotten Son. Not begat as we are. Nevertheless, God Almighty humbled Himself to appear and live (even as we do) in order to accomplish His plan of redemption.

Through the eventual sacrifice of His life on earth as a Son, we through His plan of redemption can now become like Him -- as sons and daughters of the most high God. In so doing, JESUS as the only begotten took upon Himself all of our shortcomings so that we - each and every one of us - could then become a people (which previously were not a people) but now are the ISRAEL of God.

Any religion or institution that suggests otherwise is an impostor. These have not understood the book of Revelation because if they had, they would know the name of the living God. The same God who blesses us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ "according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated [predestined] us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.

To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.

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

[In Jesus] 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, that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard, the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1:4-19)

Further, in Galatians 6:14 we read, "But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord JESUS Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto Me, and I unto the world."

For in JESUS the Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, and neither un-circumcision. Only a person who has been redeemed of God and born of God’s Spirit are His redeemed. So as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy upon the “ISRAEL” of God.

For the Jews at one time were destined to be the people of God. But God cut them off because of their resistance to the Holy Spirit endeavours to bring them into all the promises of God. It could have been theirs. But they, through their persistent unbelief were cut off. The straw that broke the camel's back occurred when the Jews mercilessly stoned Stephen.

At that moment, they were completely cut off. For it is written, that JESUS was seen standing not sitting, thus indicating that the door of salvation was opening to the Gentiles. Today, as the scriptures point out, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, nor is there male or female to be given any preferential treatment before God. All who call upon the name of the LORD JESUS will be saved.

God declared openly that whosoever exercises faith toward the once only sacrifice of Jesus, (the precious LAMB of God), their sins and iniquities God will remember no more. God's plan of redemption completed upon the sacrificial offering of God’s sinless body at Calvary.

JESUS -- the TREE of LIFE. Jesus -- the builder of the house (temple) which temple is to be the habitation of God's Spirit. This is why there is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. The message contained in Revelation -- It's all about Jesus.

Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus You Are My Glory - Part 763

Jesus – You Are My Glory!

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

Today, my internet was down. Not just for part of the day but all day, and late into the evening as well. None of the projects that I had planned to complete were finished. In fact, from a human perspective, my online activity for this day – what I consider to be my love offering endeavours to the world at large – were awash.

Thinking that the internet was a temporary glitch, I opened my Bible to Acts 24:5-6. Therein, Paul’s accusers are making claims against him for preaching Jesus and His kingdom to the people. Tertullus is making the claim. He states,

“For we have found this man a pestilent fellow and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, who also hath gone about to profane the temple …”

In the following chapters, Paul shares his own testimony – about how at one time, he also did many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He spoke about how he had imprisoned many of the saints, even putting some to death. Paul told Agrippa (and those listening intently) how he would compel believers to blaspheme the name of Jesus – the same Jesus in whom was their hope. This was Paul’s life until Paul (whose original name was Saul) was blinded by a light on his way to Damascus.

“Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou Me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

Saul asked, “Who art thou, Lord?”

And the voice speaking, said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

Needless to say, this was the turning point for Saul/Paul. His life was about to change dramatically. Jesus told him that He had appeared unto him for a purpose. That is, “to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in the 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.”

My mission too, I thought. As the day went forward, there were conversations and phone calls, text messages and the like. Still, as many times as I checked, there was no internet service. By the time, supper was finished, I was clearly frustrated. By now, I had already forgotten the joy that I felt when I read that “being a pestilent fellow … and a mover of sedition … and a ringleader of the sect … who also hath gone about to profane the temple …” was sufficient to warrant jail time.

Those who know me would say that “going against the grain” is what I do best. Not just me, but my siblings too. The scriptural reminder was definitely worth a chuckle, knowing that if I could measure up to Paul – and His love for Jesus – even in some small degree, that I must be doing something right.

But as the hours passed without any internet service, even this simple message was lost. At one point, my hubby reminded me that even though my “work” is worthwhile, the Lord wants us to walk with Him in the cool of the day. He desires that we seek Jesus and His righteousness in everything that we do – all day long. To always seek His counsel, His wisdom and knowledge. To remember that God Almighty willingly shed His own blood on a cross so that I might have life, and have life more abundantly.

Of course, hubby even had verses to share. “Labour not for the meat which perishes but for the meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you – for Him hath God the Father sealed.” When asked, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” Jesus said, “This is the work of God – that you believe on Him whom He hath sent.” (John 6:26-35)

I still didn’t get it. The internet was still hovering someplace in cyberspace and I was at a loss.  The day is quickly nearing to an end. As I aimlessly listened to the wind howling outside, I turned on the music inside.

It didn’t take long before tears were streaming down my cheeks. My heart had been captivated as I listened to the song, “Lord, You have NEVER failed me – You have NEVER walked away – I will never let go of Your love.”

Jesus had finally got my attention. How could I have forgotten to praise the Most High King who has walked with me day in and day out of my life – cuddling me in the palm of His hand? How could I ever let go of the Saviour whose love has carried me through the numerous challenges of life? Even when the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes were upon me, my heart never had to fear what might happen next. Though war should rise against me, in Jesus could I forever be confident. He never left me even when I failed Him. Never once did Jesus ever forsake me. Through the trials and tribulations, Jesus knew my heart.

That is, the one thing that I desired of the Lord – the one thing that my heart wanted more than anything – to 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.

But today, I needed a reminder. I needed to remember that “in times of trouble He [hid] me in His pavilion – in the secret of His tabernacle He [hid] me” and has, ever since, “set me upon a rock so that mine head would be lifted up above mine enemies around about me. Therefore, will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord … O God of my salvation.”(Psalm 27:1-6)

It took an entire day without internet service for the Lord to get my attention. For me to realize that I needed to walk every day in the cool of the day with my Lord God and Saviour -- who loved me enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for me.  I needed a reminder that only Jesus can set us free from the cares and burdens of this life. That even the internet (with all its capabilities to reach people) could not give me the peace and joy that Jesus could – and He didn’t need wires and satellite dishes to get it to me. But most of all, I had to learn that while the internet was stuck “out there someplace” Jesus was right there with me all the time. And He has NEVER failed me yet. In my darkest of moments, Jesus had a plan for my life.

Someone once said, “no one can cancel the call of God on your life.” My life is definitely a testament to this fact. This same Lord God who willingly became my Saviour is knocking at the door of your heart too. He wants to wrap you in His arms and unlock the chains that have kept you captive for far too long. Believe in Jesus today. Seek His righteousness. Feel His peace and joy and love that surpass all human understanding. He will become your glory too.

“Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness …. In His favour is life; weeping may last through the night but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - Part 762

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knows nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness.

From such withdraw thyself, [for] godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickens all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebuke-able, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

And he said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

Who Is Jesus? - Part 761

 "...For Thou hast magnified Thy WORD above all Thy name." (Psalms 138:2)

Among the many questions that can be asked, the most pressing should be this. Who was Jesus? Was He merely a man -- a great teacher or moral authority that presented valuable teachings -- or was He really the same Lord God Almighty who created us and then willingly become our Saviour so that we might have salvation? Was He the same God who decided even before the world was shaped that He Himself would need to shed His precious blood on a cross? The same heavenly Father who knew no sin becoming sin so that we could be set free. Or was He merely a third person of the trinity -- co-existent with the Father and Holy Spirit as too many churches suggest? These are legitimate questions and deserve an informed response.

For those who are regular readers of this blog, the answer has already been made clear numerous times. The scriptures state that Jesus is God in the flesh and beside Him, there is NO other. "And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23) "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, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) 

"For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) "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)

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

But for new believers, there may be some confusion emanating from traditional religious institutions that claim the trinity is representative of the Godhead. Although there is no Biblical foundation for the trinity -- the word isn't even mentioned in the Bible -- many church statements of faith take hold of this false teaching anyway. Many of these same churches do not know why they support a "God in three persons, co-existent" perspective. Neither could these same churches support their teaching from a scriptural perspective.

In writing this blog, it is our hope that readers will not be blindly led down the garden path because of tradition but rather, see Jesus for who He really is. Only then can we recognize that Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby men and women can be saved. The only name under heaven whereby our hearts can be restored.

Still, some of you might be asking why this is important. First of all, as born again believers, we should know from whence we received salvation. Second, we should know to whom we pray. But most of all, if Jesus were anyone else other than God Himself, we would be lost for eternity because only He that is without sin could have become a sacrifice on our behalf.

In warning church organizations, John records in Revelation 3:8: "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it -- for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name." 

God has only one name in this dispensation of grace. That name is Jesus. Therefore, when we deny that Jesus is God Almighty in the flesh, we deny His name. We deny His love. We deny His grace. Most of all, we deny the greatest love story ever told. 

As we know from the book of Acts, the disciples understood who God was. The first 3,000 people to believe (after Jesus rose from the dead) were baptized in the "name" of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38) Every water baptism that took place in the Bible was in the "name." Indeed, Jesus Himself said when He delivered the great commission that we were to be baptized in the "name." (Matthew 28:19) Even though the Roman Catholic church admits to later changing the text in Matthew 28:19, the reference to the "name" remains clear. The verse does not state names in the plural, as it should be if the titles Father, Son and Holy Spirit were legitimate. The scripture refers to the name. What is the name? The name that the disciples were willing to die for -- Jesus.

Further, the scriptures refer to Jesus as the Word. The Word that was delivered to men and women by God Himself. God in the flesh dwelling among us. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory -- the glory as of the "only begotten" of the Father, full of grace and truth."(John 1:1-18)

The same begotten of the Father that was prophesied in the old covenant is Jesus in the new testament.

Jesus Himself said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58) This new testament verse has a direct correlation to the old testament. In Exodus, for instance, we read that God said unto Moses, "I AM that I AM"  and He said, "Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent Me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) 

The book of Revelation (which is THE revelation of Jesus Christ) alludes to Almighty God in a similar context. Revelation 1:8 states, "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."

How many times did Jesus say He was God. "I and My Father are one," (John 10:30) Thomas declared to Jesus, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28) Apostle Paul describes Jesus as "our great God and Saviour." (Titus 2:13) Peter as well states, "... our God and Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:1)

This is why the scribes and pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. The Jews answered Him saying, "For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy and because that Thou, being a man, makest thyself God." (John 10:33)

Moreover, only our heavenly Father made as one of us in a sin-prone body could pay the ultimate price for our sin. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

Why? Because even before the world was shaped, "God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father -- to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5-6) To whom? "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25) This is the reason that our spirit too can "rejoice in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

Therefore, in all that we do in word or deed, do in the name of Jesus. Read your Bible daily with a seeking heart "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13) As children of the Most High King, we serve an awesome God -- a God who loved us enough to reveal Himself as our blessed Saviour. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Effectual Communication of Thy Faith - Part 760

Over the last week or so, I have been thinking about faith and what it means to be a believing disciple in Christ Jesus. The one verse that has captured my attention is Philemon 1:6. It states: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

If you have not read the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon, it is relatively short -- a total of 25 verses in all. Therein Paul, initially describes himself as a "prisoner" of Jesus Christ. His message is written specifically to Philemon. As he continues writing, he describes Timothy as a "brother" and Philemon as "dearly beloved" and a "fellow labourer." (Philemon 1:1) Paul then includes Apphia and Archippus in his greeting, who are similarly described as both "beloved" and "fellow soldiers." (Philemon 1:2)

Paul writes that he has heard -- even from prison -- of their "love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints ... for we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother." (Philemon 1:5-7)

In other words, the work that Philemon was doing was already a worthy kingdom endeavour. But Paul wanted Philemon to do more. He wanted Philemon to engage Onesimus too -- an individual who in the past was unprofitable but had since become profitable to both "thee and me." (Philemon 1:11) 

This renewal -- an inward transformation in Onesimus, explains Paul, is the reason why Paul is sending Onesimus to Philemon. Note that Paul does so with considerable hesitation. Paul states, "Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead, he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel." (Philemon 1:14)

At the same time, Paul doesn't want Philemon to engage Onesimus as a slave (as in the former owner-slave relationship). Neither does Paul want Philemon to consider taking Onesimus as an obligation to Paul or out of necessity. Rather, Paul desires that Philemon would willingly embrace Onesimus as a "beloved brother" in the faith. "That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity but willingly, for perhaps, he therefore departed for a season that thou shouldest receive him forever."

Paul does not explain here the reason for Onesimus departure "for a season." (Philemon 1:15) We can only surmise. What we do know is that Paul no longer recognizes Onesimus as a "servant" or "slave" but as a "brother beloved" in both the flesh and in the Lord. A change has taken place in Onesimus. So much so, that Paul writes, "If thou count me therefore a "partner", receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or owes thee ought, put that on mine account. I Paul have written it with mine own hand -- I will repay it." (Philemon 1:18-19)

Paul finishes the epistle by saluting Epaphras, his "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus", and acknowledging his "fellow labourers" Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit -- Amen." (Philemon 1:25)

On the surface, the Biblical encouragement of Paul to Philemon appears to be simple and straightforward. Paul's desire is for Philemon to include Onesimus in preaching the gospel. But I believe there are more take-away messages than just this. 

First, consider the language that Paul uses in Philemon. The language throughout is inclusionary. "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossian 3:11) In Philemon, Paul describes his own situation as a "prisoner for Jesus" but then uses "dearly beloved" and "beloved", "brother", "fellow labourers", and "fellow soldiers" when he refers by name to other believers. 

Jesus said, "Henceforth, I call you not servants, for the servant knows not what his lord doeth, but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you." (John 15:15)

Second, if we take the idea of believers as "dearly beloved" and "friends" further, we begin to see that the message Paul is presenting to readers is that there is no hierarchy in Christ Jesus. One believer does not lord over another. One believer is not enslaved to another. Indeed, our status in Jesus means that we are all equal members in the body of Christ because of Jesus. 

Note what Paul writes. "Wherefore though I might be much bold in Christ ... yet for love's sake, I rather beseech thee" (Philemon 1:9-10) Paul expands upon this point in Ephesians. There Paul writes:

"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world; but now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ -- for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone ..." (Ephesians 2:11-20)

Third, Paul was essentially putting Onesimus forward as his substitute, worthy of preaching and teaching in the same capacity as Paul. "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds." (Philemon 1:10) "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here." (Colossians 4:9)

Paul recognized that Philemon's preconceived principles might hinder him from accepting Onesimus as a dearly beloved brother so he wrote, "whom I would have retained with me .." (Philemon 1:13) Paul was saying, Onesimus is no longer unprofitable (as he once was as a slave). He has changed and therefore, can be a useful help to Philemon in preaching the gospel.

Fourth, Paul is sharing the message that the grace of Jesus dismantles all supposed inequities in the body of Christ. Because of His empowering grace, each and every one of us have been set free. That includes those initially enslaved by the traditions of men. "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again. Rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba Father." (Romans 8:15) 

Moreover, as we read in Acts 15:10, why would Philemon (or us for that matter) "try to test God by putting on the necks of the Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?" (Acts 15:10) Good question, particularly since our Lord God became our Saviour to set us free. He alone rearranged the series of conventions and hierarchies that order our current society's status quo when He ripped the veil from top to bottom. 

Fifth, there is a dual perspective that is often missed in Philemon. That is, the public witness of our faith and testimony. That the social fabric and longstanding institutional traditions that are of this earth should be transformed because of our faith convictions and standing in Christ Jesus, and not the other way around. Often, believers attempt to conform to this world rather than becoming world changers because of the Word. Similarly, if Philemon trusted that God purposes good ends for His people, Paul similarly trusted that Philemon would make the right decision about his relationship with Onesimus -- one that wholly embodies his personal faith and testimony in Jesus. 

"And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect -- will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Sixth, Paul was willing to take any debts owing and put them on his own account. "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account ... I will repay it." (Philemon 1:19-20) When our faith is in Jesus, the old is done away. We are renewed in Christ. Renewed in the spirit of our mind.(Ephesians 4:23)

And finally, the point that I initially began with. Philemon 1:6 states: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." We are to continually testify in our communications of all the good things that we have in -- and because of Christ Jesus -- so that we become effectual in communication our faith. Giving thanksgiving in all that we do. Publicly declaring our faith which is within.

"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. (II Corinthians 5:18-20)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Stand in the offering plate.