And Ye Are Complete in Him, Which Is the Head of All Principality and Power - Part 796

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18)

"For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. [Why? Because] the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:19-20)

In the last days, there will come many false prophets who will preach a gospel message that is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever." (Romans 1:25) 

This is why it is particularly important that we as believers search the scriptures diligently (and daily), seeking His wisdom, knowledge and righteousness. So that we are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

But note that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) Not only did He love us from our mother's womb, but this same heavenly Father who created us in the beginning was willing to shed His precious holy blood on the cross so that we might be saved. 

"But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence."" (Colossians 1:16-18) 

"Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places ... far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come -- And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:20-22)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ who preached to the Gentiles -- us -- said it this way.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

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 1:16-19)

Later in Romans, Paul continues his message to the Gentiles. 

"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.

For Moses described the righteousness which is of the law, 

"That the man which doeth those things shall live by them ... but the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, 

"Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above: or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:3-13)

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