For the Truth's Sake, Your Soul Prospers - Part 869

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as you walk in the truth." (III John 1:2-3)

I love these two scriptures because for me, these clearly distinguish between the actions of a "hired man" (who tends only to do what is required) , and conversely, another whose sole motivation for doing good works is because of the love that bubbles up inside them from their heart. The Bible is full of examples showing the difference. The one that comes to mind quickly is that of the rich man who seemingly does everything right according to the Law but stumbled when it came to selling what he owned. 

John writes: "And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment -- that as ye have heard from the beginning -- ye should walk in it." (II John 1: 6)  Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) 

I can already hear the hired man complaining of the things he or she "has to do" for the faith. Like the rich man, all they see in these particular scriptures is the word "commandment" -- the question of "what MUST I do to be saved?" But for those of us who are so thankful for the Lord's grace, mercy and justice in our life, our response toward Jesus and others is because of His love. 

"We know that we have passed from death unto life ..." (I John 3:14)

To be clear, neither of these scriptures refer to the Law and the ten commandments -- that evolves from the old covenant. Rather, these point to the confirmation of a Lord God who willingly became our Saviour -- even while we were yet His enemies. A new testament sealed in His precious blood because He who knew no sin became sin for us. Indeed, He took our place on the cross so that we might be set free.

In Luke, Mary expressed her gratefulness this way. 

"My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. 

And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation ... He hath showed strength with His arm ... He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away ..." (Luke 1:46-55)

Each and every one of us could learn from Mary's message. Throughout her own ordeal as a surrogate mother, she knew in whom she trusted. She recognized that God was about to become our Saviour, a message that is often lost in the eloquent teachings and religious culture of this day, and she rejoiced -- from within. Her heart bubbled with joy and peace, knowing that "holy is His name." 

John wrote: "Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren ... [Therefore,] my little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him ... and whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." (I John 3:16-22)

Not performing deeds because these are commandments but because we love Jesus with all our hearts, souls, strength and minds.

"Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)

We have so much to be thankful for. Magnify the Lord today, the same God who decided even before the world was formed that He would become our Saviour. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate. 

These Have a Zeal for God But NOT According to Knowledge - Part 868

I say then, "Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people which He foreknew."  (Romans 11:1-2)

There are many within the religious culture of this day that would have us believe that we are alone in this world -- that our understanding of the gospel as "it is written" cannot be accurate because a multiplicity of mainstream churches do not teach the same. This argument is not knew to our generation. Indeed, Paul addresses this "blind perception" throughout the book of Romans. Specifically, Paul writes in the eleventh chapter of Romans about the plight of the Israelites that later led to the "grafting in" of the Gentiles through grace. (Romans 11:1-36)

But Paul also wrote: "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits -- that blindness in part is happened to Israel -- until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25) 

It is in this context that we are encouraged to study the Word as a workman -- to show ourselves approved. (II Timothy 2:15) Beginning in Romans 10: 

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge, 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." (Romans 10:1-3)

Why? Because "Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes." (Romans 10:4) Did you catch that? Christ is the END of the Law for righteousness to EVERY person that BELIEVES.

Further, "Moses describes 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 speaks 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." (Romans 10:8; Deuteronomy 30:14)

To be more specific, Paul writes: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved .. for with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ... for the scripture saith. "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:5-11)

But the intended message does not stop there. 

Paul writes: "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 10:12-13)

The same Lord that is "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last ... which is, and which was, and which is to come -- the Almighty." (Revelation 22:13; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:11)

The same Lord that "hath on [His] vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16)

The same Lord that is the first and the last. "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)

The same Lord that we look for -- "that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13)

What is His name? His name is Jesus.

So, while the scribes and Pharisees may be offended because we as believers in Jesus by faith -- seeking His righteousness -- do not subscribe to the religious false doctrines and faith statements of this day, remember you are not alone. God has not cast away His people which He foreknew from the beginning. 

"A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." (I Peter 2:9)

So, what then saith the answer of God? 

"I have reserved to myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to the image of Ba-al ... even so then at this present times also there is a remnant according to the election of grace ... and if by grace, then it is not more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace. ..." (Romans 11:1-10)

In concluding note that "Israel has not obtained that which he seeketh for, but the election hath obtained it ... and the rest were blinded." (Romans 11:7) 

Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through their fall, salvation is come unto the Gentiles. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Praise Jesus today. "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:36) Stand in the offering plate. 

The Power of His Resurrection - Part 867

"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)

Rejoice evermore. (I Thessalonians 5:16) "Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:12) Why should we rejoice? Because "this is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:24)

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, "Rejoice." Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 4-8)

Earlier, in Philippians 3, we read:

"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh ... But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law ...

but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Philippians 3:1-10)

Trust Jesus in your heart today. Repent and be baptized according to the message Peter standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 people who were saved in the early church -- found in Acts 1 and 2 of the new testament. Understand His righteousness by believing on the Word and His name. Study to show thyself approved. Rejoice alway and evermore. Stand in the offering plate.

Let's Not Be Silenced - Part 866

And the Lord Jesus said, "If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree -- be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." (Luke 17:6)

As believers in Jesus who regularly seek His righteousness and counsel for our lives, we are often drawn to scripture that will edify us in our faith journey. In this context, I have discovered Hebrews to be a source of strength when the world at large tries to burden me with the cares of this world. Certainly, there are enough examples given to prove that the God we serve is a gracious God. "That "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14)

Concerning faith, we learn in Hebrews 11 that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen ... through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear .." (Hebrews 11:1-3; Psalm 33:6)

Our faith is similarly edified knowing that Abel by faith obtained witness that he was righteous ... by faith Enoch was translated so that he should not see death ... by faith Noah became the heir of the righteousness which is by faith ... by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise ... through faith Sara herself received strength to conceive seed. 

The importance of faith to move mountains in one's life does not stop with the above examples. Indeed, by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, by faith Joseph ... by faith Moses ... by faith Gideon and Barak, and Samson, and Jeph-thae ... of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

Note that these also by faith "quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of the weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, [turning] to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection." (Hebrews 11:33-38)

As a consequence, these old covenant examples of faith have become the substance of many sermons within the religious culture today. This is all well and good except that none of these -- as the scripture points out -- received the promise. 

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to be returned." (Hebrews 11:13-15)  
"These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise." (Hebrews 11:40)

Why? Because "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God ..." (Hebrews 11:3) "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:40; Hebrews 5:7-11)

"Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience, the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)

What race? The race that is set before us "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith -- who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God ... for consider Him that endures such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds -- ye have not yet resisted unto blood -- striving against sin." (Hebrews 12:2-4)

Therefore, if we point only to those who lived by faith in Hebrews 11, without acknowledging the author and finisher of our faith, we have missed the mark. We have sidelined the good news gospel wherein lies salvation.

Paul wrote: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:14; II Timothy 4:7) 

Moreover, preach the Word. (Philippians 4:2) Preach Jesus "the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaks ... for if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaks from heaven -- whose voice then shook the earth, but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." (Hebrews 11:24-26)

"And this Word. Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear -- for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:27-29)

"Brethren be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample ... and desire a better country, that is heavenly; wherefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city." (Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 11:16)

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

Everyone That Has This Hope in Jesus Purifies Himself - Part 865

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knows us not because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be -- but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is ... and every man that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure." (I John 3:1-3)

Further, when we read that "whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God ... [then] we know that we have passed from death unto life ... hereby perceive we the love of God -- because "He" laid down His life for us." (I John 3:9-16)

When we begin to understand how much the Lord God loves us -- to the point of recognizing that He who knew no sin became sin -- willingly taking on sin-prone flesh, shedding His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I, there should be no other response than being extremely thankful for an opportunity to walk in the cool of the day with our Lord God and Saviour. Blessed because of His perfect love and grace toward us.

And yet, too often, we can't wait to get ourselves back into the religious 'holding pen' from which Jesus set us free. In John chapter eight, Jesus is preaching, and as He spake, many believed on Him. However, in the conversation that follows, we read that even then, the "religious" and "religious culture" of the day rejected Jesus. 

Sadly, this rejection of our Lord God and Saviour within the religious community continues today. How many times have you watched someone being baptized in a church service, and yet the name of Jesus is never mentioned? (Acts 2:38-42) How often have you listen to a sermon that talks about God but never once breathes His name? 

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth ... 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 the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5-6)

Jesus told the Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed ... and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:30-32)

But in the midst were those who did not accept Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. They denied that Jesus was the prophesied Christ -- the Word become flesh -- the image of the invisible God. (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 1:12-23)

Instead, these answered Him, saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest Thou, "Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33)

But Jesus knew their hearts. He responded, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abides not in the house for ever but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed but ye seek to kill Me because My Word has no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father; and ye do that which ye have seen with your father."

They said unto him, "Abraham is our father." (John 8:39)

Jesus said, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that has told you the truth, which I have heard of God; this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." (John 8:39-41)

Still, they argued. "We be not born of fornication -- we have One Father, even God."

Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God, neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Even because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. 

[But] because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe Me? He that is of God hears God's words; ye therefore, hear them not, because you are not of God." (John 8:42-47)

Then answered the Jews, and said unto Him, "Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil?"

Jesus answered, "I have not a devil but I honour My Father, and ye do dishonour Me, and I seek not Mine own glory -- there is One that seeks and judges. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- if a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death." (John 8:52)

This statement only served to further infuriate the Jews. These said unto Him -- "Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets and Thou sayest: If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead: whom makest Thou Thyself?"

Jesus answered, "If I honour Myself, My honour is nothing. It is My Father that honours Me; of whom ye say, that He is your God. Yet ye have not known Him, but I know Him; and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know Him and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad." (John 8:54-56)

Then said the Jews unto Him, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?"

Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, "Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

Yes, Jesus -- Almighty God in the flesh, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-25; 2:2-11; John 1:1-18) The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13)

The point here is this. If the religious in those days could reject Jesus, we shouldn't be surprised if these same religious do the same today. But the good news is that we don't have to stay in their holding pen. We have been set free to reign, according to the measure of our faith. 

Therefore, trust Jesus today! Believe on His name, seeking His righteousness for your life. Read His Word and be purified, even as He is purified.

And always, "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) Blessings.

I Am Jesus Whom Thou Persecute - Part 864

Ananias, a devout man according to the law said to Saul, "The God of our fathers has chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will and see that Just One and should hear the voice of His mouth -- for thou shalt be His witnesses unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard." (Acts 22:14-15)

When we read about Saul's journey in Acts 9, the voice that he heard said , "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" When he asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" what did the Lord say?

"I am Jesus, whom thou persecute: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:5)

The same God that Philip (John 14) and Thomas (John 20) came to know was the same God that Saul met when he asked,  "Who art Thou, Lord?" 

HIS NAME IS JESUS. 

In Colossians, this same message is revealed to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength. The first chapter states:

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins ...

who is the image of the invisible God -- the firstborn of every creature.

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.

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 ... for it pleased the Father that in Him should ALL the fulness dwell -- and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself -- by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:12-20)

So, if the stakeholders in the Bible knew who God was by name, why is the religious culture of this day still advancing the doctrine of a trinity or triune God? Or God in three persons.

Jesus said, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending which is, and which was and which is to come -- the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8, 11, 17,18; Revelation 22:12, 13) I am the Lord thy God, and besides Me, there is no other. (Hosea 13:4; Isaiah 43:11)

Yahweh (i.e. LORD) of the old covenant and Jesus Christ of the new testament “is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) “For I AM the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

This same Jesus is reaching out to you today. "Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whatsoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17) Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Are of God and Have Overcome Them - Part 863

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (I John 4:1-3)

This is why John wrote: "Hereby, know ye the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God ... and this is that spirit of anti-christ, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world." (I John 4:1-3)

In the new testament, there is a definite division between that which is earthly and worldly, and that which is spiritual. The scriptures tell us that "hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error" because he or she that knows God hears also the teachings of the apostles. (I John 4:6) 

This is a critical insight because many religions will share the words of Jesus (the red verses in a red letter Bible), but then, when challenged about "how" the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings, these same representatives of the religious sector pull rank.

Indeed, we see this happening all the time in water baptism. Much of the religious culture of this day sadly aligns water baptism directly to Matthew 28:19, totally ignoring the many other scriptures that show how water baptism should be performed. 

The reason for this -- these same religious will state -- is because Jesus specifically told the eleven disciples on the mountain to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever, I have commanded you, and, lo. I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19)

What these same religious will not tell you is that the wording in Matthew 28:19 was changed by the Roman Catholic church around 385 AD. Google it, and find out for yourself. Moreover, these religious will also fail to tell you that all the scriptures must align perfectly in agreement. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion. 

What does this mean? That all teachings in the new testament -- both Jesus and the apostle's teachings, including those verses pertaining to water baptism -- must agree. This is why as believers by faith, we are to seek Jesus and His righteousness, so that all these things -- including His wisdom and knowledge, and the mystery of the Godhead will be revealed. (Colossians 2:2)

But where do we start?

First, we need to recognize that there is "One Lord, One faith, One baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) 

Second, we need to recognize that "he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16) 

Third, "for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) 

Fourth, our salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5) 

Fifth, we are buried with Him by baptism so sprinkling of water over someone is not baptism. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? We are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4) 

Sixth, we as believers are "buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:2)

Seventh, "(for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:16)

Eighth, we need to know His name. "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)

Again, note what Jesus said. "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)

Ninth, "when therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples." (John 4:1-2) 

Investigating further in the scriptures, we learn that the first 3,000 believers in Jesus by faith were baptized on the Day of Pentecost.This is outlined in the second chapter of Acts. 

Therein, Peter standing with the eleven is preaching the good news gospel message of Jesus. The scriptures note that these were "all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them." (Acts 2:1-3)

What happens next? The scriptures state: "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them ... and they were all filled with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4) Within the assembled group, there were Jews and devout men out of every nation under heaven. The people were confounded "because every man heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6)

Beyond the Jews, those nations speaking in tongues while proclaiming the wonderful works of God included Galilaeans, Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians. (Acts 2:9-11)

Peter said, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words. Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you ... this Jesus hath God raised up, wherefore we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:14-32)

Now when the people heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what must we do?" Then Peter said unto them:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

What happens? Three thousand people gladly received His Word were baptized, continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. (Acts 2:39-47)

But more importantly, note that baptism in the name of Jesus as performed in Acts chapter two was not just an isolated event. Just as we as believers in Jesus are instructed to do everything in word or deed in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued to baptize everyone in water, using the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)

Other examples of water baptism from the scriptures include:

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48)

And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And Philip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ... "and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." (Acts 8:26-39)

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:18)

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)

And brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:30-33)  

Like these, we are to baptized into the "name." Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Holy Spirit is not a name. What is the name? Yes, Jesus is the name. Therefore, if the scriptures are to agree and there is only One Lord, One Faith, and One baptism, then we must align all of Jesus teachings with the Acts of the apostles. 

As the first 3,000 asked, "What must we do to be saved?" the answer has not changed. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Stand in the offering plate. 

The Testament of His Will For You and I - Part 862

The old covenant is referred to as the old testament in our Bible. For those who may not know, a covenant exists between two parties. The old, as the name applies is old. That which is old decays and for the most part is ready to vanish away. In short, what is recommended in the scriptures is that the Old covenant be put on the shelf. This recommendation in spite of those religious cultures today who still present the old covenant and the Law within -- as if it were pertinent.

For the sake of understanding, let's expand on this point. The Law of the Old covenant was added because of transgressions. It was to serve as a schoolmaster, informing men and women of the difference between right and wrong. However, on that latter point, the people failed to live up to the Law and commandments. This is why the SEED had to come to whom the promise was made (the promised SEED being the Christ).

Further, the old covenant was a covenant of works. Within this covenant, man would do this and God would honour the agreement by fulfilling His part. But again, man utterly failed. Even though the covenant was good (because God is good), man’s flesh was still weak.  The people here did not recognize that God had cut them off, offering His rest to another people who sought Him and His righteousness. 

Thus came a new covenant whereby God became man’s only Saviour. Why? Because as the scriptures allude, there was no other in heaven that was capable of redeeming man from the bondage of sin. Therefore, JESUS -- God Himself was clothed in flesh whilst He was in the womb of His surrogate mother.

God without any assistance or planning by man was going to pay in full for Adam’s disobedience. Therefore, just as one man's sin brought the human race into captivity and bondage, so was one man’s righteousness going to negate the penalty that was pronounced upon all of Adam’s race.

The covenant then that is normally made between two parties, became just one party. That is, God is the sole party. God who is Spirit -- God Himself became a Son -- so that we might be saved. The other critical point here is that man had no say in the outcome of these events for man was not a participant. 

God purchased man’s salvation by Himself for it was God who laid down His life as a Son for you and I.

What we have then is not a covenant, in the context that the word covenant is normally used. Rather, what we have here is the Last Will and Testament of JESUS, the only begotten Son of God who prior to His crucifixion bequeathed all that was His to us believers. All that the Father (the unseen Spirit of the One Holy God) was His to share was bequeathed to you and I because of His love and grace. And, as a consequence, we become the inheritors of ALL things freely.

This is why we have become the sons and daughters of God. His friends. For we have come to JESUS without anything but our hearts to offer in return. As such, we then give our hearts to JESUS, obediently being baptized into God’s name which is JESUS. (Acts 2:37-42) We are now His children, for as many as have been baptized into JESUS the Christ, (the SEED of the Holy Spirit) have by so doing become eligible to receive of His Spirit.

In JESUS then, it is not a covenant that we have but rather the TESTAMENT of HIS WILL for our lives. This is why we are no longer in bondage serving a world and/or religious culture that contradicts the greatest love story ever told. In Jesus, we have been set free. 

"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)

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

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

Whosoever Shall Call On the Name of the Lord Jesus - Part 861

Even though there is a clear distinction between the old covenant of Law and the new dispensation of grace (in which we now live), it is important to note that throughout the Bible, the Word speaks solely of our Lord God and Saviour -- the One and Only who brought salvation and redemption to the world. There is no confusion, because our Lord God and Saviour is not the author of confusion.  

Therefore, in spite of a religious culture that does not know the Word, the Word remains true. And that means -- "He who knew no sin" -- willingly became sin, shedding His precious blood on a cross so that you and I might get to know Him personally.

"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)

The same God who created man and woman in the beginning, then offered us life abundant through His precious blood shed on the cross -- to those who seek Him so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. In whom? 

In Jesus. In this new period of grace, His name is Jesus. Yes, the Jehovah of the old covenant is Jesus - who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This is why everything that we do in both word or deed today, is to be done in the name of Jesus, including water baptism.  (Colossians 3:17; Acts 2:37-42)

Why? Because Jesus has a plan for our life in these last days, one in which He will bestow upon us His power from on high. How do we know this? Because the scriptures are confirmed in both the old and new covenants. From Joel, and then repeated again in the book of Acts, we read:

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My spirit.

And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." (Joel 2:28-32)

And from Acts: "For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on My servants and on My handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy ... and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:15-21)

Call on the name of our Lord God and Saviour today. In so doing, trust Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love one another. Read His Word daily for your learning and edification, seeking His righteousness in your life. Stand in the offering plate.

If My People Which Are Called By My Name -- Part 860

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

Although the above verse is taken from the old testament, the underlying message remains the same for us in the new covenant today. If My people -- which are called by My name -- shall humble themselves and pray, seeking our Lord God and Saviour -- our Redeemer -- with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength, and His righteousness, He will forgive us our sins and heal our land. Note that this is not just random commentary within the scriptures, but His promise to all those who seek Him by faith. 

In the new testament, we are instructed to ... "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

So, what is this name given to us in this current new covenant of grace? His name is Jesus -- the ONLY name given under heaven in this new covenant of grace -- whereby we must be saved. 

"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)

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

This same Jesus continues to teach us how to live today. The same Jesus whom the world could not receive because the world saw Him not -- neither did the world know Him. 

But for those who know Jesus personally, and have accepted Him to be Lord and Saviour in their lives by faith -- seeking His righteousness -- they can testify of a life that only Jesus can give. Why? Because He does not leave us comfortless. Indeed, Jesus fills us with His peace and joy -- His love and kindness that passes all human understanding. 

Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:15-18)

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day, ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:19-21)

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?"

Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words, and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keeps not My sayings. (The Word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent Me.)

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you, but the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:15-26)

Therefore, there is no confusion with our Lord God and Saviour. He will teach us all things in perfect alignment with the Word. This includes doing everything that we do -- both in word and deed -- in the name of Jesus. 

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

That Word ... Is Lord of All - Part 859

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Many of us are comfortable reading the gospels but if we do so, ignoring the book of Acts (that specifically details how the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings) we miss out on the excitement and joy that comes from stepping out in our faith journey. Peter, standing with the eleven on the Day of Pentecost instructs us to "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus" so that we will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

But Peter and the eleven did not stop there. In the following scriptures, we learn even more about the "Him" whom God showed openly -- "not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead." (Acts 10:41-42) Not just to the Jews but to us -- the Gentiles as well.

Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; 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." (Romans 1:16-17)

We also learn from Acts that we are commanded to preach unto the people and "that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43) Beginning in Acts 10:34:

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him. The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) -- that [same] Word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree ...

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly -- not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:34-43)

While Peter yet spake these words, "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." 

Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:34-48)

God is not the author of confusion. The Word is Jesus -- Almighty God come in the flesh to save His people from their sin. As such, there is no greater love story, than the one whereby our very Creator willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

And the Life Was the Light of Men - Part 858

"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving kindness and for Thy truth ... for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." (Psalm 138:2)

Take note of the latter part of this scripture. "For Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name."

If the Word then is "above" all Thy name, then we should investigate whether this includes all the previous names used by God under the old covenant. This is particularly relevant because understanding the Word is critical to understanding the new covenant. Let me explain. 

First, we need to understand who the Word is. Reading from the first chapter of John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4) 

"And the light shineth in darkness; [but] the darkness comprehended it not."

Certainly, John -- the man sent of God who came for a witness, and to bear witness of the Light (that all men through Him -[that Light] might believe), was not that Light. (John 1:6-8) He was simply a witness testifying of the Light that was still to come.

The true Light then -- "which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of 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 1:8-14)

In other words, the same God that created the world in the beginning (Genesis 1:1) was in the world, but the world knew Him not. He was the Word. The same God who later became flesh, dwelling among us so that He could bring us salvation -- through the shedding of His precious blood on a cross. 

John said, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) "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) His name is Jesus.

But the identity of the Word is not just limited to the writings of John and Timothy. This same Jesus was prophesied in the book of Isaiah. 

"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. Of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it." (Isaiah 9:6-8)

Further, in Isaiah, we are told to "Arise, shine; for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold the darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee." And the Gentiles? That is us. Well, "the Gentiles shall come to Thy Light and kings to the brightness of Thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see ... I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob," (Isaiah 60:1-16)

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also ... and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him. (John 14:6-7)

But like Philip, you might be saying, "Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us." (John 14:8) What did Jesus say?

"Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me has seen the Father, and how sayest then, "Show us the Father?" Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself, but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." (John 14:9-10)

This is why there is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

This Time of Grace - Part 857

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?" (I Thessalonians 2:2-19-20)

Knowing the difference between the old and new is critical to understanding the scriptures.The covenant in the old and His last will and testament in the new were established so that we could freely worship our Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. But in the old covenant, the people failed.

So, God decided -- even before the world was formed -- to establish a new agreement founded on His love and mercy that does not have its foundation in the trenches of legalism and world order. This explains why we as believers in Jesus are subject only to the law of love, as commanded by Jesus. The first and second commandment for us then is to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and similarly, to love our neighbour as ourself." (Matthew 22:35-39; Mark 12:28-31)

Beyond this, we are not subject to the letter of law (or covenant agreement) whose sole purpose is to keep Jesus believers from preaching and teaching the Word -- via a worldly spirit that seeks to keep the gospel hidden.

The apostles warned us of false deceivers in these latter days. Peter wrote, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil -- as a roaring lion walketh about -- seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8-9) And the apostle Paul wrote, "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God -- for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them -- because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14)

But we who trust Jesus as our Lord and Saviour can remain confident in our faith. Why? Because He knows that "our exhortation [is] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile; but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God which tries our hearts." (I Thessalonians 2:5)

This is why God Himself wrote a new testament of grace in our hearts, so that we could become that city of believers "upon the hill" for those unsaved souls whose inward spirit yearns desperately for the gospel. (Matthew 5:14-16)

This latter agreement (specific to this current time period) was written in the precious blood of our Lord God and Saviour. His blood was shed on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven -- once and for all. The veil was torn from top to bottom so that we could enter into the Holy of holiest. The Law was fulfilled.

"A new He hath made -- the first old ... ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13)

But there was also a distinct purpose for "He who knew no sin" becoming sin. That is, "For this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15) " ... He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

Who is the He? The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords who loved us from the very beginning, and desires to walk with us in the cool of the day. The same God who created the universe (and commands it to this day) knew that the time would come when He Himself would have to come to redeem us. His name is Jesus. Thus, the greatest love story ever told.

"And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." (Galatians 3:17)

Yes, you and I who believe in Jesus by faith, seeking His righteousness every day according to Acts 2:38-42 can enjoy His liberty and freedom in this new covenant, that is not written in stone like the Law was in the old covenant, but in our hearts. 

"Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." (Acts 3:25)

"He takes away the first that He may establish the second ... by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool -- for by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified -- whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after that He said before:

"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them, and their sins will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:9-17)

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin, having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus -- by a new and living way, which He has consecrated for us, through the veil -- that is to say, His flesh, and having a high priest over the house of God." (Hebrews 10:18-22)

Therefore, "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water -- let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for He is faithful that promised ..." (Hebrews 10:23-24)

And "look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who -- for the joy that was set before Him -- endured the cross, despising the shame." Refuse not Him who speaks His love and peace into your heart. Stand in the offering plate.