For a Testament is of Force After Men Are Dead - Part 914

Only when one begins to study the scriptures -- as a workman might do to show himself or herself approved to a superior -- is it possible to see how the Word is being changed to say something that was never intended. A prime example can be found in Colossians 2:9.

The King James version states: "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" referring to Him "who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has 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 invisible God the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created." (Colossians 1:13-16)

Note that the scriptures here are singular, confirming that Jesus is Almighty God in the flesh.  God Himself had become as one of us. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Jesus repeatedly states that He and His Father are one. Indeed, the scribes and Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus for blasphemy - declaring that He was the great I AM. They knew who Jesus was. Who else could heal the brokenhearted, the blind, and the lame? Who else could feed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes? 

His name is Jesus -- meaning God with us. (Matthew 1:21) The "only" name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. The very name that we are instructed to do everything that we do in word or deed -- in the name of Jesus. This is why every one who was baptized in the Bible was baptized in the name of Jesus. This is why healing is performed in the name of Jesus ... because simply put --- there is no other. God Himself became flesh so that we might be have life eternal. He paid the price for our sin once and for all.

Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.(Hebrews 9:28)

But the authors of the NIV renders the same scripture as if the Father and Son were separate persons. The revision states: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." (Colossians 1:26 NIV). Like the word trinity, deity does not exist in the scriptures. Never is the Godhead referred to as a deity or trinity. The religious culture of this day has sadly bought into the Roman Catholic revision of Matthew 28:19.

Thank the Lord that we do not have to do the same.  We don't have to accept anything that does not align with the scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others ... for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world -- but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:26)

Search the scriptures for yourself. Let His Spirit guide you and direct you into all truth and wisdom. Stand in the offering plate.

Wherein We Greatly Rejoice - Part 913

We have so much to be thankful for. Peter elaborates on the many blessings that we can enjoy because we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord God and Saviour. From the first chapter of I Peter:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead -- to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you [and I], who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot -- who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you -- who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away ... but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter 1:1-25)

Stand in the offering plate.

Breathe on Me, Lord Jesus -- Part 912

And when He had said this, Jesus breathed on them, and said unto them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)  

That is, the holy Spirit within Jesus' body breathed life to those that believed in Him, seeking His righteousness -- in the same way that the holy Spirit -- Almighty God breathed life into Adam in the beginning. " And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7)

In fact, Jesus was the embodiment of the Father. "For there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one." (I John 5:7) There is no scriptural place found in the holy Spirit revelations of Himself that offer any justification for advancing that God is three distinct and separate persons.

JESUS is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God is JESUS. JESUS is the Word of the Spirit of God and the Word of the Spirit of God is JESUS! God is one Spirit who has manifested (or revealed) Himself in the face of JESUS. (John 1:1-18) Therefore, as God stated so many times, "I am the Lord thy God and Saviour." (Isaiah 43:3; Hosea 13:4) There is no other Saviour beside me. No deity or trinity, as the worldly cultures teach. 

Just God Almighty who loved us enough to become as one of us and take our place on the cross. One God, one faith, one baptism.

Therefore, JESUS is the fruit and offspring of the Spirit of God. God Himself (as a Son in whose crucifixion we were to be born again) to be fathered by the Seed body of the Holy Spirit being crucified. The shell of the body (the veil of His holy Spirit died and in death has brought forth an innumerable amount of offspring.) We are His offspring. We are the JESUS people.

What do the scriptures say? Except that a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone. But when it dies it brings forth multitudes of offspring. In this same way, JESUS the shell -- wherein the Seed life of the holy Spirit died -- brought forth SEEDED people who then become JESUS' offspring.

Therefore, no man "took" JESUS' life. At any time, JESUS could have called for a legion of angels to deliver Him. But as we now know, JESUS came to lay down His life as a Son in order that we - the fallen sons of God - should be proclaimed free. For he who is set free by the sacrificial offering of the sinless body of the holy Spirit is really free. Born again into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

The true light of the glorious gospel of God in the face of Jesus the Christ -- forever more shines. A light much brighter than even the noon day sun. Have you received His holy Spirit since you believed? If not repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS, going down into the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' death and being raised up out of the water in the ‘likeness’ of JESUS' resurrection --- so that you too shall receive the promised gift of the holy spirit of JESUS as He breathes His eternal life upon you! (Acts 2:38-42)

Stand in the offering plate.

You Are Precious In His Sight - Part 911

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee ... "Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Why? "For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.Fear not: for I am with thee." (Isaiah 43:3-5)

"I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth -- even every one that is called by My name: for I have created Him for My glory, I have formed Him; yea, I have made Him ... bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. 

Who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? Let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, "It is truth. Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He." (Isaiah 43:6-10)

Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses," saith the Lord, "that I am God." (Isaiah 43:11)

Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who shall let it? Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; "For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King." (Isaiah 43:12-15)

Thus saith the Lord, which makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters, which brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour Me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen.

This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise. But thou hast not called upon Me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of Me, O Israel.

Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured Me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought Me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled Me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made Me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied Me with thine iniquities.

I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against Me. Therefore, I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches." (Isaiah 43:25-28)

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

Jesus IS God's Word Manifest in the Flesh - Part 910

The question for this day is this -- who is the Spirit that gives us wisdom and knowledge? Who is the Spirit that comforts us, and leads us into all truth? We know that the scriptures confirm that “In the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1-18) We also recognize that the Word reveals that Jesus (the prophesied Christ) is the embodiment of the Word. This same Word was with God but also the Word was God. (John 1:1-18) Indeed, the scriptures state:

"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 any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

John also writes: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was NOT that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world."  (John 1:6-9)

This Light "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." (John 1:9-10)

"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) " To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself in Christ, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

And then the mystery that was from the beginning is further revealed unto us in these latter days. That is, "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 1:14)

"Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints ... to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:26-27)

John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, "This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He WAS before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." (John 1:1-18)

In other words, the Word was veiled in flesh and dwelt among us -- in human flesh as we. Therefore, JESUS is God’s Word manifest in the flesh. One cannot separate the word(s) from the person whose word it is. This is why "in JESUS did ALL the fullness of the Godhead" (divine nature or essence) "dwell bodily." 

"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)

Since God is Spirit, it is in God that we live and move and have our being. But as the scriptures attest, this also means that God (being an unseen Spirit) was manifest in the flesh. His appearance is as a Son --- His name is JESUS. 

If we take this one step further, we note that JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost. The blood in JESUS' veins was not of Adam’s sin prone race. Rather, the blood within JESUS' veins was the blood of the Holy Spirit.

Does that mean that the Holy Spirit purchased our redemption with His own Blood? It sure does. More importantly, it means that we were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of a Lamb. JESUS, the Lamb of the Spirit of God.

So, yes, God laid down His life for us. When JESUS was crucified, He was declared -- even then -- to be the Lord of Glory! Jesus dwelt within a sin prone body, for redemption required the death of a righteous man from Adam's race. However, there was not a righteous man to be found. Why not? Because as the Bible has stated, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

So why did God have to become a man? Because judgment demanded that a man had to pay the price of redemption. This is why the Word which was with God -- being God’s own Word and not that of another person -- became man. In this context, God ‘SEEDED’ His own spiritual Word into Mary's womb whereupon the child -- the Son of the Spirit of God named Jesus, was veiled in sin prone flesh.

God whose Word is spirit and truth was veiled in a sin prone body that also housed - for all intents and purposes - a dead soul. Inside Jesus' body did dwell the life of God’s own Holy Spirit - which Spirit is pure and notably untainted humanity. God’s own pure humanity. God with us! Therefore, God manifest Himself in the flesh - which flesh is destined to be crucified in order that we could obtain a means of salvation - whereby sin prone fallen sons and daughters of God could be redeemed.

Ask Jesus to be Lord in your life today. Believe in His name. Give thanksgiving that through His precious blood shed on the cross, we might have life eternal. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Knowing Your Election of God - Part 909

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when you received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth -- the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

When we ask Jesus to become Lord of our life, and seek His righteousness in what we do, we begin to show our joy by giving thanks to God always, remembering without ceasing our work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ ... knowing your election of God." (I Thessalonians 1:1-4)

Why is this? Because our gospel came not to us in Word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and as a consequence, "ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (I Thessalonians 1:56) Moreover, we become ambassadors for Christ, praying you in Christ's stead so that you can be reconciled to God.

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)

We then as workers together with Him beseech you, also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II Corinthians 6:1-2)

Therefore, give no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed, but in all things approving ourselves -- as the ministers of God -- in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left ... behold, we live as chastened and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:4-10)

For now we live, if we stand fast in the Lord Jesus. (I Thessalonians 3:8) Stand in the offering plate.

Whosoever Will, Take the Water of Life Freely - Part 908

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

And He that sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." 

And He said unto me, "Write: for these words are true and faithful."

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.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Revelation 21:1-7)

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

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that heareth say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely ... for I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." (Revelation 22:17-21)

Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Stand in the offering plate.

I Have Set Thee To Be A Light of the Gentiles - Part 907

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou should be for salvation unto the ends of the earth ... to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Acts 13:47; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6)

There is an interesting passage in the fourteenth chapter of Acts. It occurred in Iconium. Therein, both Barnabas and Paul entered into the synagogue of the Jews, wherein a great multitude of believing Jews and Greeks had gathered. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, turning their minds evil against the brethren.

"Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands." (Acts 14:3)

But the multitude of the city was divided. Some held to the traditions of the Jews and others with the teachings of the apostles. As a consequence, persecution against believers increased -- "an assault made both of the Gentiles and also of the Jews with their rulers to use them despitefully and to stone them."  (Acts 14:5; II Timothy 3:11) The apostles were aware of what was happening and travelled elsewhere to preach the gospel.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. The same heard Paul speak; who stedfastly beholding him and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on thy feet." (Acts 14:8-11; Acts 3:2) And the man who was lame leaped and walked.

When the people had witnessed what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." This is not the only time that men wanted to worship the apostles instead of the only true God -- our Saviour Jesus Christ. Previous to this, Cornelius had met Peter and fell at his feet, and worshipped him. (Acts 10:25) Even under the old covenant, we read that King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and worshipped Daniel, so the idea of worshipping men is longstanding. (Daniel 2:46)

But note the differing responses from these examples in the scriptures. Even though the people wanted to worship Peter as a god, or in today's religious culture as a saint or first pope, Peter took Cornelius up, saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man." (Acts 10:25-26)

In the second example, King Nebuchadnezzar, who had commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto Daniel said, "Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou could reveal this secret." (Daniel 2:47)

In Acts 14, the apostles Barnabas and Paul rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out and saying, "Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth and the sea, and all things that are therein; who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:14-17)

The other point worth noting here is that these men were willing to accept the apostles as "gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." (Acts 14:11) However, when the apostles pointed to the one true God that did come in the likeness of men -- His name being Jesus the Christ, the religious rulers wanted to stone them. (Acts 14:19; John 1:1-18)

Still, this is exactly what God did do. The same God who created us in the beginning loved us enough to become our Saviour. He delivered His redemption plan first hand so that we might experience His abundance of love and mercy.

"For God so loved the world." (John 3:16) Believe on Jesus today, and seek His righteousness. Continue in the faith even when we first have to go through much tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22-23) Stand in the offering plate.

At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bow - Part 906

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Why? Because the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds renewed through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-8)

If there be therefore any consolation in Jesus the Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind ... indeed, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

In fact, He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him -- the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us -- and given Him a name which is above every name. (Philippians 2:6-10; John 1:1-18)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth, and [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings that ye may be blameless and harmless -- as the sons and daughters of God without rebuke -- in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Therefore, holding forth the Word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do you joy -- and rejoice with me ... because as believers, we seek the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:1-30)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Stand in the offering plate.

Thy Faith Has Saved Thee; Go In Peace - Part 905

Who is this that forgiveth sins also? (Luke 7:50) 

The question of "who" Jesus was (and is) has been raised often in the religious community. Unfortunately, many in the religious culture today hinge their doctrinal beliefs on the changed version of Matthew 28:19, whereby the Roman Catholic church revised the wording around 385 AD.

The problem with believing a trinitarian formula (and including it in a religion's statement of faith) is that the trinity does NOT exist in the scriptures. The mystery of the Godhead becomes even more clear when we study water baptism. For example, the apostles did not baptize anyone in the "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" as most organized religion does today.

Indeed, EVERY single individual that was baptized by immersion in water in the scriptures was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the titles.

Therefore, the "name" of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in this current dispensation of grace -- is Jesus. The same name that the scriptures state is necessary for salvation. The same "God with us" that is spoken of in Matthew 1:21. "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)

Indeed, if we do not believe in Jesus, we cannot be saved.

Romans 10:8-17 states: "The Word [Jesus] 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 has 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 [Jesus] 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."

Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30-33) "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) He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13)

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8-11) The Word that became flesh so that we might experience His love and mercy. (John 1:1-18)

All power and authority was given to Jesus because He is the great I AM. The Jehovah of the old covenant is Jesus in this current dispensation of grace. (Isaiah 9:6) This same God who created us in the beginning took on sin-prone flesh for you and I. In other words, He loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for us even before we knew Him.

This is why we believe Jesus is the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As such, our heart's desire is to become fully clothed in His righteousness. Not another but in Jesus -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby we can be saved.

Jesus said, "Fear not. I am the first and the last. I am He that lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore." (Revelation 1:17-18) 

Trust Jesus today. Believe in the one that John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Acts 3:11) Accept His free gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8; 3:21; Titus 3:5)

And when you decide to be water baptized, make sure you are baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38-42; 8:36-39; 9:18; 10:47-48; 22:16, Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27) "The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus the Christ." (I Peter 3:21)

Most of all, behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29-31) Walk in newness of life. Stand in the offering plate. 

Also Carried Away With Their Dissimulation - Part 904

Do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness came by the Law, including good works and the ten commandments, then Christ died in vain. From Galatians 2:1-21:

It was fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, that I took Titus with me also. "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. 

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision -- only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"

"We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor for I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." 

This is why "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:1-21) And the one spiritual conclusion that we can all agree on is that Christ did NOT die in vain. He did NOT shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I so that we could not be redeemed. In fact, Jesus died for our sin while we were yet His enemies.  

So believe on Jesus today and seek His righteousness, and in so doing, do not be deceived by religious or man-made pretence, hypocrisy, or dishonesty. Stand in the offering plate.

But We Have the Mind of Christ - Part 903

The apostle Paul wrote, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

Although we often think of Paul as being an apostle who had it all together, we learn here that Paul was human -- just like you and I. In this particular example, note that when Paul preached the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, he would by his own admission preach to audience in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ... [so] that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory."

Note that this was the same glory which "none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8)

But because the princes of this world did not know who they crucified on the cross -- Jesus, the Lord of glory -- we have received His gift of salvation.  As a consequence, we who believe on His name can enter into His freedom, His mercy and His grace.

Moreover, to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness, He reveals the deeper understandings concerning the mystery of God by His Spirit ... for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)

Note that this does not justify current religious presentations that suggest that someone had a personal encounter or revelation from Jesus AFTER Jesus ascended in Acts chapter one. (For more on this, read the book of Acts). What it does suggest is that those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, will find the inner treasure their heart desires, and the Word will be opened to him or her so that the mystery of God can be understood.

God is not the author of confusion. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man BUT the Spirit of God. When we receive Jesus into our lives -- not the spirit of the world -- but rather the spirit which is of God, we begin to know the things that are freely given to us from Him. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

This is why it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." 

But this we do know. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16) Praise Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

The Manifestation of the Spirit is Given To Every Man to Profit - Part 902

Concerning spiritual gifts, we are not to be ignorant. Admittedly, in the past, we as Gentiles were carried away unto these dumb idols and thus, led away from the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ and His Kingdom. However, now that our hearts and minds have been renewed in Jesus, seeking His righteousness in all that we do, the Word encourages us to desire spiritual gifts. 

But we must also know that "no man [who] speaks by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed. By the same token, no man can say that Jesus Christ is Lord but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:13) He is our creator, redeemer, Saviour and friend. God who is with us throughout the sands of time even though at times - at least in our eyes - may appear obscure. 

Still, we need to confess in our hearts that Jesus is Lord. We need to recognize that the plan of God on our lives is always prevalent. JESUS not only authored the scriptures but appeared upon earth as a man, displaying healings, miracles, signs, and wonders. But our desire to know Jesus better should go beyond the milk. Thus, the importance of spiritual gifts working in our lives. 

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit, are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many." (I Corinthians 12:4-14)

Think on these spiritual matters in the days ahead. Covet earnestly the best gifts. Stand in the offering plate.

Through the Knowledge of Him that Hath Called Us Unto Glory - Part 901

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:16)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

How? According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:3)

Throughout the new testament, we who believe in Jesus and seek to be fully clothed in His righteousness, are encouraged to study the Word so that we can rightly divide the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) As such, our heart's desire should be to gain a knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour so that we are grounded in His love and grace.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send Him unto you and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-15)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

"No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-7) 

So how do we do this? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- the Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:15-19) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:7)

Finally, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things ... " (Philippians 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

Father, Glorify Thy Name - Part 900

"For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) 

In John 12, Jesus had just raised Lazarus, which had been declared dead, from the dead. As a consequence, many people of the Jews knew that Jesus was responsible for raising Lazarus from the dead. 

But as the scriptures point out, "they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also" whom He had raised from the dead. This obviously caused an issue with the chief priests. Together, the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because that by reason of him, many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus.  

The multitudes of people who witnessed Jesus' miracle had a different idea. Indeed, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him, crying out, "Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the Name of the Lord." (John 12:13)  

But what is really happening here is not just the people witnessing their Lord and King riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This event was essential to fulfill the old testament scripture which had been previously spoken by the prophet, saying: "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King comes unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." (Matthew 21:4-5; Isaiah 40:9; Zechariah 9:9).

You see, God is not the author of confusion. This is why there is more than one written account of what happened here in the scriptures. The Lord wants us to know that His Word is true, and that every revelation and prophecy from the scripture can be confirmed within the scriptures. In other words, the Word is our foundation whereby we can discern the truth. 

No variance. No eloquent preaching. No saint with a private revelation (claiming to have seen Jesus after His ascension in Acts chapter one) can alter what has been written. Why? Because when we seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He gives us the Comforter.

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth, for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:31)

"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold the King comes sitting on a donkey's colt." (John 12:15) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem, behold, thy King comes unto thee. He is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding up an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:25; Isaiah 62:11; Luke 19:38)

"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:7-9)

Certainly, there must have been much commotion at the time -- as Jesus came into Jerusalem, because the scriptures state that "all the city was moved." In fact, they asked, "Who is this?" (Matthew 21:10) The answer?

"This is Jesus -- the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:11) "This is of a truth -- [He is] that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:14) "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come -- unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10) 

The one and only -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- who loved us enough to die for us, while we were yet sinners. Glorify His name today. Seek His presence in your life through His Word. Stand in the offering plate. 

Given Unto Us Exceeding Great and Precious Promises - Part 899

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ [and] to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the righteousness of God, and of Jesus our Lord -- according as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness -- through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature -- having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (II Peter 1:1-4)

But this is not all. Not only does the divine power of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus give us all the things that pertain unto life and godliness, but through the knowledge of Him, we are called to glory and virtue. And then, as a consequence of seeking Jesus and His righteousness with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are given -- like a gift --- exceedingly great and precious promises. It is no wonder we -- as believers in Jesus -- rejoice.

"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God -- who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." (I Timothy 4:10)

And "we give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father, knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God for our gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia." (I Thessalonians 1:1-10)

How did they know?

"For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." (I Thessalonians 1:1-10)

And beside this, you give all diligence, adding to your faith virtue ... and adding to virtue knowledge ... and to knowledge temperance ... and to temperance patience ... and to patience godliness .. and to godliness brotherly kindness ... and to brotherly kindness charity. (II Peter 1:5-8)

For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:8)

"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained ... having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:6)

Trust Jesus today. Read His Word, seeking His gifts for your edification. Take steps of faith so that you can experience the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.

What God Hath Cleansed - Part 898

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak the oracles of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ -- to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:10-11)

Saul (who is also called Paul) filled with the Holy Ghost had just set his eyes on Elymas -- a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Barjesus. Paul said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts 13:6-10)

At the time, the sorcerer was trying to stop Sergius Paulus, a prudent man and deputy of the country who desired to hear the Word of God from hearing the gospel of the kingdom. What did Paul do?

He said, "And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." Immediately, there fell on him a mist and a darkness, and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

When the deputy saw what was done, he was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord, and believed the good news gospel. He was astonished in the same way that the Gentiles in Acts "besought" to hear the same words preached to them in the synagogue on the next Sabbath. (Acts 13:26-44) 

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins , and by Him all that believe are justified from all things."  (Acts 13:26-44) 

Seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, strength and mind ... so that you too can be filled with the Holy Ghost and power according to Acts 2:38-42. Stand in the offering plate!

Hast Thou Not Known? Has Thou Not Heard? - Part 897

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

In this blog, we often refer to the spiritual benefits of diligently seeking Jesus and His righteousness. "... Seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Luke 12:31) Matthew wrote it this way: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) There are more promises in Romans chapter eight.

But my point is this. The Lord's desire is to bestow gifts upon those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Interestingly, my starting point today was found in the 40th chapter of Isaiah. The question is "Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard?" You might be thinking -- heard what? 

Isaiah writes ... Have you not known or heard "that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth faints not, neither is [He] weary. [Indeed,] He gives power to the faint ... and to them that have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fail ... but they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Unfortunately, in this day and age, we are forgetting to rejoice and to be thankful for all the blessings the Lord Jesus pours upon us every day. We don't take hold of the fact that we are sons and daughters of the Most High King and His desire -- for you and I -- is that we reign with our Lord God and Saviour both on earth and in heaven. 

So instead, a "form of godliness" that denies the power of our Lord is beginning to taking hold.  We have decided to play church rather than incorporate Jesus into our every day. Still, as believers our heart's desire should be to ever learn and come to the knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ our Lord. How do we do this?

By seeking Jesus. By pressing into Jesus in everything we do. Why? "Because it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ... a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts .. for where our treasure is, there will be your heart also." (Luke 12:31-35)

This is why Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, wrote in his second letter to Timothy: "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (II Timothy 1:1-2)

He desired that we stir up the gift of God which is in us by the putting on of hands "for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:6)

He wants us to become effectual in our communications, sharing with others the glory and power of the Lord Jesus in our own lives. (Philemon 1:6)

Most of all, "be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ... but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God -- who has saved us and called  us with an holy calling, not according to our works -- but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ... but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:6-10)

And purposely, let the Lord stand by you and strengthen you so that His good news gospel message of His Kingdom -- the Kingdom of God and the power therein -- might be fully proclaimed to one and all. (II Timothy 4:17)  "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection." (Romans 6:5)

Praise Jesus today for the many blessings in your life. Seek His Word for your knowledge and instruction. Stand in the offering plate.