Until Christ Be Formed In You - Part 945

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." (Galatians 4:19)

Often, Jesus told parables to the multitudes so that those with "ears to hear" could acquire the inherent treasures that can only be realized by giving one's total heart, mind, soul and strength to Jesus. It was within this context that I, while reading the parable of the sower and the seed, was struck by the word "choked" -- as in "choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, [bringing] no fruit to perfection." (Luke 8:14)

How many of us have been there before -- "choked" by the earthly cares of this world, and wondering where to turn? Herein, Jesus shares a timely parable that is recorded in three of the four gospels. It is a message that should be near and dear to all believers, particularly those of us living in these latter days.

Jesus begins the parable, "Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the wayside -- and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns and the thorns sprung up and choked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." (Matthew 13:3-9)

Luke offers a somewhat different take on the parable: "And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, [Jesus] spake by a parable. "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, He cried, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 8:4-8)

Mark writes: Jesus taught them many things by parables, "and said unto them in His doctrine, "Hearken. Behold, there went out a sower to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred." (Mark 4:2-8)

Upon hearing the parable, the disciples -- (followers of Jesus who walked with Him daily) -- asked Him, "Why speak Thou unto them in parables?" And Jesus answered, saying, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 13:11)

Jesus said "unto you" -- those who follow Him in both Word and deed in everything they do. How do we know this? Because Jesus said that He no longer calls us "servants" because a servant does not know his Master's business. Instead, He calls us "friends" because it is given unto us who believe in Him by faith to KNOW the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus said, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what His Lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:15-17)

In other words, the lesson here is that we ARE to know and understand our Father's business. Even more so now in these last days, because He has given us His Spirit -- the Comforter -- who will lead us into all knowledge and truth. (Acts 2:37-47)

Let me repeat the same teaching again from the book of Mark: Jesus said, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables -- that "seeing, they may see, and not perceive; and hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:10-12)

Still, the disciples did not understand the parable of the sower and the seed. "Know ye not this parable?" Jesus asked, "And how then will ye know all parables?" This is certainly a good question. How can we as believers in Jesus Christ by faith, conduct our heavenly Father's business -- His business of the kingdom -- if we don't understand what our Father's business is about?

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them."

As Jesus soon explained, "The sower soweth the Word" continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine. (Mark 4:2, 13-14; Mark 12:38; Acts 2:42) And "teaching [all nations] to observe all things whatsoever [Jesus] commanded." (Matthew 28:20) But Jesus did not stop there.

"And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness ... and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the Word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." (Mark 4:15-20; Luke 8:11-15)

The latter being those believers who willingly step out in faith, giving themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4)

As Jesus said unto them, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:22-23)

And He further said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete. It shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken -- even that which he hath."

He said, "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground, and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." (Mark 4:24-29)

Then Jesus said, "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? [It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: but when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." (Mark 4:30-32)

Don't be choked among the thorns -- with the cares and riches and pleasures of this world. (Luke 8:11-15) Instead, clothe yourself with His Word -- and let it fall on the good ground, with an honest and good heart, having heard the Word keep it, bringing forth fruit with patience -- until Christ be formed in you. (Luke 8:11-15)

Most of all, know that it is given to you and I to know the business of His kingdom. Therefore, trust Jesus daily for His goodness and mercy and grace. Read His Word. Meditate on His many promises to the faithful. Stand in the offering plate.

Redeeming the Time Because the Days Are Evil - Part 944

"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) And, "what if God, willing to show wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction ... that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory." (Romans 9:22-23)

This is why -- "of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." (I Thessalonians 5:1-2)

"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (II Peter 3:10-11)

Indeed, Jesus told the disciples (and us too -- when the disciples came unto Him privately) asking, "Tell us, when shall these things be? And what [shall be] the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:1-3) 

What did Jesus say? "Take heed that no man deceive you for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:4-8)

Furthermore, when the powers that be shall say, "Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." But we are not of the night, nor of darkness that that day should overtake us as a thief. (I Thessalonians 5:1-3, 8)

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day, therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." (I Thessalonians 5:4-7; Ephesians 5:8)

Let us also (who are of the day), be sober and "vigilant, because your adversary, the devil as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8) We are also advised to watch too, praying always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, knowing that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. (Luke 21:31-36)

What does all this mean? We are to focus our heart, mind, soul and strength on the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- for He is our refuge in times of trouble. Similarly, don't be choked by the cares of this world because at the end of the day, these will not matter. (Mark 4:19) 

Rather, in being both sober and vigilant, put "on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation ... for God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us that (whether we wake or sleep) we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:4-10)

"Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves ... warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

Moreover, rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [And] quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:11-28)

And know always, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that "if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

Therefore, be willing and joyful ambassadors for Christ. In so doing, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Stand in the offering plate. 

Truth Is Always Truth; To Whom Then Will Ye Liken God? - Part 943

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
To whom then will ye liken -- "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or, who hath been His counsellor? Or, who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:34-36) The same questions but expressed differently -- "to whom then will ye liken God? Or, what likeness will ye compare unto Him?" (Isaiah 40:18)

In the world, "the workman melts a graven image, and the goldsmith spreads it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that is so impoverished that He hath no oblation chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeketh unto Him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved." (Isaiah 40:1-20)

Or, "they lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it a god, and they fall down, yea, they worship. They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove" yea, one shall cry unto him, yet he cannot answer, nor save him out of his trouble." (Isaiah 46:6-7)

But the Lord says: "Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?" (Isaiah 40:21)

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) One God who is both our Lord and Saviour. It is He that has formed the world in which we live, and all creation. It is He who separated the light from the darkness. The waters divided to allow the dry land to appear. The earth bringing forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding seed after his kind, whose seed in itself, upon the earth. And God saw that His creation was good. (Genesis 1:1-12)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens. God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it. He created it not in vain. He formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:18)

In fact, "it is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof as grasshoppers, that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in. That brings the princes to nothing, and makes the judges of the earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted: yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and He shall also blow upon them and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble." (Isaiah 40:22-24)

Again, "to whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal?" saith the holy One. (Isaiah 40:25; Isaiah 46:5) Because "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me." (Isaiah 45:5) The same God who created us in the beginning loved you and I enough to also became our Saviour. (Isaiah 45:15)

"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 ... 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 ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father;) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18)

This is why we "lift up [our] eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number. He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power [and] not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:26)

Indeed, "behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry in His bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are young -- who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." (Isaiah 40:12)

Again, "who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or His counsellor hath taught Him? -- with whom took He counsel and instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of judgment, and taught Him knowledge and showed to Him the way of understanding?" (Isaiah 40:14)

No other Saviour but God Himself. It is He who loves us beyond any worldly measure. This is why Jesus instructed us to worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength -- and not the handcrafted idols of this world.

"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not. They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not. They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them [and] so is every one that trusteth in them." (Psalms 115:4-8)

Trust in Jesus today. Only He can give you the peace you seek. Stand in the offering plate.

Walk In His Footsteps Recognizing that Jesus IS God in the Flesh - Part 942

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses (law) and one for Elias (prophets). (Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5, 33)

Well, if you recall from the scriptures, that pronounced thought received an immediate reaction from heaven. In this case, it was not just "forgive them Father for they know not what they do" but rather "forgive them for they do not understand the intensity of what they have just spoken."

This is not to suggest that Moses (representative of the law) and Elias (representative of the prophets) was not important. Indeed, Moses and Elias were instrumental in the plan of God’s salvation. However, what we need to note here is that the directive from God came to them. These Words of God did not originate in them. There is a difference. Moses and Elias were, so to speak, faithful servants ministering only the message which was committed to them.

But JESUS was and is Himself the LORD of Glory manifest in the flesh. Manifest as a Son over His own household! JESUS -- being God Himself who was formerly unseen is now God with us. This means in the simplest terms that JESUS is the source of all Word. As it is written, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

Yes! The Word spoken through the mouth of the man JESUS was God’s own Word! This is why the people pressed toward JESUS -- to hear the Word of God -- for JESUS' Word was spoken with power. In other words, JESUS is the same God who spoke the worlds into existence. For it is written, that without JESUS there is nothing made that is made. All things exist by JESUS and for JESUS. (John 1:1-18)

Therefore, JESUS is the unseen Spirit of God seen. In looking for God, it was Jesus who turned up. God then is not three distinct and separate persons or co-equals one with another -- as some religious folks (and others) like to suggest. That revised falsification of the scriptures did not come from God but of man, appearing first around 300 AD by the so-called church fathers.

For it is written ... even though being found in fashion as a man, JESUS thought it not robbery to be equal with God. When JESUS speaks, it is God who is speaking through Him. It is the Spirit of God within that veil of flesh speaking. How often did JESUS say in the scriptures that it was not Him/ME (in the flesh) that speaks and does these things but rather, it was/is His/My father within Me, it is He that does these things.

This is why JESUS must have the pre-eminence in all things. Down through the ages it was the Spirit of the Christ within persons that caused them to delight in the Lord. This delight did not come about of themselves.

And the reason why this message is so important? Well, when people speak about King David or Solomon, there is, at times a tendency to exalt them to sainthood. They do so even when they know that both David and Solomon were very bad dudes. Remember, David would become a condemned convict for premeditated murder, a planner and schemer of evil, and even an adulterer. In terms of Solomon, how many women's lives did he waste in his endeavour to satisfy the cravings of his flesh? Evil flourished within them. And such were some of us until JESUS appeared in our lives.

JESUS on the other hand came and preached peace. He preached the beatitudes and about love, mercy and compassion. Never before upon this earth had a man lived and spoke as JESUS did. For JESUS was the Life of God Himself, manifest in the flesh as a Son. This explains why we ought to endeavour to walk in His footsteps recognizing that it was the Spirit of the humanity of Christ within persons that caused them to bring forth the psalms, the hymns and spiritual songs. It was also this same Spirit of the humanity of Christ that causes men to speak His Word of wisdom.

For in the beginning was the Word - JESUS! Come to Jesus today! Let Him show you the power of love that transcends all understanding!

You Will Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Set You Free - Part 941

Interestingly, the scriptures state: "Then cried Jesus in the temple as He taught." (John 7:28-29) As we know from the scriptures, this is not the first time that Jesus wept. In another scripture, "When He [Jesus] was come near, He beheld the city and "wept" over it." (Luke 19:41) And another, "But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Similarly, on another occasion, "Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed the sick." (Matthew 14:14) In fact, in His Word, there are no shortage of examples of our Lord's heart being moved because of our circumstance. Thus, I wondered what circumstances would be necessary in order for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus -- the prophesied Christ -- to weep for us. I already knew the smallest verse in the Bible (at least the smallest verse to my knowledge) was "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)

I was also aware that in this latter example, a certain man named Lazarus had become deathly sick. His sisters Mary (who you may remember had anointed the Lord with ointment) and Martha had sent Jesus a message to inform Him of their brother's condition. When Jesus heard the news about Lazarus, He told those around Him at the time that "this sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:1-6)

Of course, there is much more to the tale of Lazarus. After being dead for four days already, Jesus tells him to come out from the grave and He did. It should have been the miracle of all time. The people who witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead should have been excited. All of them. And yes, some were but others in the crowd went back to tell the scribes and Pharisees what all Jesus had done.

At the end of the day, the miraculous revival of Lazarus being raised from the dead -- four days after he died -- failed to impress everyone that watched. Note that some of these were Jews who had originally come to comfort Mary and Martha in their loss, and yet, when that was no longer an issue (because Lazarus was alive), their hearts were still found wanting. 

As I pondered this miraculous event further, I realized that the words used here -- "Jesus wept" and "Jesus had compassion on the multitudes" were wholly insufficient to explain why the same God who created us in the very beginning would love us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. But He did so because He loved us beyond measure.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid for the LORD God is my strength and my song. He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:2-3)

In fact, Jesus said, "Whoever believes in Me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)

All we have to do is believe in Jesus, and allow Him to clothe us in His righteousness -- through His Word. Yes, the gospel is that simple and yet, sadly, like the Jews in Jesus' day, there are those who would rather do anything else but accept His free gift of salvation. 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3-23-25)

When I think of the ultimate price that He paid for our sins, I understand now why Jesus wept. He groaned within Himself because of our inability (as His beloved creation) to reach out and touch the hem of His garment -- like the woman with the issue of blood. In fact, until we are willing to believe, we are like herds of sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherd. Lost without any understanding that the Giver of Life wants to give us life everlasting.

And all we have to do is "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, for the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world ... [and look] for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:10-14)

Jesus told those 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)

These same promises remain true today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Seek His righteousness by reading His Word daily so that you too shall know the truth that will make you free. Stand in His offering plate.

Water Baptism In Jesus' Name Still Essential Today - Part 940

Jesus Christ -- the same yesterday, and today and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

But if Jesus is the Word (according to John 1:1-18), and we are to study the Word to show ourselves approved, then why are there so many church organizations today trying to reduce 'water baptism' to a non-essential. Admittedly, for decades the modern day religious culture has struggled between the Roman Catholic revised version of Matthew 28:19 (baptism in the titles) and the apostles' doctrine that points specifically to Acts 2:38 (baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ). What muddies the requirement of water baptism further is that Peter, standing with the apostles, instructed "everyone to be baptized in the name of Jesus." And as a consequence, the first 3,000 people to be saved on the day of Pentecost were baptized in Jesus' name.

Today, however, the majority of church organizations are baptizing using the titles -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (which is Holy Ghost in the original revised text). Some of these baptize by full water immersion and some through sprinkling. Some baptize adults only after they have received some form of confirmation -- not necessarily repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord in their life -- and others as infants in order to belong to an organized religion.

For as long as I can remember, different denominations argued that baptizing in the titles were Jesus' own instructions and as such, it was an acceptable practice to baptize in the titles. But then, as more and more believers in Jesus began seeking the truth through His Word, these discovered that every single person in the Bible was water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Therefore, the question needs to be asked. Is religious tradition and/or religious culture sufficient reason to not align with His Word? Or, as it is in this case, eliminate water baptism from one's statement of faith?

Regardless of the response, more and more within the religious culture of this day are promoting salvation as accepting Christ as one's Saviour directly to receipt of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. The name of Jesus the Christ -- who is the promised Messiah -- is being pushed aside as prophesied in the book of Revelation.

Given that we are in the last days, we shouldn't be surprised. Acts 4:25-27 states: "Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ ... For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed."

But this is not an isolated incident. How many times did the rulers and religious leaders of the day try to kill Jesus as He healed people? In fact, from His very birth Herod wanted Him stopped. And, in order to do so declared a decree that would kill all males under the age of two. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16)

Other examples of the same desire to kill Jesus include: "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto Jesus, "Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee." (Luke 13:31) "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him." (John 7:1) "His disciples say unto Him, "Master, the Jews of late sought to stone Thee; and goest Thou thither again?" (John 11:8)

And then, of course, there is the cross, whereby Jesus shed His precious blood so that our sins could be washed clean once and for all. From the very first appearance of Jesus, the enemy of truth did everything possible to deceive believers from believing His Word. If he could not be successful with deception, he caused mass confusion among the people. Remember a certain man named Demetrius, "a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana" bringing no small gain unto the craftsmen? (Acts 19:24)

But God is NOT the author of confusion. Truth is ALWAYS truth. This is why we are exhorted continually to hold fast, remaining steadfast to the apostles' doctrine, as these taught us in the new testament. This includes water baptism by immersion.

When the people on the day of Pentecost asked Peter, standing with the apostles, what should they do? Peter said, "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 2:37-42)

Why Jesus? Because "there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-13) "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3:17) Moreover, "for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3)

For more examples, read the book of Acts so that you too will believe that baptism in the name of Jesus is the proper process for water baptism, and that this is what the apostles did in response to what Jesus commanded. Peter and John baptized and so did Paul according to Jesus' command. And for the record, this is the ONLY way water baptism was performed in the early church for the first two centuries after Jesus was crucified.

Finally, if "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is ABOVE every name: that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," then we probably should too. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Stand in His offering plate. You won't be disappointed!

Because of Jesus, We Have Been Begotten Again Unto a Lively Hope- Part 939

The life of the body is in the blood. God knew this when He determined a plan of salvation for His people from before the foundation of the world. A plan that included God Himself becoming our Saviour so that we might have salvation and life everlasting. "For God so loved the world" -- For God so loved you and I -- that He Himself would become as one of us so that we could have a personal relationship with Him -- as sons and daughters of the Most High King. (John 3:16-17)

"God who at sundry times, and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds -- who being the brightness of glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ... being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Therefore, because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we can know that blood has always been a signifying component of salvation throughout the ages. Certainly, in Moses time, it was by faith that Moses commanded the people to keep the Passover by sprinkling blood on the doorposts so that their first born would be protected. The importance of blood is further confirmed in the old covenant (Old Testament) where it is written that "Because of the covenant I made with you -- covenant sealed with blood -- I will free your prisoners from death." (Zechariah 9:11)

In the New Testament, God reveals His plan of salvation whereby we can be reconciled back to our heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus. In fact, our salvation is still sealed with blood when we accept Jesus into our lives as our Lord and personal Saviour. Yes, the same God who created the world and all its inhabitants loved us so much that He Himself became man and shed His humanity on the cross of Calvary.

How do we know this? In John 1:1-18, for example, "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 ... 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, 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."

Moreover, Jesus confirmed His sacrifice repeatedly. "This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:20) "For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)

And Jesus said unto them, "This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many." (Mark 14:24) "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3:25) "Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (Romans 5:9) " After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, "This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." (I Corinthians 11:25)

We are saved through the blood of Jesus the Christ. "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

This is why we trust in Him in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. "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."(Collosians 1:14, 20)

Therefore, wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb and let Jesus -- your Lord God and Saviour -- transform your robes into pure white. Trust Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength because He is in whom we have redemption and through His blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

Be the "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." (I Peter 1:2)All glory to Jesus who has loved us and has freed us from our sin through the shedding of the blood. Take the time to stand in His offering plate today!

Because They Received Not the Love of the Truth - Part 938

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

In these latter days, we hear a lot about anti-christs and the false prophets that shall come in and deceive (even the elect if that were possible) -- and that these do so as wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:14-16) The scriptures state: "There were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them ..." (II Peter 2:1)

Sadly, the scriptures tell us that many believers during this time shall follow "their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (II Peter 2:2) We are also told by the apostles that these false prophets and teachers "went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not of us." (I John 2:19-20)

What does this mean? That those who who now counsel and plot against "Thy holy child Jesus" have become blinded to the truth of His Word, even today. (Acts 4:25-28; Revelation 17:17-18) Similar to the apostles' day, religion is big business and those stakeholders involved do not want to see their incomes diminish. Remember a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana? (Acts 19:24-41) This example tells it all.

Nevertheless, Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us, even in times of trouble.

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together unto Him that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. [Moreover,] let no man deceive by any means; for except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed -- the son of perdition -- who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. for the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth until he be taken out of the way, and then shall that Wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming -- whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved ... and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Regarding the church in Thyatira, believers are warned: "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation ..." (Revelation 2:18-

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:18-23) 

This is "because when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things." (Romans 1:18-23)

The good news for those who believe in Jesus by faith and seek His righteousness is that "ye have an unction from the Holy One and ye know all things." (I John 2:19-20) How do we know? Because Jesus said, when "the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father would send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)
Equally important, when we seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, "the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him." (I John 2:27)

“Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from the servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the appointed time of the father. Even so we, when we were children were in bondage under the elements of the world, but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law – to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:1-6)

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

Why is this important? Because Jesus bought us with a price -- His precious blood on the cross -- to ensure that we "have not followed cunningly devised fables." (II Peter 1:16)

Therefore, "build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21) Stand in the offering plate.

If We Confess Our Sins, He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive Us Our Sin- Part 937

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you always -- in every prayer of mine for you, all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now -- being confident of this very thing that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.`(Philippians 1:3-5)

Even so, when we were children -- we were in bondage under and unto the elements of the world. (Galatians 4:3) But now, know that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death. Therefore, as a consequence, we are buried with Him by baptism into death -- that like as Jesus the Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father -- we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:2-3) This is why, as the Word states, we set our affection on things above, and not on things of the earth. (Colossians 2:2) 

Jesus said, “These things have I spoke unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) This same message is similarly confirmed in I John 1:4. That is, “and these things we write unto you that your joy may be full.” (I John 1:4) And again, `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. (I Peter 1:3-13)

Indeed, òur joy comes from Him who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ ... according, as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, and to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace -- wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will -- according to His good pleasure -- which He hath purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:3-9)

All of this so that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him -- in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will ... that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

In whom you also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. In whom also after that you believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:10-18) 

Who is that holy Spirit of promise? Jesus Christ of Nazareth -- the Word who was both with God and was God -- and who later became flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. (John 1:118)

Note that it does not suggest here that we are to be subject to spiritual wickedness in high places. Why? Because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

“Therefore, if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances – touch not; taste not; handle not – which all are to perish with the using, after the commandments of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to satisfying the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20-23) “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but they were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (II Peter 1:16)

Thus, if we be risen with Christ, we are able to seek those things which are above.

John wrote: “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us) … that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:1-3)

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power … that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:11-12) Continue steadfastly in the apostles`doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42) Stand in the offering plate.

By What Power, Or By What Name Have You Done This? - Part 936

And as the apostles spoke unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them being grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead, and they laid hands on them and put them in hold unto the next day -- for now it was evening.

Howbeit, “many of them which heard the Word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.” And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have you done this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole.” (Acts 4:1-10)

Note the prophecy from Psalms 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16 that is repeated here. “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12; I Peter 2:4-8; I Timothy 2:5-6)

Herein, they were pointing to the same Jesus Christ of Nazareth who had healed the man. Now when the rulers of the people saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.

Why? Because they behold the man which had been healed standing with them, which was evidence enough. Nothing could be said that could take away the man`s healing. However, the situation was enough to confer among themselves about how to stop this preaching in Jesus`name. So, what did they do? They commanded Peter and John not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus.

But what did the apostles do after being released? They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that in them is; who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, `Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The Kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ ... for of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus whom Thou hast anointed.” (Acts 4:27)

Both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. (Acts 4:24-28)

”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, as ye yourselves also know; Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:22-24)

The Kings of the earth and the rulers were gathered together against Thy holy child Jesus whom Thou hast anointed. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

But the apostles did not stop there. They continued praying, ”Ànd now, Lord, behold their threatenings, and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness,they may speak Thy Word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)

And when these had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spake the Word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul, neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked.

This is why we trust Jesus today by faith. Therefore, boldly proclaim His Word with boldness because there soon will come a day when you will have to make a decision between submitting to the devil of this earth and his false teachings and our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, whose sole purpose is to seek and to save that which is lost. You and I. He paid the price when He shed His precious blood on the cross. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in His offering plate.

And They Continued Steadfastly In the Apostle's Doctrine and Fellowship - Part 935

Who can be rightly appointed (or anointed) as an apostle? More important, does a "self-proclaimed apostle" in this day and age have the right to circumvent the original apostle's doctrine -- as it was first delivered through the Word? Some might be asking -- why are these questions even relevant?

The answer to the last question is simple. Because in Acts 2, the scriptures clearly state that those who believed in Jesus, seeking His righteousness, also "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-47) Similarly, while "continuing daily with "one accord" in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." (Acts 2:38-47)

Therefore, if the early church believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship," then there must be an equal onus upon believers in Jesus today (and particularly those who proclaim to be apostles) to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine in the last days as well.

With this in mind, let's examine what the scriptures state. First, the word "apostle" is a new testament description assigned to those who were first called disciples, and then sent out to be apostles. (Luke 6:12-16)

Second, we know that Jesus selected the twelve disciples from among His many followers. Jesus "called unto Him His disciples, and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles." (Luke 6:12-16)

Third, we also know that the apostles -- even when they were forbidden to do so -- continued to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:16-20) In fact, when the apostles lifted their voice to God with one accord after being commanded not to mention Jesus and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is," they also knew that "the heathen raged, and the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together" against the holy child Jesus -- "whom Thou hast anointed." (Acts 4:23-28)

Fourth, when Jesus called unto Him His twelve disciples, "He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 16:15-18) "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." (II Corinthians 12:12)

Fifth, we read that Jesus sent forth the twelve apostles, and commanded them, saying: "the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8)

Sixth, Jesus said: "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves for the workman is worthy of his meat ...." (Matthew 10:9-15) In this latter scripture, there is an understanding of stepping out in faith, or as I have often said, "pressing into Jesus" -- which is elaborated upon at a later time.

As well, we also understand from the scriptures that the apostles were "set apart" and distinctive from other disciples (or as some call these disciples -- followers of Jesus and students of the Master).

The apostles were also filled with the Holy Ghost, which empowered them to speak the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 1:8) For example, in the book of Acts we read: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness ..." (Acts 4:31)

This confirmed the message that Jesus had told the apostles earlier -- that "ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Luke 24:48-49; Acts 8:1-14; Colossians 1:23)

This same power and filling of the Holy Ghost can be seen throughout the book of Acts, which in turn confirms that which was spoken earlier 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 it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32; Acts 10:45; Acts 21:9; I Corinthians 12:10)

Note that Paul himself explains his boldness to proclaim the Word of God this way: "As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia." (II Corinthians 11:10-15) And, as a consequence of the apostles' boldness and willingness to proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus Christ, we learn that "believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, insomuch that they brought forth the sick onto the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them." (Acts 5:13-14)

But this was not all. When people were filled with the Holy Ghost, their inward hearts and desires changed. "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33) So much so that the people who believed brought all their worldly possessions -- to be divided so that none among them lacked. (Acts 2:39-42; Acts 4:32-35)

But in today's religious culture -- with so many proclaiming to be apostles -- how do we know that these are steadfastly continuing in the apostles' doctrine? Well, from what we have already read, we can validate what Jesus taught in His Word against the message(s) and statement(s) of faith that these modern day apostles are proclaiming as truth. The apostles' doctrine ARE the teachings of Jesus in action, and essentially, God's Word passed onto His people through the prophets and Jesus appointed apostles in the Bible.

John M. Powell explains it this way: "The Apostles' doctrine, which are the teachings of the apostles, originated from Jesus, who is the Word of God manifest in human flesh. Hence, originating in Jesus and continued by the Holy Ghost, I will be with you (flesh) and shall be in you (spirit). The apostles of Jesus Christ were inspired (God breathed) by His holy Spirit to write down the words and works of God as revealed to them."

Further, the apostle's doctrine was clearly established on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 believers repented and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and thus, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8; 2:38-42) In fact, throughout the remainder of the new testament, the apostles shared the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom to everyone they met.

We can also see from the scriptures that not only did the apostles preach baptism "in the name of Jesus" but also used the "name of Jesus" to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" and that it was done freely -- "freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8; Mark 16:15-18) "And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Why? Because these apostles knew Jesus personally -- "in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." As such, the apostles were willing to become His messengers to all creation. (Ephesians 1:11)

What happened that made these twelve disciples apostles turn the world upside down? After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven in the first chapter of Acts, note that they became full-fledged world changers. "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also." (Acts 17:6) So much so that the people remained in awe of what they heard.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them, that they HAD been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

But note that Paul declared that there is a valid purpose in boldly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and continuing steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. That is, "that I [Paul] may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we -- for such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:10-15)

Think about this. Paul boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus so that false apostles and deceitful workers "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" would be cut off from any ocassion to teach contrary to Jesus' teachings.

That means that we as believers in Jesus Christ are to be equipped with the armour of God so that we are not taken in by the deceit of satan who -- along with his ministers -- wolves in sheep's clothing -- transform themselves into ministers of righteousness and self-proclaimed apostles of Christ. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Do you remember learning about a certain man called Simon, which in the same city had used sorcery, and was able to "bewitch the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one -- to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest. [So when they declared] "This man is the great power of God" to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries." (Acts 8:9-11)

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the "name of Jesus Christ," they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:12-15)

Now when the apostles heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who -- "when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them -- only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). And they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:12-17)

This scriptural passage goes on to say that Simon offered them money because he also wanted some of this Holy Ghost power. How did Peter respond? "Thy money perish with thee because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money ... repent therefore of this thy wickedness ... for I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." (Acts 8:20-23)

This is the same Peter who explained how a replacement apostle for Judas (who betrayed Jesus) was selected in the first chapter of Acts. "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)

When two possible apostles were selected (Joseph called Barsabas who was surnamed Justus, and Mathias) the eleven apostles prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship ..." (Acts 1:15-26)

Man did not make the decision. Indeed, Jesus' apostles did not make the final decision. "Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men ..." (Acts 1:15-26) And the lots were cast and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)

In today's religious culture, there are those who believe (because of Acts 1:21) that an apostle must have followed Jesus from the time of John's baptism and seen the resurrected Jesus. If this were the case,  then how do we explain the apostle Paul -- who as Saul was blinded by a bright light on his way to Damascus?

Note that in Romans, Paul himself offers a suitable explanation. He first observes that he is called to be an apostle. He then states that he is "separated" because of the gospel, and that there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. (II Corinthians 6:16) Why? Because "ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people ... wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate." (II Corinthians 6:16-18)

And finally, apostles showed by example an obedience to the faith among all nations "for His name" sake among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ.

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God" ... "by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name -- among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-5)

Does that mean that there are no apostles today? Of course not, but the apostles in this day and age are still required to adhere and align their teachings, remaining steadfast to the apostles' doctrine.

Thus, we also know from these scriptures that an apostle is no longer a student or someone who is in need of teaching, or just a follower, as were the disciples of Jesus Christ. Rather, an apostle is one who is sent, ready to go out and proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom in obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.

The verse that comes to mind here (and admittedly, may not conform to scriptural context) is that "many are called but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14; Matthew 20:16) In other words, an apostle is called (or sent out) to preach the gospel of Jesus the Christ, remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine as outlined in the book of Acts, and similarly, willing to separate themselves from those in the temple who raise themselves up to be God, while also coveting money and worldly possessions. (Repeatedly, in the book of Acts, those who believed in Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, would give up their worldly possessions for the gospel of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ -- more on that point later).

But the earnestness of an apostle does not stop there. From the gospels, we read that when the disciples had heard of the death of John the Baptist, they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb. "And the apostles gathered themselves unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And Jesus said unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile" for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark 6:23-31; Luke 9:10-11)

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately but the people followed, desiring more of Jesus. Moved with compassion, because they were as sheep without a shepherd, Jesus began to teach them many things. "And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came unto Him, and said, "This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed. Send them away that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat." (Mark 6:32-36)

Jesus answered, and said unto them, "Give ye them to eat." (Mark 6: 37)

Note what Jesus was saying to the apostles -- your heart's desire should be to facilitate those that are hungry eating of the Bread of Life. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Why is this important? Because as Paul wrote, "though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)

That means if any man (or even an angel from heaven) tells you to be baptized without using the name of Jesus, let him be accursed. (Acts 2:38; Galatians 1:8) Likewise, if the statement of faith that these modern day apostles proclaim does not include the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, including baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, then we need to ask why.

Because "Freely ye have received, [and as such we are to] freely give." (Matthew 10:8) However, there is a responsibility for apostles (and disciples too) to sound the trumpet when these modern day apostles teach contrary to His Word.
Jesus said, "Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." (Matthew 10:16-19)

Luke wrote a similar message: "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say, for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12)

And Mark too wrote that "when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost ... For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders to "seduce" if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed; behold, I have foretold you all things." (Mark 13:11. 22-23)

This is why we are commanded to "let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all this worshipped God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told ye these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time." (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

"For yourselves [however] know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation [was] 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. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness: nor of men, sought we glory, neither of you, nor of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ ...

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the Word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:1-13)

And while we as believers in Jesus Christ are aware that the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, and that "the Wicked shall be revealed (whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming)" -- "even him whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved," there is hope. (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

That is, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, [even] Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-15)

Jesus warned us of these times when He said, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Revelation 1:2-3)

Nevertheless, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- "He is our peace, who has made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace, that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And [He] came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14-22)

There is more still to come on the apostleship of Jesus Christ. Still, in the interim, press into Jesus today. Stand in His offering plate.

In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses Shall Every Word Be Established - Part 934

In these latter days, we hear a lot about "apostles" and the "new apostolic leaders" and "new apostolic" movement(s) -- particularly among big name self-proclaiming evangelists -- leading people to believe (as a consequence of some of the signs and wonders performed) that these same apostles have an accurate insight into the scriptures. 

The question is this. Can signs and wonders performed be considered a sufficient gauge for measuring the difference between those evangelists and ministers who seek Jesus and His righteousness, and those who do not? What do the scriptures -- (the express Word of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ) -- state, particularly when many today deliver a "different gospel" from the good news message originally preached by Jesus and His apostles?

Remember, the Bible tells us that the spirit of this world also had disciples. So how do we know the difference? How can we be sure that those who we support are preaching Jesus and His kingdom?

First and foremost, to those which believed on Him, Jesus said, "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 8:31-33)

And we can be assured that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Why? So that "the man of God -- [being you and I who believe in Jesus and seek His righteousness[ -- may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 2:16-17)

The Word also counsels believers accurately when it comes to prophecy. The scriptures state: "we have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto we do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts knowing this first -- that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1:19-21)

But the Word does not stop there. It comes with warnings about false prophets and false teachings so that we can both see and understand what is happening within the "religious culture" in these last days.

Paul writing to the Galatians said: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

He did not mince words. If any man, or even an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than the one Jesus and the apostles delivered, the Word declares "let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

This is why we are to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints -- the same doctrines that Jesus gave His life for, so that we might worship the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending with all our heart.

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Indeed, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

Moreover, "beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world ... We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (I John 4:1-6)

"This know also that in the last days perilous times come ... more than lovers of God having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" ... "from such turn away." (II Timothy 2:1-5)

And again: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you ... which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of unrighteousness." (II Peter 2:1-22)

Remember, as the scriptures point out, "those that promise liberty [while] they themselves are the servants of corruption - the dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (II Peter 2:19;22)

So what are we to do? First, seek our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Be baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:38) Read His Word and ask Him for wisdom and knowledge. "Continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-47)

And most of all, "let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all this worshipped God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told ye these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time."

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way, and then shall that Wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming -- even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie .. that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

Tomorrow, we will discuss "disciples" and "apostles" from a scriptural perspective. In the interim, stand in the offering plate, remembering that the Lord doesn't want your money. He wants your heart!

But Watch Thou In All Things That You Might Know His Truth - Part 933

"I charge [thee] therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine ... for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (II Timothy 4:1-5)

Therefore, the question emerges -- "Who is the Word" -- that we are to teach and preach to all nations? Who is the Word that we are to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature? (Mark 16:15-18)

John offers some insight in John 1:1-18:

"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. 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 through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lights every man that comes 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 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." (John 1:1-18)

We see the same Jesus as the Word in the book of Revelation (which is essentially the revelation of who Jesus the Christ is). Therein, we also learn that the seven churches in these latter days are condemned for not adhering "His name" as evidenced within the doctrines delivered by the apostles.

Still, God is not the author of confusion. The scriptures align perfectly if we are willing to seek Jesus and His righteousness.

From Revelation:

Jesus identifies Himself, saying, "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) Further, John who is recording what he is seeing, states: "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying: "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." (Revelation 1:11) And again, "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am 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 death." (Revelation 1:17-18)

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 --- 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." (Revelation 21:3-4)

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 21:3-7)

And just in case we still don't understand, our Lord God and Saviour reiterated this same message once again in the last chapter of Revelation. In chapter 22:7, Jesus states: "Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:7)

And in verse 12-13 and 16, "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as His work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last ... I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) And in these last days called Today (the dispensation of grace) His precious name is Jesus. It was God Himself who became our Lord and Saviour on the cross, when He shed His precious blood so that we might know life everlasting.

Worship Him today in thanksgiving, rejoicing for evermore. Stand in the offering plate.