He Was In the World and the World Made by Him but the World Knew Him Not - Part 1024

"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 doth this man stand here before you whole. 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 4:10-12)

As it is written, the very stone which the builders rejected has become the Head cornerstone. For other foundations can no man lay other than that foundation which is laid already -- the foundation being none other than the LORD JESUS the Christ. The foundation upon which this building -- the body of Christ / His Church -- is being constructed being the Word of God.

"The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day [which] the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:22-24)

"Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, "Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation. He that believeth shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:16)

Jesus saith unto them, "Did ye never read in the scriptures -- This stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and in it is marvelous in our eyes?" Therefore, say I unto you -- the Kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof, and whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken but on whomsoever is shall fall, it will grind him to power." (Matthew 21:42-46)

As an aside, note that the chief priests and Pharisees perceived that Jesus was speaking of them. Pricked in their hearts? Yes, which explains why they sought to lay hands on Him but did not at that time because they feared the multitude.

In the book of Acts, we learn that "until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles which He had chosen -- to whom also He Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, and being assembled together with them,
commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which [saith He] "Ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)

This is why Jesus, now spoke THROUGH the Holy Ghost unto the Apostles and prophets chosen of God to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. But I digress.

Often, we speak of this glorious temple which even today remains under construction. The temple to which we refer is God’s building. The building that God designed and God furnishes. God Himself being the mastermind - the Creator! Indeed, God does all things according to the purpose of His own will. This glorious temple is the spiritual body of JESUS the Christ.

As it is written -- you and I are the body of Christ, chosen of God being jointly and fitly framed together as a body while constantly increasing in number -- until the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ is attained!

Inside this glorious temple, there are no spots or wrinkles. Further, within this temple the Spirit of God is praised by the redeemed members who have been filled (Spirit baptism) with the same Spirit that was in the man JESUS. The promised Holy Ghost being received by them after repenting and being baptized into the name of JESUS for the remission of all their sins - likewise then did JESUS breathe upon them His spiritual breath. (Acts 2:37-42)

The other good news is that this spiritual temple requires no man made cleansing. For what God has cleansed, let no man call common or unclean. As it is written, the blood of JESUS the Christ - God’s only begotten Son hidden in the bosom of the Father - cleanses us from all sin. This is the Almighty God in whom we trust.

Unfortunately, many church institutions have abandoned the original God-given faith and scriptural teachings that were once delivered to believers. Some might even suggest that we have forsaken the fountain of life! Instead, the church fathers have rejected the capping stone in 300/400 AD, even as the Jews had previously before that. In the case of the latter, Jesus spoke a parable about a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom, and to return. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us." (Luke 19:14)

The nobleman that Jesus spoke of here was Almighty God Himself who became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might accept His gift of salvation. (John 1:1-18) But as we know God's chosen people rejected Him. "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." (John 1:10-11)

This is why -- you and I -- the Gentiles were grafted in. Even today, there are Jews who still do not understand that they crucified the Lord of glory. This misunderstanding even though God provided ample opportunity to the Jews to receive God’s forgiveness. But rather than repent, the scriptures state that the Jews hardened their heart, becoming uncircumcised in their hearts in the days and centuries that followed.

What was the issue? Well, the church fathers of AD 300/400 started their own religion in Rome. This particular religion continued until the time of the reformation where the rays of the light of the glorious gospel of God as seen in the face of JESUS the Christ arose in lives as a morning star.
Reviewing historical insights into the Reformation period, we learn that John Wycliffe had written the Bible in the English tongue - in a period that was to become similar to the dawning of a better day.

Yes, Heaven and earth may pass away but the Word of the Lord abides forever. As such Lord, you are the author of this faith. Receive your engrafted Word with meekness. Stand in the offering plate.

He Came Unto His Own and His Own Received Him Not - Part 1023

And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments [is] -- "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." (Mark 12:29) This same proclamation was made in the new testament. Therein Jesus, in speaking the commandments said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-34)

Too often, however, the constructs of the world (and similarly, man-made religion) wants to add to the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There must be more that is needed for salvation rather than accepting His precious gift -- the gospel truth -- that the same God who created us in the beginning, and knew us in our mother's womb was willing to shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins. They don't want you to know that in accepting Jesus by faith, and believing in His name, that we have been set free from all that would bind us.

But there is so much more to the gospel of Jesus. Even though at this time of celebration of the birth of Christ into this world (Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us -- Matthew 1:23), the established religions want us to believe that God is in fact three persons, and that Jesus was only one part of this trinity (or tri-une God). This religious dogma widely proclaimed -- even though most manger scenes portray the shepherds and wise men of the day worshiping Jesus the Christ.

How misguided these are (and us too) when we take another man's interpretation of the scriptures rather than reading His Word for ourselves. Studying to show ourselves approved, as a workman does. (II Timothy 2:15) Continuing steadfast in the apostles doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Learning that there is only "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)

"Is Christ divided?" (I Corinthians 1:13) No, and yet the religious community has been successful in removing His Word from our hearts, by dividing the promised Messiah -- the mystery hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning -- the greatest love story ever shared -- and replacing His love with another gospel that was not proclaimed by God Himself.

But Jesus said that when the Comforter would come, He would lead us into all knowledge and truth. And in order for the Comforter to come, Jesus had to ascend. (John 20:1-31; John 21:1-25; Acts 1:1-8) When we study the Acts of the apostles, we see the mystery of the Godhead unfold. The infallible proofs. "Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost, had given commandments unto the apostles." (Acts 1:2)

He -- through the Holy Ghost. Not He and the Holy Ghost. "Oh foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1) He gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world. (Galatians 1:3-4) Not another but Almighty God Himself.

"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) "But to us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:6)

The apostles knew the gospel, and so did the first 3,000 believers baptized into the body of Christ. We are His bride and as such we need to align our teachings with the entirety of the proclaimed gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men] as every man had need. And they continually daily with one accord int eh temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:38-47)

The scriptures state: "All things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

"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 fullness 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 1:10-18)

It's time to come out from among those who preach another gospel that is not contained in His Word.
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus -- and [if ye] be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29) 

Stand in His offering plate.

And Without Controversy, Great Is the Mystery of Godliness - Part 1022

"In the name of God." This phrase is fairly common in the public square but do we ever stop and ask ourselves -- what is God's name? Who is this God who commands the universe, pouring His blessings on both the good and evil? Who is this God that willingly was made man and dwelt among us so that we could receive His gift of salvation? (John 1:1-18) Moreover, what is God's name?

Why do I ask? Because God is a "descriptive" title, never being a name. Similarly, in this context, if one is utilizing a descriptive title, then why not expose to others whom it is that you are calling God?

Further, we have all heard that God is love. And God is light -- the shining Light of the world. We also recognize that God is not a respecter of persons. God has not two laws, one for the rich and another for the poor. He has given us two commandments -- the first being to love Him (and seek Him by faith in His Word) with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then to serve as a flow through by loving one another.

But in order to know God, we need to read the scriptures. We need to study His Word so that He can reveal Himself to us. Therein, we will learn that God has a name. In fact, as a result of knowing His name and calling upon His name we shall know the truth that will set us free. So does that mean citing the phrase "in the name of God" or "Father God" -- as the religious circles state? Of course not. But note also that God is not the author of confusion.

So what is in a name? What do names represent? You as a individual would never let anyone misrepresent or discredit your name. Why? Because your name is who you are. In fact, to some extent, it dictates who you are. And in fact, your name will outlive you because even your offspring will bear your name. The same principle applies to God. He has a name.

Likewise, when you know God’s name, then you would not by any means desire to discredit or misrepresent His name. Note too that neither Jehovah or Yahweh are God’s name in this current dispensation of grace. Why not? Because God never revealed either as being His name in the new testament.

But there is a name, as the scriptures repeatedly point out, which is above every other name in heaven and on earth. And the one who bears that name is the One God who is before all things. He is also the One God who made all things. This One God who is Spirit has revealed HIMSELF to all of mankind as a Son. He did not reveal Himself as another person in the Godhead but as God Himself dwelling among us.

"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)

God who is Spirit, inhabited a man’s body, endeavouring to reveal Himself to His people. "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)

" I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 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 22:13-14)

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts: I AM THE FIRST, AND I AM THE LAST; AND BESIDE ME THERE IS NO GOD.” (Isaiah 44:6)

“Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I AM THE FIRST, I ALSO AM THE LAST.” (Isaiah 48:12)
Indeed, this same Almighty God who gave Himself for us bears the name of JESUS! The only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. The only name in which we can be water baptized -- Acts 2:38. Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus.

How do we know this? God reveals Himself through the Word. He who knew no sin became sin for us. So much so that even the angels worship Him. So did the wise men worship Him. Yes, Almighty God's name is Jesus. The Jehovah of the old covenant being Jesus in the new testament. The greatest love story ever shared with mankind,

So next time you hear someone say, "in the name of God," you can whisper the precious name Jesus. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Stand in the offering plate.

The Holy Ghost Hath Made You Overseers to Feed the Church Of God Which He Purchased With His Own Blood - Part 1021

"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)

In other words, the gospel of Jesus Christ -- as written in His Word -- is the only true foundation. His Word cannot be superseded by fine-sounding teachings from the pulpit, nor should we permit others (even angels) to interpret the scriptures for us. "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines, for [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13:9)

Indeed, we are all made ministers of the gospel when we believe in Jesus by faith. Through this simple act of believing, He is able to forgive us of our sin (through the blood that He shed on the cross). When we seek Jesus in spirit and truth, He reveals Himself to us through His Word. This is why the apostles said, "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer AND to the ministry of the Word." (Acts 6:4)

How do we become ministers? Certainly not by appointment or accreditation through a man-made religious system, but rather, by seeking Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He chose us before the foundation of the world was formed, even knowing us in our mother's womb. It is this same God who reached out in love, becoming as one of us, so that we might truly know Him -- and the extent of His love and mercy. (John 1:1-18)

(As an aside, note also that the order of these commandments -- to love our Lord God and Saviour first, and then to love one another -- has not changed from the old covenant to the new testament.)

Getting back to my original point, Paul the apostle was chosen by the Lord JESUS to bear His name among the nations. We know this from his testimony within the scriptures -- whereby Saul, on the road to Damascus, was stopped in his tracks by the Lord Jesus Himself. (Acts 9)
We also know from the scriptures that Paul was chosen to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Paul declared that the gospel that he preached did not unfold from man’s wisdom. Neither, as Paul states, "was I taught by man." In other words, Paul asserted that he did not receive the gospel of man. Rather he received the gospel from God by means of  revelation. In short, Paul  was asserting that the Word of God was coming to him not from him. 

All this to affirm Paul's statement to one and all. That is, "if any one think of himself as a prophet or spiritual then they had better acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandments of God." (I Corinthians 14:37)

At the time, Paul was well aware how he had in his younger life been entrapped by the religion of his day. In fact, Paul was so engulfed that he - like many today - think/thought they were doing God a great service by killing anyone with an alternative mindset other than theirs. Obviously, they had never heard or read the scripture that states men  (and women) must be allowed to work out his/her destiny in fear and trembling. "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." (Philippians 2:12)

Instead, Paul (formerly known as Saul) became a radical terrorist killer, throwing believers of the JESUS persuasion into prison. At the time, he really believed in his heart that he was doing what God wanted. Who would ever have thought that God would say to a disciple that Paul was a chosen vessel to bear His name JESUS to the Gentiles?

Yes, God has a chosen people -- a royal generation -- a people that God foreknew before the very foundation of the earth. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called." (I Peter 2:9) Similarly, in the good news gospel, it is written that God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the worldly wisdom of men -- to preach the "simplicity" of the good news gospel of His kingdom.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ..." (I Corinthians 1:27)

Indeed, when we believe in Jesus by faith, and seek Him with all of our being, we become His chosen ministers. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

He who knew no sin became sin for us. It is He who purchased and redeemed back to Himself  the sacrifice of His own body. JESUS being the child conceived of the Holy Ghost -- one other than ‘God Himself as a Son. God with us, as the Bible states. (Matthew 1:21) God with us who willingly laid down His sinless life as payment in full for His people that He foreknew at no cost whatsoever to them. For the gift of God is eternal life. God’s prescription is that you and I believe upon His name -- JESUS -- because there is no redemptive salvation under Heaven in any other name.

Note that we are not talking about religious institutions here. As an institution, religious traditions cannot save man. Why?  Because as the scriptures repeatedly state in Revelation, their candlestick has been removed. Therefore, redemptive salvation is not through a church or by you adhering to long-standing institutional traditions and doctrines --  which unfortunately, in many instances are the same teachings invented by the church fathers of 300 / 400 AD. What is important is that the Holy Ghost was poured out upon believers on the day of Pentecost -- as recorded in Acts 2. Here, the people  were told to repent each and every one of them and be baptized into the name of JESUS! (Acts 2:37-42)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Stand in the offering plate.

I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and Beside Me [there is] No Saviour.- Part 1020

"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)

What does this scripture state? In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word WAS God. Not another being (or person, or part of the trinity as today's religious culture would have one believe) but the Word WAS God. How do we know this? Because the very next verse states: "The same was in the beginning with God." It does not say that "He" or "another person" was in the beginning with God. The Bible states that He -- the Word -- His Word was in the beginning with God, and WAS God.

And if this is not sufficient evidence that Jesus is God in the flesh, John writes: "ALL things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)

Moreover, John the Baptist was sent to bear witness of the prophesied Christ. Matthew wrote: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

The promised Messiah foretold by the prophet Isaiah: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

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

Jesus saith unto [Philip], "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], "Shew us the Father?" Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake." (John 14:9-11)

This is why Thomas recognized who Jesus was when he said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)

This is why Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30-33)
"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 5:19)

"To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen" (Jude 1:25) "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13) The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last., the beginning and the end. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which IS Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

"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: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)

In other words, "hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16)

John continues, stating: "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:9-14)

In other words, God became flesh. The same Almighty God that created the world, and everything within, became flesh and dwelt among us -- so that we might inherit eternal life. He did so because He loved us beyond measure. He did so because He who knew no sin wanted to make us His chosen people, a royal generation -- His bride. (I Peter 2:9)

But what do we do? We allow the "religious culture" and the "false teachers" of this day to hijack the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom to "another gospel" -- therefore, butchering the greatest love story ever told to man.

This same scripture that John was willing to give up his life for is later revised without any accountability from the authors of the NIV version -- which states: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3)

It's no wonder Paul wrote: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who IS the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

But we do not have to count ourselves among the blinded. Rather, remain true to the gospel of Jesus the Christ today. Don't look to man for your salvation, but diligently read His Word and let Jesus lead and guide you into all truth. Understand the doctrine of Christ. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 1:6) For our Lord God and Saviour Jesus willingly shed His blood on the cross for you and I. He never fails.

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13) Stand in the offering plate.