Jesus Calls Us Into A Love Relationship With Him, And To Be Clothed With His Garment of Righteousness -- Part 1275

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ and called to be an apostle separated unto the gospel of God (which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures) concerning His only begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 1:1-6)

"Wherefore also we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of [this calling] and fulfill 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 Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:11)

In the world today, there are those who rely on the ten commandments as their personal measure of rightness, and sadly, that same mindset is taking hold in the modern day religious community today. Scriptures that confirm that "by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast -- are being discarded in favour of mixing the new testament wine with the old covenant rituals. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:36-39) 

Be conscious of a couple of points here. First, the law and ten commandments were never given to the Gentiles. The law was given to God's chosen people in the old covenant -- the Israelites. Second, Jesus satisfied the precepts of the law on the cross, when He shed His precious blood for us. 

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days], which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ." (Colossians 2:13-17)

This means that when men try to beguile you with enticing words, or conversely, attempt to entangle us once again into bondage, we are still to remain in the steadfastness of our faith in Christ. 

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ. 

For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power, in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:6-12; Romans 6:3-14)

Jesus satisfied the law, and when we turn to Him, taking on His name in water baptism, He quickens "us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus -- that in the ages to come, He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:5-7)

But man's disconnect with the Lord God began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. Throughout the old testament, we see God's chosen people falling into sin and idol worship, and thus, never reaching the promised land. There are exceptions, as outlined in Hebrews 11 whereby we see some who remained in good standing because of their faith.

But as a collective, God's chosen people did not willingly respond to His goodness and grace, even though they were never without. As a consequence, He said that they would never enter into His rest. Instead, He would give His rest to another people, who were not His people. Us -- you and I, who desire to be filled with His joy and peace and mercy and love. 

But as we understand from the old testament, sin divided man from God. In actuality, sin is breaking the law of God. It separates us from knowing God personally. And, as sin and transgression play out in our society, sin binds us spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Thus, from a legal perspective, we were damned. Like the laws of this world, when we transgress them there is a punishment. The same applies to God's law. When we break God's law, we are separated from God, resulting in death. (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:2; Matthew 25:46)

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

But God loved us beyond measure. So much so that He decided (even before the world was formed) to love a people who were not His people -- the Gentiles -- us. His desire was for us to become "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)

Paul wrote, "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby when ye read ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:2-6)

We are the new chosen of the chosen when we ask Jesus to become Lord in our heart and lives. But righteous, not of our own doing, but because of the blood sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. 

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His stripes you were healed. Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (I Peter 2:23-24)

And herein lies the issue. The world focuses on the ten commandments because they do not understand that the commandments were given to His chosen on the old testament side. But to us -- the Gentiles -- after the cross, the law serves only as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But AFTER THAT FAITH HAS COME, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

(Note that if one continues to judge others according to the law/ten commandments, then they will be judged by the same measure they use. (Matthew 7:1-6) This does not refer to those who proclaim themselves to be teachers/preachers/apostles/evangelists/prophets, etc. because there is a host of other scripture pertaining to them but I digress).

Referring to the rituals of the old testament -- "Then, verily, the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary for there was a tabernacle made: the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread, which is called the sanctuary, and after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all. Now when these things were thus ordained the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which He offered for Himself and for the errors of the people; the Holy ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:1-8)

As noted here, all things are cleansed with blood and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:1; Hebrews 9:22) 

"For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover, He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these ... for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others, for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world, but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this is the judgement, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He offer appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:19-28)

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-2)

Thus, "for this cause He [is/was made] the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood," (Hebrews 9:15-18)

We see this when Jesus gave up the ghost on the cross. The veil of the old covenant was torn from top to bottom.

"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent." (Matthew 27:51)

"And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mark 15:38)

"And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst." (Luke 23:45)

"By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:20)

This explains why "their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." (II Corinthians 3:14)

But again, I digress.

"But Christ as a son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Hebrews 3:6) This same God, "who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being in the brightness of His 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, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-12) 

Until all His enemies have been made His footstool. (Hebrews 1:13)

This is why we need to escape the righteous judgement of the law and accept the sacrifice that our Lord God made when He became our Saviour on the cross. 

"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

"Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." (Romans 5:9)

"And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds you were healed." (I Peter 2:23)

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)

"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 1:1-18)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, [I say,] whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven, and you that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight -- if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven ..." (Colossians 1:16-23)

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross meant that our sins were imputed to Christ and thus He Himself who knew no sin cancelled out our debt -- "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:14-15)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (I Peter 2:24-25)

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:2) 

The sacrifice that God made on the cross was a legal sacrifice. Therein, He has declared, "It is finished." Our debt of sin has been satisfied -- paid in full -- when we turn to Jesus in our hearts, and allow Him to reign supreme in our lives.

"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

He paid the price for our sin once and for all. Our sins -- past, present and future, so that we would no longer be burdened by our wrongs, but could press toward the mark of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

How? "By abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace." (Ephesians 2:15) 

"Glory to God in the highest, peace and good will to all." (Luke 2:14) Our sins legally satisfied when we accept Jesus into our hearts, and follow through by being baptized in His precious name. (Acts 2:36-38) Being clothed in His garment of righteousness.

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference - for all have sinned and fallen 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; to declare, [I say], at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 

[Is He] the God of the Jews only? [Is He] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith. God forbid; yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:21-31)

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more. Therefore, 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.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:10-21) 

Does that mean we should go and sin? Of course not. What it means is that sin shall not have dominion over us when we yield ourselves to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. The key being we "were" the servants of sin, "but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18)
And finally, one last scripture for clarity (that sadly, has so often been taken out of context), reducing our personal invitation to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time -- the marriage of the Lamb of which we -- the true church/body of Christ has made herself ready (arrayed in fine linen, clean and white for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints -- Jesus within our hearts) to that of relationships in the world. (Revelation 19:7-9)

Please note also that this instruction is given to those who knew the law -- the Israelites -- so that there is no confusion between the old covenant instruction and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the new testament.

"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives, but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then, if while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress,, but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Wherefore, my brethren, YE ALSO ARE BECOME DEAD TO THE LAW BY THE BODY OF CHRIST that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, "Thou shalt not covet." But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died, and the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:1-25) 

But here is the key point for all of us to remember -- "THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT -- FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HAS MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH ..." (Romans 8:1-39)

Thus, "I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height,, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

Press into Jesus because He never fails. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Gain an understanding by studying His Word as doth a workman approved unto God, rightly discerning the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) Remain steadfast in the apostles doctrine, becoming a flow through to the world around you. (Acts 2:36-47) Stand in the offering plate. 

For We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth -- Part 1274

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

"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now  I beseech you brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints,, that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed." (Romans 15:29-33)

"For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established, that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant ..." (Romans 1:11-13)

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (II Corinthians 13:1) That the Word of God, through which we are sanctified, is not taught in error. But rather, "sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

And, neither changing the truth of God into a lie, and thus, worshiping and serving the creature more than our beloved Creator. (Romans 1:25)

Instead, we as believers in Jesus by faith, as preachers and teachers, disciples and/or apostles, evangelists and/or prophets, ministers and/or priests of the good news gospel, or elders/deacons within the body of Christ, or those displaying the gifts of the Holy Ghost should not be burdensome, nor seek your's. Did you catch that?

Those who preach the gospel should not be burdensome, NOR SEEK YOUR'S. Instead, as apostle Paul writes -- I seek rather you. As in "you" loving the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength -- standing in the offering plate, giving of yourself to those things that are right and just. And as such, your heart's desires being openly displayed for the kingdom of God, so that no one within the body of Christ is without. (Acts 2:36-47)

Why did Paul consider this important? Because we are to look after one another, and cherish those who are members of the body of Christ. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." (I Corinthians 10:24) Note that the word wealth here actually means well-being. We see a similar message in the epistle of Paul the apostle to the Philippians:

"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:2-4)

But there is more.

Apostle Paul added clarity to his message when he continued, saying, "For the children ought not to lay up for the parents but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you ..." (II Corinthians 12:14-16)

When we come to Jesus by faith, those who helped us achieve salvation and eternal life should be laying up treasure for you -- not the other way around. This is why apostle Paul repeatedly wrote that he would not have us ignorant and neither would he have us burdened by those in positions of authority -- who being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)

For example, he wrote, "now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles." (Romans 1:13) Because in Paul's mind, when you accept Jesus into your heart and follow in the apostles doctrine, "ye are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:19-20)

Further, "for I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25)  Because as new babes in Christ, we need to understand the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father until the fullness of time had come. "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 1:18) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Moreover, "brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4) Because as Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost instructed the first 3,000 souls saved in this new testament dispensation of grace, we are to repent, and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and that we, as a consequence would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

Again, there is more. 

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." (I Corinthians 12:1) Because there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord, and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. And that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal -- whether the word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, or interpretation -- but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:2-11)

And also, apostle Paul warned us not to be ignorant of those who are ignorant.

"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished; but the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men, but beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:1-9)

Therefore, be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour Jesus, who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16)

As the apostle declared to one and all -- "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong, and this also we wish [even] your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification and not to destruction ... be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (II Corinthians 13:9-14)

What does all this mean? That as believers in Jesus by faith we willingly choose to follow our Lord God and Saviour, being clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In essence, we become to the world "fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ. We are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no certain dwelling place, and labour, working with our own hands, being reviled, we bless, being persecuted we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat; we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day.

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ... for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (I Corinthians 4:10-20)

The message in the first chapter of John could not be any clearer and yet because of traditions of men and a religious culture that tickles men's ears rather than align teachings with the scriptures, we stumble. But for what? If the Word is God and the Word became flesh, then yes, that means God became flesh and dwelt among us. The same God who created the world and all its inhabitants loved you and I so much that He became flesh and took our place of sin on the cross of Calvary. The greatest love story ever told is the story of our Lord God -- the same God in the beginning -- becoming our Saviour.

This is why Jesus is the last name given under Heaven whereby we can be saved. Jesus is the Christ that was foretold by the prophets. Jesus is the Lord God Almighty who both created us and then took on the shame of the cross so that we might have life. There is no other. Indeed, Jesus is Lord! The same begotten that came from the bosom of God for the time that He was on earth has now returned to His throne.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life! A Son only while on earth where the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Now Jesus is the King of Kings. He is the Spirit that is holy. He is the God who willingly shed His blood for our salvation. Make Jesus King in your life today. And don't let anyone Lord over you, unless they are willing to ensure you find the treasures within the gospel -- that desired tree of life.

Let him/her with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!

And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" - Part 1273

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answering said unto him, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God, and, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end."

Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible."

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy Word."

And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

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

He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever." And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

And his mother answered and said, "Not so; but he shall be called John."

And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, "His name is John". And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him."

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant -- the oath which he sware to our father Abraham ...

That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel." (Luke 1:4-80)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus today, for He is the Only One who can save you from your sins. The Lord God Almighty Himself who knew no sin was made flesh so that we could inherit eternal life.

Indeed, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6-7)

And Ye Shall Call His Name Jesus, For He Shall Save His People From Their Sin - Part 1272

"O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For Thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built. Therefore shall the strong people glorify Thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear Thee.

For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 9:1-9)

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "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 1:21-23)

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"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, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

"For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the Word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou might know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." (Luke 1:-4)

"Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. This is He whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me, for He was before me. And I knew Him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel -- therefore, am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:29-30)

His name is Jesus -- God Almighty Himself manifest in the flesh, shedding His precious blood on a cross so that we might know Him personally, and experience abundant life in Him. If you have not already, ask Jesus to become Lord in your life. Seek His wonderful face through the Word, and in continuous prayer, rejoicing evermore in His goodness and grace. And after repenting, be water baptized in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you can be fully clothed in His garment of righteousness. (Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:1-4) The Holy Ghost -- our Comforter who will lead and guide us into all truth.

May the Lord Jesus richly bless you! Stand in the offering plate!

Jesus Will Never Abandon You - Part 1271

Thomas saith unto [Jesus], "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?" Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:5-7)

Note that Jesus' statements here confused Philip, who then said unto Jesus, "Lord, shew us the father and it suffices us." What did Jesus say? "Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? [he] that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" Believe thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? And the words that I speak unto you, I speak not of Myself, but the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works sake. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believes on Me the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." (John 14:8-16)

And who is the Comforter? "The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him but ye know Him -- for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I shall not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." (John 14:17-18)

The Holy Ghost will come and fill us with His abundance of joy, as occurred on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 to believe repented and were water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47) Even though, as Jesus said, the disciples would only see Jesus for a little while, and then no more, Jesus said He would live within us -- after He was taken up. (Acts 1:2) 

But you may be wondering how that can happen, which is why Jesus' response here is so instructive. Jesus said, "At that day, ye shall know that I am in My Father and ye in Me and I in you. He that hath My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me, and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:20-21) 

The Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour dwelling within. The same Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary to bring forth the holy thing -- Jesus -- will dwell within us when we take hold of His truth. When we seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Note that there are those in the religious culture that would suggest that Jesus is not God Almighty, but this is because these do not have the truth in them. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The same Word that was in the beginning with God WAS GOD and He Himself who knew no sin, came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18) 

And He -- Jesus who is both Lord and Christ -- never fails. (Acts 2:36) 

This is why we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people -- so that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God, which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10)

"Whosoever keeps His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected, hereby know that we are in Him." (I John 2:5)

We have so much to be very thankful for.  And as if salvation and eternal life were not enough, Jesus also said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4)

Ponder on these beloved truths of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ on this day. Seek understanding from His Word. Get to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ better, and know, that Jesus never fails. He never abandons us, but carries us in our time of struggles and times of need. And He is most faithful, because He already knows our victory in Jesus. 

He paid the price for our sin on the cross with His precious blood shed for you and I. The stripes so that we might be healed from our earthly sickness and disease. And this same Jesus, who loved us even before the world was formed, is coming back to receive those who have believed on His name in this current dispensation of grace.

"And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:10-11)

This same Jesus -- the everlasting Father -- who created the world desired our hearts enough to become as one of us. Stand in the offering plate.

How Great His Love For You and I - Part 1270

"The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before His works of old.

I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.

While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there: when He set a compass upon the face of the depth, when He established the clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep: when He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth, then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him.

And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him." (Proverbs 8:22-30)

"Rejoice evermore." (I Thessalonians 5:16) 

"But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." (Psalm 68:3)

"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify Thy name for evermore." (Psalm 86:12)

"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:8)

So, the reason for life is so that we can respond to Jesus invitation to attend the wedding feast of all time. With the Master who has sheltered us in the palm of His hand from the beginning. The same God who knows our heart willingly became our Saviour. And He is alive and was dead and behold lives for ever more.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phillipians 4:4) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Now the Lord is That Spirit: and Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Liberty. - Part 1269

GOD IS SPIRIT. Indeed, the Spirit of God fills the heavens and the earth. While admittedly, no man has seen God at any time, God counselled with Himself before deciding to reveal Himself to His creation by showing His Spirit in a visible form.

Consider this. JESUS, the Alpha of the revelation of the Spirit of God in visible form. And JESUS being the only begotten Son of God. Yes, Jesus was begot. JESUS was not created. Jesus came forth from the innermost being of God. JESUS being the one self same God who is Spirit, now appearing in visible form.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ..." (John 1:1)

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

JESUS, coming forth from God’s bosom (or explained another way, His innermost being). In other words, JESUS coming forth of God. He was without father or mother and without descent. What does this mean? First and foremost, JESUS is not "another" God. Rather, Jesus is the one and same God who created us in the very beginning.

Jesus is the same God Spirit stepping forth in visible form. The SAME GOD.

"The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man. He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war. He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies." (Isaiah 42:13)

JESUS -- God in visible form displaying and revealing God’s splendour, wisdom and power to all creation. This explains why the scriptures state that in JESUS was all the fullness of the Spirit of God, now seen in visible form. JESUS, in visible form being the Same God who is Spirit.

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) The Spirit of the Lord God

We call JESUS the Only Begotten Son Of God because JESUS came forth from the innermost being of God. We now see the Spirit of the previously unseen God in the visible form of JESUS. JESUS, who had neither the beginning of days nor ending of life is the same one God who made all things.

"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) "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 ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not." (John 1:1-18)

As such, JESUS revealed to man that, “All that the Father has is Mine." The only begotten is Jesus. All things whither seen or unseen were made by JESUS and for JESUS for it is written that JESUS is the beginning of the revealing of God in visible form.

"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)

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11

Thus saith God the LORD, "He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and Spirit to them that walk therein ..." (Isaiah 42:5)

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands." (Acts 17:24)

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands ..." (Hebrews 1:10)

"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)

"By the Word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." (Psalms 33:6)

"Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth." (Psalms 115:15)

Thus saith the LORD, Thy redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, "I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself." (Isaiah 44:24)    

And saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein ...." (Acts 14:15)   

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17)  

"Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is herein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee." (Nehemiah 9:6)  

"By His Spirit He hath garnished the heavens; His hand hath formed the crooked serpent." (Job 26:13)

"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding." (Isaiah 40:28)

Yes, in the beginning, God who is Spirit created the Heavens and the earth -- the earth being without form and void -- a time when darkness covered the earth. From the scriptures we read that a voice was heard saying, “Let there be Light."

JESUS the visible God spoke His own Words. Surely, when God speaks, He speaks through His own mouth which is the mouth of JESUS, who is God, albeit visible and invisible, but altogether Almighty GOD nevertheless.

In the beginning, JESUS who is God alone spoke His intent for the world and its inhabitants. His Spirit moved upon His Word and whatever God’s purposed intent was, it was realized and materialized. JESUS as God saying that His new creation is good.

Why? Because God made man in His own image. He made man from the dust of the earth fashioned like as unto His own visible form. Upon completion, God breathed into man the breath of life, causing man to become a living soul.

As a result, Adam was created in the form of God from the dust of the earth. Eve was also formed of God with Eve being formed out of one of Adam’s ribs. The reason for this? Adam and Eve were to become one flesh - bone of man’s bone and flesh of man’s flesh. Similarly, Adam received of God the breath of life.

Upon receiving GOD’S breath, Adam became a living soul. (Note - Adam was capable of producing offspring bearing his own image) But after Adam sinned through disobedience to God’s initial instructions, Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden of Eden.

Whereupon the fulfillment of this initial action by Adam and Eve, God purposed to veil Himself in flesh so that we might be saved. God’s fleshly form was to be veiled and birthed even as we are. Thus, God purposely entered this world to save Adam and Eve, His Beloved, for in them did dwell HIS BREATH!. In other words, Adam was to God even as Eve was to Adam.

This is why JESUS laid down HIS life for HIS betrothed. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

And If Any Man Sin We Have An Advocate With the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous - Part 1268

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster ..." (Galatians 3:24-25)

Jesus warned us of false prophets and teachers who would mimic His miracles with signs and wonders, while preaching and promoting "another" gospel. And, in fact, we are seeing more and more teachers who preach a gospel that has nothing to do with our Lord God and Saviour, but promote their ideology under the guise of Christianity.

Perhaps, this is why Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works?" And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you -- as Paul would say. As believers in Jesus by faith, we are to believe the truth that is in His Word. Indeed, we are sanctified by the truth. "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

And who is the Word? Jesus.

"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 ... 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 ... and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John 1:1-18)

But if the teachers among us speak only of God, and not God in Christ, from whence comes our salvation? The scriptures state, "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 .... and if ye be Christ's, then ye are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

Sadly, however, many within the modern day religious culture do not want to accept the liberty that we have in Christ Jesus. Instead, there is this collective desire among them to entangle us once again with the law, and church legalism, because for them, grace being a gift of God is too difficult to understand. The Word compensates for this, stating:

"They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." (I John 2:19)

For the record, "the scripture hath concluded all under sin -- that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith -- BUT AFTER THAT FAITH IS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER." (Galatians 3:22-25)

Is this to suggest that the law then is against the promises of God? Of course not. Rather, just a much needed reminder that we are all sinners saved as a consequence of the mercy and love of our Lord God and Saviour. He paid the price on the cross, when He shed His precious blood for you and I.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." (Galatians 3:13)

He who knew no sin gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Apostle Paul said it right. "But I certify you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after men. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:1-12)

"By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man boast." (Ephesians 2:8)

"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 f sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent for the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore, thou art no more a servant but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:3-7)

And because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we no longer have to turn to the weak and beggarly elements, "where unto ye desire again to be in bondage." (Galatians 4:9)

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (I John 2:1-3)

Stand in the offering plate.

Let No Man Steal That Which God Hath Joined - Part 1267

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Mark 10:9)
Most attribute this scripture to marriage in the world. Indeed, these words are included in most traditional wedding ceremonies. But let's look at this scripture in isolation from the context around it. I recognize that separating a particular verse that is part of a thread may invite criticism. Please note that this is not my intention. Rather, the intent today is to focus on the latter part of the scripture -- "let no man put asunder."

Having said this, it strikes me as sad that there are so many in the religious culture endeavouring to do just that -- asunder the Word of God. These often express (through their actions) that God must have been mistaken in what He said. That perhaps, as a consequence of the traditions and mindset of the modern day religious culture, God must have only designated the miracles and signs and wonders for when the apostles were on earth. As if God was indeed the author of confusion.

Herein, lies the problem. We need to believe that God said what He meant and meant what He said. How do we know this? Because God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders, and miracles, both on earth and in the heavens above, and thus, thereby has established sufficient evidence to prove both His existence, and His love for His beloved creation. But let's not stop there.

From the scriptures, we know that God declared "peace and good will" to all in this current dispensation of grace. "Glory to God in the highest, peace and good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

We likewise know that the Church started in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. "Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22)

Therein, the event was the day of Pentecost, when the day was fully come. Just before gathering in Jerusalem, Jesus had been taken up, "after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:2)

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James (the son of Alpaeus) and Simon Zelotes, and Judas (the brother of Jesus). These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren -- about one hundred and twenty in total. In this upper room, a new apostle was appointed -- Matthias, to replace Judas who by transgression fell. Note that Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles. They were all with one accord in one place.

Note that this was also the place where the first message was delivered by men who were anointed by the Holy Ghost. This historical event is recorded in Acts 2 so that we could give earnest heed to the Word that God delivered to us as well. As an aside, not that this event was recorded in such a way so that we as believers in Jesus by faith could discern between the teachings that are scriptural and accurate and those that are not.

In this context, the question we need to ask ourselves -- examining ourselves and our personal beliefs -- is whether the Word of God is coming to us, or out from us. Of course, if we think about this question, then the correct response is that indeed the Word is coming to us -- for none of us were there.

Thus, when other churches present themselves as the "original" church, we need to search the scriptures for the truth. We need to be aware of false teachings so that we do not adhere to the contrary, falsified renderings of that which was confirmed of God through the apostles and contained in the scriptures. Some might argue that ordinary people could not understand the scriptures. That ministers and priests are theological scholars in their field and thus must know more than the ordinary person.

But who did Jesus come to seek and to save? Those which are lost. Those who will humble themselves and recognize Jesus as both Lord and Christ in their hearts. Those who desire to be clothed in His righteousness, clothing themselves in His garment. Being baptized in His name, just as a woman does when she takes on her husband's name in marriage.

As did the first 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost. When these were pricked in their hearts, and asked Peter what they must do to be saved, what was Peter's response?

"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 2:36-39)

Simple, straight forward and to the point.

This is why what God has joined, no man can put asunder. The Word of God is truth. We are sanctified by His Word, and His precious blood on the cross.

"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

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

"Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for the Word of Thy righteousness." (Psalm 119:123)

Who is the Word, according to John 1:1-18? JESUS. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word WAS GOD. "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) 

His name -- Jesus -- is ABOVE every other name. When Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I, He became our salvation. 

"Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise, the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath; that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul -- both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered -- [even] JESUS -- made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6:17-20)

And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin. God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) '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)

When we repent of our sin and are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of Truth which is the holy spirit of God dwelling within you. And thus, He will lead and guide believers into all truth. This is why we encourage you to read your Bible. Search the scriptures for the truth. And ask our Lord God and Saviour to reveal Himself to you. He will give you understanding. In fact, it is written that we have no need that any man teach us because as believers in Jesus by faith, we will be taught of God.

This is why it is important to present to believers the practice of the early church in Acts chapter 2:37-42. So that no man can put asunder that which God has joined. His Word -- God Himself coming forth as a mighty man, so that we might have abundant life in Him.

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

Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ Hath Declared His Promises to Those Who Believe - Part 1266

"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shares His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD. This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." (Psalm 118:24)

He has declared this to be the day that He -- the LORD -- hath made so rejoice and be glad in it. He -- the LORD hath come forth as a mighty man so that we might have eternal life in Him. He -- the Lord became flesh and dwelt among us. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-12)

Moreover, He was the stone that the builders rejected, even though He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. He paid the price once and for all, His shed blood covering the multitude of our transgressions. 

His name? Jesus the Christ, our beloved Saviour. "And they shall call His name Jesus." (Matthew 1:21-23)

"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 corner stone, 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 2:20-22)

He has chosen and ordained us to be witnesses of His good news gospel. But not everyone desires to understand the truth that Jesus proclaimed, because as Jesus declared, "This people honours Me with their lips but their heart is far away from Me." (Matthew 15:8)

Indeed, Jesus saith unto them -- those perceived to be the religious scholars of the day, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner?" This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes ..." (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11)

When we listen to the message preached by some self declared in the church community today, we might ask the very same question -- did ye never read in the scriptures? But I digress.

The truth is that our Lord God loved us so much that He Himself chose to declare "peace and good will to all" in this current dispensation of grace. He chose to reveal the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world, and He did not leave it to another. He came Himself to redeem and sanctify us with His truth.

"The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar. He shall prevail against His enemies." (Isaiah 42:13)

And to prove His mighty love for His creation, He clothes us in His righteousness. 

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

And His mercy is upon them that fear Him from generation to generation. He that showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away." (Luke 1:46-53)

"For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name." (Luke 1:49)

Interestingly, God exalted Mary in 'due time' to give birth to the blessed Saviour -- who is both Lord and Christ -- and today, He does the same for us. He exalts us in due time when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. (I Peter 5:6) 

We see another example in apostle Paul, (who as Saul, prior to the Lord shining brightly on him on his way to Damascus murdered believers in Jesus by faith with a vengeance), the Lord exalted him in due time to fulfill the purpose that was placed in his heart by our Lord God and Saviour while Saul was still in his mother's womb.

In due time. Not because another man/preacher or priest/self-identified evangelist and/or prophet, etc., declares a promise over us but because the Lord God Almighty has declared us to be His treasure. His child. His friend. It is He who exalts us in due time, to fulfill His purpose placed in our hearts while we were yet being formed.

This is why He has declared us -- you and I -- to be His chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that ye/we should go forth the praises of Him who hath called you/us out of darkness into His marvelous light, which in time past were not a people, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:9-10)

,

Therefore, like the mother of Jesus did which led to the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords, "humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, [so] that He may exalt you [too] in due time. " (I Peter 5:6)

Why? Because you are on this earth for a purpose. Your life is important and valued, Your heart desired by the Most High. Therefore, don't settle for the whims and notions of this world. Instead, ask Jesus to declare His promises over your life, and likewise, exalt you in due time. 

In the interim, rejoice, seeking Jesus through His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Persuaded That He Is Able To Keep That Which You Have Committed Unto Him Against That Day - Part 1265

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)

As believers in Jesus by faith, we can be fully persuaded that our God is able to keep us from falling into the deceptiveness of sin. It is He that shall present us faultless before His majesty with exceeding great joy. The one and only mediator between God and man -- the man Christ Jesus.

"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." (Galatians 3:20)

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ..." (I Timothy 2:5)

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

"And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24)

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:19)

"And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15)

The ghostly presence of the Spirit of God persuades us that we are sitting together with Him in heavenly places, and we understand that sitting identifies that the work of our redemptive salvation is totally complete. For we were not delivered from the dark night of sin by works of righteousness which we had done. For truly, we of our own selves were lost, walking down that road called Broadway -- the road well recognized and yet well worn pathway to sin.

But JESUS our Creator came to our rescue. The same God who at different times and in various manners endeavoured to speak to us through prophets, which prophets for the most part went unheeded. And then God added a Law, which Law endeavoured to awake us from the darkness of sin. But similarly, the Law eventually also became unheeded.

Note that the Law of itself was perfect but we dwelling in prone to sin bodies found ways and means to negate the Law. Indeed, we dressed up sin in fashion that sin would not appear as sin but would be something to be sought after and desired.

Further, the Law was a covenant between two parties -- God and man. And being a covenant it contained demands. But again, because the demands were not adhered to by honest hearts seeking His righteousness, God simply walked out. Even today the other party known as Jews have not come to the realization that God has walked out.

"He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Finally, as a last resort God made a conscious decision to come forth as a mighty man so that we might be saved. This God did! As before, we rebelled against JESUS even as we had previously done to the afore running prophets. This reaction of spiritual blindness -- even though JESUS worked miracles, signs and wonders in their midst as had never been seen performed by any previous to Him.

Here was JESUS shining the light of God in their midst, and yet man hated the light for the light shining exposed their sin and they loved darkness much more than light. So they crucified JESUS who was God manifest in the flesh as a Son. (I Timothy 3:16) In unison, they cried crucify Him, crucify Him. They would not have this man to rule over us.

Still, JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost -- Emmanuel -- meaning God with us. "And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Although the old covenant represented a shadow of good things to come, we know that throughout the centuries, Jesus still loved His creation with an everlasting love. Mercy for His creation that goes beyond any kind of love that we as humans are capable of fathoming. Why? Because God loved us while we were still sinners. He shed His precious blood on a cross before we had an opportunity to respond to His beckoning call. His free gift of grace.

Do you recall when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and they hid among the bushes? God upon visiting the garden seemingly could not find them. Then, upon being discovered God exclaimed, "What have you done?" And from that moment on, God set in motion plans to redeem man and woman from a world of sin and rebellion. At the same time, the devil who had earlier been an angel cast out of heaven ruled the world to which Adam and Eve through adherence to the devil's deceptive words had become captives.

But we were never left stranded. From the very beginning, God had a plan. Described in the scriptures as the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. JESUS being the Word of God, which Word declared that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent or devil's head -- this same JESUS bruised the devil’s head.

In so doing, JESUS exposed man’s real enemy. In fact, He made an open display, casting demonic spirits out of individual lives and healing all that came to Him. Miracle after miracle is recorded so that we might know the King of kings and Lord of lords personally. His name is Jesus. He was the promised Christ.

He is still calling you today, inviting you to the wedding feast. Asking for your presence in paradise. Extending His free gift of salvation -- that is not of works but a consequence of His grace and mercy for each and every one of us.

"By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God."

Come to Him today and let Jesus fulfill the promises and purposes that He wrote in your heart while you were still in your mother's womb. Ask Jesus to become Lord in your life. Seek His blessings and joy that have been set aside specifically for you. Indeed, your name is already written on the gift. All that is left is for you to ask Jesus to become your Lord and Christ.

Read the scriptures, particularly the new testament written specifically for today -- the current dispensation of grace in which we live. Be thankful. Rejoice evermore. And know that Jesus will never fail you!

Stand in the offering plate.