Let No Man Put Asunder His Precious Word of God - Part 1082

What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. (Mark 10:9)

"Let no man put asunder ..." Have you ever considered just how many endeavour to asunder the Word of God on a daily basis -- expressing through their actions, or conversely, the message in their sermons that God must have been mistaken in what He said? Fortunately, the one foundation that believers in Jesus by faith recognize is that God said what He meant and meant what He said. How do we know this?

For two reasons. First, God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders, thereby establishing confirmation. Second, after being taken up, He -- Jesus -- "through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed 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 ..." (Acts 1:1-5)

Through the Holy Ghost, giving His commandments. It is in this context that we know that the Church started in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts chapter 2. This was where the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon believers occurred. It was in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost where the first message was delivered by men who were anointed by the Holy Ghost. This historical event is recorded in the Bible so that we too could give earnest heed to the Word that God that was delivered personally to us by Him that knew no sin. (Acts 2:1-47)

The establishing of the early church was also recorded here so that we as believers could discern between the teachings that are scripturally accurate and those that are not. Remember, God is not the author of confusion. Every scripture aligns in perfect accordance to those who seek Jesus and His righteousness by faith.

The question we need to ask ourselves (and the religious culture of the day that promotes false doctrines that are not consistent with His Word)  is whether the Word of God is coming out from them OR as the Word states -- to them.

"What? Came the Word of God out from you? Or, came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you ARE the commandments of the Lord." (I Corinthians 14:36-38)

Recall that it was the ordinary folks in Jesus time that heard Him gladly. The reason for this? Jesus did not speak as the scribes and Pharisees did -- even though some believed because He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:29)

All this to say that the intellectual church fathers of Rome (who proclaim that they knew what Jesus really meant to say) still take mountains of footnotes spun in ecclesiastical language to say what God said to us in a few words.

That is, the Spirit of Truth which is the holy Spirit of God will lead and guide believers in Him into all truth. This is why it is critical to study your Bible, as a workman doeth, so that we cannot be misled by false dogma presented by the modern day church. Whey you do, God will give you  all the understanding needed. In fact, it is written that we have no need that any man teach us because all believers will be taught of God.

"But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, AND YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU, but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him." (I John 2:27)

This is why the authors of this blog consider it so important to constantly present that believers ought to be baptized according to the practice of the early church in Acts chapter 2:37-42 because very few religions teach this. Indeed, some churches stop at Acts 2:37, while others skip to the end of the second chapter of Acts. Few preach (or follow through) with the response by Peter, standing with the eleven apostles when it comes to water baptism.

"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." (Acts 2:37-38)

On that day, the first 3000 to believe in Jesus were baptized into His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ -- and likewise, every other believer baptized in the new testament.

Note however that the false church originating in Rome (and the numerous other religions that have blindly followed their lead) falsified the scripture and ordered that believers be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Admittedly, they substituted another practice into the congregation. Their form is found in the re-written version of Matthew 28:19.

But as we also know, Father, Son and Spirit are not names. These are descriptive titles. And when the Apostles actually baptized people in the scriptures, they did so recognizing that in Jesus dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Read your Bible and obey the scriptures as the first 3000 believers did. They were not mislead. They did not add to the scriptures. Neither did the apostles create additional teachings over and above the scriptures. Instead, they let God be true and everyone who taught contrary to the scriptures a liar.

When asked what one had to do to be saved, Peter standing with the eleven said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

This scripture is equally relevant for believers today. Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear; But of Power, Love, and Of A Sound Mind - Part 1081

In this day and age, when God's instructions are readily available to us from both the old and new testaments, why do we still resort to "statues" as a form of worship? Or, in this situation below, a reference point for the good news gospel of Jesus Christ? I can only imagine how grieved our Lord God and Saviour must be -- knowing that we have been instructed NOT to make unto Him any graven image, and yet, many who proclaim to be "religious" still do.


This issue became front and centre after visiting a loved one at the hospital yesterday. At the front door entrance, there stood a statue of which someone nearby informed me was "a statue of God." How misled we are. Moreover, how far from the truth have we come when we replace the good news gospel of Jesus Christ with various forms of idolatry. 

What the modern day religious culture (that create statues intended to represent Almighty God) does not tell us is that God is Spirit. (John 4:24) Jesus told the woman at the well -- "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God [is] a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship [Him] in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

God a Spirit, or the Spirit of God has not changed from the beginning of time. Right from creation, the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters when He created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:2) But note also that this same Spirit of God did not mince words when it came to man-made graven images.

And God spake all these words, saying, "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage -- Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.  Thou shalt not make unto Thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them .. for I, the Lord thy God [am] a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate Me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments." (Exodus 20:1-6) 

And later in Leviticus: "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God." (Leviticus 26:1)

The Spirit of the Lord God. This same Spirit was in the world  -- all things were made by Him-- but the world knew Him not. (Isaiah 9:6) 

"God with us" for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"The Spirit of the Lord God [is] upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek, He hath sent Me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn ..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)

But once Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, and then ascended forty days after showing Himself alive by many infallible proofs, He is now the Spirit that dwells within those who believe in Jesus by faith. 


"Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed 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)


Yes, when we repent of our sins and are baptized in the precious name of Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord God lives within us. (Acts 2:37-38) 

The Word that was with God in the beginning and the Word that was also God in the beginning -- "the "same" was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made ... He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1-14)

Not another Spirit but the same One Spirit -- Almighty God Himself who willingly dwelt on this earth so that He could redeem us from our sin, once and for all. 

But even Jesus said to His disciples, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you ... and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement, of sin, because they believe not on Me. Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more." (John 16:7-10)

Once ascended, He said, "Ye will see Me no more." (John 16:10)

But, as Jesus told us beforehand, "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever, [even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:17)

Jesus said, "... the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, [that] shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2) But this does not give us a license to create graven images and statues and refer to them as God. His Word still stands true. 

"Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.  Thou shalt not make unto Thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them .. for I, the Lord thy God [am] a jealous God ..." (Exodus 20:1-6)

This explains why we are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit -- if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. (Romans 8:9)

And yes, He is still the Lord thy God -- a jealous God who wants more than our money. His name in this dispensation of grace is Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved! 

"Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Therefore, be of sound mind and sound doctrine. Don't believe the religious whims and idol creations of this modern day culture. Rather, read His Word for your understanding and let our Lord God and Saviour -- Jesus the Christ -- teach you all things. Stand in the offering plate.

Thou Hast Magnified Thy Word Above All Thy Name - Part 1080

"Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." (Psalm 138:2)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.The SAME was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, 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 -- to them that BELIEVE ON HIS NAME." (John 1:1-18)

Lately, there appears a willingness by the religious culture of this day to accept the various names used by God in the old covenant as His only name -- rather than the name of Jesus as given for this current dispensation of grace. The Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, comes to mind. But there are others too. Indeed, more and more churches of all persuasions are using the Hebrew names for God Elohim and/or YHVH in their worship services -- as a memorial unto all generations. 

The problem with this practice is that in this "current" dispensation of grace -- defined as the new testament in our Bibles -- there is only one name worthy of worship. That name? Jesus the Christ.

JESUS -- the only name given whereby we can be saved. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

JESUS -- "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

JESUS -- "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

JESUS -- "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men come to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time ..." (I Timothy 2:3-6)

JESUS -- "So then faith [cometh] by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)

JESUS -- "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ...for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ..." (Romans 10:9-10)

JESUS -- "I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world, thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me, and they have kept Thy Word ..." (John 17:6)

JESUS -- "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) 

Now this brings me to my second point. These types of misunderstandings from the Word would not be happening if we -- as believers in Jesus Christ by faith took the necessary time to study the scriptures, as a workman doeth. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

There is an interesting scripture in Romans, which states: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

Again, too often, we have relied on "others" to provide us with His knowledge and wisdom, even though each and every one of us are all called to become ministers of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ to all creation. And as a consequence of not seeking Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are destroyed, as the Word of the Lord says "for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected Thee." (Hosea 4:6)

Isaiah's vision, a prophecy for these days, also provides sobering insights worth reading:

"For, behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water. The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], "Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand," in that day shall he swear, saying, "I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of His glory."

The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be well with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be ill with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." (Isaiah 3:1-12)

Jesus told us that He would lead us into all knowledge and truth, and that His truth would set us free. But if we want to know His truth, we have to get to know His Word -- the same Word that is above all of God's previous names throughout history -- the only name given under heaven whereby we must be saved.

But most of all, true believers should not ever be in a situation whereby "babes shall rule over them." (Isaiah 3:4) 

Trust Jesus today! Stand firm with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ in His offering plate. 

Now Then We Are Ambassadors for Christ- Part 1079

"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 53:6)

These words were spoken to Isaiah, the son of Amoz in a vision. Therein, he saw things concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me ..." (Isaiah 1:1-2)

By now, the Lord was already questioning the sacrifices of old, when He asked, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts, and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me, the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hateth; they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear [them]." (Isaiah 1:11-14)

Had this been the start and stop of God's love for His creation, there would have been no salvation. There would not have been hope and joy and peace that passeth all understanding. But God had a plan, right from the beginning. That is, God Himself would offer Himself -- as a gift of love -- so that we might have eternal life. (John 1:1-18)

"Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2:17)

It is for this reason that we no longer live under the bondage of old covenant law. Instead, when we believe in Jesus by faith, we are set free. (John 8:32) The law which was a schoolmaster to bring us to the point of repentance was fulfilled once and for all when our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ shed His blood on the cross for us.

"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)

And, as a consequence, we have been loosed from the bands of captivity. "Shake thyself from the dust." saith the Lord, "Ye have sold yourselves for nought, and ye shall be redeemed without money." (Isaiah 52:1-3) Even then, the Lord was saying to come out from among them, and break forth into joy, and sing together -- because the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, was about to willingly become as one of us, in the likeness of man so that we could be redeemed. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah continued, writing what he saw, saying, "Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground. he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see Him, [there] is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man  of sorrows, and acquainted with grief ; and we hid as it were [our] faces from Him; He was despised and we esteemed Him not.

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." (Isaiah 53:1-5)

Yes, we all (like sheep) have gone astray. (Isaiah 53:6) We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement, and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in His mouth.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him. He hath put [Him] to grief -- when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see [His] seed, He shall prolong [His] days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see of the travail of His soul [and] shall be satisfied, by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many -- for He shall bear their iniquities.

"Therefore, will I divide Him [a portion] with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hat poured out His soul unto death; and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12)

The transgressors are you and I. We were all born into sin, but because of the sacrifice made by God Himself on a cross, we can now become the sons of God. When the first 3,000 pricked in their hearts asked Peter, standing with the apostles, "What shall we do?" Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)

And when we repent and are baptized in Jesus' name, we become a new creature in Christ. We begin to understand how God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.

"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 give to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19)

And His own blood sacrifice was laid down on the cross for our sins. He paid the price once and for all.

"For which we have not an high priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are], [yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

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 5:20-21)

Be blessed! Stand in the offering plate.

Mary Rejoiced in God Her Saviour! Part 1078

At the end of the day, it is important to note that the Christian New Testament teachings- the scriptures - unclothe the hypocrisy that is too often found within institutionalized religions. Indeed, the self asserted church by their sorcery have in their teachings endeavoured to supplant the authority of the written Word of God even though the Word  (Revelation 17:1-18)- God Himself - delivered the scriptures to be an inward light and door of enlightenment so that fallen man can obtain free redemption.(John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

We learn more when we read about the wedding feast that JESUS attended. We know that Mary was in attendance. The wine was flowing. And, in fact, as recorded in the scriptures, there was a thirst for more - the original estimated consumption of wine being inadequate. Indeed, the scriptures indicate that the wine ran out.

Mary jumps in to solve the problem. She approaches JESUS relaying the message that there is no more wine. JESUS says to Mary, "Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come."

This is an important scripture because within this statement, we find that Jesus did not exalt His mother Mary to the same status as some modern day church theologies do today. Historically, for those who might not be aware, institutionalized religion (around 300-400 AD) exalted the importance and status of the mother of Jesus -- Mary, to that of a distinguished mediator. In so doing, Mary has been given an elevated status that pre-empts all others who approach JESUS on behalf of others. Simply put, this is ludicrous satanic thinking. For one, Jesus Himself did not exalt His earthly mother to this church initiated status. Two, as said previously, Mary herself proclaimed in the scriptures that “Her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour!"

Let me at this point state that the Scriptures declared, "For this cause are many weak and sickly among us ... and many sleep." These words are there for a reason.. (Note that in this context sleep refers to the sleep of death) For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when God judges us, we are chastened of God that we might not be condemned with the wicked. This is important to understanding how we fit within the body of Christ. Why? Because as a believer, you are the body of the Christ. (I Corinthians 12:1-31) And as such, we are to seek Him through His Word!

Further, the Word of God is Spirit and life. The Word of God -- because it is the Word of God will quicken, or make alive your mortal body. Conversely, the rejection of the Word of God is likened to drinking poison. Rather than pursuing the latter - a dead end street - receive the engrafted Word of God which is sent to heal you. There is a reason that the scriptures state that “MY WORD IS SPIRIT AND TRUTH. " There is also a reason why we, as believers are encouraged to eat from the tree of Life. This is because JESUS is the very Word of God! Jesus is also the one and only mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5)

Mary and company wanted to converse with JESUS, but they were unable to do so. Why? Because there were many people blocking their way. As we read in the scriptures, one cried out to JESUS saying, "Your mother and your brethren are without trying to speak to you." Do you remember the responses? JESUS answered by saying, "Who is my mother and my brethren?" Jesus then added that those people who hear the Word of God and do it, these are my mother and my brethren. In other words, Mary (apart from her believing) still was a part of Adam’s fallen prone to sin race. (Matthew 12:46-50)

In the same example, another shouts to JESUS saying, "Blessed is/was the womb that bore you and the breasts that you did suck." (Luke 11:27) Again JESUS responded saying. “More blessed are they that hear the WORD of GOD and do it." Once again, Mary is not elevated to a superior status within the body but rather as part of the rank and file believer. The Church which is the body of Christ -- whereby Jesus is the Head, the chief cornerstone. .

There is more on this topic to follow. In the interim, be redeemed and be born of God through obedience to the His instructions in the Word. Therefore, repent (if you have not already done so) and be baptized into the Name of the Lord JESUS. Receive the promise of His Spirit in your life. As a consequence, the Word of the Spirit of God - JESUS -- will quicken and make alive your body.

Indeed, seek His throne of grace and there you will find much more than you could ever ask or think of. Peace be in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate!

How Can These Things Be? - Part 1077

Jesus said, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you [of] heavenly things?" (John 3:12)

Since the world began, it was not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind and yet, we read that Jesus did restore the blind man's sight, who said, "If this were not of God, He could do nothing." (John 9:32-33)

Still, because of the blind man's healing, the religious of the day cast him out. They wanted nothing to do with the man, even going so far as to question his parents -- whether their son had been blind from birth. To such extremes, they went determined to dismiss Christ on every level. Note that the Jews had already agreed beforehand "that if any man did confess that He was the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." (John 9:22)

It probably didn't help that the healed man told them, "Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes." (John 9:30)

Note that a similar conversation took place between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was asking Jesus, "How can these things be?" To which Jesus answered and said unto him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee -- we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen, and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you [of] heavenly things?" (John 3:9-13)

Sadly, there are those who will not believe in Jesus the Christ by faith despite the many blessings that they witness all around them. This was the case in Jesus' day, and unfortunately, continues within many congregations to this day. But the good news is that we -- as believers in Jesus Christ our Lord -- have a higher counsel in which to trust.

We have not been forsaken. Jesus will lead and guide us into all truth if we seek Him first in everything we do -- with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Just like the restored blind man said to Jesus -- after being kicked out of the synagogue -- "Who is He Lord, that I might believe on Him?" How did Jesus respond? "Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee." (John 9:36-37)  The man's response? "Lord, I believe" and then worshiped Jesus. (John 9:38)

Similarly, Nicodemus whose initial question to Jesus would make anyone wonder if he had any faith. But what we see later when we study His Word is that Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews did not stagnate in his faith. He sojourned right to the very end with Jesus. Indeed, Nicodemus came to the chief priests and Pharisees who wanted Jesus dead at that time, "Doth our law judge [any] man before it hear Him, and know what He doeth?" (John 7:50-52) A bold statement when one considers the potential consequences. Note also that Nicodemus was one of those who took the body of Jesus, wounded it in linen clothes with the spices -- "a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." (John 19:38-42)

The point is that neither stopped their faith journey with the gift of salvation. They continued steadfastly in what we now know as the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42) We are to do the same, remaining steadfast in His liberty, becoming fishers of men for the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

It is He that has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places "according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be in Him in love -- having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will -- to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence ... having made known unto the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth [even] in Him.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:3-11)

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all, [which] unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.: (Ephesians 4:6)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus!

The Peace of God Which Passes All Understanding Shall Keep Your Hearts and Minds Through Christ Jesus - Part 1076

Judas the brother of James (not Iscariot) saith unto Jesus, "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us and not the world?" (John 14:22)

Up until this point, Jesus had constantly been surrounded by multitudes seeking to touch Him at any given moment. Now, the situation was considerably different. The scribes and Pharisees were seeking to kill Him. In terms of time, it was just before the feast of the Passover. Jesus knew that the hour was coming when He should depart out of this world unto the Father -- having loved His own which were in the world -- "He loved them unto the end." (John 13:1)

By now Jesus already knew who would betray Him. The devil having now put into the heart of Judas surnamed Iscariot  (being of the number of the twelve) to betray Him. (John 13:2, 24-30; Luke 22:3) And He told His disciples, "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]." (John 13:26) So, for those who were paying attention, the identity of the traitor should have been obvious, But as we read, this wasn't the case.

So, when supper ended, "Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God" rose from the table to wash the disciple's feet. (John 13:2-11) After He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, Jesus said unto them, "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord, and ye say well, for [so] I am. If I then, [your] Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet ... for I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you ...

Verily, verily, I say unto you, "The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than He that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." I speak not of you all -- I know whom I have chosen but that the scripture may be fulfilled -- "He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me." Now I tell you before it come,, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [He]. Verily, verily, I say unto you -- He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me." (John 13:2-20)

For the moment, let's work through these scriptures. Earlier in John, Jesus proclaimed to the scribes and Pharisees, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. Neither came I of Myself but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech?" Note Jesus' response -- "[Even] because ye cannot hear My Word." (John 8:42-43)

Herein, Jesus was setting the stage for what was to come. A similar example can be found when the Jews marvelled, asking, "How knowest this man letters, having never learned?" Jesus answered them, saying: "My doctrine is not Mine but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of Myself. He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory; but He that seeketh His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?" (John 7:15-19)

Jesus also said, "And I seek not Mine own glory, there is One that seeketh and judgeth." (John 8:50)

Jesus further clarified these teachings when He said, "I receive not honour from men but I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not, If another shall come in His own name, Him will ye receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only.? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is [one] that accuseth you [even] Moses, in whom ye trust ... for had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for He wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:41-47)

"For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (John 12:43)

In other words, hath not the potter power over the clay? Therefore, the servant is not greater than his Lord, and neither is his works greater than the Lord who sent him. Likewise, the writings of others should not supersede the writings contained within His Word. The difficulty is -- there are those within our modern day religious culture who really believe in their hearts that their written and spoken words are more effective than the Bible which contains the words of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

But don't be misled. Ask yourself the same question as James' brother Judas did -- "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us and not the world?" (John 14:22)

Jesus said, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words, and My Father will love him and we will come into Him and make our abode with him. He that loves Me not keeps not My sayings; and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you being [yet] present with you -- but the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:23-26)

This is why it is so critical that we read and study Jesus' teachings. And similarly the writings of the other apostles, remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42) In particular, because of what is written here today, note the words of Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who wrote: "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the Spirit, joying and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your 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." (Colossians 2:5-7)

"And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Let him who hath an ear to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, Cast Out Devils - Part 1075

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

There is an interesting passage of scripture in Matthew 10 that is worth reading. Herein, Jesus had called unto Him twelve disciples. He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1) These twelve Jesus sent forth, "and commanded them saying ..." (Matthew 10:5)

Jesus then goes on to preach this message throughout chapter 10, and at the end of the message Matthew writes: "And it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." (Matthew 11:1)

The question is this -- what teachings were so important in this particular message that Jesus "commanded" His disciples? And then only "spake" unto the disciples when it comes to the Roman Catholic church "revised" Matthew 28:19 scripture. I raise this because many modern day religious cultures discount/ignore the apostles' teachings when it comes to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus because they say, Jesus didn't say it. This premise, even when Peter (standing with the apostles) told those who were pricked in their heart, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-39)

And this premise, even when we know that the verse was re-written in the 3rd century AD. These would rather believe that the apostles were disobedient to Jesus' teachings than follow steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, with singleness of heart, as the apostles did. (Acts 2:42-47) But I digress,

For now, let me post Jesus' entire teaching from Matthew 10. There is so many treasures therein -- if we would only take the time to read what the King of kings and Lord of lords wants to share with us for this day -- the day that the Lord hath made. Be blessed! And remember, Jesus wants us -- you and I -- to stand in His offering plate.

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence, and when ye come into an house, salute it.

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. "Verily I say unto you, "It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves, but beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all [men] for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, "Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. 

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law." (Micah 7:6) "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 

He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Matthew 10:5-42)

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding His twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." (Matthew 11:1)

Delight In the Law of God After the Inward Man - Part 1074

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)

"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 7:24-25)

"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 worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared Me." (Hebrews 10:5; Psalms 40:6-8)

Earlier in Hebrews, we read that "of the things which we haves spoken, this is the sum." In other words, this is the total of what we are saying, in case one is struggling with what this particular passage means. Continuing, the scriptures inform us that:

"We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle -- which the Lord pitched and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore, [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing there are priests that offer gifts according to the law -- who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle; for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." (Hebrews 1-5)

But now under the new testament -- God's last will and testament to us if this analogy is easier to understand --"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, for if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (Hebrews 8:5-8)

In other words, if the old testament law (and its related sacrifices) were sufficient for us to obtain salvation, then there would have been no need for our Lord God to become our Saviour. But as we see from the epistle to the Hebrews, the same God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets -- believed it necessary in these last days to speak to us by Son, "whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins ..." (Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16)

(Clarification note: I removed the multiple uses of the "added" word "His" from Hebrews 1:1-3 above so that the scriptures more accurately reflected the original text.)

But the Lord knew that we needed further instruction on this point, because to us, living in the modern day to day, an understanding of the two covenants wasn't always an easy read. This might explain why the epistle to the Hebrews (with the exception of Hebrews 11) is rarely preached in congregations. But I digress. Continuing in Hebrews 10, the scriptures state:

"In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law." Then said He, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]." (Hebrews 10:6-10)

"And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can NEVER take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God -- from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool -- for by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:11-14)

[Whereof] "the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,"saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:15-17; Jeremiah 31:33-34)

"Now where remission of these is, [there is] no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and [having] an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." (Hebrews 10: 18-18-24)

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." (Proverbs 3:5-10)

And most of all, stand in the offering plate.

Jesus, the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of Hosts to Give Every One According to His Ways- Part 1073

"Ah Lord God! Behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, there is nothing too hard for Thee." (Jeremiah 32:17)

Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto Me." (John 12:32)

Jesus said, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am [He] and [that] I do nothing of Myself, but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things, and He that sent Me is with Me, the Father hath not left Me alone, for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:28-29)

Jesus was speaking to a certain ruler. This ruler was asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said unto him, "Why callest thou Me good? None [is] good, save one, [that is] God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honour thy father and mother." And the ruler said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up." (Luke 18:18-20)

Now when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, "Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me." (Luke 18:22)

And when the ruler heard this, he was very sorrowful for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter life into the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:25)

And when they heard it -- they being "certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others" -- then asked Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" And Jesus said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

Peter's response which follows contrasts the ruler's reaction. Herein, Peter says, "Lo, we have left all and followed Thee." (Luke 18:28) And Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you -- there is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." (Luke 18:29-30)

Luke records a similar situation about a certain lawyer who stood up, and tempted Jesus, saying, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life." Jesus responded therein saying, "What is written in the law? How readest thou?" And when the lawyer answered saying, "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." Jesus said, "Thous hast answered right, this do, and thou shalt live." (Luke 10:25-28)

But the lawyer still willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"

And Jesus answered by teaching a parable about the good Samaritan, who as he journeyed came to where a man had fallen among thieves. Upon seeing the wounded man, the Samaritan bound his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:30-35)

Jesus then asked the lawyer "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves?" And the lawyer said, "he that showed mercy on him." Then said Jesus unto him, "Go and do thou likewise." (Luke 10:36-37)

Very different responses to the exact same question. What must one do to inherit eternal life?  Note that the scriptures show that when the initial question was asked of Jesus, both men had the same motives. The same starting point. In responding, however, it became obvious that the first clearly didn't want to part with his worldly wealth. He wasn't willing to give up everything -- like the apostles did when they "left all" to follow Jesus.

But the second man -- a lawyer by profession -- understood Jesus' parable -- not with his mind but with his heart. His understanding wasn't intellectual or scholarly, or revealed as a consequence of one's learning from worldly constructs. Rather, his understanding of Jesus was revealed in his heart. He may even have understood from the law that the times were changing and that this Jesus who stood before him was authoring in a new dispensation.

"The law and the prophets until John -- since that time the kingdom of God is preached and every man presseth into it." (Luke 15:15-16)

Nevertheless, the second man realized that his salvation was nigh. He had met his Maker, the Author and Finisher of faith. Indeed, the promised Messiah. The Christ who would redeem him (and us) from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13) And it was soon evident that he was receiving Jesus -- the Word that was with God and was Almighty God in the flesh -- with joy. (John 1:1-18)

Like the apostles, he understood even before Jesus died on the cross-- "The Word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach, that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:8-10)

While both men appeared fully aware of what the law commanded, sadly, the first man only as a rule book. To the second, the scripture hath concluded all under sin so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe ... "and [that] if ye Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:23-29)

Yield your heart to the King of kings and Lord of lords. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we too might be justified by faith. But after that faith in Jesus is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster -- for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:24-26)

Remember too, that "the grass withereth, the flower fadeth but the Word of our God shall stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me" - Part 1072

Often, we see Peter taking centre stage. He is usually "standing with the eleven" with singleness of heart, but Peter is speaking. (Acts 2:14) This is the case in Acts 10 when Peter was speaking with Cornelius, his kinsmen and near friends.

And he said unto them, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore, came I [unto you] without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for; I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?" (Acts 10:27-29)

And Cornelius answered Peter, saying, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, "Cornelius, thy prayer is heard and thine alms are had in remembrance in the site of God." Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter, [he] is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee." (Acts 10:30-32)

What did Cornelius do? The scriptures state that "immediately" Cornelius sent for Peter, announcing to one and all upon his arrival, "Now therefore we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." (Acts 10:33)

Then Peter started speaking. He said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The Word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all -- that Word [I say] ye know, which was published throughout all Juda-ea and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached -- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, whom they slew and hung on a tree. Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly; not to all the people but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead.

And He commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead, to Him give all the prophets witness that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:34-43)

If Peter was part of the modern day religious culture, he would have stopped preaching here. As in you believe in Jesus, you shall receive remission of sins. But what significance happened that is not taught in our churches?

 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word, and they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." (Acts 10:44-46)

Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47)

And Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:48) The same name of the Lord Jesus whereby the first 3,000 believers in the early Church were baptized in Acts 2:37-42. Note that in that instance too, Peter, standing with the eleven preached. The same name was used when the eunuch was baptized by Phillip. "See [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)

"And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, both Phillip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Phillip, that the eunuch saw him nor more, and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:37-40)

Saul is yet another example. When Saul, who later became Paul received back his eyesight, Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there], said, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight. The God of our fathers hath chosen thee that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:10-16)

Note that earlier Saul/Paul had asked, "Who art Thou Lord?" and Jesus answered, "I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest." (Acts 22:8) You see, Paul knew who the Lord was. In fact, there wasn't any doubt in his mind. This is why Paul, by then a servant of Jesus Christ, called an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures wrote: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3)

The question is -- do you know? Are you aware that in every water baptism recorded in the scriptures, every single one was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? There was no trinity or tri-une God, or God in three persons, or Father, Son and Holy Spirit as the churches openly proclaim. Indeed, beyond the revisions made by the Roman Catholic church in third century AD -- whereby Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19 were changed -- there is NO record of a believer ever being water baptized in any form other than in the name of Jesus.

So, what does that mean for us today? It means we need to be baptized into the precious name of Jesus Christ too. (Romans 6:3) "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

It does not mean "else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand in jeopardy every hour?" (I Corinthians 15:29-30)

Rather, as believers in Jesus by faith, seeking His righteousness, we need to firmly take hold of the Lord Jesus -- just like Paul and Peter standing with the eleven took hold of the victory "through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57). We need to embrace His truth. We need to awaken to righteousness and sin not, and be steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58)

Stand in the offering plate.

Love of God is Shed In Our Hearts By the Holy Ghost Which Is Given Unto Us - Part 1071

Jesus said, "Lo I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)

The Acts of the Apostles opens with Jesus ascension. Herein, we begin to see all the things that Jesus began both to do and teach "until the day in which He was taken up, after that He -- being Jesus -- through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen -- to whom also He showed 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. (Acts 1:1-3)

In the beginning of his gospel, Luke expressed his observations this way. "Forasuch 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 ... that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein you hast been instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)

And John wrote, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name." (John 20:30-31)

These were the same men who companied with Jesus all the time "that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)

The sad part today is that too often modern day religion starts and stops with their statement of faith -- as if in some way, a statement of faith consisting of bullet points could ever give one the  breadth and depth of wisdom and knowledge that is contained in the scriptures. It is for this reason that John wrote: "And there are also many things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21:24)

"And he that saw [it] bare record, and his record is true, and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled. A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 20:35-37)

As such, we as believers in Jesus need to take hold of the many truths that are contained in His Word. To study His Word diligently (as a workman does) for our strength. So that we CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)

 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

For when ye were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly -- for scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us -- much more then being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him -- for if, when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more being reconciled we shall be saved by His life.

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement -- wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned; (for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law) ...

That as sin hath reigned unto death even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:1-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Stone Which the Builders Rejected, The Same Has Become the Head of the Church - Part 1070

And it came to pass, [that] on one of those day, as Jesus taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon [Him] and the elders, and spake unto him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority doest Thou these things? Or, who is He that gave Thee this authority?" And He answered and said unto them, "I will also ask you one thing, and answer Me; the baptism of John -- was it from heaven, or from men?"

And they reasoned with themselves saying, "If we shall say -- From heaven, He will say, "Why then believed ye him not?" But and if we say, "Of men" all the people will stone us, for they be persuaded that John was a prophet." And they answered that they could not tell whence [it was].

And Jesus said unto them, "Neither tell I by what authority I do these things." (Luke 20:1-8)

Note that this same question was later asked of the apostles. As the apostles spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple in Acts 4, the Sadducees came unto them being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in hold until the next day for it was eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the Word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.

But when the morrow came, their rulers and elders and scribes and An-nas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest were gathered together at Jerusalem and when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power, or by what name have ye done this?"

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

What did Peter say next?

"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12)

Indeed, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them. Why? Because Peter and John had been with Jesus.

Jesus -- the Head of the body of Christ. Jesus -- the chief cornerstone. Jesus -- the Word that was with God and was God, and later became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might know Him personally. (John 1:1-18)

Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus -- the light of the world.

This is the SAME Jesus that John said, "I baptize with water, but there standeth one among you whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me; whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:26-28)

In other scriptures, John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that cometh after Me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and [with] fire; whose fan [is] in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17)

The same Jesus that astonished the people in Capernaum with His doctrine "for His Word was with power." (Luke 4:32)

And yet, the modern day religious culture today wants us to settle for any other God but Jesus! How we miss the gospel truth when we don't align with His Word. Jesus told us to search the scriptures for within them, "they are written of Me."

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

End Times: How Much She Hath Glorified Herself and Lived Deliciously But the Lamb Shall Overcome Them - Part 1069

"For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven," writes John who is recording what he saw in the book of Revelation, "saying, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues ... for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." (Revelation 18:1-5)

Earlier, in Revelation 17, we see that the stage for the end times is being set. The great whore that sits upon many waters  -- "with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication" is full of names of blasphemy -- upon her forehead a name written: "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth." (Revelation 17:1-5)

"And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast -- these have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast -- these shall make war with the Lamb." (Revelation 17:11-14)

John writes, "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously." (Revelation 18:7) "And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, they shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, standing afar off for the fear of her torment saying, "Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgement come." (Revelation 18:10)

And as a consequence, "the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of vessels of most precious wood, and of brass and iron and marble, and cinnamon and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots and slaves and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, "Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls -- for in one hour so great riches is come to nought." (Revelation 18:11-17)

And every ship master and all the company in big ships and sailors and as many as trade by sea stood afar off and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, "What city [is] like unto this great city!" And they cast dust on their heads and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, "Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness, for in one hour she was made desolate." (Revelation 18:17-19)

But the good news to them that believe in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith, "the Lamb shall overcome them for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with Him [are] called, and chosen and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

We have said it here before, and will repeat it once again, this is the time to step away from the worldly constructs. John heard a voice form heaven, saying, "Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues." (Revelation 18:4)

Instead, come and dine at the Master's table. The same Master who said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me." (John 12:32)

Let him who hath an ear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Promises Us So Much More - Part 1068

Jesus ascended and sat down, according to the scriptures. Why did Jesus sit down? The reason is simple.  He sat down indicating that the work of man’s redemption was now complete. “It is finished.” This one statement, with so much meaning, underscored that the issued commission to His chosen apostles was complete. Also note that the apostles were to be His witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth. So it remains, even today.  The Bible retains the Word of God as stated, continuing to bring the message of salvation to all ages. Most importantly, the written WORD remains to be the sole authority on any misunderstandings of the scriptures that might emerge.

This same principle applies today. The apostles exhorted the people to repent and be baptised into the name of Jesus for the remission of their sin, and as a consequence, 3,000 persons responded to the gospel message. The very same number of people were baptized the same day, proving that the Lord added to His body (church) daily. 

But while this all happened in Jerusalem in 300- 400 AD, the so called church fathers decided to rearrange the Word written and confirmed by God. Instead of baptism in the name of Jesus, the church fathers rearranged and replaced the baptism of the early church with Matthew 28;19. Indeed, the interpretation, or should we say, misinterpretation emanated from Rome according to the cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who was the declared pope). Well let us see whether the Word of God was to emanate from Rome or from Jerusalem.

Isaiah Ch. 2:2-3 states - it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills. All nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. That He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM. 

Similarly, Micah chapter 4:1-2 states that in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains. It also shall be exalted above the hills and shall flow unto it. Many nations shall come, and say to the people, come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. To the house of the God of Jacob and He will teach us of His ways. We will walk in His paths for the law shall go forth of Zion. AND THE WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM.

So what hinders you from being baptized into the authorized name of Jesus - in the same way that was preached initially at Jerusalem? Let God be true, saith the scriptures. He is the sole commander in chief of our salvation. Whatever He tells you to do, we are to do. In so doing, the baptismal watery grave into Jesus' death will become within you a well of living water. It is your call. Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

May the blessings of Our Great and our only Saviour the Lord Jesus rest upon you always. Stand in the offering plate.

Let the Glory of the Lord Jesus Prevail and Not the Divining Lies - Part 1067

"So that the priests could NOT stand to minister by reason of the cloud -- for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God." (II Chronicles 5:14)

Remember Moses? The Lord went before the children of Israel "by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead the way and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people." (Exodus 13:21-22) Therein, we also learn that Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation because the "glory of the Lord" filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:35)

"And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:38)

Why is this important? Because our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, (Hebrews 13:8) He never changes. The same Almighty God that was in the beginning, is the same Almighty God -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, -- that invites us to sup at His table. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-18; Revelation 22:13-21)

We are invited to come and dine in His presence. (John 21:12-17) Invited to soak in the glory of the Lord, that in this dispensation is within us -- those of us who believe in Jesus by faith.

Under the old covenant, the people who believed (but never knew the promise because the promise that was hid before the world was formed had not yet come) still exalted the Lord God and worshiped at His footstool, "for He is holy." (Psalm 100:5) These trusted the Lord and praised Him for His goodness -- at least in the beginning. The psalmist wrote:

"Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord; [for He] is good; for His mercy [endureth] for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? [Who] can show forth all His praise? Blessed they that keep judgement; he that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, O Lord, with the favour [that Thou bearest unto] Thy people; O visit me with Thy salvation, that I might see the good of Thy chosen, that I might rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance.

We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not Thy wonders in Egypt. They remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies but provoked [Him] at the sea, [even] at the Red Sea. Nevertheless, He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known.

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And He saved them from the hand of them that hated [them] and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies. There was not one of them left. then believed they His Words. They sang His praise." (Psalm 106:1-12)

Sadly, however, with the passage of time, the children of Israel soon forgot the multitude of blessings that God their Saviour had done for them. (Psalm 106:21) Instead, they mingled among the heathen and learned their works, and served their idols, which were a snare unto them, "and the land was polluted with blood." (Psalm 106:35-39) "Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions." (Psalm 106:39)

Unfortunately in this current generation of grace, a similar situation exists in our modern world today. Instead of taking hold of His promise, His truths, His wisdom and knowledge, and "therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ" and moving on unto perfection -- "not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment," we have replaced the glory of God and His presence within us with man-made religion. (Hebrews 6:1-2)

We have settled for "mingling" in some unified collective called "church organization(s)" and "learning" the constructs of this world, rather than pressing onward and inward into the King of kings and Lord of lords -- Jesus -- and His righteousness. And, as such, we are in the midst of trading "Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself"  in favor of false prophets and teachers who "through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of [us]." (Hebrews 12:1-3; II Peter 2:1-

But as Ezekiel, the son of Buzi warned us when the heavens opened and he saw "visions of God' -- there is only ONE High Priest and Saviour. The Lord thy God is One God and there is none other. (Ezekiel 1:1-3; Hebrews 7:1-3; Isaiah 45:5) What does Ezekiel reveal about these times in which we live?

"And the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, "Son of man, say unto her, "thou [art] the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated My law, and have profaned Mine holy things. They have put no difference between the holy and the profane, neither have they showed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain, and her prophets have daubed them with untempered [mortar] seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, "Thus saith the Lord God when the Lord hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy, yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:17-30)

Note that it doesn't have to be this way. We can be that one who stands in the gap before the Lord. We can become the hedge. And, indeed, we can reach out to those who are less fortunate. The least of those among us. Most of all, we can serve as an example to others by standing firm on the promises of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, always running toward the Author and Finisher of our faith. Not because of our doing but because we are filled with the glory of His presence in our lives.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth, ye know Him, AND HAVE SEEN HIM." (John 14:6-7)

So, instead of coming to our Lord God and Saviour empty handed, let's make it a habit to press into Jesus  every day -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, "neither knows Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:13-17)

Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:18)

As such, let His glory -- the glory of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ who is Himself the mystery that was hidden in the bosom of the Father until the fullness of time, fill your temple with His presence. Be clothed in His righteousness. Just like those who believed by faith and understood that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, with trumpets sounding, the trumpeters and singers as one, "to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord" they said, "For He is good, for His mercy endures for ever" we need to do the same. (II Chronicles 5:12-13; I Chronicles 16:34; Hebrews 11:1-40; John 1:1-18)

The difference being that the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary whereby the glory of the Lord filled a tabernacle built with hands, and we in this new testament dispensation of grace have the blood of Christ -- who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purging our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:1-14)

"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)

His glory working in us and through us day in and day out so that we might enter into the heavenly -- because He offered Himself once as a sacrifice to bear the sins of many. Unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28) Stand in the offering plate.