How Shall They Be Thought Worthy Who Hath Trodden Under Foot the Blood of the Covenant, Wherewith He Was Sanctified? - Part 1143

"He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 28-29)

It's definitely a sad day when the modern day religious culture promotes their false traditions as the gospel truth and believers don't even know the difference. Rather than understanding that Paul beseeched us not to be "soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand" these wolves in sheep's clothing attempt to deceive by any means -- including the omission of any teaching regarding the foundation, of which the chief cornerstone is Jesus the Christ. (II Thessalonians 2:1-3)

But this falling away first is happening even though we live during a time when the Word of God could not be more readily available to one and all. It is no wonder that -- as the scriptures point out -- even the very elect could be at risk for accepting "that man of sin" -- the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" if God Himself were not to shorten the days. (II Thessalonians 2:3-4) But I digress.

This man "whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish" emerges "because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved." (II Thessalonians 2:7-12)

But like the apostles, we who believe in Jesus by faith, and are baptized in Jesus name, are bound to give thanks always to God for you, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth -- where unto He called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 2:37-42; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3)

This is why we are instructed to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or [our] epistle, -- now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God -- even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given everlasting consolation and good hope through grace." (II Thessalonians 2:15-17)

Remaining steadfast in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42) 

In other words with all our religious instruction, make sure the teachings align accurately with the Word of God -- the Word that was with God and was God who became flesh and dwelt among us -- so that we might experience life more abundantly, because He Himself who knew no sin willingly became sin for you and I. His holy blood shed on the cross so that our sins could be washed clean. (Isaiah 53:1-12)

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

Therefore, I believe it is imperative that we understand the difference between the old covenant and the new testament -- our Lord God and Saviour's last will and testament. To that end, Hebrews 9 and 10 is copied below for your learning, instruction, and edification. Therein, we understand "BUT CHRIST ..." Stand in the offering plate.

"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 shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

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: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

BUT CHRIST BECOMING AN HIGH PRIEST OF GOOD THINGS TO COME, BY A GREATER AND MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE, NOT MADE WITH HANDS, THAT IS TO SAY, NOT OF THIS BUILDING ... NEITHER BY THE BLOOD OF GOATS AND CALVES, BUT BY HIS OWN BLOOD HE ENTERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh -- how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

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.

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 liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

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 entereth 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 the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

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: 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."

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. 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."

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, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

For we know Him that hath said, "Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense," saith the Lord. And again, "The Lord shall judge His people."

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions, partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of Me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 9:1-28; Hebrews 10:1-39)

That the Eyes of Your Understanding May be Enlightened That Ye May Know What Is the Hope of Your Calling - Part 1142

The eternal life which was in the bosom of the Father from before the beginning of the world, hath been manifested in the flesh. Indeed, we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have handled of the Word of life -- for it is the life of God that was manifested.

That eternal life which was in the bosom (and the innermost being of God) appeared as the only begotten Son of God. Indeed, He was not created in the fashion of the first Adam. For the "only begotten Son" has neither beginning of days nor end of life, and, as the scriptures explain, He is the only begotten Son of God. He was before all things, and by the only begotten Son of God, all things exist.

"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)

Yes, as the scriptures will attest, all things were made by the only begotten Son of God, who has come forth from the innermost being of God. Not as a separate part of God or a separate person but altogether as God. In the only begotten Son of God does dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And similarly, when the disciples like you and I gaze upon Jesus, who do they see?  The unseen God visibly!

The only begotten Son of God being the express image and substance of God but as a Son, veiled in flesh He said that if we have seen Him (Jesus), we would have seen the Father also -- for as Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." Note that He added that anyone who may still be looking to see the Father ought not to look any further -- "for if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father also."

The only begotten Son was not created like the first Adam. Instead, He came forth from the innermost being of God and as a consequence, we were instructed to call His name Jesus. (Matthew 1:21-23) Why? Because it is He who shall save His People from out of their sin. In short, He is the Lord our God, who has Himself, become our blessed Redeemer -- our Saviour. God sent His Son into the world in order that the world THROUGH Him could be saved, and given eternal life as a gift.

So in the future, when you are asked where did the Son of God come forth from? You can be confident in your response - the Son of God came from the bosom (innermost being) of the Father. Jesus was not created, or a created being, as some declare. No. Jesus was BROUGHT FORTH from the bosom (innermost being) of the unseen Spirit of God. When Paul asked the Lord who He was, the Lord replied, "I AM JESUS."

"In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) Never changing. The first and the last, the beginning and the end. His name is Jesus, as Saul/Paul came to know on the road to Damascus.

Simple, straightforward, and to the point. A message that allows us to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom to the masses, restoring their faith in Lord God Almighty for who He is. "And if Christ [be] in you, the body is dead because of sin but the Spirit is life because of righteousness ..." (Romans 8:10)

This is why 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 hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh; God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. -- that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-8)

Moreover, if we take the time to study the Word of God, the Holy Ghost will lead and guide us into all truth. Just like Jesus commanded the apostles THROUGH the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts. For example, if we follow the same genealogical evidence from the Old Testament, we read that the Spirit of God SEEDED Eve and Abraham with the Seed of a new blood line. This new blood line being the blood line of the Spirit of God. And in this context, God being the Only Good Shepherd entered into our messed up world to offer us the gift of salvation. To sanctify us with His precious holy blood shed on the cross.

Why? Because JESUS is the Only Name GIVEN of God to man, whereby men or women calling on the name of JESUS with sincerity and truth can be saved! (Acts 4:12) Yes, the name of JESUS is ABOVE EVERY OTHER NAME in both heaven and on earth!

This is why once you get out from under all the enemies that oppose the name of JESUS, and come to the realization that you fathered all your offspring in a son’s body, then you can grasp the truth that God also fathered all of His redeemed children in a Son’s body.

"According as He that chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. To the praise and 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 know unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:4-10)

As such, you are the SEED of the CHRIST. He who has the Son has the Father also.

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the Offering Plate and offer yourself so that the God in Christ may bless you in His abundance of mercy.

By the Which Will We Are Sanctified Through the Offering Of the Body of Jesus Christ Once For All -- Part 1141

Paul, an apostle to the Gentiles, asks this question of believers, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth? Received you the Spirit by doing the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, you are now made perfect by fleshly works." (Galatians, 3)

Jesus, while conversing with a woman at a well in Samaria said that he who drinks of the water that He shall give shall never thirst. Indeed, the water that Jesus shall give him will be like a well of living water springing up from within. Here, Jesus was talking concerning the near future when those who believed on Him would become partakers of His holy Spirit. However, the Holy Ghost was not as yet given, because Jesus was not yet crucified, buried, resurrected, ascended. Until all of these events transpired, Jesus would not yet be glorified. At that point, the point of His glorification would the outpouring of His own Spirit be poured out onto and into all who exercise faith in His redemptive work of salvation. It is no wonder that Paul said, "are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit you are now made perfect by the works of the law?"

Salvation is not of works. Jesus, who is God manifest in the flesh purchased our complete salvation. As of that moment in time, believers were offered a free gift. That gift is eternal life. It is a new covenant written on the fleshy tables of our heart. This new covenant, being the now revealed mind of God when He covenanted with Himself as a man. The perfect law of liberty. There is no other explanation.

Therefore, if you are preaching salvation by law, you would be declaring that the sacrifice of God Himself as a son to be inadequate. Who has bewitched you? This new covenant is not an addendum to the old covenant which had been written on stone tablets. This new covenant is allowing Jesus to breathe on you - His breath of life emanating from His Spirit.  

Note that this new covenant was before the old covenant. In fact, it was contained in a promise delivered to Abraham, promising him that in his seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. The promise specifically said seed. Seed in the singular. Not seeds.  And that promised Seed referred to Christ, the law never having as yet been delivered. The law was delivered 430 years after the promise was made. It is for this reason that the the law cannot be tagged on to a promise. (A promise being a promise or else what good would a promise be?)

The law was added because of people's transgressions. It had a limited time frame, one that only lasted until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. And that Seed, the Seed to which we refer, appeared clothed in earthly fashion as a son conceived of the Holy Ghost in the womb of Mary. The Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary. Hence, the beginning of dispensations and the BC and AD timeline. The law of sin and death is exactly what it is. It makes one totally aware of their sin. Being now condemned by the introduction of law I died. If one was not feeling bad enough, this law of sin and death puts the icing on top. The Law is law without spirit. The law in reality is like a school master revealing that man needs a Saviour.

In this context, the law accomplished its purpose. The Lord our God became our Saviour redeeming us from those curses enshrined in the law. He Himself becoming cursed and enshrouding Himself willingly with all our sins and transgressions. When one is redeemed there is no longer a need for law. 

Why? Because we have in Jesus a pure lamb offered, one that was offered without blemish. The God who cannot lie fulfilled His promise in Jesus. His body given so that we could be sanctified. Sanctify them through the truth. Thy Word is truth. 

Jesus said, "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:17-19) "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ -- once for all ... for by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:10-14)

Peace to all in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.

Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth; Thy Word Is Truth -1140

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself -- a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Did you see it? So that "He might present it to Himself -- a glorious church."

Who are we referring to here? The Christ. The Head of the church. The Saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23) The Word that was with God and was God in the beginning -- becoming flesh and dwelling among us, in order to redeem His chosen people. "Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate." (Hebrews 13:12)

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. (Hebrews 10:10)

"Sanctify them through Thy truth -- Thy Word is truth ... And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:17-19)

Who is the Word? The Word that was with God and is God, according to John 1:1-18? JESUS.

And you shall call His name Jesus!

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

The Saviour that is the Lord, and "beside Me there is no Saviour." And you shall know no God but Me for there is no Saviour beside Me. Mary said, "My Spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour" while the Samaritans said to the woman, "Now we know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world." These revelations according to His grace made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Simon Peter indicated that they have obtained precious faith with us -- through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus the Christ. Therefore, he said, we suffer reproach because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men. It is for this reason that we align to the only wise God. To our Saviour be the glory from which we conclude Christ to be God.

Why? Because no one can save, or be styled properly to offer humankind salvation but our Saviour God. The scriptures state that Christ is said to save, and as such, properly called a Saviour. It must then follow that Christ the Saviour is God.

To those who might consider departing from the faith and returning to the darkness of trinitarian-ism, think on this scriptural example. There were times when the Galatians had been swayed by those who desired to water down the Word and turn back to the weak and beggarly words of men. But it is one thing to depart from a group of believers if that particular group is found to be spinning wheels. However, it is a horse of a different colour to turn one's back on scriptural foundations that entertain God to be three distinct and separate person.

Indeed, there is no getting around "One Lord, One faith, One baptism."

Still, God has chosen the foolish things -- the unlearned and in their eyes ignorant men -- to confound the wisdom of this world. The Bible asks, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you" that you are intent on laying aside the Word of God? For the same reason, why adopt the heresy of Matthew 28:19 which the Romans admittedly changed to its current form? Actions speak louder than words, and those who were Jesus' chosen apostles baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus. They were not baptized into descriptive titles such as Father, Son, Spirit, which of course is what some might refer to today as a 'no name' brand.

Indeed, at the end of the day, there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby men can be saved. The name of Jesus is above every other name in heaven and on earth. When asked, "Who are you Lord?" the response was, "I AM JESUS." Undoubtedly, Jesus. It is for this reason that it is difficult to kick against the written Word of God.

It also explains why we do not need to dip our right hand into the erroneous teaching of the church fathers. When God saved you and brought you out of the darkness of ignorance and the Word of God, on whom did you call? And who answered? Pray! Whisper His name. Jesus. Love you all who are faithful.

Indeed, Jesus is the sweetest name I know, and in Him, I have found Him to be just -- the same as His lovely name. He alone has sanctified us through the offering of His body. He who knew no sin becoming sin for us. Keep the faith. Stand in the offering plate.

The Dayspring From On High Hath Visited Us to Give Light to Them That Sit in Darkness - Part 1139

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel -- for He hath visited and redeemed His people. The dayspring from on high hath visited to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Indeed, God was manifest in the flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not.

One Lord, One faith, One baptism. In the beginning, God.

Everywhere around us, we see those who want to reject Jesus, the Head of His Church, the Chief cornerstone. We want to take away His standing as Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords.

In fact, the modern day religious culture wants to turn the Lord God of Israel into a tri-une God, a trinity of three persons because to believe in One Lord these same religious would have to accept Jesus the Christ who shed His holy blood on the cross for you and I.

But similar to the apostles time, these do not want to hear the name of Jesus. They would rather worship an "unknown God" than accept His Word as the ultimate truth. The same Word that was in the beginning with God and was God. Those apostles whom the Lord God Himself has made able ministers of the new testament. Jesus through the Holy Ghost giving the commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen.

"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else; and My people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions, and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit ... and I will show wonders in the heavens and the in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." (Joel 2:27-32; Acts 2:16-21)

How does Peter (standing with the eleven) reconcile Joel's prophecy on the day of Pentecost? He says:

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know --- HIM --- being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that He should be holden of it." (Acts 2:22-24)

Him -- Jesus! No other than the dayspring that has been in the midst. No other than the same Lord God who created the world who loved us enough to come into this world to redeem us. "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses ... therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:32-36)

This is why the first 3,000 repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

Buried with Christ. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6:3-6)

"For we preach not ourselves -- but Christ Jesus the Lord -- and ourselves your servants for Jesus's sake, for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:5-6)

As believers in Jesus the Christ, we need to stop believing what the god of this world would have us believe and begin believing in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. Why? Because there is no other who can save us from our sins.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"Neither is there any name under heaven whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The apostles knew this to be the truth, and were willing to lose their lives to ensure that we knew the same God as they. His name is Jesus. "Surely I come quickly, Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all, Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21)

Stand in the offering plate.

Giving Thanks Unto the Father Who Hath Delivered Us From the Power of Darkness - Part 1038

Note to self -- do not let the "supplementary" reading material that I may be using supersede and/or replace the infallible Word of God. Period!

Jesus said,"Search the scriptures" -- for not every man authored book or modern day religious culture edifies you as a believer. Neither are these credited for increasing one's wisdom and knowledge. But the scriptures will when you desire His purposes. And if we look more closely at that particular scriptural passage, Jesus actually said:

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. 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 ye will 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 5:39-47)

This is one reason why Jesus repeatedly said to his disciples, "I and My Father are ONE." And to Philip in the same chapter, "Have I been so long time with you and yet you ask, "Shew us the Father and it sufficeth?" (John 14:5-10) Jesus response? "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me or else believe Me for the very works sake." (John 14:11)

While some may doubt that God was manifest in the flesh, these same cannot deny the scriptures. In fact, there is sufficient scriptural evidence to prove the Godhead as the one and only God who was later manifest in the flesh as our Saviour (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:18; Colossians 2:9)

Just like an artist paints a picture, Almighty God (by Himself) is powerful enough to create this earth/universe. We see this clarified in Genesis, whereby the scriptures state: "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1)

Note also that the scriptures state, "God is Spirit." (John 4:24) But wait, so is the Holy Ghost Spirit. Yes? So Jesus has two Fathers? Of course not. The scriptures clearly state that which was conceived in Mary is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:20) And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Jesus -- the only "begotten" Son began when the Holy Ghost came upon Mary and the power of the Highest overshadowed her. (Luke 1:30-35) Mark calls this the "beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (Mark 1:1)

 And yet, many modern day religions suggest that the Son of God existed in the old covenant? Where? Give me scripture to support that claim. Other religions refer to Father God -- Daddy God. Again, without any scriptural support. The Godhead should be obvious from searching the scriptures, for therein, Jesus told us, is of Me. This explains why Jesus had to leave in order for the Comforter to be sent.

And then in Acts 1:2, "Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles"  He had chosen. Jesus said that He was that living bread that came down from heaven -- the SAME bread that their fathers did eat in the wilderness. (John 6:43-51)

But even more important, we know that Jesus said He had come in His Father's name. If this be so, then you must agree that the redemptive name of the Father must be Jesus. (John 5:43; John 17:26) Indeed, Jesus declared His name to one and all. We also see agreement between the "name" mentioned in the changed Matthew 28:19 and the "name of Jesus Christ" in Acts 2:37-42.

This is why we can say with confidence that Jehovah of the old covenant is Jesus in the new testament. "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 9:8) But the holiest of holiest was manifested as we now know from scriptures that can't be disputed -- scriptures such as I Timothy 3:16 and John 1:1-18.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords. "Neither is there any other name under heaven whereby ye must be saved." (Acts 4:12) By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)

As for Jesus' baptism, the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove was for John the Baptist to believe that Jesus really was who He said He was --  read John 1:32-34) Why? Because John the Baptist knew Him not until he saw the Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus, as it was told to him earlier. Again, as Mark wrote -- this marked the "beginning" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:1)

"For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called." (Isaiah 54:5)

We no longer pray to an unknown God, but rather know Him by name. Jesus -- the one and only God in this current dispensation of grace. The Head of the Church. The very corner stone of our faith, and yet there are those who want to reject Him. How sad that these don't recognize how long eternity really is, and are instead willing to jeopardize their salvation by rejecting the very Author and Finisher of our faith.

But in spite of those determined to lead believers astray, there is only one husband that the bride of Christ is preparing for -- not three husbands as a tri-une God or three persons in a Godhead as false trinitarian doctrines suggest.

"I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let him that heareth say, "Come." And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:16-17)

The ONE GOD who was the Father in creation, the Son in redemption and the Holy Ghost in regeneration is calling on us today to come to Him. His name is Jesus. The only name whereby we can be healed. The only name that can cast out demons. The only name in which we can find salvation and eternal life.

"But the Comforter, 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 ... And now I have told you before it come to pass that when it is come to pass, ye might believe." (John 14:26-29)

So clear. So simple. And yet we will do anything other than bow our knee before the Lord Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father -- the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me," said Jesus. (John 15:26)

The difficulty most religious folk are having reconciling their churchanity beliefs with the good news gospel of Jesus Christ is the widespread religious dogma and traditions that have you believing that Almighty God could not do what He said He would do, and the fact that modern day religion has duped you with a trinity doctrine that simply does not exist in the scriptures. Not in the old and neither in the new.

"I am the Lord thy God, and beside Me, there is no other." (Isaiah 45:5; 9:6; 41:4)

One God showing Himself in these last days as a Son veiled in sin-prone flesh so that we who believe by faith and are baptized in the name of Jesus as the first 3,000 were on the day of Pentecost can be clothed forever in His righteousness.

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

"For by Him were all things created ..." and not by them. (Colossians 1:12-18)

"Giving thanks unto the Father .. who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created ..." (Colossians 1:12-16)

The Father translated into the kingdom of His dear Son.

This is why Jesus said, "He that has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) And likewise, we need to believe this same truth too.

"Behold the Lamb of God" who taketh away the sins of the world. (John 1:36) Stand in the offering plate today with Jesus, who is our Lord God and Saviour. Blessings in Jesus name too!

Yes, You Are Complete In Him, Buried With Him in Baptism - Part 1037

"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among the nations -- FOR HIS NAME." ( Romans 1:5)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, 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 Son Jesus Christ our Lord -- which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared 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 ... because ..." (Romans 1:1-5)

Because? 

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead -- so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20)

Because that when they knew God they glorified [Him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:21-22)

But God is not the author of confusion. Neither would the apostles who were commanded what to write by Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost have changed the truth of God into a lie. (Acts 1:2; Romans 1:25) The problem emerges when one has to take a stand between the scriptures -- the Word became flesh and dwelt among us -- OR,  the religious dogma and traditions that exist in the modern day religious culture today. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; Romans 10:9-11) 

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

"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)

Just like the time when Jesus was alone and said unto His disciples, "Whom say the people that I am?" They answering, said, "John the Baptist, but some say, Elias, and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again." Then Jesus asked, "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter answering, said, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:18-20) Note that Jesus at the time straitly charged them, commanding that no man tell that thing because the Son of man had still to suffer many things and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes. In other words, Jesus and His disciples were praying together before Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross.

But today, in this current dispensation of grace, the mystery of the Godhead has been made known to us. We are without excuse.

Again, "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations is now made manifest to His saints, to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man, perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:26-28)

And, as a consequence of repenting and being baptized in Jesus name, "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.

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 His cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 1:9-15)

Therefore, "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. [And] let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind -- and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances? (Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 1:16-23)

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ, who was indeed the only "begotten" child of the Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of God, or as the scriptures state, God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son, we have an opportunity to be saved. Yes, God in the manifestation of Jesus -- God with us -- had a plan for all of His creation. 

Jesus conceived of the Holy Ghost, and thus, the Holy Ghost providing the new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us -- for it is written, "And to thy Seed, which is Christ."(Galatians 3:16) We are the Seed of Jesus the Christ. 

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:27-29)

For we have been born again not of corruptible seed but by incorruptible seed which is the Word of God. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. And those who are baptized into the name of Jesus -- buried with Him in baptism, are now complete in Him.

Thus, don't let anyone lead you astray. Stand firm in the scriptures today so that you too can rejoice in the greatest love story ever told. 

Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. 

That God In All Things May Be Glorified Through Jesus Christ, To Whom Be Praise and Dominion Forever - Part 1136

"Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of your souls -- of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come unto you;] searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel sent unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:9-13)

This is why Peter wrote: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a dark place until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts -- knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation -- for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1:19-21)

BUT -- and this "but" is a warning to believers -- "there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (II Peter 2:1)

Sadly, this is what we are seeing within modern day religious circles today. Half of a verse presented here and a couple of words taken from another verse there -- keeping the people within congregations so busy looking up verses one after the other that these same earnest believers end up missing the original intended message of these very proclaimed scriptures. And as a consequence of these damnable heresies, we see a denial of the same Lord that bought them.

Remember, however, that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ would not have us ignorant. Therefore, when we repent and are baptized into the name of Jesus Christ, we can be assured through His Word that we shall receive the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead and guide us into all truth. (Acts 2:37-42; John 14:26; John 15:26) Into sound doctrine. Into understanding the principles of the doctrine of Christ -- that it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, going forward.

The gospel of repentance and remission of sins preached in His name. What name? The precious name of Jesus. 

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins .. 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."

"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)

Why is all of this important to understand? Because John's baptism of repentance -- where one was purified by water according to the traditions and customs of the old covenant, and that the religious community is so desperate to revive -- no longer applies in this current dispensation of grace. The last will and testament delivered to us by the Lord God Himself through the shedding of His own blood is the only gospel message that matters.  He who knew no sin became sin for us. A propitiation for our sin.

"And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2)

"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ..." (Romans 3:25)

"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." (I Corinthians 5:21)

"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." (Hebrews 2:17)

This is why John the Baptist said that he must decrease so that He -- Jesus -- the promised and prophesied Christ could increase. This explains why Jesus told His disciples (after Judas had left to betray Jesus) that He must go away so that the Comforter could come. "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." (Acts 1:2)

Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father -- the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father -- He shall testify of Me ... and ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 15:26-27)

Luke elaborates on this point. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace [be] unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have." (Luke 24:36-39)

And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them [His] hands and [His] feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it and did eat before them. And He -- Jesus -- said unto them disciples:

"These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44)

Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. And said unto them, "Thus, it is written, and thus, it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem ... and ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-53)

That power is the Holy Ghost.

Jesus said to the disciples -- to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion with 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 Jesus] "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)

In fact, Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth."

In John's gospel, Jesus made the same point, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:13-15)

So what happens?

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

As we read on, we learn that the first 3,000 believers into the body of Christ had repented and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, as instructed by Peter, standing with the eleven. No discord. No changing the meaning of Peter's message. No denial of the name. Just 3,000 new believers gladly receiving His Word, and then continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:37-42)

"And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:43-47)

Those who believed in Jesus -- seeing one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith. 

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth -- 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, at this time, His righteousness -- that He might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-31)

That He might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Therefore, speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1) Don't be led astray by those who mishandle the scriptures but rather, you search the scriptures, as doth a workman. And look "for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:12-14)

But most of all remember that "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared" -- and that we are saved according to His mercy -- "by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 3:4-7) 

Let him/her who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

They Shall See the Glory of the Lord, the Excellency of Our God - Part 1135

"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it ..." (Isaiah 40:5)

To mankind was born a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. This same Christ the Lord shall be called wonderful. He shall be called counsellor. He shall be called the mighty God. He shall be called the Everlasting Father. He shall be called the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Like stated in the scriptures, I the Lord your God have become your Saviour! The Word of God was veiled in flesh. We have touched and we have handled the Word of Life - for the Life of God was manifested in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) Therefore, we have seen with our eyes that eternal life which was in the Father.

In this context, JESUS is not a representative of God. Neither was JESUS a god. Rather, the Word of God has come from God to man. The WORD of God does not come out from man. If that be the case, why is man so determined to tell God what He - God really meant to say? We can see the writing on the wall once again when we read that yet another revised book of scripture is to be published.

Unfortunately, this new published version is going to dismiss JESUS as a Son and JESUS as a Father. In short, Christianity is about to be relegated to the rank of man made interpretations that do not accurately portray the original good news gospel message in the Bible - the message that transcends generations - that is, God became human because He loved us so much! God was manifest in the flesh. But I digress from my original point.

Religion as an institution has become man’s attempt to climb up to God. Christianity on the other hand is God reaching down to man. Religion is man working to obtain salvation on the basis of man’s merit and good works. Whereas Christianity is our recognition that even though we desire to do that which is good, we does not have the wherewithal to attain this desire. Instead, man’s feet is stuck in the mud that is akin to a sinful nature. This is why we need a Saviour.

The problem is that all men (and women) are in the same predicament. There is none who are righteous. Fair speeches, good looks, wealth - none of these attributes or characteristics determine righteousness. And regardless of man’s religious endeavours, all men know that sacrifice and offerings do not remove the awareness of sin - past or present.

The reality is that every man and woman needs a Saviour. All of us are tainted with sin and as a consequence, we are all similarly doomed. This is why a Saviour cannot be one taken from Adam’s natural blood line. A Saviour must be of another blood line - a pure blood line. This is where God in His love, mercy and compassion steps in.

AMAZING GRACE, HOW SWEET THE SOUND
THAT SAVES A WRETCH LIKE ME
I ONCE WAS LOST, BUT NOW I AM FOUND
I WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE ...

GOD veiled Himself in flesh. GOD was found in fashion as a man - a new pure blood line - the child born JESUS the Christ being the Seed of the Holy Spirit of God, becoming man’s only Saviour. Indeed, there is no other means whereby man can be saved. There is only one Saviour!

I THE LORD YOUR ONLY GOD HAS BECOME YOUR ONLY SAVIOUR
LOOK TO ME ALL YOU PEOPLE AND BE SAVED ...

In the Old Testament, Moses lifted up the serpent on a pole in the wilderness. Likewise, the Son of man (GOD WITH US AS A SON) was lifted up in the New Testament. He did this so that everyone who looks upon JESUS nailed to the cross at Calvary could be saved, healed, and delivered. Peace to all in JESUS NAME! Stand in the offering plate.

Come Now And Let Us Reason Together Saith the Lord - Part 1134

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all [men] liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith -- nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed, for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:5-7)

Why? James writes -- because "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) But note that this in no way suggests that as double minded, we are also without hope. James instructs us to "draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners, and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded." (James 4:8)

How do we do this? By seeking Jesus through His Word. By becoming fully grounded in the apostles doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Through fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers -- in singleness of heart.

"These all continued with one accord and prayer in supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren. (Acts 1:14) [The reference to "these" here refers to the eleven -- Peter and James, John, Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James [the son of Alphaeus], Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother of James]. (Acts 1:13)] We read later in the first chapter of Acts about the appointing of Matthias, to replace Judas who by transgression fell. (Acts 1:22-26) But I digress.

What is important to understand is that the Lord's message to each and every one of us from the beginning of time is unchanging. "Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me; 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." (Hebrews 10:5-7; Psalm 40:6-8; Micah 6:6-7)

"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 9:8; Hebrews 7:19)

This is why the Lord said in a vision to Isaiah the prophet, "Come now and let us reason together," saith the Lord, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

"And the Spirit and the bride say"-- Come." And let him that heareth say -- "Come." And let him that is athirst -- Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 1:17)

In other words, before we can press into Jesus we need to first get our hearts right. We need to repent of our sins, asking our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ for forgiveness. Water baptism by immersion is next.

"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death. Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [His] resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [Him] that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once, but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord ... for sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law but under grace." (Romans 6:3-14)

This is why Peter, standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost told the first 3,000 to be baptized into the new testament church -- "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)

The promise? 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 hath made [us] free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)

"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness ... but now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:20-23)

Thus, being then made free from sin, ye become the servants of righteousness. Clothe yourself in the righteousness of Jesus today. Seek His wisdom and knowledge. His mercy and love that continues to say, "Come" and dine with Him at His table.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus -- The ONLY Name Under Heaven Whereby We Must Be Saved - Part 1133

The Lord is one Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is joy and liberty. Did not the Lord say that He came so that man might have life - an abundant life - eternal life?

JESUS breathed upon His disciples saying unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" (John 20:22) The Holy Ghost was the life of the Spirit of God which indwelt His fleshly sin prone body. JESUS' blood was the blood of the Holy Ghost. In fact, JESUS was the only begotten Son of the Holy Ghost!

JESUS was conceived of the Holy Ghost into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary. But Mary was not the mother of God. For it is written, that that "holy thing" that shall be born of you Mary, shall be called the Son of God (that holy thing refers to the sin prone flesh in which the SEED of the Holy Ghost would be clothed in whilst in Mary womb. (Luke 1:30-35)

JESUS descriptive title name is Immanuel - which translated means `God with us.' Appearing in fashion as a son, God appeared in the same fashion as we. Therefore when we call upon His name - the name of JESUS - the name given to men whereby we can be saved - for it is JESUS who will save HIS people from their sin. (Matthew 1:18-23)

JESUS was the Word of God, now appearing in flesh for the express purpose of bringing us salvation. (John 1:1-18) He also had an underlying purpose and that was to destroy the work of the devil who has wreaked havoc on His people. To expose the devil for what it is - the cause of sin, sickness, disease, suffering, and death. None of these consequences were what God had intended for men and women when He created the world in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1) Although considerable blame is directed at God, it is yet another lie put forward by the devil.

This is why JESUS who is God Himself manifest in the flesh came into our world - not to condemn man but rather God took the form of man upon Himself purposely to suffer death on a cross at that place called Calvary! Indeed, God it took upon Himself - the full penalty for all of our sin - the total abolition of our sin which formally required the death penalty - He took sin upon Himself - the reality of death on a cross carried out upon Him - a pure, holy, righteous man.

Why would He do this? Because, there was not anyone who was a pure, holy, righteous on earth who could bring salvation to people in the eyes of God. Therefore, God who created humanity veiled Himself in the flesh! What condescension. The very God who made this world entered into the world that he Had created to lay down His sinless life for you and me. (I Timothy 3:16) Now that is what God did, and as a consequence, the whole world revolves and rotates upon this historical fact.

Still, we have options. We can judge ourselves unworthy of the gift of eternal life OR we can yield ourselves to God. Each one decides for him or herself. Just like we were created with a will, we likewise have to make the decision. However, to all who receive JESUS, to them it is given of God that they be endued with power (GRACE) to become sons and daughters of God.

Salvation is the gift of God - a gift that is free to one and all. JESUS paid the PRICE in FULL for our redemption. JESUS is the door. There is a direct connect between Jesus and man. Not a church or religion or for that matter whatever other ism man conjures up. Salvation is attainable to every person - free of charge. Just come to JESUS with sincerity and truth.

When they asked Peter (standing with the eleven) what they must do to be saved? Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)

And then, step into the Offering Plate and offer yourself. Bring yourself to His cross and cling to the God who not only made you but loved you enough to die for you too. With arms wide open God will pardon you ...

But By An Equality In Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ - Part 1132

"But by an equality." (II Corinthians 8:14)

"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. 

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." (II Corinthians 8:7-15; Exodus 16:18)

A simple passage but so powerful -- in that it teaches us to become a flow-through in every thing in faith, and in utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in His love toward us -- so that we abound in this grace also. But this message is not written only here but confirmed in other passages as well so that we would know without a doubt that the good news gospel of Jesus Christ -- our Lord God and Saviour -- is the only message that will matter at the end of our days.

Whether we accepted Jesus the Christ into our hearts to become our Lord and Saviour? Whether we believed so much in His name that we desired to be clothed in His righteousness through baptism in the precious name of Jesus? And as a consequence, received His precious gift -- the Holy Ghost? (Acts 2:37-42) 

"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)

Paul, called an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote: "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ, that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you -- so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall also confirm you unto the end -- [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (I Corinthians 1:1-8)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit .. for the body is not one member but many. If the foot shall say, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" 

And if the ear shall say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" If the whole body [were] an eye, where the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where were the smelling? 

But now God hath set the members EVERY ONE OF THEM in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble are necessary; and those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable upon these we bestow more abundant honour and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness.

For our comely [parts] have no need but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that which lacked -- that there should no schism in the body but [that] the members should have the same care for another, and whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it' or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 

Now ye are the body of Christ ..." (I Corinthians 12:13-28)

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give] not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace about toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things] may abound to every good work; (As it is written, He that dispersed abroad, He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever." (II Corinthians 9:7-9)

Note that repeatedly Paul would write, "But I speak this by permission, not of commandment." (I Corinthians 7:6) "I speak not by commandment but by occasion of the forwardness of others and to prove the sincerity of your love." (II Corinthians 8:8)

In readiness of heart. 

This is why we "look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others -- let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus -- who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross -- wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name ... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things under the earth] that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:4-11)

So that He -- He who knew no sin -- could make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory -- even us, whom He hath called." (Romans 9:23-24)

But by an equality -- equal in the body of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Stand in the offering plate. 

Let Him Return Unto the Lord, and He (Not They!) Will Have Mercy Upon You - Part 1131

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

"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)

Sadly, the modern day religious culture wants their Bible to begin with a different version of creation. In so doing, this same culture denies "In the beginning, God." Indeed, these deny that the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. These deny that God said, "Let there be light and there was light and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:2-3)

These deny that God called the light Day, and the darkness He called night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. These deny that God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide from the waters" and that God made the firmament and divided the waters which [were] above the firmament, and it was so. (Genesis 1:5-7)

These deny that God called the firmament Heaven, and that God said, "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together into one place and let the dry [land] appear, and it was so." (Genesis 1:8-9) And God called the dry land Earth and the gathering together of the waters Seas, "and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:10)

These deny that God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself after his kind and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years, and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth and it was so." (Genesis 1:11-15)

The scriptures tell us that "God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night, He made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth and to rule over the day and over the night and to divide the light from the darkness and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth which the waters brought forth abundantly after their kind and every winged fowl after his kind, and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:16-21)

But still they deny, "In the beginning, God." They refute that God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth" and the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind" and it was so. These same deny that God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind [or that] God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:22-25)

Why? Because this same modern day religious culture desires that our Bibles should begin with another story of creation and not "In the beginning, God." These choose to not believe "In the beginning, God" in preference for a new starting scripture whereby God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)

At the same time, these same religious choose to refute that the very next verse -- verse 27 -- whereby once again the scriptures state, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." (Genesis 1:27)

Just to finish off the rest of the first chapter of Genesis before returning to the one verse that has caused so much confusion within the body of Christ -- "And God blessed them and said unto them, "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth and to every fowl of the air and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth wherein there is life, [I have given] every green herb for meat" and it was so. And God saw every thing that He had made and behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."(Genesis 1:27-31)

Herein, God alone (as the Creator of the world) is mentioned 26 times and yet we ignore these references in favour of one that suggests that God Almighty -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, and the beginning and the end -- the same God who became our Saviour -- is not really who He says He is. There must be another -- presents the religious culture -- because in their mind, God could not have created the universe all by Himself. This is why even those who don't know their Bible can quote Genesis 1:26 -- because the modern day religious culture wants you to believe that Almighty God did not love us enough to become our Saviour.

And thus, it is easier to pull the beginning portion of one scripture whereby God says, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" as the premise for teaching a God that is not one. For teaching a false teaching of a tri-une God just because in their "religious spirit" these cannot comprehend that the same God in the beginning could not have been "Almighty" enough to create the earth all by Himself. What a travesty. What a total misrepresentation of the scriptures when these ignore 31 verses in favour of one only.

Still, even these cannot get around "In the beginning, God." (Genesis 1:1) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)

"I am the Lord and there is none else, there is no God beside Me. I girded thee, though hast not known Me. That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace ... I the Lord do all these [things]." (Isaiah 43:11; Isaiah 45:5-6; Hosea 13:4; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18)

"Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things - that stretcheth froth the heavens alone, that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself ..." (Isaiah 44:24)

Remember when God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth."? God also said, "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat ... for in the image of God made He man." (Genesis 9:1-17)

God said, "And I will establish My covenant with you." (Genesis 9:11) And God said, "This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations ..." (Genesis 9:12-16) "And God said unto Noah, "This is the token of the covenant which I have established between Me and all the flesh that is upon the earth." (Genesis 9:17)

The same message continued into the new testament. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all, and through all and in you all ... but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:5-6) Whereupon because of His sacrifice on the cross -- we are able to put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24)

The same God who was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The same God who was in the world and the world created by Him. (John 1:10) The same God who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:11) This same God loved us enough to offer His humanity in exchange for our sins and unrighteousness. This is why they wanted to kill Jesus -- because being a man, He made Himself to be God.

The religious of the day didn't recognize God to be who He said He was, and sadly the same false traditions and teachings are being carried forward into these last days. But Jesus clearly showed us and told those who would listen who He was.

In fact, Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." And, when Philip came to Jesus saying,"Shew us the Father and it sufficeth" Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet thou hast not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father." (John 14:8-9)

And to Thomas 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 14:5-7)

And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name JESUS -- for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:31; Luke 2:21; John 1:29)

"And God did rest the seventh day from all His works." (Hebrews 4:4)

The fact of the matter is the Word of God does not change because some choose not to believe. This is why we are instructed to search the scriptures for therein you will find Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby men must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. Jesus -- the same Lord God who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-18)

As for those who have -- at least up until this time chosen to believe another gospel, "let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," saith the Lord, "For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater.

So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereunto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing and all the trees of the field shall clap hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree, and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Stand in the offering plate with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ today.

Preaching Peace By Jesus Christ -- He Is Lord of All - Part 1130

"His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they shepherds [that] cannot understand. They all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter. Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant." (Isaiah 56:10-12)

Interestingly, when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. When these had gone down, they prayed that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Why? "For as yet He was fallen upon none of them -- only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:17)

A similar account is found in Acts 19. Therein, it came to pass that -- while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." (Acts 19:1-2)

And Paul said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." (Note: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him which should come after him. that is on Christ Jesus."

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

And when Paul laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied, and all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:3-6)

Again, in another example, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word, while Peter still spoke. "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles 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?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:47-48)

And just in case we still don't get the point that salvation includes being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, we read about the apostles and brethren in Judaea. Herein, the apostles and brethren had heard that the Gentiles had received the Word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, "Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them." But Peter rehearsed [explained] [the matter] from the beginning and expounded by order unto them, saying, "I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descend as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me. Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And I heard a voice saying unto me, "Arise, Peter; slay and eat." But I said, "Not so Lord; for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth." But the voice answered me again from heaven, "What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common." (Acts 11:1-9)

And this was done three times and all were drawn up again into heaven. And behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me and we entered into the man's house; and he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house which stood and said unto him, "Send men to Joppa and call for Simon whose surname is Peter -- who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us in the beginning." (Acts 11:15; Acts 2:37-42)

Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that He said, "John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 11:16)

For as much then as God gave them the like gift as [He did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I that I could withstand God?" When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene which when they were come to Antioch spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21)

"Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch, who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God was glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabus to Tarsus for to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.

And it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea -- which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:22-30)

A couple of points worth noting here. From the beginning. The beginning of the Church -- the body of Christ whereby after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles. From the beginning, when on the day of Pentecost, 3,000 people repented and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

"Then remembered I the Word of the Lord -- how that He said ..." (Acts 11:16) The Word of the Lord -- Jesus Christ. "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. 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)

Finally, as we read here, salvation was not just about signing a card after asking Jesus into one's life. Neither was salvation about just going to church on Sundays. "And it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves within the church and taught much people." (Acts 26) What were they being taught in that year?

The Word of the Lord.  Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. They learned how Jesus taught the apostles to pray and to withstand the trials and tribulations of this world. These learned the good news gospel of Jesus Christ which gives peace and joy beyond man's understanding.

"Now He which stablish us with you in Christ and hath anointed us -- God -- who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts ... not for that we have dominion over your faith; but are helpers of your joy .. for by faith ye stand." (II Corinthians 1:24)

Therefore, like the apostles who received this ministry fainted not -- "renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:1-2)

Handle not the Word of God deceitfully, and don't be misled by false teachers who would have you baptized in any other formula -- rather than the name of our Lord God and Saviour. Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ today, as Peter, standing with the eleven commanded. (Acts 2:37-42) And may His epistle be written in your hearts, known and read of all men -- "written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone but in fleshy tables of the heart." (II Corinthians 3:2-4)

Stand in the offering plate.