For the Earth is the Lord's and the Fullness Thereof - Part 1189

"For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

In other words, the things that happened in the old covenant are written for ensamples. They are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, so that we would be encouraged and edified, while remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:37-42)

Indeed, throughout the new testament, we are continually reminded (after repenting of our sin and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) to move forward in our faith journey, always mindful that the Lord instilled in us a specific purpose when He formed us in our mother's womb. The question is whether we will step out in faith and desire the very best that He has to offer. And whether we will diligently study the scriptures, as doth a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

In this context, we are instructed to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things that we have heard from the apostles -- "the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (II Timothy 2:1-2)

In so doing, recognize that we will not be the first to endure hardship, for the Lord Jesus willingly went to the cross for you and I. No greater love story can ever be told but that the same God who created the world and the fullness therein loved His creation enough to shed His precious blood so that we might clothe ourselves in His righteousness. The apostles too endured hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

In fact, the scriptures state: "No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier ... and if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-6)

No man can serve two masters. When we follow Jesus, we must do so with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Does this make us perfect? Of course not, but our heart and desires will be rightly placed. And as such, the Holy Ghost within us can teach us the gospel that was promised afore in the holy scriptures. That includes -- "Jesus Christ of the seed of David raised from the dead according to the gospel." (II Timothy 2:8)

The same gospel that "was 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 from 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 Christ." (Romans 1:1-6)

You see, as Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ unto the church of God which is at Corinth (and specifically to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus) wrote -- "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink ... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4)

Peter, standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 to be saved on the day of Pentecost that they too had to eat and drink from that same spiritual Rock. This is why they were baptized in the name of Jesus after repenting of their sin. Baptized into Jesus Christ. And 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 lives, he lives unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-11)

Why was there no disconnect between the people? Because the apostles knew (both collectively and individually) the work that was written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness of the gospel of Jesus the Christ.

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common ... continuing 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." (Acts 2:41-47)

Therefore, do not be like those under the Law who "sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." (I Corinthians 10:7) Because of their idolatry and lusting after evil, three and twenty thousand fell in just one day.

Rather, put on the full armour of God. Rest in His goodness and grace as you study His Word. Pray continually for strength, and for the Lord to enlarge our territory. And let the Lord Jesus shine forth in your heart, so that you can be as a city on a hill for those who are lost, and will remain lost into eternity, if no one preaches the gospel to them.

Help others to stand fast in the liberty that only comes from remaining faithful to our Lord God and Saviour, who showed us His abundant love while we were yet sinners.

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 4:26-27)

Stand in the offering plate.