"Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures ..." (James 1:16-18)
In other words, be not deceived. He hath 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 of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
And, whom is the beloved? In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, [even] in Him; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.
God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:8. 11)
"That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:4-12)
Trusted after that we heard the Word of truth. We heard the gospel of our salvation, in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise -- which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-16)
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe -- according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1:17-19)
When Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God wrote to the faithful in Christ Jesus (which are at Ephesus), what did he say? He opened the epistle stating, "Grace [be] to you, and peace from God our Father and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Ephesians 1:1-3)
But wait. Did I not just quote I Timothy 3:16, wherein the scripture states "God manifest in the flesh." How can this be, you ask? First, take out the added words in square brackets for clarity in the scriptures. Second, note that there is no confusion between "peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" and "blessed the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
How can I say this? Let's look in the first chapter of Luke's gospel and study what happened when Mary became pregnant.
And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
The same Holy Ghost whom Jesus after He was taken up "through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles whom He had chosen" in scribing the new testament. (Acts 1:2) The Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of God overshadowed Mary. Not separate from one another (or other persons) but one and the same God, who is Spirit.
"And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:30-33)
Indeed, when Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, and into a city of Juda to see Elisabeth, she proclaimed the good news that would come to one and all from God her/our Saviour. That is, Emmanuel which means "God with us". (Matthew 1:21-23)
"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
And as Mary spake, she said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy -- as He spake to our fathers to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:46-55)
This same Jesus, whose name is above every other name, is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) So, don't be deceived by false teachings and the traditions of men. Open up your new testament and start reading, studying to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman. (II Timothy 2:15)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Even Unto This Day, When Moses Is Read, The Vail Is Upon Their Heart - Post 1255
"And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God, who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament -- not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away, how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious, seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:4-18)
"Why is this important? Because the law was never given to the Gentile. It was never our privilege. No, the law was what distinguished Israel from the rest of the planet. Everyone else was “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12).
For a Jewish person to abandon the old way of the law and adopt God’s new way was a challenge. We see evidence of that struggle in The Book of Hebrews, for example: In The Book of Hebrews, it contains thousands of words urging the Jews to drop the old and hang on tightly to the new. But for most of us, that’s not our situation. We’re Gentiles. We were never offered the law. Today, we Gentiles are offered ONE COVENANT - THE NEW. Breaking free from the old shouldn’t really be necessary, since the old was never really ours to begin with."
"For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)
But they would not enter into His rest. And thus, our Lord God Almighty has reached out to you and I -- "where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:14)
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
Because, our Lord God "so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Thank you Jesus for your mercy that surpasses all human understanding. If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to become Lord in your life. Repent of your sin and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put on His garment and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit living within. Find yourself a new testament and start reading, taking notes, and highlighting verses in your Bible that stand out. Seek Jesus in all that you do, and stand fast therefore in the liberty wherein is Christ.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away, how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious, seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:4-18)
Too often, believers in Jesus Christ by faith are being judged according to the law given to Moses in the old testament. And in so doing, we as new believers in Jesus inevitably try to conform to the law and ten commandments, even though the law was given only as a schoolmaster -- to point us to the one and only Christ. Our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on an old rugged cross for us.
The people who were never intended to be His people, are now invited to become His chosen people. Think about this for a moment. We are not Israelites? We are not Jewish by blood? Ad neither our family of the Jewish bloodline? From the early days in the old testament, God divided His chosen people from all others, in a way that we know the two from the old covenant as either Jewish or Gentile (even though in this dispensation of grace, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but I digress).
In the old covenant, our perfection was to come by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law. But the question for this day is this.
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise, after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law ... and it is yet far more evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood, and it is yet far more evident, for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest -- who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an endless life." (Hebrews 7:11-16)
As the scripture states, the law made nothing perfect -- but the bringing in of a better hope by the which we draw nigh unto God.
"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises -- for if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second," (Hebrews 8:6-7)
An interesting quote from social media group Religion Exposed explains the difference between law and grace this way.
For a Jewish person to abandon the old way of the law and adopt God’s new way was a challenge. We see evidence of that struggle in The Book of Hebrews, for example: In The Book of Hebrews, it contains thousands of words urging the Jews to drop the old and hang on tightly to the new. But for most of us, that’s not our situation. We’re Gentiles. We were never offered the law. Today, we Gentiles are offered ONE COVENANT - THE NEW. Breaking free from the old shouldn’t really be necessary, since the old was never really ours to begin with."
In other words, we were grafted into the fold only when God declared "peace and good will to ALL men." (Luke 2:14)
We who were never His people in the first covenant are now invited to the wedding feast. A "chosen" generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9)
Jesus told us clearly, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:16)
The Lord tried to make His original people an holy people, and had chosen them to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth, but these rejected the Lord thy God.
But they would not enter into His rest. And thus, our Lord God Almighty has reached out to you and I -- "where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:14)
Indeed, "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ, according as He hath 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 of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace -- wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself ..." (Ephesians 1:3-9)
For when? "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ ... in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being destinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will!" (Ephesians 1:10-12)
To us in this current dispensation of grace, did the Lord decide that we would be His chosen people, according to the good pleasure of His will, He has made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)
For when? "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ ... in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being destinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will!" (Ephesians 1:10-12)
To us in this current dispensation of grace, did the Lord decide that we would be His chosen people, according to the good pleasure of His will, He has made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)
Not of ourselves but He through His own precious blood has made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we are sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. And, as a consequence?
"Ye [are] My witnesses," saith the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I [am] He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
So, the next time someone wants to level judgement against you for your life being far than perfect, think of apostle Paul. As the former Saul (before his name was changed into Paul), he murdered Christians for a past time, because he truly believed that he was doing God a favour. And apostle Paul did not bring to the saints and churches in Corinth and Galatia the law of Moses. And neither did he preach a doctrine that taught 'Jesus plus the law'. No, Paul preached Jesus and Jesus only because Jesus is the ONLY name under heaven whereby we can be saved in this current dispensation of grace.
And how do we know? Because we [Gentiles -- non Jews] were never given the law or ten commandments in the first place. As a consequence, we did not have a relationship with Jewish law. No wonder apostle Paul was angry with those who preached "another Jesus" rather than the good news gospel truth -- that Jesus paid the price for all our sins once and for all on the cross of Calvary. Our transgressions - past, present, and future -- are covered forever and made white as snow because He willingly shed His blood for you and I.
Sadly, there are still those trying to impose these same legalistic rules and the false teaching of Jesus plus the law onto new believers today. But thankfully, we live in the new testament side whereby His grace abounds, and whereby the law was never an option for us. And as such, we can enter into His rest knowing how much our Lord God and Saviour loves us in this new day.
"But so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament ..." (Hebrews 7:22)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Thank you Jesus for your mercy that surpasses all human understanding. If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to become Lord in your life. Repent of your sin and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put on His garment and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit living within. Find yourself a new testament and start reading, taking notes, and highlighting verses in your Bible that stand out. Seek Jesus in all that you do, and stand fast therefore in the liberty wherein is Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Fear Not For Behold, I Bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy, Which Shall Be To ALL People -- Part 1254
A reminder before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season begins showing why we can know (beyond a shadow of a doubt) how much our Lord God loves us --
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him ... and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word -- for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:1-32)
Stand in the offering plate.
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him ... and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word -- for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:1-32)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God And His Righteousness - Part 1253
"And as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give. " (Matthew 10:6-8)
Note that this same message -- the kingdom of heaven is at hand -- was preached by John the baptism when he preached of the soon coming Lamb of God, while in the wilderness. (Matthew 3:1-2) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
And then as Jesus walked, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. Jesus said unto them, "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)
Jesus answered and said unto Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Note that Nicodemus had already acknowledged that the Lord must be a teacher come from God, "For no man can do these miracles that Thou does, except God be with Him." Still, Nicodemus had to ask Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered and said, "Verily, verily, Is say unto thee -- except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again." The wind blows where it lists, and thou hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes, so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus answered and said to Jesus, "How can these things be?" And Jesus said, "Art thou a master of Israel and know not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:3-21)
Breaking these scriptures down, what do we see happening? First, repentance. Second, believe the gospel. Third, follow Jesus, so that He can make us fishers of men. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus takes this point further. That is, we must be born again. We need to believe in Jesus in order to have eternal life. And we need to seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.
"For He whom God hath sent, speaks the words of God, for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him." (John 3:34)
Jesus said, "Blessed [are] the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
Jesus said, "Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)
Note that this same message -- the kingdom of heaven is at hand -- was preached by John the baptism when he preached of the soon coming Lamb of God, while in the wilderness. (Matthew 3:1-2) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
And then as Jesus walked, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. Jesus said unto them, "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)
Jesus answered and said unto Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Note that Nicodemus had already acknowledged that the Lord must be a teacher come from God, "For no man can do these miracles that Thou does, except God be with Him." Still, Nicodemus had to ask Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered and said, "Verily, verily, Is say unto thee -- except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again." The wind blows where it lists, and thou hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and whither it goes, so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus answered and said to Jesus, "How can these things be?" And Jesus said, "Art thou a master of Israel and know not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:3-21)
Breaking these scriptures down, what do we see happening? First, repentance. Second, believe the gospel. Third, follow Jesus, so that He can make us fishers of men. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus takes this point further. That is, we must be born again. We need to believe in Jesus in order to have eternal life. And we need to seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.
"For He whom God hath sent, speaks the words of God, for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him." (John 3:34)
Jesus said, "Blessed [are] the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
Jesus said, "Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)
"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)
Jesus, in a teaching specifically to His disciples, taught saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation: neither shall they say, "Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 18:20-21)
And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Jesus, in a teaching specifically to His disciples, taught saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
This is why Jesus taught the disciples to pray the prayer that we have come to recognize as the Lord's Prayer.
Jesus said, " Our Father .... Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven ..." (Matthew 6:9-15)
But what is the kingdom of God? We know that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink. (Romans 14:17) We know that Jesus said that not every one that saith unto Jesus, "Lord, Lord," shall enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
When Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and His disciples came to Him for to show Him the buildings of the temple, and Jesus said unto them, "See ye not all these things? Verily, I say unto you, "There shall not be left here on stone upon another that shall not be thrown down." (Matthew 24:1-2)
But "when the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides [his] sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... " (Matthew 25:31-34)
And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation: neither shall they say, "Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 18:20-21)
For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Indeed, in the old covenant they did eat manna in the desert. And, as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." But Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven ... for the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven and gives life unto the world."
Desiring this bread, they said unto Jesus, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you that ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, I will in no wise cast out.
For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father;'s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:32-40)
And the Jews murmured because Jesus said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:41)
But Jesus knowing their hearts did not change His stance. In fact, Jesus went on to confirm the same message yet again -- "He that believes on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:42-51)
And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
Jesus -- the bread of life which came down from heaven so that we may eat thereof, and not die. (John 6:50-71)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
The Kingdom of God is Not Meat and Drink, But Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost - Part 1252
"Happy is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows ..." (Romans 14:22)
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost for he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men." (Romans 14:17-18)
But often, there are those who want to judge us because of our faith journey, holding Christians to a higher standard of morality within the body of Christ. And, in so doing, these attempt to make us accountable under their own understanding of Jesus' teachings. Certainly, even the world is quick to cite the scripture, "Judge not that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)
But there is much more to Jesus' teaching here than judging and this teaching is equally applicable to each and every one of us who profess Jesus to be our Lord. Yes, Jesus told us not to judge that we be not judged. But He also immediately explained His statement by adding, "with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [Therefore] why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considers not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, "Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-4)
These are all good questions.
Part of comprehending our standing within the body of Christ comes from abiding in Jesus. Not just one day a week, but every day of the week. You see, when we choose to love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and as the scribe pointed out -- in understanding too we learn from receiving His love how to love one another. We learn to reach out to others because of the price Jesus willingly paid with His shed blood. And, in so doing, Jesus teaches us how to receive those that are weak in the faith.
Not to doubtful disputations, but with the unmerited love and forgiveness that Jesus has bestowed upon us. That is, "give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)
In other words, still, "judge not that ye be not judged" but in the context of going one step further in our love. Beyond the call of duty. If a man sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Do you see what Jesus is saying here?
"Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36) "Give to him that asks thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy." But I [Jesus] say unto you, "Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you -- that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:42-44)
Why is this important? Because God already makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, sending rain to both the just and the unjust. But He wants us to go one step further in our love. This is why He calls us to love our enemies. To stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
"For if we love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? Do not even the publicans so?" (Matthew 6:46-47)
This is why as believers in Jesus by faith, we should "condemn not" so that "ye shall not be condemned" and to forgive so that "ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)
Remember Peter? The same apostle that denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times? Well, he comes to Jesus and asks, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?" What did Jesus say unto him, "I say not unto thee, "until seven times, but, until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)
To illustrate this point, Jesus then shares a parable about the kingdom of heaven, likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents. But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
But the servant therefore fell down, and worshiped the king, saying, "Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and loosed him, and forgave the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence, and he laid hands on him, taking him by the throat, saying, "Pay me what thou owes"
And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying. "Have patience with me and I will pay thee all." But he would not and thus, cast the servant into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servant saw what was done, they were very sorry and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desires me. Shouldest not thou also have compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?"
And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. "So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matthew 18:23-35)
Indeed, "let not him that eats despise him that eats not, and let not him which eats not judge him that eats, for God hath received him. "Who art thou that judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls Yea, he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:1-4)
This is why Jesus went on to say, "Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:6)
But if the accusers do not receive your love, know that these same have judged you already, and no matter what you do, their judgement will not be changed. Thus, "give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6)
But to those who love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, strength and understanding, let "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)
Stand in the offering plate.
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost for he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men." (Romans 14:17-18)
But often, there are those who want to judge us because of our faith journey, holding Christians to a higher standard of morality within the body of Christ. And, in so doing, these attempt to make us accountable under their own understanding of Jesus' teachings. Certainly, even the world is quick to cite the scripture, "Judge not that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)
But there is much more to Jesus' teaching here than judging and this teaching is equally applicable to each and every one of us who profess Jesus to be our Lord. Yes, Jesus told us not to judge that we be not judged. But He also immediately explained His statement by adding, "with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [Therefore] why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considers not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, "Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-4)
These are all good questions.
Part of comprehending our standing within the body of Christ comes from abiding in Jesus. Not just one day a week, but every day of the week. You see, when we choose to love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and as the scribe pointed out -- in understanding too we learn from receiving His love how to love one another. We learn to reach out to others because of the price Jesus willingly paid with His shed blood. And, in so doing, Jesus teaches us how to receive those that are weak in the faith.
Not to doubtful disputations, but with the unmerited love and forgiveness that Jesus has bestowed upon us. That is, "give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)
In other words, still, "judge not that ye be not judged" but in the context of going one step further in our love. Beyond the call of duty. If a man sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Do you see what Jesus is saying here?
"Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36) "Give to him that asks thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy." But I [Jesus] say unto you, "Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you -- that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:42-44)
Why is this important? Because God already makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, sending rain to both the just and the unjust. But He wants us to go one step further in our love. This is why He calls us to love our enemies. To stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
"For if we love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? Do not even the publicans so?" (Matthew 6:46-47)
This is why as believers in Jesus by faith, we should "condemn not" so that "ye shall not be condemned" and to forgive so that "ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)
Remember Peter? The same apostle that denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times? Well, he comes to Jesus and asks, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?" What did Jesus say unto him, "I say not unto thee, "until seven times, but, until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)
To illustrate this point, Jesus then shares a parable about the kingdom of heaven, likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents. But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
But the servant therefore fell down, and worshiped the king, saying, "Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and loosed him, and forgave the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence, and he laid hands on him, taking him by the throat, saying, "Pay me what thou owes"
And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying. "Have patience with me and I will pay thee all." But he would not and thus, cast the servant into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servant saw what was done, they were very sorry and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, "O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desires me. Shouldest not thou also have compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?"
And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. "So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matthew 18:23-35)
Indeed, "let not him that eats despise him that eats not, and let not him which eats not judge him that eats, for God hath received him. "Who art thou that judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls Yea, he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:1-4)
This is why Jesus went on to say, "Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:6)
But if the accusers do not receive your love, know that these same have judged you already, and no matter what you do, their judgement will not be changed. Thus, "give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6)
But to those who love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, strength and understanding, let "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)
Stand in the offering plate.
The Preaching of the Cross Is To Them That Perish Foolishness But Unto Us Which Are Saved, It Is the Power of God - Part 1251
"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man 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 ..." (Philippians 2:2-6)
"Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace be with you." (II Corinthians 13:11)
"Be of the same mind one to another." (Romans 12:16)
" ... that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul ..." (Acts 4:32)
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:10)
In other words, "if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:26)
Herein, we often refer to "standing in the offering plate"and/or "pressing into Jesus" as worthy examples of showing the love of Jesus to those around us. Becoming a flow through, and allowing His love to direct and guide us on how to support/edify one another so that no one within the body of Christ is without. (Acts 2:36-42; Acts 4:31-37) I do not mean just in areas of finance (because we hear too much in the church community about finances), but rather, in everything we do. Becoming sensitive to the needs of others -- letting each esteem others better than ourselves.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
And let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Everything in the precious name of Jesus!
"Be kindly affection-ed one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another, not slothful in business; fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you, Bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend [associate] with men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men ... be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:10-21)
As we move into the last days, and our world spirals downward into utter chaos, where the flesh lusts against the Spirit, we need to understand that being led of the Spirit means ye are not under the Law. We have been redeemed by His precious blood shed on the cross. Sanctified and made whole. We have been called unto liberty, in which all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:13-14)
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest ... but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified in the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:19-24)
No longer focusing on the conviction of sin, but rather, seeking Jesus and His love and grace, being cleansed by His mercy, all the while our faith journey being confirmed by His Word.
"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." (Colossians 1:27)
Stand in the offering plate.
"Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace be with you." (II Corinthians 13:11)
"Be of the same mind one to another." (Romans 12:16)
" ... that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul ..." (Acts 4:32)
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Corinthians 1:10)
In other words, "if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:26)
Herein, we often refer to "standing in the offering plate"and/or "pressing into Jesus" as worthy examples of showing the love of Jesus to those around us. Becoming a flow through, and allowing His love to direct and guide us on how to support/edify one another so that no one within the body of Christ is without. (Acts 2:36-42; Acts 4:31-37) I do not mean just in areas of finance (because we hear too much in the church community about finances), but rather, in everything we do. Becoming sensitive to the needs of others -- letting each esteem others better than ourselves.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)
And let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Everything in the precious name of Jesus!
"Be kindly affection-ed one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another, not slothful in business; fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you, Bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend [associate] with men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men ... be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:10-21)
As we move into the last days, and our world spirals downward into utter chaos, where the flesh lusts against the Spirit, we need to understand that being led of the Spirit means ye are not under the Law. We have been redeemed by His precious blood shed on the cross. Sanctified and made whole. We have been called unto liberty, in which all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this -- "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:13-14)
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest ... but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified in the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:19-24)
No longer focusing on the conviction of sin, but rather, seeking Jesus and His love and grace, being cleansed by His mercy, all the while our faith journey being confirmed by His Word.
"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." (Colossians 1:27)
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Seed of Promise - Part 1250
This gospel reveals JESUS - who is the SEED of promise - and in which SEED all the nations of the earth can be blessed. This gospel became necessary when God Himself was veiled in flesh as a righteous man. For God declared that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In this context then, there is none righteous, no not one.
But the hidden plan of God was gradually being unveiled. Right from the beginning, God had a plan for man even though at times we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us. Indeed, we often scratch our heads endeavouring to understand what is man that the Lord god would be so mindful of Him.
Yes, Lord you have made man a little lower than the angels. Still, you set man over the works of your hands and crowned man with glory and honour. When man turned aside from your Word, it was here that you imparted into Eve a SEED of promise. A SEED of yourself emanating from yourself. So that in the process of time, you would clothe your Promised SEED in sin prone flesh, thereby initiating at the fullness of time your hidden plan of redemption.
That is, you would through your love, mercy and grace purchase us who were your enemies and bring each and every one of us who believed back to innocence. And this redemption plan, purchased through the sacrifice of your own blood (the blood of your Holy Spirit).
In our ignorance of prophetic scripture, we indeed crucified JESUS. We were spurred along by religious zealots who in pretense professed to be God’s ministers, and in the end duping us into believing that such was the case!
But God’s love for His disobedient creation was much greater than our sin of beguiled disobedience. Because of God's love for us, there never can be anything that can separate us from God’s love. God has manifested His Love to us whilst inside a prone to sin body, a body in which body He willingly inherited all of our sins and demerits. But even death did not deter JESUS from His purposed mission, which was to redeem and restore the fallen sons of God.
This is why JESUS died and was buried in a tomb. As stated in the scriptures, "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone." However, if the corn of wheat were to die, in dying the potential life within the SEED springs forth as a multitude of the same SEEDS.
In this example, JESUS is the SEED and we are the offspring of the SEED of JESUS. In this same SEED as afore promised of God in prophecy, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
To become one of the offspring, certain criteria must be willingly adhered too. First of all, one must recognise that JESUS put Himself on the cross for you and I who are the guilty ones. We must repent before God for our sinful deeds, giving thanks to God with a grateful heart. If one is not willing to offer themselves on these terms, then the door of redemption will remain closed!
If, on the other hand, one willing repents with a grateful heart, then their sins are remitted in full by the same JESUS has put Himself in our place. We then receive the gift of redemption. And now having received redemption, God commands that you be baptized into the likeness of JESUS death. In so doing, you will receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that comes forth from the SEED of Life within the kernel of wheat - JESUS!
As such, you become the offspring of JESUS. We are now the children of God in Christ! We have been born again as a new spiritual creation, dwelling within us is the same Spirit as was in the man JESUS the Christ! This Spirit is the Holy Spirit. We are ALL members of that ONE SEED and because we are the offspring of the SEED, we now hunger for the things of God, endeavouring to walk even as He walked!
Stand in the offering plate.
By William (Bill) McKendrick
But the hidden plan of God was gradually being unveiled. Right from the beginning, God had a plan for man even though at times we cannot comprehend what God has in store for us. Indeed, we often scratch our heads endeavouring to understand what is man that the Lord god would be so mindful of Him.
Yes, Lord you have made man a little lower than the angels. Still, you set man over the works of your hands and crowned man with glory and honour. When man turned aside from your Word, it was here that you imparted into Eve a SEED of promise. A SEED of yourself emanating from yourself. So that in the process of time, you would clothe your Promised SEED in sin prone flesh, thereby initiating at the fullness of time your hidden plan of redemption.
That is, you would through your love, mercy and grace purchase us who were your enemies and bring each and every one of us who believed back to innocence. And this redemption plan, purchased through the sacrifice of your own blood (the blood of your Holy Spirit).
In our ignorance of prophetic scripture, we indeed crucified JESUS. We were spurred along by religious zealots who in pretense professed to be God’s ministers, and in the end duping us into believing that such was the case!
But God’s love for His disobedient creation was much greater than our sin of beguiled disobedience. Because of God's love for us, there never can be anything that can separate us from God’s love. God has manifested His Love to us whilst inside a prone to sin body, a body in which body He willingly inherited all of our sins and demerits. But even death did not deter JESUS from His purposed mission, which was to redeem and restore the fallen sons of God.
This is why JESUS died and was buried in a tomb. As stated in the scriptures, "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone." However, if the corn of wheat were to die, in dying the potential life within the SEED springs forth as a multitude of the same SEEDS.
In this example, JESUS is the SEED and we are the offspring of the SEED of JESUS. In this same SEED as afore promised of God in prophecy, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
To become one of the offspring, certain criteria must be willingly adhered too. First of all, one must recognise that JESUS put Himself on the cross for you and I who are the guilty ones. We must repent before God for our sinful deeds, giving thanks to God with a grateful heart. If one is not willing to offer themselves on these terms, then the door of redemption will remain closed!
If, on the other hand, one willing repents with a grateful heart, then their sins are remitted in full by the same JESUS has put Himself in our place. We then receive the gift of redemption. And now having received redemption, God commands that you be baptized into the likeness of JESUS death. In so doing, you will receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that comes forth from the SEED of Life within the kernel of wheat - JESUS!
As such, you become the offspring of JESUS. We are now the children of God in Christ! We have been born again as a new spiritual creation, dwelling within us is the same Spirit as was in the man JESUS the Christ! This Spirit is the Holy Spirit. We are ALL members of that ONE SEED and because we are the offspring of the SEED, we now hunger for the things of God, endeavouring to walk even as He walked!
Stand in the offering plate.
By William (Bill) McKendrick
Friday, November 20, 2015
In Whom Are Hid All the Treasures Of Wisdom and Knowledge - Part 1249
"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven ... even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is 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 1:23-28)
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [seated] Him at His own right hand in the heavenly [places].
Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all [things] under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all [things] to the church -- which is His body -- the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, of things in heaven ..." (Colossians 1:20)
If we would even begin to understand the magnitude of "God manifest in the flesh", and the name JESUS that He Himself who knew no sin gave to us through the shedding of His holy blood on the cross - how quickly the things of this earth would grow dim. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18)
Be thankful for this day in which the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [seated] Him at His own right hand in the heavenly [places].
Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all [things] under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all [things] to the church -- which is His body -- the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, of things in heaven ..." (Colossians 1:20)
If we would even begin to understand the magnitude of "God manifest in the flesh", and the name JESUS that He Himself who knew no sin gave to us through the shedding of His holy blood on the cross - how quickly the things of this earth would grow dim. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-18)
Be thankful for this day in which the Lord hath made. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
He That Abides In the Doctrine of Christ, He Hath Both the Father and the Son - Part 1248
"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 from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)
The theology that exists within the religious culture today stems from the inability of modern day organizations to reconcile the way new believers were water baptized in the early new testament church with the "changed" and "rewritten" scripture Matthew 28:19. This stance, even though the roman catholic church has readily admitted changing this particular verse. Still, as we have repeatedly said here before, the Word of God is true and every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)
Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness ..." (Matthew 6:33)
This is why it is critical for believers in Jesus by faith to study the scriptures for themselves, so that they cannot be led astray by a false religious dogma whose motives differ. And thankfully, some are searching His Word for the truth, which might explain why many church organizations today are decidedly removing water baptism from their respective statements of faith.
In that context, what they are doing however is missing a critical step in salvation, that both Jesus and the apostles commanded. Remember, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the son of Zacharias as an example to us, and similarly, that old testament prophecy would be fulfilled. As we also know John's baptism was the baptism of repentance, whereby those baptized were cleansed on the outside. His mission began when the Word of God came unto him in the wilderness.
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight, Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the bough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 52:10)
Because John had been filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, he knew that there was one coming after him, who he was not worthy to baptize. Much mightier than John, "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:1-22)
"John answered saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will purge His floor, and will gather the wheat unto His garner, but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people." (Luke 16-18)
As a point of clarification, note what Jesus said to His disciples about Elijah. "And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, but I say unto you, "That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the baptist." (Matthew 17:11-13)
In that context, what they are doing however is missing a critical step in salvation, that both Jesus and the apostles commanded. Remember, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the son of Zacharias as an example to us, and similarly, that old testament prophecy would be fulfilled. As we also know John's baptism was the baptism of repentance, whereby those baptized were cleansed on the outside. His mission began when the Word of God came unto him in the wilderness.
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight, Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the bough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Luke 3:4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 52:10)
Because John had been filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, he knew that there was one coming after him, who he was not worthy to baptize. Much mightier than John, "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:1-22)
"John answered saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in His hand, and He will purge His floor, and will gather the wheat unto His garner, but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people." (Luke 16-18)
As a point of clarification, note what Jesus said to His disciples about Elijah. "And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, but I say unto you, "That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the baptist." (Matthew 17:11-13)
But I have digressed from my original point. If we as believers in Jesus by faith do not move forward in our personal relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords, not being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we still wear the clothing of the world. Although our faith journey has began, we fall short of becoming fully clothed in His righteousness.
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready, and to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And He said unto me, ""See [thou do] it not; I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:7-10)
We are the bride of Christ -- those who have repented and been buried and resurrected into 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. 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 Jesus being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath nor 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)
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 Jesus being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath nor 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)
This is why Peter standing with the eleven told the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-42)
"The like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 3:21)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Jesus answered Nicodemus, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
"And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12-13)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ..." (Titus 3:5)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Jesus answered Nicodemus, saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
"And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12-13)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ..." (Titus 3:5)
Herein, the beginning of the early new testament church, of which we are partakers, and wherein the Head of the Church (the body of Christ) is Jesus. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
But beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)
"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the head of all principality and power ..." (Colossians 2:9-10)
And this only makes sense, given that Jesus said, "ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH ... AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY [EVEN] UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Stand in the offering plate.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Jesus Christ -- This is the True God, And Eternal Life - Part 1247
On the mount of transfiguration, JESUS was accompanied by Peter, James and John. Suddenly, their appeared unto them two other persons. One was Moses (representative of the Law given at Mount Sinai). The second was Elias (representative of the prophets). JESUS conversed with both. The apostles were privy to the scene, hearing and observing but not participating.
Peter bursting with enthusiasm declared, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias." What follows, according to the scriptures is a resounding answer to Peter's suggestion. A cloud encompassed the group and a voice from within the cloud spoke these words.
"This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him." The cloud dispersed, leaving the three disciples shaking with fear. They looked but saw no man other than JESUS. Only Jesus.
This was not written to suggest that Moses was not a part of the plan of God. Moses certainly was, ushering in the Law. As it is written, the Law was given through Moses. Elias too because Elias and the prophets prophesied of these days wherein God would be manifest is flesh. Each of these prophesies served their respective generation.
But in these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son who is God Himself manifest in the flesh, inasmuch as JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Spirit. If JESUS be the very SEED of the Holy Spirit then He is altogether God Himself as a Son. Therefore, in JESUS must dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
The scriptures declare that no man has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son of God who has come forth from the innermost being of God (who is Spirit), He and He alone has declared / revealed / manifest the unseen God in form. Veiled in sin prone flesh for the purpose of man's redemption.
Man was totally incapable of redeeming man. Indeed, man’s solutions were only band-aid solutions. We see this in traditional institutions claiming to represent God. In this context, religion is rampant, making merchandise of people, orchestrating all sorts of entertainment, begging for money, conning simple minded persons, even as Simon the sorcerer had done in Acts chapter 8.
This might explain why JESUS overturned the money changer's tables in the temple saying ‘My Father's House shall be called a house of prayer." Still as we often see today, they have once again turned His Father's House into a house of thieves! Even so, religion cannot negate the scriptures.
JESUS is still the cornerstone of this spiritual temple that God erected for Himself. Not a building made of brick and mortar for heaven is God’s throne and the earth is God’s footstool.
Yes, God Himself is the corner stone, and rightly so. For in order for God to build this temple wherein He would be pleased to dwell it required living redeemed stones, obtained through the sacrificial blood of the Holy Ghost which flowed within the veins of JESUS. This temple is the body of the Lord JESUS the Christ, who sacrificed Himself at Calvary, providing for man the only means whereby he can be redeemed. JESUS took upon Himself the curse of sin - willfully taking upon Himself our sin!
JESUS is the Word of God. This is why in God’s own Word, the voice from Heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him."
Now Moses and the prophets spoke and were heard. However, we have entered into the beginning of the new testament gospel of JESUS the Christ. No longer under Law. The law and the prophets were up until Christ, now a message of ‘grace and truth’ is the Word of the voice from heaven. We are brought into the perfect law of liberty, inviting one and all to come to God in Christ with nothing in their hand.
God sacrificed Himself for you. He wants your heart in return. Stand in the offering plate.
Peter bursting with enthusiasm declared, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias." What follows, according to the scriptures is a resounding answer to Peter's suggestion. A cloud encompassed the group and a voice from within the cloud spoke these words.
"This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him." The cloud dispersed, leaving the three disciples shaking with fear. They looked but saw no man other than JESUS. Only Jesus.
This was not written to suggest that Moses was not a part of the plan of God. Moses certainly was, ushering in the Law. As it is written, the Law was given through Moses. Elias too because Elias and the prophets prophesied of these days wherein God would be manifest is flesh. Each of these prophesies served their respective generation.
But in these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son who is God Himself manifest in the flesh, inasmuch as JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Spirit. If JESUS be the very SEED of the Holy Spirit then He is altogether God Himself as a Son. Therefore, in JESUS must dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!
The scriptures declare that no man has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son of God who has come forth from the innermost being of God (who is Spirit), He and He alone has declared / revealed / manifest the unseen God in form. Veiled in sin prone flesh for the purpose of man's redemption.
Man was totally incapable of redeeming man. Indeed, man’s solutions were only band-aid solutions. We see this in traditional institutions claiming to represent God. In this context, religion is rampant, making merchandise of people, orchestrating all sorts of entertainment, begging for money, conning simple minded persons, even as Simon the sorcerer had done in Acts chapter 8.
This might explain why JESUS overturned the money changer's tables in the temple saying ‘My Father's House shall be called a house of prayer." Still as we often see today, they have once again turned His Father's House into a house of thieves! Even so, religion cannot negate the scriptures.
JESUS is still the cornerstone of this spiritual temple that God erected for Himself. Not a building made of brick and mortar for heaven is God’s throne and the earth is God’s footstool.
Yes, God Himself is the corner stone, and rightly so. For in order for God to build this temple wherein He would be pleased to dwell it required living redeemed stones, obtained through the sacrificial blood of the Holy Ghost which flowed within the veins of JESUS. This temple is the body of the Lord JESUS the Christ, who sacrificed Himself at Calvary, providing for man the only means whereby he can be redeemed. JESUS took upon Himself the curse of sin - willfully taking upon Himself our sin!
JESUS is the Word of God. This is why in God’s own Word, the voice from Heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him."
Now Moses and the prophets spoke and were heard. However, we have entered into the beginning of the new testament gospel of JESUS the Christ. No longer under Law. The law and the prophets were up until Christ, now a message of ‘grace and truth’ is the Word of the voice from heaven. We are brought into the perfect law of liberty, inviting one and all to come to God in Christ with nothing in their hand.
God sacrificed Himself for you. He wants your heart in return. Stand in the offering plate.
And He Shall Send Jesus Christ Which Before Was Preached Unto You - Part 1246
"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 2:23-24)
"Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Sadly, we see much of the same mindset in the modern day religious culture, and world today, whereby wicked hearts desire to crucify and slay Jesus all over again, with a watered down, revised theology that does not have its foundation in the Word.
Instead of an understanding of Almighty God manifest in the flesh -- the one and same God who loved us so much that He would come into our world and shed His holy blood on the cross, a false doctrine called the trinity was established, attempting to make God into three persons. A tri-une God, as these leaders promote, because these themselves have been blinded from the truth.
Furthermore, water baptism is too often performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit rather than in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, even though immediately before the rewritten Matthew 28:19, Jesus is saying, "ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Acts 2:36-42)
These same hierarchies are intent on pouring the new testament wine into old flasks, suggesting that grace is established only until we ask Jesus into our lives, but then we must return to obeying the Law and ten commandments (which was given only as a schoolmaster to point us to Christ).
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)
And the list of false teachings goes on and on, and will until the members of the body of Christ begin to diligently search the scriptures for truth. Remember, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need to accept Jesus into our heart first, being baptized in His name, like the first 3,000 souls were baptized on the day of Pentecost -- the day that the new testament Church was established with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. How do we know this?
When Peter (standing with the disciples) was asked, "What must we 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, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call." (Acts 2:37-38)
What was the consequence? They that gladly received His Word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. And they, 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. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. (Acts 2:29-47)
How did the apostles know what to say? Because until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles, whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)
Was that the 12 original disciples, the 70 that we see later on, or the 120 that continued in one accord in prayer and in supplication in Jerusalem? A topic, perhaps, for yet another day. For now let us understand that the first commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and in so doing, preach and teach to all creation, as one that has been chosen and ordained by the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name is Jesus.
"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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)
"Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Sadly, we see much of the same mindset in the modern day religious culture, and world today, whereby wicked hearts desire to crucify and slay Jesus all over again, with a watered down, revised theology that does not have its foundation in the Word.
Instead of an understanding of Almighty God manifest in the flesh -- the one and same God who loved us so much that He would come into our world and shed His holy blood on the cross, a false doctrine called the trinity was established, attempting to make God into three persons. A tri-une God, as these leaders promote, because these themselves have been blinded from the truth.
Furthermore, water baptism is too often performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit rather than in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, even though immediately before the rewritten Matthew 28:19, Jesus is saying, "ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Acts 2:36-42)
"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 from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4)
These same hierarchies are intent on pouring the new testament wine into old flasks, suggesting that grace is established only until we ask Jesus into our lives, but then we must return to obeying the Law and ten commandments (which was given only as a schoolmaster to point us to Christ).
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)
And the list of false teachings goes on and on, and will until the members of the body of Christ begin to diligently search the scriptures for truth. Remember, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
We need to accept Jesus into our heart first, being baptized in His name, like the first 3,000 souls were baptized on the day of Pentecost -- the day that the new testament Church was established with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. How do we know this?
When Peter (standing with the disciples) was asked, "What must we 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, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord God shall call." (Acts 2:37-38)
What was the consequence? They that gladly received His Word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need. And they, 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. And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. (Acts 2:29-47)
How did the apostles know what to say? Because until the day in which He was taken up, after that He THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles, whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)
Was that the 12 original disciples, the 70 that we see later on, or the 120 that continued in one accord in prayer and in supplication in Jerusalem? A topic, perhaps, for yet another day. For now let us understand that the first commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and in so doing, preach and teach to all creation, as one that has been chosen and ordained by the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name is Jesus.
"And they shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 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)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes ... for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." (Romans 1:16)
In order for salvation to take hold, we must first die to our old self, being buried with Christ into death so that we can walk in newness of life with our beloved Master. Like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years, we need to take hold of His yoke, which is not burdensome. Indeed, Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Water baptism is our faith in action. And when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will lead us and guide us into all truth. His truth that surpasses all human understanding.
Stand in the offering plate.
Water baptism is our faith in action. And when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will lead us and guide us into all truth. His truth that surpasses all human understanding.
Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread - Part 1245
In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) He created the heaven and earth from the earth that was without form, and void. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." (Genesis 1:2-5)
As we know from reading Genesis, God is a Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. The scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God?" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as HE.
When that initial creation intersects with salvation in the second Adam -- Christ -- it is here that our understanding of the gospel message is increased. Herein, God begins to reveal Himself to us through His Word. Why? Because no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father -- He has declared Him.
For God so loved ....
The only begotten. Jesus spoken of Him as the Only begotten. In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child -- described by Luke as a holy thing -- being conceived of the Holy Ghost, spoken of in the scriptures as one who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. His life after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
When the Word that was with God and was God became flesh, and we beheld His glory, we understood that the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. "And ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
That which was conceived Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- God manifest in the flesh. (II Timothy 3:16) The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us.
The Word of God did not become a human being, rather the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. Indeed, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the man Christ Jesus.
God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God. This is why God walked in the cool of the day with His creation. That is, until the temptation was revealled -- Adam and Eve seeking for the first time ever to cover themselves while they hid.
But through it all, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in visible earthly created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us up and running yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a "created" son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I.
God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. This is why He was referred to as the second Adam. He was the Lord Himself!
Peter declared on the day of Pentecost -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Thus, God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God repeatedly said, "My glory, I will not give to another." There is none other god beside Me. I, the Lord have become your Saviour. Let all the angels of God worship Him. Jesus, the Christ, is the same God yesterday, today and forever.
This is why Thomas declared to Jesus,“My Lord and MY God!" And as believers in Jesus by faith, so should we.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) Stand in the offering plate.
As we know from reading Genesis, God is a Spirit, filling the heavens and the earth. The scriptures state, "Why even the heavens cannot contain God?" How big is God? Well, in God, we live and we move and we have our being. Further, God created man in His own image. This might be where we begin to think of God as HE.
When that initial creation intersects with salvation in the second Adam -- Christ -- it is here that our understanding of the gospel message is increased. Herein, God begins to reveal Himself to us through His Word. Why? Because no man has seen God at any time. Only the begotten who is in the bosom of the Father -- He has declared Him.
For God so loved ....
The only begotten. Jesus spoken of Him as the Only begotten. In comparison, we are spoken of as begat. The difference is that Jesus is God’s holy child -- described by Luke as a holy thing -- being conceived of the Holy Ghost, spoken of in the scriptures as one who is without father or mother. He has no beginning of days, nor end of life. His life after the order (the lead) of Melchisedec.
When the Word that was with God and was God became flesh, and we beheld His glory, we understood that the Spirit of the Christ was embodied. for the flesh covering began in the womb of Mary when she served as a surrogate mother. The fetus being seeded of the Holy Ghost. "And ye shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)
That which was conceived Mary is of the Holy Ghost ... and finished at Calvary. He was sown a natural body and yet raised a spiritual body. Jesus is introduced as being God with us -- God manifest in the flesh. (II Timothy 3:16) The Word was made or veiled and the flesh lived among us.
The Word of God did not become a human being, rather the Word was clothed in the flesh of fallen humanity. Having been clothed with flesh in Mary’s womb, the pure humanity is attributed to the Holy Ghost which was in the man Jesus the Christ. God was in Christ. Indeed, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in the man Christ Jesus.
God did not come to earth to acquire humanity. God is, and always will be the source of pure humanity. Before the fall, Adam was perfect in all his ways, an earthly expression of God. This is why God walked in the cool of the day with His creation. That is, until the temptation was revealled -- Adam and Eve seeking for the first time ever to cover themselves while they hid.
But through it all, God was endeavouring thereby, to reveal His own spiritual humanity in visible earthly created form. A form created from the dust of the earth into which God breathed the breath of life. Fresh air. The same air which keeps us up and running yet is incapable of providing us with spiritual humanity. In the Old Testament, we learn that Adam was a "created" son of God. One could say that if you had seen Adam, you had perhaps seen God, in a created form.
But in the New Testament, we read that the Word was veiled in flesh. The Word -- God Himself. The SAME Word (or counsel of God ) that had brought forth Adam. God Had promised that He would become our Saviour, and in keeping with His promised Word, He conceived Himself into Mary’s womb. Even though He had created all things, God still humbled Himself for you and I.
God took upon Himself the form of a servant in a son form. This is why He was referred to as the second Adam. He was the Lord Himself!
Peter declared on the day of Pentecost -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Thus, God who at different times and in various manners spoke to us through the mouths of prophets has now spoken to us as/in His Son. God’s Spirit created all things and by Himself (as a Son) and for Himself, all things were made. Apart from Himself, there is nothing made that was made.
God repeatedly said, "My glory, I will not give to another." There is none other god beside Me. I, the Lord have become your Saviour. Let all the angels of God worship Him. Jesus, the Christ, is the same God yesterday, today and forever.
This is why Thomas declared to Jesus,“My Lord and MY God!" And as believers in Jesus by faith, so should we.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-6) Stand in the offering plate.
God's Grace Is Not Only Sufficient But Retroactive - Part 1244
"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner." (Psalms 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; I Peter 2:4-8)
"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)
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
"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)
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
The scriptures tell us that no man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24) These will either serve mammon, and thus, their own self interests, or cleave to the righteousness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, who purchased our salvation through His own holy blood shed upon a cross. Thus, either we take up our cross and follow Jesus, or we deny Him in our hearts. With Jesus, there can be no sitting on the fence. We have a choice whether to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, or conversely, to reject Him.
We see the need for a heart decision repeatedly in the gospels. One such example comes to mind.
Jesus had just come down from the mountain. Therein, He stood in the plain, in the company of His disciples. A great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Jesus, and to be healed of their diseases. What happened? Every single person "vexed with unclean spirits" was healed. "The whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." (Luke 6:19)
One would think that a miracle of this magnitude, whereby all those that were sick were healed would be sufficient to prove God's abundant love for each and every one of us. As we know, God had already declared "peace and good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14) The prophecy of old stating, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
"For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16)
But as we also know, there were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, and as a consequence, continually sought to kill Him. The apostles encountered the same opposition when they preached the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus told us that we would similarly be hated for His name's sake.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10 :22)
We see the need for a heart decision repeatedly in the gospels. One such example comes to mind.
Jesus had just come down from the mountain. Therein, He stood in the plain, in the company of His disciples. A great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Jesus, and to be healed of their diseases. What happened? Every single person "vexed with unclean spirits" was healed. "The whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." (Luke 6:19)
One would think that a miracle of this magnitude, whereby all those that were sick were healed would be sufficient to prove God's abundant love for each and every one of us. As we know, God had already declared "peace and good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14) The prophecy of old stating, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
"For God so loved the world ..." (John 3:16)
But as we also know, there were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, and as a consequence, continually sought to kill Him. The apostles encountered the same opposition when they preached the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus told us that we would similarly be hated for His name's sake.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10 :22)
"But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hates Me, hates My Father also." (John 15:21-23)
Herein, Jesus is saying, "IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM THE WORKS WHICH NONE OTHER MAN DID, they had not had sin, but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father." (John 15:24)
Rather than accepting God's love for them, in that He Himself who knew no sin would willingly become sin for us, and then after being beaten, shed His holy blood on a cross, these wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Nothing to do with the King of kings and Lord of lords, who personally delivered His gift of grace that is retroactive.
Still, as Jesus told Thomas, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
"No man comes unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me. ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:5-7)
When Philip heard this, he then asked Jesus to show Him the Father "and it suffices us." How did Jesus respond? "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how sayest then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)
You see, Jesus was in the Father and the Father in Him -- the words that Jesus spake not of Himself but the Father that dwells within Him,
"He doeth the works ... Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works sake." (John 14:10-15)
This has not changed today, except that the Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary and brought forth that "holy thing" as Luke describes Jesus in the womb, is the same Comforter that dwells within us now when we ask Jesus into our heart. The same He that walked this earth -- the same He that was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not -- He desires to be Lord in our life.
But even He said, "or else believe for the very works sake."
Now that is love beyond measure. He loved you and I before we even knew we were sinners. He formed His purpose in our mother's womb, and even though we have all strayed, He is still inviting us to the wedding feast. Come, all ye who are heavy laden, Jesus said, "and I will give you rest."
Everything that Jesus did in this new testament dispensation of grace -- God manifest in the flesh -- was so that we would turn our hearts to the Master -- our Lord God and Saviour who never leaves us comfortless. He is the true vine. He is the living water wherein we will never thirst again. He is the Bread from heaven. He is the Light which shines bright even in the darkest corner of this earth.
"For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh, the enmity, [even] the law of commandments, contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom ALL the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14-22)
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
Yes, God's grace is retroactive. We just need to accept His gift of salvation by declaring Jesus both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
Yes, God's grace is retroactive. We just need to accept His gift of salvation by declaring Jesus both Lord and Christ in our hearts, and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38)
Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Let This Mind Be In You Which Was Also in Christ Jesus - Part 1243
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps ..." (I Peter 2:21)
Jesus said, "Abide in Me ..."
Jesus said, "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am ... If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is He that is sent greater than He that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" .... Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am He." (John 13:13-20)
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
Jesus said, "And why call ye Me, "Lord, Lord" and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:36-39)
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did pre-destinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren ..." (Romans 8:29)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death ..." (Romans 8:2-8)
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, "I know Him" and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true Light now shines." (I John 2:1-9)
In today's world, we are seeing more and more individuals self proclaiming themselves to be evangelists, and/or apostles, and now, even a title called apostolic encouragers who are more willing to promote the thoughts of men than the wisdom of God. But what do the scriptures state?
Jesus said, "Abide in Me ..."
Jesus said, "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am ... If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is He that is sent greater than He that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" .... Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am He." (John 13:13-20)
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
Jesus said, "And why call ye Me, "Lord, Lord" and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus said, "He that believes on Me, believes not on Me but on Him that sent Me, and he that sees Me, hath seen Him that sent Me. I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believes on Me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not, for I came not to judge the world but to save the world. He that rejects Me and receives not My words, hath one that judges him; the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father which sent Me, He gave a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is life everlasting; whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (John 12:44-50)
Sadly, too many in these final days love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Too many are seeking wisdom from the teachings of men, rather than the commandments of our Lord God and Saviour. And as a consequence of not having the Comforter -- the Holy Ghost living within -- whom Jesus said the Father would send in His name, and would teach us all things --are seeking men's counsel and comfort from man-made religious institutions.
But we as believers in Jesus by faith, know in whom we have found salvation, and willingly follow Him, because in His commandments is life everlasting. (John 12:50) John the baptist knew this when he pointed to the Lamb of God who would come after him, which takes away the sin of the world.
"This is He of whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me, for He was before me. And I knew him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not, but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost," (John 1:19-34)
After Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles, and as we see from the scriptures below, His new testament message still the same. Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever. The King of kings and Lord of lords. What did the apostles write?
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:36-39)
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did pre-destinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren ..." (Romans 8:29)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death ..." (Romans 8:2-8)
This is why we trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ..." (Philippians 2:5)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ..." (Philippians 2:5)
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
You Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Doctrine ... And Intend to Bring This Man's Blood Upon Us - Part 1242
"Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence, for thy feared the people, lest they should have been stoned, and when they had brought them, they set them before the council and the high priest asked them, saying, "Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." ... And when they had called the apostles and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name, and daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:25-42)
What was the doctrine that concerned the societal authorities, to the point that these same would even beat the apostles, forbidding them to teach and/or preach in that name? The preaching of the good news gospel in the name of Jesus. Why was the name of Jesus such a concern?
Because "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)
But sadly, like in the days of the apostles, we continue to witness a move away from the name of Jesus. The man-made institutionalized religious community with its false trinitarian (or God in three persons) doctrine is intent on causing confusion amid the body of believers, attempting at every turn to muddy the waters. They do so in singing lyrics to Jehovah, or water baptizing people without actually using the name of our Lord. And, by separating God into three persons (instead of aligning church doctrine to Ephesians 4:5-6 which states: "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above you all, and through all and in you all") new believers stumble in their faith journey, not having been grounded in His Word.
Still, what we do with Jesus is the only question that will matter in terms of eternity. How we respond to the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending, will establish our membership in the body of Christ, Jesus being the Head. Indeed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead us into all wisdom and truth when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-42)
The first 3,000 souls baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the new testament church.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22) This is why Acts 2 is significant, because Peter (standing with the eleven) preached the very "same message" to every man, woman and child including: "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:8-11)
And that same message did not change throughout the scriptures. Indeed, every recorded baptism in the new testament was performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they hands on them, and then they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he 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." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." 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." (Acts 19:1-5)
What was the doctrine that concerned the societal authorities, to the point that these same would even beat the apostles, forbidding them to teach and/or preach in that name? The preaching of the good news gospel in the name of Jesus. Why was the name of Jesus such a concern?
Because "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)
But sadly, like in the days of the apostles, we continue to witness a move away from the name of Jesus. The man-made institutionalized religious community with its false trinitarian (or God in three persons) doctrine is intent on causing confusion amid the body of believers, attempting at every turn to muddy the waters. They do so in singing lyrics to Jehovah, or water baptizing people without actually using the name of our Lord. And, by separating God into three persons (instead of aligning church doctrine to Ephesians 4:5-6 which states: "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above you all, and through all and in you all") new believers stumble in their faith journey, not having been grounded in His Word.
Still, what we do with Jesus is the only question that will matter in terms of eternity. How we respond to the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending, will establish our membership in the body of Christ, Jesus being the Head. Indeed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter which will lead us into all wisdom and truth when we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-42)
The first 3,000 souls baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the new testament church.
"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22) This is why Acts 2 is significant, because Peter (standing with the eleven) preached the very "same message" to every man, woman and child including: "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:8-11)
And that same message did not change throughout the scriptures. Indeed, every recorded baptism in the new testament was performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they hands on them, and then they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he 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." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." 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." (Acts 19:1-5)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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." (Romans 6:1-4)
"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 ..." (Colossians 2:12-13)
According to II Timothy 2:15 "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." but we need to study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. Until we do this, we will continue to be tossed to and fro by the false teachings of this world, missing out on the absolute blessings that only come from knowing Jesus personally, and desiring always to know more about the husband that the bride (believers in Jesus by faith, who have willingly clothed themselves in His righteousness through water baptism) will marry at the wedding feast.
According to II Timothy 2:15 "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." but we need to study His Word to show ourselves approved unto God, as doth a workman. Until we do this, we will continue to be tossed to and fro by the false teachings of this world, missing out on the absolute blessings that only come from knowing Jesus personally, and desiring always to know more about the husband that the bride (believers in Jesus by faith, who have willingly clothed themselves in His righteousness through water baptism) will marry at the wedding feast.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Thy sake, we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:35-39)
Only One Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin, came into this world so that we might have eternal life through Him. Accept His gift of salvation today. Repent and be baptized in the only name that offers salvation. Stand in the offering plate.
Only One Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin, came into this world so that we might have eternal life through Him. Accept His gift of salvation today. Repent and be baptized in the only name that offers salvation. Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Like Mary Who Worshiped Jesus, Rejoice in God our Saviour - Part 1241
According to the Biblical scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are the people called by His name (the Jesus people). The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, which they in turn delivered to us. As the scriptures state, "For another foundation can no man lay other than that which has been laid." This is the apostles' foundation with Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone.
Further, Jesus said this is My church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.
Was Mary the mother of God? Of course not. Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Again, no. Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour." Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it. Blessed much more than the womb that bore me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, No not one.
But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?
As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus, one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were all new believers baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of the Lord Jesus!
It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved. As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance. Jesus made the sacrifice. And it was Jesus Himself that said on the cross -- It is finished. The sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense.
Moreover, there is only one high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation.
What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and as a consequence, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. For further details, please read through Acts chapter two.
Ask our Lord God and Saviour to open your eyes for understanding. Stand in the offering plate.
Further, Jesus said this is My church and the gates (teachings of hell) shall not prevail against it. The holy Spirit of Jesus Himself will lead and guide believers into all truth. As it is written, believers will all be taught of God. Christ alone is the Head of His Church (body). In essence then, this church is not a two headed church. This foundation verifies yet again that there is only one mediator between God and man. That is, the man Jesus the Christ who is the only begotten Son of the Spirit of God. It is in this body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. This makes God alone the Father and Mother of the man Jesus.
Was Mary the mother of God? Of course not. Mary was a surrogate mother of the Son of God. Does Mary intercede on our behalf? Again, no. Mary said that her spirit rejoiced in "God her Saviour." Can a believer be more blessed than Mary? Indeed, yes. As the scriptures state, more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and do it. Blessed much more than the womb that bore me! Who is Jesus' mother and father then? They that hear the Word of God and do it. Is anyone infallible? No. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, No not one.
But the good news is that whosoever sins that you remit, they are remitted. Whosoever sins that you retain, they are retained. When Jesus bore our sins on a tree, He allowed the people -- sinners -- to call upon Jesus so that they would receive forgiveness and remission of sin. But the apostolic message did not end there. In this context, other questions are asked. Am I really baptized if I am baptized in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit?
As outlined in earlier posts, these are relationship titles with no applicable name attached. By being baptized in the titles and not the name of Jesus, one is substituting man’s rendition of Matthew chapter 28:19 without including the practical applicability. How did the apostles baptize? How were all new believers baptized in the Bible? Note here that the apostles did follow Jesus' instructions when they baptized believers in His name -- in the precious name of the Lord Jesus!
It is the same when, during communion, countless congregations of people are told that the wafer or bread and the wine are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ. Would I be committing an unforgivable sin if I participate? We would if we did not acknowledge that Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all so that we could be saved. As such, there is no longer a need for churches to offer a repeat performance. Jesus made the sacrifice. And it was Jesus Himself that said on the cross -- It is finished. The sacrificial death of Jesus is present tense.
Moreover, there is only one high priest. That is Jesus, who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Is the new testament a continuation of the old covenant? No. The new testament is a testament between one party. This one relationship is between God who is Spirit and between God Himself as a Son. Grace testament. Whereas the old covenant was between two parties -- a covenant of life and death -- the new testament is about grace! This is why the scriptures ask new believers to search the scriptures so that they will know and understand the plan of salvation.
What were the first believers told to do? The first 3000 people who believed in Jesus repented and were baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and as a consequence, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. For further details, please read through Acts chapter two.
Ask our Lord God and Saviour to open your eyes for understanding. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, November 13, 2015
And If Ye Be Christ's, Then Are Ye Abraham's Seed, and Heirs According to the Promise. - Part 1240
"Brethren, I speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man dis-annuls, or adds thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made, He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to Thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect -- for if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:15-18)
Paul has already asked the question, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn," writes apostle Paul, "of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain.
He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Evan as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham?
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:1-8)
"So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse; for it is written, "cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them." (Galatians 3:9-10; Deuteronomy 27:26)
"But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident; for the just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of faith; but, the man that does them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith ..." (Galatians 3:9-14)
In other words, if the inheritance be of the Law, is is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the Law? It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid, for if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law. But the scripture hath concluded, all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come,, we are no longer under a schoolmaster, for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus -- for as many of you as have been baptized in to Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:15-29)
In other words, Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in His SEED (CHRIST) would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
All along, the prophecies from old intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is salvation in no other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God or, as we learn in the new testament scripture, God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Emmanuel meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS is the same Almighty God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) In the following verses, His Word instructs new believers on what they must do to be saved. (Acts 2:36-42) Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman would do, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.
Paul has already asked the question, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn," writes apostle Paul, "of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain.
He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Evan as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham?
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:1-8)
"So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse; for it is written, "cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them." (Galatians 3:9-10; Deuteronomy 27:26)
"But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident; for the just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of faith; but, the man that does them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith ..." (Galatians 3:9-14)
In other words, if the inheritance be of the Law, is is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the Law? It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid, for if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law. But the scripture hath concluded, all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come,, we are no longer under a schoolmaster, for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus -- for as many of you as have been baptized in to Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:15-29)
In other words, Isaac was not the promised SEED. Yet, the Lord did say to Abraham that in him (natural seed) Abraham and in His SEED (CHRIST) would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Neither was JACOB the promised SEED. The progression of the promised SEED traveled along in Abraham's offspring and yet none of Abraham's offspring were to be the final embodiment of the promised SEED.
All along, the prophecies from old intended to reveal that Christ alone is the SEED of promise. This is why there is salvation in no other. JESUS being not the seed of man but rather, JESUS the VERY SEED of the Holy Ghost. The same SEED brought forth JESUS the Christ, who is none other than the Son of God or, as we learn in the new testament scripture, God Himself as a son.
When JESUS came forth from the womb of His surrogate mother, did not the angelic host sing? Did not the wise men offer gifts to Him? And did not the aged Simeon in the temple upon seeing the child JESUS declare, "Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation?"
Further, did not the angel declare that the child be named JESUS? His title to be Emmanuel meaning "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS is the same Almighty God who created all things, manifesting Himself in the flesh and entering this fallen world as a man with one intent. That objective being to seek and to save those which would otherwise be lost.
A SAVIOUR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified to be BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) In the following verses, His Word instructs new believers on what they must do to be saved. (Acts 2:36-42) Read these verses with gladness. Receive His promises into your heart. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus the Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as a workman would do, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Stand in the offering plate.
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