To Them That Have Obtained Like Precious Faith With Us Through the Righteousness of Our God and Saviour Jesus Christ - Part 1301

There are those who proclaim that the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ must be "balanced" with church dogma and ideology, and in alignment with the science(s) of this world. But is this the mindset or worldview presented in the scriptures? I ask this question because too often (in today's world) we want to base our foundation of knowledge on man's wisdom rather than the wisdom that inherently comes from God.

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote -- to them [us] that have obtained like [or the same kind of] precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

Let's read that last part again. Our knowledge and wisdom, and the foundation for our like precious faith is through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Simon Peter does not say that we get our knowledge from the world. Neither does Simon Peter state that our precious faith comes from aligning ourselves with modern day religion, or church traditions of men.

Regarding science, apostle Paul elaborates further, saying, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called, which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen." (I Timothy 6:19-21)

Indeed, Simon Peter clearly points to the only way of gaining knowledge and wisdom that can sustain us in this world is THROUGH THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. [As an aside, the literal translation for II Peter 1:1 states "through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus" -- but I digress].

Note that this is the same Peter that Paul referred to in Galatians -- "For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles." (Galatians 2:8) Like apostle Paul [formerly known as Saul], one of the same apostles whereby when ye read the written scripture proclaims, ye may understand the knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and partakers of His promised Christ by the gospel. (Ephesians 3:1-6)

But this passage of scripture in II Peter does not stop there. How do we obtain knowledge?

The scripture states: "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:3-4)

Therefore, our knowledge comes from the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Our wisdom comes from Him that gives unto us exceeding great and precious promises that we through His love, mercy and grace might be partakers of the divine nature. Both come from the Word who was with God in the beginning, and WAS GOD. (John 1:1-18)

"For all the promises of God in Him, yea, and in Him Amen unto the glory of God by us. Now He which stablish us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, God, who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." (II Corinthians 1:20-22)

As the prophet Esaias saith, "There shall be a root of Jesse and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust. Now 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 15:12-13; Isaiah 11:1, 10)

In the old covenant, those who believed by faith only had the hope of this, and other prophecies being fulfilled sometime in the future.  These never got to experience the power of the Holy Ghost as the first 3,000 souls saved did on the day of Pentecost. (Hebrews 11:1-40; Acts 2:36-47)

"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40)

But we in this current dispensation of grace have been made privy to His precious gift of salvation. Why? Because Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree." (Galatians 3:13)

And when we reach out and call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and are baptized into His name --  the precious name of Jesus -- we shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) We receive His Spirit of truth that will lead and guide us into all knowledge and wisdom.

So "that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe ..." (I Thessalonians 2:12)

So that we "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:5)

And so, as Jesus said, we can hear His voice.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck [them] out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are One." (John 10:27-30)

Most of all, so that we no longer are like those who assemble together and have no knowledge -- those that set up the wood of their graven image and pray unto a god that cannot save. (Isaiah 45:20)

But this Jesus -- well, not only will He shall save His people from their sins, but know that -- "in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you." (I Corinthians 1:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

As the Father Hath Loved Me, So Have I Loved You - Part 1300

Increasingly, in these last days, we are seeing an escalated number of legitimate questions emerge within the faith community. Sadly, however, the responses to these questions are being answered with anything and everything but the Word of God.

Admittedly, we were warned of these times, when the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ would be reduced to cunningly devised fables. (II Peter 1:16)  Still, when we know that only the Word makes known the intricacies of the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Kingdom, I am saddened to see the contested dialogue -- in whatever shape or form that might take -- moving away from the Word and replacing the absolute truth of God with a lie. (Romans 1:25)

Why? Because first and foremost, the Bible -- the infallible scriptures as written are the Word of God. His Word. The same Word that was with God and was God in the beginning -- made flesh and dwelt among us -- God manifest in the flesh -- in order to bring forward the new testament of peace and good will to all. (Luke 2:14; I Timothy 3:16)

This same Almighty God was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. The same God that came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18)

His name is Jesus -- the ONLY name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

As apostle Paul so often reiterated in his epistles to the churches, we need not to be removed from Him that called us into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. A gospel that cannot be found anywhere in the Word, and therefore, having no scriptural foundation whatsoever.

Indeed, apostle Paul wrote: "But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)

As a consequence, the scriptures should be our starting point, after asking Jesus to be our Lord God and Saviour. (For those readers who may be new to this salvation message, and our Lord's invitation to the most elaborate wedding feast ever, know that you must repent of your sins, asking Jesus to become Lord of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and then be immersed via water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:1-4)

When we are buried into Jesus Christ -- "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 -- resurrected to stand fast in the liberty wherein is Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 5:1) At this point, we seek to know our Lord God and Saviour in prayer, and through His Word.

To this end, the scripture instructs us to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

Thus, when we gain knowledge of Jesus our Lord, "according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness charity." (II Peter 1:1-7)

At first, this might seem like a tall order to fulfill. However, Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ who wrote to them about obtaining a like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- "For if these things be in you and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:8)

Moreover, Jesus put it this way in the parable of the true vine:

"Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit, He purges [it], that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine. Ye [are the] branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned." (John 15:1-6)

Note that Jesus repeats what He had previously said.

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so ye shall be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in My love." (John 15:7-9)

How? By keeping His commandments.

Jesus said, "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you -- that My joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full." (John 15:10-11)

"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not know the truth ... But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 4-7)

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11)

Washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. The same Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us.

"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began -- but is now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God -- only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ, for ever, amen." (Romans 16:25-27)

Let those with eyes to eyes see, and those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

Wherefore Then Serveth the Law? It Was Added Because of Transgressions - Part 1299

This post is a continuation of Part 1298, intended to further elaborate on the discussion on grace and righteousness. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Thus, continuing Romans 4:

"Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, saying, "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4:4-8)

In defining the intended meaning of works, what is meant is working for one's own righteousness. "For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)

In writing to the Israelite's to whom the law was actually given, Paul said, "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, "That the man which doeth those things shall live by them." (Romans 10:3-5)

But we are not of the law, because throughout the old covenant, we who were not Jews were considered the heathen. But the Jews rejected Jesus and when these did, Jesus brought His gift of grace -- His salvation -- peace and good will to all, including the Gentiles. We who were considered the uncircumcision in the scriptures -- a chosen people who were not originally a chosen people. Thus, the following question.

"Come this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:9-13)

Let's read that last part again -- "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)

In other words, it was not the law wherein we earned or were gifted the righteousness of faith, but through faith in Christ Jesus. Read on ...

"For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect, because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were.

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:18)

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, he was able also to perform --- and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:14-25)

Now for the remainder of this teaching, we will finish the scriptures found in the third chapter of Galatians.

"Brethren, I speak after the manner of men. "Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth 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.

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 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 into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:15-29)

The children of promise -- the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. His finished works on the cross, wherein we are justified and sanctified through His precious blood on the cross. Not because of what we can do (or might do) but because He -- God manifest in the flesh -- paid the price for our sin in full.

Now that is love. That is grace. And the sacrifice that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ made on the cross is the greatest love story ever told, because He gave His life for us while we were yet His enemies. Ask Jesus into your life today. Search His goodness and grace by reading and studying the new testament -- the current dispensation of grace in which we live. 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

Stand in the offering plate.

Christ Hath Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law, Being Made a Curse For Us - Part 1298

Part One of Two:

It is easy to understand why Paul asked, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn 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 now made perfectly 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, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even 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. The children of promise. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Maybe we need an apostle Paul in our midst today to ask these very same questions. But I digress.

What we need to recognize that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. This is the one and only starting point to salvation and eternal life.

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

Why? "Because 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 3:8) And thus, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful [believing] Abraham. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18)

"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." 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 doeth 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 hangeth 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 by faith." (Galatians 3:1-14)

Just until we ask Jesus into our hearts, and receive salvation, as some attest?

No. Rather, "until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest." (Isaiah 32:15)

Now there is a promise that should refresh us with His blessing within our very souls. But there is more.

"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:1-3)

For those readers who may not know, Abraham is from the old covenant side. It is within his bloodline that the Seed of faith was planted and has been retained within the bloodline until this time. Abraham was promised that in his seed (singular) would all the nations of the earth be blessed. What was the miracle of Abraham? Upon reaching 100 years of age he was no longer capable of naturally producing offspring. At the same time, Sarah's womb sealed. But the promised seed came forth anyway. How? Because with God, nothing is impossible. There is not any thing that is too hard for God? 

The scriptures state that the things that God has promised, He is also able to perform. And in this situation, the Lord did not turn away from His promise either. God simply opened Sarah’s womb, and resurrected Abraham's natural capabilities. At the same time, God implanted into Abraham the promised male seed of a pure blood line. 

"Because 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 3:8) And thus, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful [believing] Abraham. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18)

Isaac was the offspring from Abraham's natural resurrected seed. However, Isaac was not the seed of promise. Therefore, a new genealogical tree is presented in the Biblical record commencing with Abraham. The seed travel from Isaac into Jacob, and so on until the time of the appearing of the Promised Seed. The Seed of the Spirit of God who appeared as the Only begotten Son of God (begotten not begat). Appearing as the Word declares, at the fullness of time God sent forth His Son. The Word made flesh. (John 1:1-18)

Confirmed by Mary when she proclaimed that her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour. Mary was not the mother of God, for an Angel declared to Mary that holy baby that shall be born of her shall be called the SON of GOD! Mary questioned the angel concerning the events, and she was informed that the child conceived in her womb was the child of the Holy Ghost. In fact, the child was to be named Jesus -- Emmanuel, meaning God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) The angel declaring the mission of Jesus was "to seek and to save His people from their sin."

For this child who was veiled in a body of flesh was in reality the Spirit of God manifested in flesh, being clothed in the womb of a surrogate. The fetus being the child of His holy Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- was clothed in flesh. 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) 

In this context, Jesus (God manifest in the flesh) was fulfilling the scripture written afore, ushering in the current dispensation of grace. 

This dialogue will continue in Post 1299. In the interim, ponder on how truly blessed we are that God loved us enough to look beyond the immediate and provide a plan of salvation to those people who were not His people, and to transform them into the sons and daughters of the Most High King.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "But There Are Some of You That Believe Not" - Part 1297

Jesus said, "This is the bread which came down from heaven -- not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forevermore." (John 6:58)

As you can see from this passage of scripture, Jesus is trying to tell the Jews who He was but there were some who did not believe Him. Remember, this conversation started when the people whom Jesus fed could not find Him or His disciples. Jesus had just fed the 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fishes, and when all were filled and finished eating, the disciples gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of bread.

So, believing that Jesus could (and did) perform miracles was never in question. 

Seeking Jesus the next day, they too took a ship to Capernaum. When they found Him there, they asked the question, "Rabbi, when came Thou hither?" (John 6:25)

Most listeners would have taken this question to mean -- "Jesus, when did you come to Capernaum?" But Jesus knew their motives. He said to them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Ye seek Me not because ye saw the miracles but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for the meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for Him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:26-27)

Then said they unto Him, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God?" And Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:28-29; I John 3:23) 

In other words, if they really wanted to work the works of God, these would first have to believe on Him whom He hath sent -- Jesus.

"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)

As we can see, that was probably not going to happen. As a consequence, the Jews asked Jesus, "What sign show Thou then, that we may see and believe Thee? What dost Thou work?" Our fathers did eat manna in the desert. As it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat." (John 6:30-31)

In another account, we see a similar question asked by a certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees, stating, "Master, we would see a sign from Thee" as a way of tempting Him. (Matthew 12:38) And, again, in Mark's account of the gospel of Jesus Christ -- when the Pharisees came forth and began to question Him, "seeking of Him a sign from heaven, tempting Him" then as well. (Mark 8:11)

So then, what did Jesus say?

Jesus said, "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 ... 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, and him that comes 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 the last day." (John 6:35-40)

Somewhere within this dialogue, the people said unto Him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." (John 6:34) Like the woman at the well, to whom Jesus had said earlier, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again" -- referring to the well. "But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

Still, two very different responses. The woman at the well quickly dropped her watering buckets so that she could run into the village and tell everyone who would listen of her encounter with the promised Messiah -- the Christ which was prophesied before by the prophets. Conversely, the Jews murmured at Jesus because He had said to them, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." In other words, these were unable to get passed the fact that Jesus was known to be the son of Joseph the carpenter and Mary.

But Jesus told them to murmur not among themselves, just before providing those that had ears to hear and eyes to see with the key to the good news gospel. Jesus said:

"No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw Him and I will raise Him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets; "And they shall be all taught of God." Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father comes unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father ...

... Verily, verily, I say unto you. 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 forever and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:43-51)

Instead of listening intently to the words of Jesus, and desiring more of Him (as did the woman at the well) the Jews that strove among themselves rejected any notion that Jesus was exactly who He said He was. For example, Jesus said that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him. At this point, these men should have wondered why. Or, when Jesus said that every man that hath learned of the Father must first come to Him -- Jesus -- and that He was the living bread that came down from heaven, what message should have been inherent to those listening? Or that no man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God -- He hath seen the Father.

All of these statements singularly or together equaled eternal life to those who would humbly come before Jesus. The difficulty for the Jews however was that in order to receive life everlasting, these would have to believe that Jesus was the One whom was sent. The living bread which willingly came down from heaven, so that they could obtain salvation and thus, be raised up on that last day. These would have to believe what was prophesied by the prophets from afore. That is, that Almighty God would come forth as a mighty man.

The Word that was in the beginning with God and was God dwelling among them, so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-18)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Herein, Jesus was reaching out to one and all saying, "I am THAT bread of life." (John 6:48)

Not another but THAT bread of life. The One and Only who breathed His breath into man so that he would have life.
 Yes, Jesus was declaring -- "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever." (John 6:51)

The very words that Jesus was speaking unto them -- "are Spirit and are life." (John 6:63)

As Paul later wrote: "Who 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." (II Corinthians 3:6)

But as we can see, "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 with in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart." (II Corinthians 3:14-15)

These could not accept that Jesus was the King of kings and Lord of lords. Nevertheless, had their hearts turned to the Lord, the vail would have been taken away immediately. These would have clearly understood that Jesus was telling them that He -- "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

But instead the good news gospel message was lost on them. Some of His own disciples were offended by what appeared to be outrageous statements.

When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, "Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not." (John 6:60-64)

Is this not the same issue we have today? Those who profess to believe in Jesus by faith within our modern day culture would rather hold to the religious traditions of men, instead of seeking to understand that Jesus the Christ was Almighty God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

Jesus told us to seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and that when we did, we would understand that the Lord thy God is One Lord. (Mark 12:28; Deuteronomy 6:4)

Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

This is why Jesus said, in response to Philip's request to show him the Father and it suffices us, "Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how say thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:1-31)

Or, as Thomas said, after thrusting his hand inside Jesus' side, "My Lord and my God."

If only we believed, we would receive "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, as Jesus said, "neither knows Him, but ye know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees Me no more, but ye see Me, because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:17-19)

Jesus told us, "At that day, ye shall ask in My name and I say not unto you, that I pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loved you, because ye have loved Me and have believed that I came out form God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go to the Father." (John 16:26-28)

The only begotten -- the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. God manifest in the flesh so that we might have life abundant in Him. A relationship as His chosen generation, a royal priesthood in which we know His business.

Indeed, for God so loved the world .... (John 3:16)

Please, don't be like those who did not believe in the bread of life -- even though He stood in their midst. Please do not be like those who rejected His true identity because these could not get past the fact that Jesus was the son of a carpenter. Please do not dismiss Jesus for telling the gospel with authority, even when all you see is His humble surroundings.

Rather, understand that in order for us to receive salvation, God had to give Himself as a sacrifice. There had to be shedding of blood in order for the legal requirements of the old covenant to be fulfilled. 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.

Now that is love for each and every one of us. Sadly, as Jesus said, there are some of you that believe not. Don't be as one of these. Instead, grasp hold of the greatest love story ever shared. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and life today. Be water baptized in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Acts 2:36-47 and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. His garment of righteousness. Seek Him through His Word and in prayer. Rejoice always in His mercy and love and grace that surpasses all human understanding.

Stand in the offering plate.  

In Christ Jesus, We Have Become A New Creature -- Part 1296

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:9-14)

Why?

Because "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)

Thus, "be renewed in the spirit of your mind .., and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24)

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:" (Colossians 3:10)

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (II Corinthians 4:16)

"... and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth [then] let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." (Galatians 6:15-18)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Day of the Lord SHALL Come! He Is Not Slack Concerning His Promise to Us - Part 1295

THE DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

In reality, the Lord has already come for when we ask Jesus to come into our heart, and we worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He dwells within us. Moreover, Jesus said that He would not leave His followers comfortless. As the scriptures point out, Jesus said "I will come to you!"

Indeed, Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you." (John 14:15-20)

Further, the scriptures declare that all those who have by faith come to believe upon Jesus, are now a new creation of God. While admittedly, each believer may externally look the same as they did prior to their expressed faith in Jesus, on the inside they have been changed. Or, as the scriptures refer to the salvation experience - believers have been reborn and their minds renewed. They were not strapped to an operating table whilst someone rearranged their inners. Oh no. The inward change that occurs is a direct result of the promise of Jesus - that He would not leave believers comfortless. He will come to you.

In that moment, when people ask Jesus into their life, they are born again, or phrased another way, born of God. All of this internal change occurs in a moment of time. In fact, in a second of time even though in God's view, that is still too long. This may explain why the scriptures use the language "in the twinkling of an eye."

The most important message for us is that heaven is just a prayer away. Similarly, we need to recognize that God has stated, that even before we call, He will answer. Nothing separates a believer from the love of God that can be found only in Jesus. Because the Spirit of God who fills the heavens and the earth is no longer on the outside. He is the same Spirit that was in the man Jesus. And it is the same Jesus who has taken up residence within the heart of believers.

Still, in terms of the original point of this post - the day of the Lord will come upon us. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise to come again. There will be a second coming of God. In this context, and apart from a personal experience of rebirth, there is no redemption available to mankind after the second coming.

The lyrics from the O'Jays song "Love Train" pretty well says it all. Please do not miss this train at the station, for if you miss it I will be sorry, yes, sorry for you. Don’t you know that it is time to get on board for this love train bearing the message of God is travelling on through. If you haven't reached out to Jesus, this would be the most opportune time.

On a different note, there are those who repeatedly question why anyone should have the right to hear this message twice when some have never heard the gospel message once. There is a parable in the New Testament that refers to this. Recall the ten virgins, of whom five are categorized as being wise and the other five foolish?

The latter group all slumbered and slept, having become recipients of mans' foolish wisdom, and having swallowed satan’s bait -- hook, line and sinker. Thus, instead of preparing for the coming of their King, they believed that nothing had changed within the world. Everything would continue to be the same, even though all around them, people are becoming alarmed at the surrounding chaos. In fact, Jesus said men's hearts would fail them for fear.

As a consequence of this worldly blindness that prevents these from seeing the truth, their collective belief in God has dissipated to the place that their lamps of belief had virtually gone out. The parable speaks of a certain time when a voice was heard declaring, "Behold, the bridegroom is coming."

The ten upon hearing this news arose and began to trim their lamps of belief. Unfortunately, the five foolish virgins recognized that they had no oil in their lamps (the oil symbolic of the Spirit of God).  They hastily went to purchase oil. Upon their return to where the five wise virgins had been they were confronted with the fact that indeed the bridegroom had returned and they had missed the train.

This parable leads us to the all important question. With which group do you want to be found among the ten when we hear the news, "Behold, the bridegroom come." Would you not want to be ready to meet Him? Like the five wise virgins?

Christ in you now bringing to believers the promised hope of the glory of eternal life. The message is simple. Only Jesus saves. He alone has the words of eternal life. This is why Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

Please do not miss this message of the all important second coming of the Lord Jesus the Christ. It's your call - accept His invitation. Come to the Lord Jesus today! Stand in the offering plate.

(Written by Bill (William) McKendrick)

Ye Are Christ's When Ye Take On His Garment of Righteousness -- Buried In Jesus Name - Part 1294

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Jesus, "Which is the first commandment of all?" And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:28-30; Deuteronomy 6:4)

Read that again -- The Lord our God is ONE Lord. Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

So, if the Lord our God is ONE Lord, and He Himself who knew no sin was made flesh and dwelt among us, wherein His Word do we find a foundation for teaching the trinity. Jesus clearly stated, "I and My Father are ONE." (John 10:30) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

The Word dwelt among us -- the same Word that was with God and was God -- and He willingly paid the price on the cross so that you and I might have salvation and eternal life.

"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)

But the modern day religious culture does not believe that God was manifest in the flesh, as it is written in I Timothy 3:16, and as a consequence, these teach the false doctrine -- the trinity, or God in three persons, or a tri-une God. It is for this reason that they baptize using the titles, rather than the "name" which Jesus commanded believers to do. Indeed, every single person in the scriptures was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus so what should that say about the false traditions of men?

Let's examine this topic in depth. First, note that the commandment Jesus gave in Matthew was to baptize in the name. Note that the "name" referred to here is singular. This scripture does not say names, as it would if it was intended to have a plural meaning. I do not want to diminish or take away from the words of Jesus here, but it is important to note that Jesus said -- All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth -- so it would not make sense for Jesus (in the very next verse) to then suggest that all power was not given unto Him but to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as equal persons in the Godhead. But I digress somewhat. I will return to this point later.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost -- teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost all have one name, and the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out would know that name. "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)

"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)

So, what does all this mean? First and foremost, God is not the author of confusion. We are instructed to search the scriptures for our understanding, which in this case, should result in not preferring one verse to many others that elaborate on the original point. Like I said, the apostles walked with Jesus every day, plus, were privy to Jesus (after He was risen) for 50 days, wherein He taught them specifically of the matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

This might also be a good time to interject that the "great commission" is not only mentioned in the gospel presented by Matthew. Mark writes, for example, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe. In My Name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues ..." (Mark 16:15)

Luke's account states: " ... And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:47-49)

His name? The name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

How do we know? Because Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Christ.

"Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

And, as we know from the record in Acts 2, that the apostles obeyed the words of the Saviour when they baptized the first 3,000 souls in the name of the Lord Jesus. Note that Matthew was one of the eleven, and thus, if Peter was preaching a wrong message, one would think that Matthew would have said so. But he did not. The apostles stood in agreement of the spiritual that Jesus had taught them.
Acts 2 was not a one off event. Throughout the book of Acts, new believers were routinely baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 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 their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:12-17)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:5)

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

Moreover, in Romans 6, we read that we are baptized into Christ -- buried and resurrected with Him.

"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 6:3-4)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:6-15)

"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. 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 3:16-17)

Thus, if our hearts encourage us to do everything in both word and deed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who love us enough to shed His precious holy blood for you and I, should we not also want to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ too?

We have so much that the Lord wants to share with us so don't let the religious traditions of men prevent you from taking on His garment of righteousness. Be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- buried and resurrected with Him, and experience for yourself the goodness and grace, the love and mercy, the joy and peace, His wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. His name is JESUS. And stand in the offering plate with a Saviour whose love for us was so great that He would die on a cross while we were yet His enemies.

So, where did the words in Matthew 28:19 originate?

According to the experts of our time, this particular scripture was re-written, which now clarifies the truth that Jesus is indeed the Author and Finisher of our faith. And as Jesus Himself said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

From the BRITANICA ENCYCLOPEDIA -- The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the Second Century. – 11th Edit., Vol. 3, ppg. 365-366.

From the CANNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION -- The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until development of the Trinity Doctrine in the Second Century.

From the CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA -- Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church. – Vol. 2, pg. 263.

From the HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION -- Christian baptism was administered using the words, “in the name of Jesus.” – Vol. 2, pg. 377. Baptism was always in the name of Lord Jesus until time of Justin Martyr when triune formula used. – Vol. 2, pg. 389.

[Therefore] NAME was an ancient synonym for “person.” Payment was always made in the name of some person referring to ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus’ name became His personal property. “Ye are Christ’s.” – Vol. 2, pg. 377 on Acts 2:38.

Create In Me a Clean Heart, O God; And Renew a Right Spirit Within Me - Part 1293

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8)

As we began to examine in the last post, Jesus instructs us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and from that love relationship, we learn how to love one another. Oft times, I refer to this latter action as part of the process of becoming a flow through for Jesus -- His love in us bubbling over so that we can (and would willingly) reach out to others, as a city on a hill, proclaiming the wondrous and glorious gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

If we think of the scribe in Mark 12, he obviously had intellect. In responding to Jesus' about which commandment is the first commandment of all, the scribe noted and repeated to Jesus, "Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God and there is none other but He." (Mark 12:32)

Although this introductory prelude (if you will) to these two greatest commandments on the new testament side confirms and wholly agrees with which was written in the old, many in the modern day religious culture today fail to understand that God is One, and, as the scribe so clearly stated, there is NONE other but He.

[I am referring to the false trinity teaching here whereby man-made religion relying on the traditions of men presents the doctrine of God in three persons, rather than God as One and that He -- Jesus who stood before the scribe -- is indeed God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)]

The same "He that was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Herein, the very question in and of itself is worthy of examination, as to where the first commandment actually begins. Obviously, Jesus noted that the scribe did not miss this first part -- "The first of all the commandments is -- Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord" because Jesus said, when He saw that the man had answered discreetly, "Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34)

Although Mark does not specifically respond to whether the scribe had changed in his heart, soul and strength too -- in this particular passage of scripture, there is sufficient scripture to ask ourselves what we would say if asked this very same question.

Which is the first and most important commandment of all? Is it (as most of us assume) loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Or, instead, having the understanding that the first commandment is "the Lord our God is One Lord"? (Mark 12:28-29; Deuteronomy 6:4)

The same message that Jesus meant when He said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

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

Food for thought! Stand in the offering plate with Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is ONE LORD - Part 1292

Interestingly, even those who were perceived to be wise were not always able to answer Jesus a word, neither -- as noted in the scriptures -- durst ask Him any more questions from that day forth. (Matthew 22:46) One such example is when the Pharisees had heard that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence. As we can see from the multitude that was listening to Jesus at the time, they were astonished at His doctrine. (Matthew 22:33-34)

So one of them (which was a lawyer) asked Jesus a question, tempting Him, and saying, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matthew 22:35) We read a similar account of this conversation in Mark 12. Both accounts were intended to expand and rightly place the first commandment originally given to Moses in the old covenant. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is ONE Lord" and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. "And the second is like, namely this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." There is none other commandment greater than these."

And the scribe said unto Him, "Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He, and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love His neighbour as Himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." And no man after that durst ask him any question. (Mark 12:28-34)

In the account of the same conversation in Matthew, Jesus adds, "On these two commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:40) 

There are several points worth noting here. First, the introduction to the cited scriptural passage in Mark states: "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is ONE Lord." This is the exact same wording used in the old covenant side. "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is ONE Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

This is important for two reasons. The new testament serves as a confirmation of what was written and prophesied of in the old, and also, that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (I Corinthians 14:33)

To further clarify this point, we read also, "And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee? But to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy good ...

Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's -- thy God -- the earth [also] with all that therein [is]. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] in this day." (Deuteronomy 10:14-15)

"And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou may live." (Deuteronomy 30:6) 

Being no more stiff necked ... "for the Lord your God is a God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward. He doth execute the judgement of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger in giving him food and raiment ..." (Deuteronomy 10:16-18)

[In checking the use and meaning of the term terrible, it appears to be more accurately translated -- at least in our modern day language -- as "awesome"]

Note that for the same reason, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face saying to Daniel, "Of a truth [it is] that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldst reveal this secret." (Daniel 2:47) 

In other words, when we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He reveals Himself to us, gaining understanding. As we quickly learn, the exchange is not one way. There evolves a conversation whereby the Lord gives us the ability to reason with Him. To minister in our day to day, and to receive wisdom and knowledge and good counsel from the King of kings and Lord of lords.

For example, in the Garden, we know that Adam walked in the cool of the afternoon with the Lord, but all this was lost when Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree. As a consequence, there was a separation between God and man. And then because of man's continued transgressions soon came the law and commandments. As we know from earlier posts, the law was to serve as a schoolmaster to bring us back to our Lord God and Saviour. 

"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)

Thus,  when we come to Jesus by faith in His finished work on the cross, He begins to reveal the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. We begin to understand that God Almighty was revealed in the face of Jesus the Christ. And, that He Himself who knew no sin was made the express image of the invisible God, reconciling the world to Himself. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:21-23; Hebrews 1:1-13; Isaiah 9:6)

"And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)

In these last days, "God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son -- whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of [His] glory, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had purges our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

We begin to understand more of this revelation when we read what Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him. The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all), that Word [I say] ye know which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him ..." (Acts 10:34-38)

The Word that was in the beginning with God was God. (John 1:1-18) This same Jesus whom they/we crucified, is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Thus, when we believe on the name of Jesus by faith with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and continue/abide in His Word, "a new heart also will [He] give you, and a new spirit will [He] put within you ... and ye shall be My people, and I will be your God." (Ezekiel 36:26-28)

There is so much more to this teaching so let the scripture herein serve as a starting point. Stand in the offering plate.

Only Jesus Can Save Us From Our Sin - Part 1291

"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)

As it is written, it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4) Wherefore when He -- God manifest in the flesh -- as a son comes into the world, He said, "Sacrifice and offering I do not desire but a body I have prepared for Myself. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, I have had no pleasure in such things. Instead, "Lo, I come [in the volume of the book it is written of Me] to do Thy will, Oh God." (Hebrews 10:5-7; Psalm 40:6-8)

When the Spirit referred to sacrifice and burnt offerings and offerings for sin and stated "I do not desire, neither have I had any pleasure therein" - which things are offered by the law - I now say, Lo, I come [as a Son] to do Your will, oh God. This is the turning point! The point that matters most.

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

He - God is taking away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Read this line again. He - God took away the first Law covenant so that He - God - may establish the second testament. Therefore, by the will of God we are now sanctified through the sacrificial offering of the body of JESUS the Christ (humanity) once and for all.

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

Still, in spite of the message, even today, priests stand daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away the people's sins. But this man, JESUS the Christ after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, SAT DOWN (the sacrifice now complete) on the right hand of God.

Continuing with verse 16 - "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," say the Lord, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:16-17)

In other words, where remission of sin is, there is no more offering for sin, having therefore boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Not of ourselves, or our good works, but because of the blood of Jesus are we justified and sanctified.

Therefore brethren, with boldness enter into the holiest of holies by the precious blood of JESUS the Christ which was the very blood of the holy Spirit of God the Father. This is the new and living way, which God in Christ has consecrated for us, through the veil (i.e. curtain) which was a representative of the veil - the curtain of JESUS flesh!

God became our Saviour. The Word that was in the beginning with God and was God was made flesh so that we could have eternal life in Him. Thus, as a consequence, we now have a High Priest over the house of God. His name is JESUS.

Therefore, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. JESUS - GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH - SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL. As such, there is no such teaching in the Biblical scriptures called transubstantiation.

So when we read that JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE AND FOR ALL saying that IT IS FINISHED, the price for our sin and transgressions was paid in full. This is why JESUS SAT DOWN!

Now it is our turn to choose life. To choose Jesus, putting on His cloak of righteousness through repentance and water baptism in His precious name -- the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)

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

Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby We Cry, "Abba Father" - Part 1290

The apostle Paul wrote, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

Although we often think of Paul as being an apostle who had it all together, we learn here that Paul was human -- just like you and I. In this particular example, note that when Paul preached the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, he would (by his own admission) preach to audience(s) in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ... [so] that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." (I Corinthians 2:4-7)

Note that this was the same glory which "none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8) These would not have nailed to a cross this same Jesus, who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

But because the princes of this world did not know who they crucified on the cross -- Jesus, the Lord of glory -- we who believe in Jesus by faith, and continue on in His Word have received His wonderful gift of salvation.  As a consequence, we who believe on His name can enter into His freedom, His mercy and His grace.

Moreover, to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness, He reveals the deeper understandings concerning the mystery of God by His Spirit ... for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. Indeed, after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2)

[Note that this evidence denies some of the current presentations suggesting that certain heads of their respective religious institutions had a personal encounter or special revelation from Jesus after Jesus ascended. I Corinthians 15 declares who saw Jesus after he was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, of which "last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:1-8) Apostle Paul was writing here, but I digress.]

What it does suggest is that those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, will find the treasure their heart desires, and the Word will be opened to him or her so that the mystery of God can be understood. The mystery that was hidden in the bosom of the Father until the fullness of time -- in which God declared peace and good will to all men, before overshadowing Mary who would bring forth a holy thing.  (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-23)

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

God manifest in the flesh. The Word that was with God and was God made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not. (John 1:1-18; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

Still, God is not the author of confusion. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man BUT the Spirit of God. When we receive Jesus into our lives -- and thus, casting out the earthly spirit of this world -- we begin to know the things that are freely given to us from above. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

This is why it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."  (I Corinthians 2:9)

But this we do know. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." Praise Jesus.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I Am the Bread of Life; he that comes to Me shall never hunger - Part 1289

Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel; The LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD, and thou shalt love the LORD THY GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:29-30)

This is why Peter declared this same Jesus whom ye have crucified "is BOTH Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
Indeed, Jesus Himself said, "I and My Father are One." (John 10:30)

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

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

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ... (John 1:14)

The same Holy Ghost (the Spirit of God) who created man and woman in the beginning, feeding the Israelites the manna from heaven on the old covenant side overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son.  The very same Holy Ghost whom Jesus (after He was taken up) "through" the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2; Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:21-23)

Not God as three separate persons (or a trinity) as modern day religion proclaims but the One and Same Holy Ghost -- the Spirit of Truth -- the Comforter -- Almighty God took on sin-prone flesh so that He could save us from our sin.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus said, "I must go" in order for the Holy Ghost to come.

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

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

Jesus made His time on earth as a Son abundantly clear. After He was taken up, "ye shall see Me no more." (John 14:9)

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:9)

All the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9)

"He [God] was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ..." (John 1:10-11)

In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:19-20)

God not only declared peace and goodwill to all but He willingly became our Saviour. 

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope ..." (I Timothy 1:1)

Not which "are our hope" but that He -- singular -- is our hope.

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:13)

"But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ... To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:3-4)

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ..." (I Timothy 2:3)

"Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:10-13)

"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:1)

We need to stop believing the religious traditions of men and begin believing the Word who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)

This is why in this current dispensation of grace, we must believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. The name given to us so that we might have salvation and eternal life. 

"And ye shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." (John 6:47)

Jesus did not say to believe in a trinity, or some God in three persons doctrine that has its roots in the anti-Christ church. 

"Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but Me: for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4)

We need to stop praying to the unknown gods of this world and recognize that when God said, "I am the Lord thy God and beside Me there is no other, He meant it. (Isaiah 43:11; Isaiah 45:1)

This is why Jesus said unto them, "I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

This is why we are to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - so that we take on His name. So that we can be fully clothed in His righteousness, and filled with His Spirit, as the first 3,000 souls to be saved on the new testament side were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) 

"To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Unjust Steward -- Part 1288

Jesus' sermon that in Luke chapter 15 and continues to the beginning of chapter 17 should be a must read for all believers seeking Jesus. Therein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the multitudes of people who were following Him. The scribes and Pharisees are present. So are the disciples. If one looks to theological experts for an explanation, they are often told that this parable is notorious for its difficulty primarily because the dishonest person in the parable is praised. (Shelley, 2014)

As a consequence, most times there isn't a reasonable explanation for these scriptures so Jesus' sermon is often passed over. But that won't be the case today. Let's begin with chapter 16.

Essentially, the parable points to a dishonest steward who — in managing an estate — was accused of wasting and squandering the lord’s goods. By definition, steward means “one who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs,” or “one who is in charge of household affairs.”

“And He [Jesus] said unto His disciples, “There was a certain rich man which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2)

In today’s terms, this situation would be akin to a manager calling into question an employee’s conduct, before firing this same employee. The steward here is now concerned because he is going to be — if we use the analogy above — out of a job. Clearly, the steward has a problem.

The steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig [and] to beg I am ashamed.” (Luke 1:3)

So the steward begins to seek options using his worldly wisdom. But the steward must act quickly because if he doesn’t, his plight will be found out within the community, and most particularly among the lord’s friends. So the steward cleverly devises a plan that will keep him gainfully employed. The steward states, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

Thinking quickly, the steward hurriedly turns the rich man’s debtors into his friends. In his haste to remain employed, he calls every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, asking, “How much owest thou unto my lord?”

The first said, “An hundred measures of oil.” And the steward said, “Take thy bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.”

Then the steward said to another, “And how much owest thou?” And he said, “An hundred measures of wheat.” And the steward said unto him, “Take thy bill and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7)

What the steward is doing here is changing the terms of the relationship between the debtor and the lord. On the surface, the steward who in his job was previously responsible for collecting all outstanding debts is now turning the rich man's debtors into his friends by forgiving some of the debt. 

Jesus cited two examples in the parable. In one, the account holder's debt was forgiven by half. But the steward's negotiating did not just stop at two debtors. In fact, according to the scriptures, the steward called “every single one” of the lord’s debtors. Not one person was missed in the steward’s determination to negotiate a new debt with one and all. As a consequence, the total cost — if we were only looking at monetary terms — would be significant. But obviously, we are not only looking at monetary matters here.

When the lord discovered what the steward was doing, he commended the unjust steward for using worldly ways to justify his continued existence. It is here that the real message of the parable begins to unfold. No longer is the parable focused solely on the steward wasting the lord’s estate — for which the steward was fired.

“The lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8-9)

Herein, the lord is commenting on how the unjust steward found a way — albeit using evil cunning and deviousness — to increase his reputation among the fold. From the unjust steward’s perspective, he was able to retain some form of credence within the community as a whole by arranging a better deal for the debtors. Can you hear them saying, “Well, he can’t be all bad.”

From the debtor’s perspective, they would be most grateful for a portion of their debts being forgiven. Normally, for a debt to be forgiven (if you use the agricultural example that would have been prominent in Biblical times) there would have to be extenuating circumstances in the farming sector that precipitated making a special request. But note here that forgiveness of the debt came about without any solicitation by the debtors to the lord. The debts were seemingly freely given — without a list of conditions — from the debtor’s point of view. (More on this point later)

However, it is also critical to notice that in acknowledging the steward’s deal to the debtors, the lord was not commending the steward’s dishonesty or behaviour. What the unjust steward did to further his own self-preservation was still wrong on every level.

Still, the unjust steward knew enough about the lord to recognize that the lord would not go back and collect the difference in the debts owing from the debtors – regardless of the amount. Why? Because the steward knew the lord was gracious. The steward also knew that the lord had already forgiven the debt in full. He had come to fulfill the law, thereby bringing the law to fruition. It was this acknowledgement — the ability of even the steward to recognize the ultimate generosity of the lord that the lord commended.

So what does all this mean? First, the key to understanding this parable is recognizing the true identity of the characters. The rich man is our Lord God and Saviour, satan is the steward/manager and the accuser of the brethren, and the debtors represent all humanity — you and I.

Second, as we know from Genesis, satan gained authority and rule over the earth when Adam and Eve fell in the garden. There and then, satan became the prince of this world working through mankind — evil in every aspect. His objective was to seek and devour everyone that he could, always luring people to do his bidding. In essence, satan was always seeking ways to repress God’s people -- and if he couldn't, at least get them to settle into the established traditions of men. In this situation, however, he made them debtors. Debtors again to the Law and the old covenant that was prevalent in the old testament. The same Law that our Lord God brought to an end when He died on the cross.

But what satan did not count on was this. The generosity of our Lord extended from His abundant love for His creation. So when our Lord God — who created man and woman in the beginning — willingly became our Saviour, satan lost his stronghold. Indeed, when Jesus’ precious holy blood was shed on the cross for you and I, the prince of this world stood condemned. (John 16:11)

Fired.

Why? Because when Jesus blood was shed, the Law was satisfied once and for all. When Jesus died and rose again, we were forgiven of our sins when we chose to believe in Him by faith ... and seek His righteousness. This meant that satan could no longer misuse the Law in order to repress God’s chosen people.

Neither could the prince of this world accuse those who seek Jesus and all His righteousness because in salvation -- which God gave us as a gift -- we are totally forgiven by His grace and mercy. 100% forgiven of our past, present and future sins -- covered by the precious blood of Jesus -- so although our sins were crimson, they are now white as snow.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, satan — like the unjust steward in the parable — recognized that in order to retain his worldly status, he would have to act quickly. Call in IOU’s — even if one has to make them up, and thus, lure us through deceitful negotiation into making a deal. A different deal for every person. A varying discount depending on the spiritual situation. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective being to make one and all debtors.

This is why he said, “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

The intent then was for satan to ensure that we remain as debtors — with at least one foot in the world. Half-hearted in our love for Jesus. Giving only a little bit of our life to being free in Jesus — with one foot in the Law, citing the ten commandments as critical in our daily living, while only half-heartedly acknowledging God's grace and mercy that set us free -- standing in His liberty.

Sprinkling the gospel in our life while immersing ourselves in the labour of this world. Going to church just enough to show the Lord that we are willing to participate — at least to some extent but never really experiencing His awesome freedom and grace. Conforming to the traditions of men, rather than worshiping our Lord.

As a consequence, we end up serving two masters rather than wholeheartedly seeking the absolute — the one and only — Jesus the Christ — the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The same Jesus who said that we “are bought with a price” and therefore the reason why we should “glorify God in our body, and in our spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

Contemplate on this part of the revelation because this is only the beginning. Indeed, there’s much more to come in the posts ahead. In the interim, put "yourself" in His offering plate.