Look Unto Me And Be Ye Saved All the Ends of the Earth For I Am God, and There Is None Else - Part 1333

Our Christian faith was never intended to be something separate from our every day lives. Rather, faith in Jesus is the critical link that provides believers today with the necessary understanding to experience and interpret life. We see this in the book of Mark chapter 8. Here, the crowds had been gathered around Jesus for three days with nothing to eat. Jesus knew that if He sent them home, some of the people might not make it because of their physical hunger. They might faint. But Jesus’ disciples thinking only from a physical perspective asked, “How can one feed these men with [only] bread here in the desert?” After all, altogether there are only 7 loaves and a few small fishes to be had, hardly enough pickings to feed 4,000.

The disciples’ question is often similar to our own lives when things start piling up against us with no immediate resolution in sight. Here were the disciples in the same situation, wondering with their “earthly” world view how Jesus intended to satisfy the crowd’s physical hunger. What the disciples didn’t comprehend is that Jesus understood the people’s “spiritual” hunger. That for three days straight the crowds had lingered for more of Jesus’ teachings and parables. More of Jesus’ miracles and healings. More of Jesus!

Just like Jesus already knew the heart of the Greek woman, a Syrophoenician by birth whose daughter had a demon. She begged Jesus to help. Jesus said in Mark 7:27-29, “Let the children first be fed for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But the woman answered Jesus saying, “Yes Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

The mother’s request was for a physical healing but like the crowd of 4,000, this woman had a spiritual hunger – an ultimate faith that Jesus could and would heal her daughter’s sickness. She wasn’t about to leave unsatisfied. Jesus saw the desire of the mother’s heart and the daughter was healed. Like the crowd who for 3 days wanted more of Jesus. More of Jesus in spite of the physical.

There was a lesson being taught here. It was what teachers today call a teaching moment – a revelation. That is, when Jesus took the 7 loaves and few small fishes and gave thanks over them, the food multiplied to the point that the crowd ate and were satisfied. Full. When the meal was finished and the broken pieces of food collected, there were seven baskets in total. More than the crowd started with. Imagine what the disciples thought then.

This is why our faith in Jesus is integral to who we are. Because Jesus sees and knows the very desires of our heart. He wants to bless us with His abundance — just like the mother who wouldn’t settle for a physical response — just like the crowds who wanted more of Jesus in spite of the physical. As Christians, this is what faith is about — when it becomes intertwined with our very being.

Therefore, faith is not intended to be separate – put on the shelf until we need it – but intertwined in every aspect of our walk with our Lord and Saviour. The disciples needed to learn this lesson and many times so do we. Take hold of Jesus today and don’t let go for He never fails! Never!

“Who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside Me, a just God and a Saviour — there is none beside Me. Look unto Me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:21-22)

Stand in the offering plate.

In the Parable, the Publican Who Would Not Lift Up So Much As His Eyes Unto Heaven Said, "God, Be Merciful Unto Me A Sinner" - Part 1332

Jesus said, "Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence comes!" (Matthew 18:7)

Jesus is speaking here to His chosen twelve disciples. One day, these disciples had come to Jesus with the question - "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus calls a little child unto Him and set him in the midst of them and says, "Verily, I say unto you. Except you be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 18:1-3) 

For some, this might seem to be strong language, given that Jesus -- even then, was seen by many as the Christ -- the promised Saviour of the world. Notice however that Jesus does not stop speaking there. He continues by saying, "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4) 

Things to note? In order to receive the Kingdom of God, one has to be converted. This does not mean a ten minute prayer and filling out a card at the end of some church service. It requires a change of heart that is visible to others. In fact, the word converted means to change into a different form, transform, transmute, and for that change to be visible to those around us. 

More specifically, (if I may digress for a moment) dictionary.com offers a list of examples that might be useful in understanding the word.  In terms of religion, someone who is converted is given reason or cause to adopt a different religion, doctrine, opinion, etc.. It could also mean turning to another intended use, or conversely, becoming focused on a particular use or purpose. To modify (something) so as to serve a different function, to change in character, caused to turn from an evil life to a righteous one, are other examples. (dictionary.com)

All of these meanings are constructive, because herein Jesus is telling His disciples that in order to enter into the Kingdom of God, one must be converted and become as little children. Transformed from our old perspectives and world view so that our spirits recognize that the Kingdom of heaven is not about us, but the Lord God and King who graciously extended us His mercy so that we could inherit eternal life. As in -- and from -- the perspective of a little child.

As well, there must be a cause that creates this new desire in us. In this case, caused by a recognition that Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh, loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for our sins. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Hebrews 9:15-18; John 3:16-17)

But instead, as we see, the disciples busily focused on themselves, using a worldly example of relationships to ask Jesus -- who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? Instead of recognizing Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords in the midst -- the One about to pay the ultimate price of death for their sins -- the disciples strutted, vying for position. Their standard of desire from the worldly constructs, and not of the heavenly treasure that Jesus spoke of. 

"Who is the greatest?" the disciples asked. These did not yet see Jesus as the Son of man who had come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11) 

Are we not just like them? Many times in our new found faith journey, we look at heaven as an extension of our earth journey. We have our life here in the world (wherein power struggles with our peers and ambitions to do better) are a constant, and we think of the Kingdom of heaven in the same way. Instead of being converted and transformed, as Jesus said, our hearts and minds are still attached to those earthly things that are around us. Instead of bringing the good news gospel message of Jesus to the world, too often, we incorporate our world view and experiences into the gospel. 

But what did Jesus say?

He tells us that if our hand or foot or eye offends us, we are to cut them out and cast them far from us for "it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire." (Matthew 18:8-9) 

Jesus also says something else, which, sadly, is often missed in sermons on this particular scriptural passage. That is, Jesus said, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, "That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10-11) 

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) 

"And if children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [Him] that we may be also glorified together ... for the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:17-19)

The promise of salvation is to you and your children and to those who are afar off. (Acts 2:36-39) Why? Because the Son of man is not come to destroy man's life but to save. (Luke 9:56; John 3:17; John 12:47) And she shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

This is why there must be a conversion, a humbling of our spirits, a putting to death of our previous desires -- replaced by a renewal of our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. In order for this to happen, we must become like little children, submitting and trusting Jesus by faith in everything we do.

Jesus says as much in the parable about those who trust in themselves, thinking themselves righteous, while openly despising others. Jesus is sharing the parable, and says, "Two men went up into the house to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a publican or tax collector. The Pharisees stands and prays thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week. I give tithes of all that I possess. 

And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful unto me -- a sinner." (Luke 18:10-13) 

For anyone observing the scene in the parable, the sanctimonious self righteousness of the Pharisee would be obvious. Jesus concludes, "I tell you. This [latter] man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:14; Luke 14:11) 

The widow of about fourscore and four years is another example. She served God with fastings and prayers night and day, and she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

From these scriptural examples, we should understand that with salvation comes a changed heart. A heart of humility toward our Lord and King. A thankfulness that the King of kings and Lord of lords has chosen us -- you and I -- to be His disciples. And that, as a consequence of His love and mercy, there is an opportunity for us to see and partake in the Kingdom of God. 

And, likewise, to understand that the invitation to the most elaborate wedding feast is not only for us, but for others too. In other words, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14) 

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all me to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, for there is One God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:1-6) 

He "who hath saved us and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world was made." (II Timothy 1:9)

Be thankful in your heart today. Seek Jesus in everything ye do. "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise [Him] O ye servants of the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, praise the Lord; for the Lord is good. Sing praises unto His name for it is pleasant. For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure." (Psalm 135:1-4)

Stand in the offering plate.

But After That the Kindness and Love of God Our Saviour Toward Man Appeared - Part 1331

Here is your question of the day!

If the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Spirit) are three distinct and separate persons, and not simply One, or as some religious leaders might suggest - in "agreement" with one another, then how distant are these three beings one from another? Certainly, if one were to believe that God were three distinct and separate persons, me thinks that it would be becoming of those folks advocating such a presentation to produce scripture establishing their beliefs. This might be why His Word places an onus on us as believers in Jesus by faith to search the scriptures, so that we are not misled by centuries of religious teachings and dogma that do not accurately align with the Word.

The scriptures say that God and Christ, and the Holy Ghost will dwell in man. Are there three persons dwelling within you? Are you three persons? After all, in your human journey, you also could serve as a son, a father and a spirit. Think about it. The scripture declares, that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that your body is the temple of God, and that Christ is in you, except you be a reprobate. If God were three persons and not one, how could this be? Well, the reality is that it couldn't.

In fact, there is only One God, the Father, of whom are all things -- we are in Him, and our Lord Jesus the Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him. Further, Jesus said, I AM. How many times did He announce that He is the I AM? Even though no man has seen God at any time, the only begotten who is in the bosom (innermost being) of the Father He has declared Him. Jesus the only begotten came forth from the bosom (innermost being) of the Father and was manifest in the flesh, revealing Himself as a Son, in which the Spirit of God Himself was pleased to dwell.

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

He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10)

In other words, Jesus is not another divinity. No! Jesus is the unseen God who fills the Heavens and the earth, and in Him (God), we all live, and move, and have our being. In the same context, Jesus is the express image of the unseen Spirit of God, revealing Himself in a natural form as a Son (God as a Son). God was in the man Jesus the Christ who alone is the embodiment of the humanity of God.(Note: humanity is a spiritual attribute requiring only a body to express spiritual intent).

Perfect humanity, not fallen humanity.

Considered through a different scriptural lens, Jesus is the second Adam. The Lord Himself out of Heaven created a new blood line. The blood line of the holy Spirit of the unseen God, purposefully entering in to our depraved sin-cursed way of life, willing to sacrifice His own body as a Son, in order, that we who were all of our lives held captive and in bondage might receive from the God who created mankind the free gift of eternal life!

How else could God reveal Himself other than in the fashion that He had by Himself predetermined must be accomplished for the redemption of the first Adam’s sinful race? God coming forth as a mighty man.

This is why at Calvary, Jesus said, "It is finished!" The work of redemption is now complete! Note that we were redeemed with the blood of Jesus and not with silver or gold. We were purchased back to an abundant new life by God, reaching out to each and every one of us in love.

The scriptures state that there is absolutely nothing which can separate you or I from the Love of God! God in Christ laid down His life as a Son so that we who were guilty might now be declared innocent by God our Saviour and Creator. He loves you!

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

Come directly to God in Christ and let His love cuddle you with His mercy and peace! Stand in the Offering Plate.

Jesus Said, "He That Believes On Me, As The Scripture Hath Said, 'Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." - Part 1330

In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture hath said, "Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38) Note here that Jesus spake of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive -- "for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given] because that Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:39)

Throughout the new testament, Jesus told us that He had come "in His Father's name." Jesus also made it clear that He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. Indeed, Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth, ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7)

Interestingly, this particular dialogue between Jesus and the disciples prompted Philip to ask Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffices us." Jesus saith unto him, "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 14:8-9)

Jesus was saying, "I am He that you seek" but very few were paying attention. The Jews at the time had been expecting a King, but not the kind of King that was born in a manger. Even though He was in the world and the world was made by Him, the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

Before I continue, let me acknowledge that the Godhead has been covered multiple times in this blog. And, also, the scripture shared that God is not the author of confusion. For those who study His Word, and believe on His precious name, there does come clarity of understanding. (II Timothy 2:15; Revelation 3:8-9) Rarely, however, have we examined the Godhead from the scriptural example cited in John 7.

Herein, the feast of the tabernacles was at hand and as we read, the Jews were seeking to kill Jesus. His brethren had told Jesus to depart hence and go into Judaea, "that Thy disciples also may see the works that Thou doest. For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and He Himself seeks to be known openly. If Thou do these things, shew Thyself to the world."

For neither did His brethren believe in Him. (John 7:1-4)

"The Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." (John 5:18)

The Jews continued to seek Jesus at the feast, asking the brethren for His whereabouts. In the midst, there were a range of opinions. There were those who considered Jesus to be a good man, while others said, "Nay, He deceives the people." (John 7:11-12) Still, even in the murmuring that ensued among the people, no man spake openly of Jesus for fear of the Jews. (John 7:11-13) In the midst of the feast, Jesus show up in the temple to teach. "And the Jews marveled, asking, "How knows this man letters, having never learned?" (John 7:15)

For a moment, consider the circumstance here. Jesus has already been baptized under John's baptism of repentance. Jesus is becoming known for performing miracles. Jesus has similarly broken one of the commandments by healing on the sabbath. He has healed the nobleman's son, among many others who were diseased, and fed five thousand from five barley loaves and two small fishes. And, Jesus has walked on the sea. He has told the multitudes of people who followed Him -- "I am the bread of life. He that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 3:1-John 6:35)

Still, the scriptures state that His own brethren did not believe in Him. At the same time, the Jews sought to kill Him for claiming He was the bread which came down from heaven. Those who followed Jesus held differing opinions about His character, Even those who were included in the five thousand fed only desired more food for their bellies.

So, knowing all this, what does Jesus say?

"But I said unto you, -- that ye also have seen Me and believe not." (John 6:36)

Here these were witnessing the miracles and numerous healing of those diseased and possessed with devils, and still did not believe Jesus. They saw Jesus Himself who told them that He was the bread of life and yet they believed not. He told them that those that "believes on Me shall never thirst" but again, the murmuring continued. (John 6:35)

Jesus did not stop there. He said, "But I said unto you" as in Jesus the Christ has declared to one and all "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 -- that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise Him up at the last day." (John 6:36-40)

As if Jesus' words could not be sufficient, Jesus cites a prophecy from afore -- one that the learned Jews should have known. Jesus said, "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 has seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believes on Me has everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat bread in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever, and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ... this is that bread which came down from heaven, not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eats of this bread shall live for ever." (John 6:43-58; John 1:18; Isaiah 54:13)

What was Jesus saying here? He was telling them that He was God manifest in the world. He was saying that before Abraham was, I AM. Here is the awaited Christ -- the promised Messiah -- the living bread wherein one never hungers again. The living water wherein we never thirst again -- from a well that never runs dry. Jesus was saying that no man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God. The only begotten. The seed which was promised. And she shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) But I digress.

As we know from scripture, Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him. (John 6:64)

Still, at the temple, Jesus answers the Jews'question, saying, "My doctrine is not Mine but His that sent Me. If any man do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory, but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keeps the law? Why go about to kill Me?" (John 7:16-19)

To this, the Jews asked if this was He whom they sought to kill. "Do the rulers know that this is the very Christ? Howbeit we know this man whence He is: but when Christ come, no man knows whence He is." (John 7:25-27) To which Jesus responded, saying, "Ye both know Me, and ye know whence I am; and I am not come of Myself, but He that sent Me is true, whom ye know not. But I know Him for I am from Him and He hath sent Me." (John 7:28-29)

Although on the surface, it would appear that Jesus is talking in riddles, He wanted those with ears to hear, to hear, and those with eyes to see, to see. It is for this reason that Jesus hid nothing from His accusers, even when these still did not believe that He was whom He said He was. Some are even heard asking, "When Christ comes, will He do more miracles than these which this [man] hath done?" (John 7:31)

Sadly, as we know, these didn't even try to understand what Jesus was saying. The words that He spoke were just words, even when these particular words were supported by signs and wonders, and miraculous healings that had never been witnessed before. Nay, to them, Jesus was not God manifest in the flesh, even though Jesus told them that they would all be taught of God. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

"And thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles." (Isaiah 54:3)

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

Once you understand why the Holy Ghost was not yet given "because Jesus was not yet glorified" we also understand why Jesus said, "Yet a little while am I with you, and [then] I go unto Him that sent Me. Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find [Me]; and where I am, [thither] ye cannot come." (John 7:34)

Still, even in the midst of major division among the people, whereby there was very little agreement to who Jesus was, the officers tasked with bringing Jesus to the chief priests and Pharisees said, "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46)

Don't get stuck with the notions and traditions of a modern day religious culture that doesn't accept that ALL power was given to Jesus. (Matthew 28:18) Rather, study His Word for your edification and knowledge. Be astonished at Jesus' doctrine, and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, as did Luke that this same Jesus, whom they crucified -- "His word was with power." (Luke 4:32)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No Man Comes to the Father But By Me" - Part 1329

Every day, we become witnesses of the footprint God has on our lives. Not only as our creator, redeemer and Saviour but as our friend. The same God who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" and we believed in Him by faith. As we grew in the knowledge of His Word, we began to recognize that the plan of God on our lives is fulfilling His purpose, placed in our heart while we were still in our mother's womb.

Indeed, JESUS not only authored the scriptures but appeared upon earth as a man so that we might be assured of salvation. And, as a consequence, we continue in the faith, grounded and settled. Not moving away from the hope of the gospel which we have heard, "and which was preached to every creature under heaven." (Colossians 1:23)

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth, for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ [who is] our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)

Herein, the hope of the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.

Unfortunately, however, men’s ideas at times seem stuck in cement, sometimes bringing forth arguments against the same scriptures whereby eye witnesses at the time testified to what they saw, including numerous miracles, and healings, and signs and wonders wrought by JESUS.

For example, the man born blind that Jesus healed. As the scriptures state, JESUS momentarily disappeared from sight. In the interim, religious men approached the blind man who could now see. We read that the religious of the day cross examined the once blind man asking him how this could have happened. Indeed, they even challenged his parents to tell of this miracle.

But, as we know from the scriptures, the parents replied by saying, "Ask him. He is old enough to speak." So once again, the religious men challenged the young man to confess. It became obvious that the religious prosecutors did not like the man’s answers. Some might suggest that their ego was deflated. So they said to the man, "Who are you to teach us?" The young man simply declared - All I know is that ‘Once I Was Blind But Now I See!

Still, at the end of the day, whether one believes in the miracles Jesus performed (or not) matters little. How can we say this? Because man's unbelief does not alter the course of the world. Further, the Book of Life only records whether one has faith in God, and thus, has chosen life, or conversely, whether their life is the result of unbelief. When JESUS preached that the Kingdom of God has come nigh -- near unto man -- He did so in order that we could now know the truth concerning the Kingdom of God.

JESUS preached the Good News in Word by illustrating the life of the Kingdom of God. He restored those in need to wholeness. He discharged all kinds of sickness and demonic oppression. He renewed people's minds, and regenerated their very being. And yes, as illustrated in the above example, Jesus healed the blind so that they could see.

You are thinking -- how did Jesus do this? JESUS -- "God with us" according to Matthew 1:21-23, having taken on a sin prone flesh and yet without sin -- the Son of the Holy Ghost -- He healed the blind! The same Holy Ghost that fathered the man JESUS. (Luke 1:35) For JESUS was and is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. In JESUS then, did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily! (Colossians 1:17; Colossians 2:9)

Moreover, JESUS could be likened to a corn of wheat that if the SEED of wheat is not planted, it remains as one. JESUS walked upon earth as one corn. However, when JESUS was murdered at Calvary and then planted (buried) in the tomb, then the corn SEED began to multiply in number. From that one SEED comes forth many more. In short, the one SEED fathered many more SEEDS in the process of the ONE SEED dying!

In this context, we need to understand in our hearts and minds and spirit that JESUS is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. The very life of God as a Son was murdered and buried. From that ONE SEED comes forth offspring which in this case is a whole multitude of JESUS PEOPLE born of the ONE SEED of His holy Spirit whose sin prone flesh carcass (kernel) was buried. A new spiritual people born out of the SEED of the Holy Ghost within (the kernel) and consequently, emerging as the children of God’s SEED.

This is the message we now preach to the world. The same message as was preached by the SEED of the Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Those who now go about healing the sick and casting out devils. Why? Because the offspring inherited the power and nature of the very same God who fathered them.

Stand in the offering plate.

And All Thy Children Shall Be Taught of the Lord; and Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children.- Part 1328

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me," saith the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)

As I thought today about the numerous promises that the Lord has designated for those who love Him, and then, subsequently, how these very same promises are extended -- as a consequence of His abundance of mercy -- unto you and to you children, and to all that are afar off, I realize how very thankful we should be. For our destiny and heritage could have been contrary to that of the Lord, knowing not from whence comes our salvation. The prophet Micah described the Lord this way.

"Who [is] a God like unto Thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger for ever, because He delights [in] mercy." (Micah 7:18)

Think about this for a moment. The same Lord God who created us in the beginning is sharing how He delights in mercy. Interestingly, Mirriam-Webster defines mercy as -- "a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment." In other words, while we were still His enemies, He had His hand and heart stretched outward toward us.

Some may be asking -- how do we know this to be true? Because God declared peace and good will to all, in the beginning of this current new testament of grace. In prophecy of old, the Lord openly declared that His salvation was near to come, and His righteousness soon to be revealed. (Isaiah 56:1) 

"I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near," saith the Lord, "and I will heal him." (Isaiah 57:19) 

And when the time neared, as Luke set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, "even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye witnesses, and ministers of the Word," it seemed good to him also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write and confirm so that we "mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." (Luke 1:1-4) 

For example, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) 

And, "blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." (Luke 19:38; Psalms 118:26; Ephesians 2:14)

This same "God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised [us] up together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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 2:4-9) 

As Micah had prophesied so many years before -- "Hear all ye people: hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple. For behold the Lord comes forth out of His place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under Him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place. For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel." (Micah 1:2-5) 

The prophecy confirming that the Lord Himself would come forth and come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. This same Lord made flesh to dwell among us to bring us salvation. (John 1:18) "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 same "in the beginning, God" in Genesis 1:1 was the same "Word that was with God and was God" in John 1. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) All the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him. (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9)

And, in so doing, He blotted out the ordinances that were against us, that were contrary to us, and took it out of the way, and nailed it to His cross, and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:13-15)

Thus, when we repent, and are buried with Him in baptism [baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus], wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead, and you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. (Colossians 2:12-13; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 8:27-40; Acts 10:32-48)

Although our sins be as scarlet, He has made them white as snow. But the Lord doesn't just stop with cleansing the outside. He changes our heart and renews our mind. He gives us strength to walk in the battles without fearing any evil. He makes us overcomers because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross.

"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 a testator." (Hebrews 9:15-18)

And from His mercy? We become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, wherefore, remember, that [ye being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands: that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new ma, [so] making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone] -- in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:10-22)

"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ..." and seek to understand the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, we also (like apostle Paul) will desire to bow our knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:2-19)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Can Any Man Forbid Water That These Should Not Be Baptized? - Part 1327

The circumstance is this. Peter (standing with the eleven apostles) on the day of Pentecost responds to a question, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer? REPENT, BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS, RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Simple and straightforward -- yes? Particularly since 3,000 people understood the message and were immediately baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 2:36-47)  

But then come along those who rewrite scriptures under the premise that the Word of God is now easier to read. (If these were honest, they would tell you it is because they can earn lots of royalties without copyright infringement because they changed the meaning(s), or deleted verses, or added words to the text but I digress).

Anyway, as a consequence of changed text, clarity in the Word of God has now been replaced with [apparent] confusion. I say "apparent" because God is not the Author of confusion, and those who take the time to study His Word do find the absolute in doctrine. But for those who don't know where to look, here are some additional examples from the Bible. I am using the King James version. 

1. "And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after Him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid His hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-6) 

2. "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." [Why was this important?] "FOR AS YET, HE [THE HOLY GHOST] WAS FALLEN UPON NONE OF THEM; ONLY THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Then laid they hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)  

3. While Peter yet spake these words -- [that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins] the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:43-48) 

Three scriptural examples wherein a call to repentance, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus, and receipt of the Holy Ghost are all part and parcel to salvation. Not a different message depending on the circumstance (as some surmise) but one and the same good news gospel message to one and all.

Stand in the offering plate.

God Was In Christ Reconciling the Word Unto Himself -- Part 1326

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Jesus said that it was not Him that was doing the work but rather "the Father who dwells within Me" He is doing the work! Even as a young child, we see Jesus saying, "I must be about My Father’s business." God was about to purchase the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) He was to become the perfect sacrifice. Why? Because without the shedding of blood, there could be no remission of sin. 

The only remedial atoning blood was the holy, undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him."

The judge then proceeds to wash his hands as if soap and water were capable of removing him from any awareness of conscious guilt. Passing his authoritative power into the hands of a premeditative murderous multitude, who were more than willing to rid the earth of an alternative way of life, and, exposing their yokes of bondage. Being imposed by religious leaders upon men, the so-called shepherds feeding themselves, not caring for the sheep.

Today, the so-called shepherds, responsible for administering the gospel of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock. Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are being milked into poverty. That is the reason the Lord Himself carries us into His sheepfold. We were totally lost, and how! He found us and gave to us the gift of eternal life. It is up to us to accept the gift that God has so graciously provided. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

This salvation, being purchased not with silver or gold, but rather by one who is called the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood poured forth from the veins of the Holy Ghost on earth. The Word made flesh. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11) In this case, the earth being the womb of mankind. The redemptive blood being the remedy for all sin, offered freely to each and everyone of us.

It is for this reason that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The "whosoever" can receive redemption now. Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The name of JESUS. 

"For He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

The Name of JESUS above every other name in heaven and on earth. (Philippians 2:9)

The Lord of Glory. (Acts 2:36) He introduced Himself as Jesus. He told us that He had delivered the name that the Father had given Him. If this is not enough evidence, then one only has to look to the apostles and believers within the early church who went everywhere preaching Jesus. 

Unlike today, where YHWH with its inserted vowels are being advanced as God’s so called name, even when this substitute is nothing more than the incommunicable name of a Hebrew God. If it be incommunicable, then why are so many running everywhere endeavouring to communicate that which is inconceivable. Good question!

Even more so, why are so many diligently working to rid our world of the precious name of Jesus. I can tell you. Because in Jesus name, there is healing. In the name of Jesus, the blind can see and the deaf hear. In the name of the Lord Jesus, people can be restored to the very purpose God put in their heart whilst they were still in their mother's womb. 

Most of all, in the name of Jesus, our sins can be forgiven -- though as red as scarlet, the blood of Jesus can make them white as snow. 

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." (Acts 20:28)

Peace be in Jesus name! Stand in the offering plate.

The Revealed Name of God? This Is My Memorial Unto All Generations -- Part 1325

The question has been asked -- What is the "revealed name" of God? 

For many, religious dogma and the traditions of men have muddied the water so that churches can continue to teach and preach doctrines which do not align with the Word of God. Still, we should be most thankful that unlike other religions of this day, we serve an Almighty God who loves us enough to reveal His personal name to us, and that, as a consequence of His gift of salvation, we can believe on His name. 

It should be noted that God at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. As well, God revealed His name personally when He spoke to Moses. At the time, Moses was preparing to go before Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses said unto God, "Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, "What is His name? What shall I say unto them?" And God said unto Moses, "I AM that I AM," and He said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:13-14) 

Not only the Lord God of their fathers, but the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob too. 

As we know from later accounts, Moses was able to say unto the people, "Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place ..." (Exodus 13:3) 

In the new testament, Jesus revealed Himself using the same name when speaking with the Jews.  Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:48-58)

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

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they, for unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My begotten Son. This day have I begotten Thee?" And, again, "I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son?" (John 1:14; II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 7:27; Psalm 110:1)

And, again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels, He saith, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." But unto the Son [He saith], "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore, before God, even Thy God, hath appointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 89:27; Romans 8:29; Deuteronomy 32:43; I Peter 3:22; Revelation 5:11-13) 

And, Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but Thou remainest, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 34:4; Isaiah 50:9; Isaiah 51:6; Psalm 102:25-27)

But to which of the angels, said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 103:29; Romans 8:17; Psalm 110:1)

This prophecy (repeated in the first chapter of Hebrews) is so that we, in this current dispensation of grace could understand how God revealed Himself to us -- as a Son, robed in a sin-prone flesh but yet without sin. All the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Him. (Colossians 2:9) The Word that was with God and was God made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

"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 mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father until this particular time was about to be revealed in His fullness to those that believed. "But we see Jesus ... for it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings -- for both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee" and, again, "I will put My trust in Him." and, again, "Behold, I and the children which God hath given Me." (Hebrews 2:9-13; Philippians 2:7-9; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:13; John 3:16-17; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 7:28; Hebrews 10:10; Acts 17:26; Matthew 28:10; Psalm 22:22; II Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 8:17-18)

Are you starting to see a pattern here? The prophecies of old are beginning to unfold, and the same words that were told afore, are the exact same words that Jesus used. 

"For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death; that is, the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage, for verily He took NOT on Him the nature of angels, but He took on Him the seed of Abraham." (Hebrews 2:14-16)

Why? Because in all things, it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 5:1-6))

Indeed, when the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, she brought forth a son. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sin .... Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

From this point forward, we see scripture after scripture confirming the prophecies of old through our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour. The Lord coming forth as a mighty man so that we could inherit eternal life. 

Mary didn't question her son's name. Rather, she proclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) 

Was there any doubt as to whom Jesus was? "As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed forever." (Luke 1:55; Genesis 17:17-19; Romans 11:28) 

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is ABOVE every name ..." (Philippians 2:9) Acts 4:12 takes this thought one step further, stating, "Neither is there salvation in any other for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN whereby we must be saved." 

As we study the gospels, we see Jesus spending considerable time sharing how the Father will send the Holy Ghost "in My name." (John 14:1-26)   

As believers in Jesus by faith, we have been instructed that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17) 

And when our life is over, we have an assurance "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11) 

But that isn't all. As Jesus Himself said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13) 

Yes, Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending ... (Revelation 1:8, 11; Revelation 22:13)

No Saviour besides Me. (Isaiah 43:11) We knew from the prophets that God Himself would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12-13) The I AM (John 8:58) God purchased the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) 

Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine Own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be One, as we are." (John 17:11)

" ... that God in ALL things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:11)

Stand in the offering plate.

Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Renew Their Strength - Part 1324

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Some of the newer versions of the Bible replace the word wait in this particular scripture from Isaiah with hope. As in those who "hope in the Lord" will renew their strength. Perhaps, this word change because we currently live in the new testament dispensation of grace, whereby the Lord has already come forth as a mighty man to bring us His gift of salvation. (Isaiah 42:13)

And, thus, as a consequence, we are no longer waiting for the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father since the beginning of the world but rather, like the just and devout man Simeon, who waited for the consolation of Israel, our eyes have similarly seen the Lord's Christ. 

" ... and the Holy Ghost was upon [Simeon], and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people -- a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32)

Even Herod, the one Jesus was sent to during His trial and eventual death on the cross is noted of being exceeding glad when he saw Jesus, "for he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him." (Luke 23:8)

Having heard of Jesus' fame and the miracles He performed, Herod the tetrarch asked, "But who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And as the scripture points out, he -- even then -- desired to see Jesus. (Luke 9:9; Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)

Hope then appears to be characteristic of the new testament, having a witness to the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Abraham may have been the exception, whereby Abraham "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." And being not weak in faith ... he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God ... and therefore, it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:17-22; Genesis 15:6)

But that hope -- who against hope believed in hope -- was just not written for Abraham's sake alone 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 4:24-25)

You see, a Christian's definition of hope does not consist of wishing for something to happen and then waiting, as does the world. Rather instead, there is a blessed assurance of the Spirit of God living within that surpasses all human understanding. Thus, as believers in Jesus by faith, having taken on His precious name in water baptism, we are grounded in the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, having been made partakers of the Holy Ghost. (Hebrews 6:4-5)

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered -- [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For the Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him ... first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually. Now consider how great this man ..." (Hebrews 7:1-4)

Yes, our anchor is in Jesus ... wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:8)

Yes, our rock is in Jesus ... "by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope, and hope makes not ashamed -- because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:2-5)

Yes, our daily bread and sustenance from Jesus, who said, "I am the bread of life" -- the living water from which we will never thirst again. He gives us to eat of the hidden manna. (Revelation 2:17) 

"And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." (I John 3:24) 

It is for these reasons, and more, that we "continue in the faith, grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard ... to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:23-27)

Therefore, he that believes on Him is not condemned, but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

His name is Jesus. The ONLY name under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Qhy? "For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2:11)

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

"But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)

So, again, from whence comes our hope? 

Christ in you the hope of glory! Because the greatest love story ever displayed before the world -- the kindness and love of God our Saviour -- has now been planted firmly in your heart.  Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is the Seed of the Holy Ghost - Part 1323

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." (Romans 8:9)

Read that scripture again -- if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not His. But if one confesses to be a believer, it begs the same question asked of believers in the New Testament. That is, "Have you received the Spirit of the Holy One? Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"

Acts 19 reveals the rest of the story, when the the people confessed that they had never so much as heard of the Holy Ghost. Does this sound familiar? Something like being asked to join a church to be saved rather than having an opportunity to completely know the truth? Before elaborating, let's look at the circumstance here.

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism."

Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7)

As the scriptures reveal here, one receives the Holy Ghost when they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)

When these were baptized in the name of Jesus, they were seen bubbling up inside with His inner peace and joy, and filled with the Holy Ghost because they believed in Him in whom the fullness of the Godhead did dwell. The precious name of Jesus, whereby because of His name, everyone who comes to Him and is baptized in the name of Jesus can receive the Holy Ghost.

But there is a trend taking hold in the modern day religious culture, whereby the Word -- the Word of God is not front and center to church activity. Instead, the very scriptures that present the gospel message of the water, the blood, and the Spirit are no longer in fashion in main line churches. In many, hymnals that inherently pointed to the sacrificial offering for sin appears to be redundant, replaced with a do good or social order taking precedence. This may explain why the scriptures state that in the latter days, a time would come when men would no longer be capable of receiving sound truths.

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. ... for the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves." (I Timothy 4:3)
Still, the Word of God (forever settled in Heaven) is the same Word that God performing today. Whatsoever He has prophetically revealed afore by His Spirit, is the same occurrences that are coming to pass now. And the Word does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The good news is that Jesus is the SEED of the Holy Ghost. That Seed, which is the Word of God, searches for good ground to be planted in. This is why you are that earthly vessel into which the pure SEED of the Word of God desires to be planted. The Scripture declares that believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within! Of course, we are talking of those who have received the SEED of the Holy Spirit (the WORD) and that SEED in one’s heart prompts within a person a desire to become acquainted with the one whose SEED it is, hastening a person to receive the Baptism of the Spirit. (See Acts chapter 4 for further details).

When one asks Jesus to be Lord in their life, this same JESUS, who is the SEED of the Holy Spirit SEEDS you with His WORD and, in turn, with His presence. Now the One God who was in the man JESUS indwells in you, which is declared as -- Christ now in you bringing to you the hope of glory. You are now born again of the water and of the Spirit! Indeed, now that you are a member of the body of Christ, you have become a living stone in the temple of God. His habitation wherein God in Christ is pleased to dwell in you!

No longer just walking with you but now living and dwelling within you, leading you into all knowledge and truth, according to His Word.

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)

His name? This same Jesus -- whom you have crucified IS both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman.(II Timothy 2:15)  Stand in the offering plate.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One - Part 1322

I am the true vine! You are the branches. Every branch in Me that does not bring forth fruit shall be cut off and thrown into the fire. Some church fathers, on reading this passage, had the audacity to assert that the church is the vine and the denominations are the branches which have sprung forth from them. Such brazen nonsensical statements if you think of them in light of the scriptures.

In fact, satan figures his best defense is offence. He always has an alternative rendering of scripture to offer Adam’s now prone to sin fallen race. Follow him, he says, he who has been man’s master since man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But satan only leads people to death. The devil cannot give life.

God, on the other hand loves us. Indeed, God is love. So much so, that Jesus took upon Himself a veil of sinful flesh whilst He was in the womb of a willing surrogate mother. JESUS being conceived of the Holy Spirit - yes, God fathered Himself, as a Son brought us salvation. As a consequence, do not let the traditional church fathers tell you otherwise.

If you refer back to post #344 (where the message states to keep yourself from blood), we can seek to understand that in the blood is the life. Moreover, the blood in JESUS' veins was the life blood of the Holy Spirit. Not Adam’s prone to sin blood. Why not? Because JESUS is the revealing personality of the unseen Holy Ghost. To know Him, or rather begin to know JESUS is to begin to know the personality of God. Of course the Heavens declare God’s glory. The earth shows forth God’s handiwork.

However, in the man JESUS - God manifest in the flesh - we are being introduced to the personality of God Himself. No more surmising about who God is. No more cunning crafty deceptions from or by religious zealots. For now we have seen the unseen God. We have handled Him with our hands. Yes. The very God who is and was before all things was here on earth bringing us the gospel message, and His ultimate plan of salvation.

John, the water baptizer of JESUS, declared, "Behold the Lamb of God." In the life and death of JESUS we perceive the love of God toward us. For it was God Himself, in the flesh who offered His own sinless and yet prone to sin body at Calvary.

Let's repeat this. God in Christ sacrificed His own body - once - only once - before stating that "It is finished!" And, as a consequence, there is no more offering for sin.

JESUS is risen from the dead. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed.

And at the end of the day, God laid down His life for you and I. And He did so with that one sacrifice, in which sacrifice our sin was laid upon God as a Son. This is why God’s justice demanded that a righteous man must die if man were ever to be redeemed. Undoubtedly, Jesus died so that we might have salvation abundant.

Peace to all in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Said, "I and My Father Are One." - Part 1321

When the scriptures refer to the beginning of the Gospel of JESUS the Christ, note the reference. This is the beginning of the gospel of JESUS. No longer does the Word refer to types and shadows of things  previously prophesied by the Spirit of Christ or by the fathers and prophets. No longer are we searching for something as it were through a glass darkly.  

But now, He of whom all things that are written in the volume of the scriptures has Himself appeared in these last days to bring us the light of the glorious gospel of the unseen Spirit. He who was previously unseen is now manifest in flesh as a Son. Yes, JESUS is the SEED of the holy Spirit of God  being conceived of the Holy Ghost without the involvement of any other party. The scriptures boldly declare that in JESUS did dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily!

Therefore, when JESUS was in the temple conversing with the elders concerning the Word of God, He was found there by His adoptive parents. Parents who were probably more than a little upset at not being informed of His intentions. Mary, His surrogate mother was the first to vent her frustration concerning His conduct. In response, JESUS said, "Do you not understand that I must be about My Fathers business?"

Here the scriptures show the Lord JESUS saying that He is the Son of God, declaring openly to all present that God is His Father. We have written before on this. God planted into Eve a SEED of promise, declaring that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent's head (power) and that Seed would be passed from Eve into Seth and continue from generation to generation.

Abraham also was given a SEED of promise and to him it is declared that in that SEED (which is Christ) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. These two passed from Sarah and Abraham into ISAAC and these travelled from generation to generation until the fullness of time arrived.  The angels brought to earth the message whereby God declares peace and good will to all. You see, God intended to bring glad tidings of great joy to all the inhabitants of earth.

It was the Holy Ghost that brought this  together. The embryo was God Himself as a Son. The life of the pure humanity of God was to be manifest in fleshly fashion. But, as we know, there was none righteous to be found of God. No not one. For upon earth, every one had sinned. In order for God to be manifest in the flesh it necessitated that a sinless body be found.

Again, a sinless body could not be found so the Holy Ghost implanted into Mary a surrogate mother, who herself was one of Abraham's natural sin prone flesh descendants, so that she could bring forth a Son.

"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)

In the days following, the embryo was clothed in sin prone flesh whilst in the womb of Mary the surrogate mother. The angel had declared to Mary that the "holy thing" that shall be born of her shall be called the SON of God -- God with us -- and that He was to be called Jesus. His precious name that is above every other name is called JESUS  for He who shall save His people from their sin.

Who are these people? Who are His people?  They are the people that were foreknown of God before the foundations of the earth. A people dispersed among all nations scattered abroad.

So today if you hear His voice, open your heart and bid Him enter. Stand in the offering plate.

We Who Believe In Jesus Christ By Faith Are the Israel of God - Part 1320

There are many today who are caught up in the affairs of the world (and religion), who sadly, have never searched the Bible themselves for the truth concerning the Word of God. This is not a new phenomenon. Indeed, after Jesus death, we see Saul, who was considered in his time to be a radical and loyal adherent to the Jewish faith. Although Saul later becomes Paul, his initial exposure to the gospel was to hate and kill the messengers.

Indeed, Saul's radicalism was so radical that it would probably have classified him as a terrorist, if he were alive today. From the scriptures, we learn that Saul pursued Christian believers with a vengeance, throwing them into prison. This, until one day when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. There, the Lord confronted Saul saying, "It is hard for you to kick against your conscience." This was the arrow that penetrated Saul right into the heart. Until then, Saul was caught up in his religious ways attempting to climb the ladder of fame. The dilemma was that Saul, in so doing was violating himself.

How many people today are like Saul, before Jesus healing takes place so that we can be renewed just like Paul? How many of us are caught up in religious institutional practices or other pursuits taught to them as children, without ever taking a moment to see what the Lord has in store for your life, through His Word? A pursuit that in the end will essentially disable them from being themselves, unable to listen to His Word in their heart.

In Paul's case, it was being confronted with the Word of JESUS that changed the situation. As we know, it was hard for Paul to kick against his conscience. That conscience which pricks the heart saying - Yes we know that we ought to have said no. Indeed, there is a place where one can actually sear their conscience, so that nothing pricks their conscience again. This is termed as the hardening of one's heart.

"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ..." (I Timothy 4:2)
Such was the case when a Jewish crowd upon being addressed by Stephen reached that place. The crowd had completely hardened their heart. Stephen told the people, "You always resist the Holy Ghost -- even as your fathers did before you."

Imagine the crowd's reaction when Stephen, about to be stoned, said, "so also do you." This is when they picked up the stones to kill him, possibly thinking that they were doing a great service to God. Little did they know at the time that like Adam and Eve who were put out of the Garden, so now would their people also be cut off from the same blessings of God in their conscience. Instead, as the scriptures point out, the crowd was left as it were to continue in their fanatical religious ways, totally estranged from God.

The result? The Jews were no longer Mr. Somebody but rather were now demoted to join the ranks of Mr Nobodies. Remember, JESUS had wept over Jerusalem saying, "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you under my wings, even as a chicken gathers her brood and you would not come. Now your city is left to you desolate."

Yes, they were cut off from the vine JESUS and the Gentiles who had previously been on the outside looking in, were now being grafted into the vine JESUS. This same status remains even today because of unbelief. For there are many who are departing from the grace and mercy gospel returning instead to the house of bondage which is the Law.

But the scriptures state that no man is able to keep the Law. That is, with the exception of JESUS. If we return to the Garden, we learn that the Law was the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil defined. JESUS fulfilled the Law of sin and death liberating all believers from the law of sin and death which had been imposed upon all of Adam’s sin prone descendants. Each and every one of us.

However, the good news is that we are NOT under the Law. All believers who have repented before God and been willingly baptized into JESUS' death have become a New Creation, a Purchased and Redeemed people resulting from the sacrificial death of God Himself as a Son at Calvary! Believers are the ISRAEL of GOD!

Peace to ALL who are in JESUS! Stand in the offering plate.

He Hath By Inheritance Obtained A More Excellent Name Than They - Part 1319

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake 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 the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ... being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?"

And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let ALL the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)

And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity. Therefore, God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands. They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment. And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.

But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14)

In the old covenant, God spoke through the prophets. In this current dispensation of grace, God decided to come Himself. The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread - Part 1318

In that SEED shall all the nations of the earth be blessed! The question is whether you have you received the Holy Spirit of JESUS since you believed? The reason I ask is that God said He would pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh in the latter days. And, in different times in the book of Acts, we see the question asked -- "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"

If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ by faith, I beg you to ask the Lord for forgiveness. This is called repentance. Then, the next step is to be water baptized into His death, burial, and resurrection and this will which secure the promise of God’s Spirit -- the Holy Ghost -- will be imparted to you. For by obedience to God’s command you now inherit the rich inheritance WILLED to you as a LIVING WILL by God our Saviour. For that is exactly who JESUS was.

God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) "I am the Lord thy God and there is none beside Me." (Isaiah 43:3)

On the new testament side,  JESUS is the well of living water. JESUS ONLY is the source. He that drinks of this water JESUS gives shall never thirst spiritually. Why? Because the Holy Ghost blood flowed in the veins of the man JESUS the Christ. The life of God's humanity is in the blood.

It was the Lord who sacrificed His own body on a Cross at Calvary, purchasing for man the right to INHERIT REDEMPTION. It was because of His sacrificial offering that any and all living persons can now through faith in JESUS' sacrificial death receive freely the gift of the Holy Spirit of Life that was in the man JESUS the Christ. This inherited redemption is available to all who accept JESUS as their One and Only Saviour.

God was in Christ reconciling the World to Himself. God's spiritual humanity, love, mercy, compassion and truth were embodied in the man JESUS the Christ, who was as the scripture declares God manifest in the flesh. It was in that body that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. Jesus was God with us as a Son. Indeed, we are fallen images of that pure humanity.

JESUS was that pure humanity who saw our plight and our hopelessness and because God is love, God made a way whereby man could be redeemed. Saved. In order to do this, man’s redemption required the death of a sinless man. (It must be a man for it was by one man’s disobedience that sin entered into man) Therefore, to meet the demands of justice it necessitated another’s death. Look back through the Old Testament, for example, and see how many sacrifices were carried out endeavouring to remove the guilt of sin but unfortunately all such endeavours were fruitless.

Thus, God put Himself in our place fulfilling all the demands of sin by the sacrifice of His own prone to sin and yet sinless body. God’s love and mercy redemptive mission was now accomplished by God Himself at no cost whatsoever to man. This kind of love and mercy is beyond our capacity to pen. Beyond our capacity to understand. Beyond our capacity to express because this kind of love - simply put - emanates from God. Yes, God is love!

JESUS, being the Son of the Holy Spirit INHERITS all things, for has He has said that all that my Father has is mine, and all that is mine is yours.

In other words, this is the Last LIVING WILL or TESTAMENT of JESUS prior to His crucifixion. GOD covenanted with Himself. God did not covenant with either you or I. God covenanted with Himself as a Son and that Covenant is an everlasting Covenant, independent of us. For Salvation is of the LORD. Paid in full for each and every one of us.

"By grace are ye saved through faith ... and that not of yourself. It is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As a consequence, what we have is the Last Living Will or Testament of the man JESUS the Christ who bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. His redeemed people which He purchased to Himself with the shedding of His own blood. This is why God offers all forgiveness if we would recognize His substitution death at Calvary.
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Now the decision is in your hands. You have reached the crossroads, the Armageddon of life if you will. It is your decision and your decision alone, God has commanded that all men and women repent. Why? Because redemption has been obtained by God’s Grace and Mercy. You and I now have an opportunity to return to that exact place where Adam made the wrong decision.

Now its your turn. You decide either to continue as you are now or to call upon the name of the Lord your God thanking Him for His unconditional love toward us - fallen men and women. If you decided to accept God’s redemption, enjoy the wonder, love and grace that is Jesus. Enjoy His comfort. And follow on as the early believers were encouraged to do in Acts chapter 2. That is, repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS the Christ.

Make sure you have a good new testament and start reading. Use a notebook and pen to write notes if the margins in your Bible are not large enough. Rejoice in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Pray without ceasing. Study His Word to show thyself approved unto God. Stand in the offering plate.